Chapter 2
It was one of the last warm days of the year and I was stretched out under a tree in the court yard with my eyes closed. Music blaring in my headphones soaking up the sun. Everything had been quiet especially on the Laurel front. I had been training two hours a night after my shift at the diner. Suddenly someone had blocked the sun.
"Hey you're blocking the rays! Can you step back some?" I grumbled without opening my eyes.
"I told you that Edward was mine and to leave him alone."
I groaned internally. I really thought she had let this go. I looked up at Laurel and smiled as I started to stand.
"Look, Laurel, sweetheart. Edward is a human and he has free will. He doesn't belong to you or anyone else for that matter. I told you many times I'm not looking for a boyfriend or anything. I just want to get through this year and be done with it."
"Stay away from him. He's my boyfriend and you need to leave him alone. "
"Well from what I've heard around here is that Edward broke up with you before the last school year ended because he caught you with one of the guys on the football team. I've also heard that you've slept with every guy here in the school except for the chess team, the marching band, Edward, Jasper and Emmett. The chess team and marching band hasn't been confirmed nor denied so, yeah." I said as I started ticking them off on my fingers.
You could practically see the smoke coming from Laurels ears at this point.
"That's none of your business." Laurel cried as tears started to pool in her eyes and her fists started to clench.
"Go ahead swing. I guarantee you won't land a punch." I taunted. I knew I should stop but I had had it with her. I wouldn't touch her but maybe just maybe she would get my point. But the hell with it I also knew I was just being mean.
"I have you know my daddy is a cop and he trained me in self defense. So I bet you anything I can knock you out."
"Go for it Laurel. I still guarantee you'll miss" I kept my eyes open. Waiting for the inevitable. I tensed up as she stepped back readying herself to swing. She swung that right fist and was stunned when I dodged it. Every swing I dodged or stepped out of the way, never raising my own fists. I had to admit I was enjoying this way too much. Laurel was full blown crying now and still swinging away looking like a idiot when one of the teachers stepped in and separated us.
"You two get your things and go to the principal's office. NOW!"
I picked up my bag and stuffed my phone and headphones down in the pocket and followed the teacher and Laurel. The principal Mr. Carpele called Laurel in first and she came out crying and sobbing. Then it was my turn. I explained my side and because the video cameras in the courtyard backed up my side of the story and showed that I never swung I only got two days after school suspension because I egged Laurel on. Apparently Laurel said I pushed her and hit her. I did not look forward to calling Gerald and telling him about detention. I got permission from Mr. Carpele to call Gerald so he wouldn't have to drive to the school twice.
Gerald was upset because I was supposed to be blending in and not causing trouble. I was going to have to walk to the diner after detention as my punishment. I agreed, hung up and went to class.
—-/—-/::—
Detention was over and I started out the doors and great it was raining now. I called Gerald and he told me I still had to walk to the diner.
"UGH!"
"Hey, what's wrong?"
I turned and there was Edward. He really was a nice guy despite being the "It" guy in the school.
"I got to walk to the diner in the rain."
"I'll give you a ride."
Gerald would flip his shit when I got there but I wasn't walking in this downpour.
I slide into the passenger side of Edwards sleek black Dodge Charger.
"I love this car. It's beautiful." It really was. All black leather. Dark tint. Custom rims low profile tires. I think I fell in love with his muscle car. He chuckled.
I got to the diner and hung my bag in the back and Gerald informed me that since I didn't listen and got a ride I would have to train an extra hour tonight. I groaned but nodded my acknowledgment as I tied my apron on and went out to start my shift.
"Hey Sal." I waved at Sal the guy we bought it from. We work it he runs it. He points me to my first table which ends up being Edwards friends.
I plaster on my work face and walk over. "Why can I get you guys?" Everyone orders cheeseburgers and fries with sodas except for Edward who ordered a chocolate shake with his. I put the orders in and started on the drinks. I picked up the two trays one with the 5 plates and the other with the other 3 plates and the drinks.
"How can you carry both of those?" One of the guys asked.
"Practice and exercise." I said as I flexed my muscles. Edward laughed and the others at the table just stared at me. I guess girls was supposed to be weak to them. One of the guys had this weird glint to his eye.
I was cleaning one of the tables behind them and over heard their conversation.
"No wonder Laurel is jealous. She's gorgeous with that long dark brown hair, those eyes you could get lost in and I really don't think there's an ounce of fat on her anywhere. I wouldn't mind getting her in bed for quickie."
"Tommy, shut the hell up. She's not a piece of meat. Leave her alone. Don't go near her. " Edward growled. I walked back to the counter and was bring out clean silverware to roll up when Edward came up to pay.
"Have a good night. See you in math class in the morning. I can give you a ride tomorrow after detention if it's raining. If you want."
Gerald came out from the grill area and kinda gave him the once over and introduced himself.
"Mr. Gerald, is it alright if I give Aeryn a ride from school tomorrow? And can she join my family and I for dinner on Friday?"
I was shocked when Gerald agreed and told him as long as I was home before midnight.
I really didn't want to hang out with anyone but if I was going to blend in I guess I needed to socialize with these people.