Chapter 2
Second period English was the most boring class I had ever had. But I had rather stayed for a few more minutes than get stuck up at my locker by none other than Jake. He leaned against the open side of my locker, smirking. "Hey, Mary. What're you up to?"
I scowled, but didn't even look at him as I switched out my books. I stepped back and closed my locker. Before I could step away, his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling my back to his chest. His breath was at my ears as I searched around frantically for Destiny. "I want you to meet me outside at lunch."
I shook my head immediately. His fingers tightened on my hips, and my hands shook and my palms became sweaty. "Meet me outside at lunch." He demanded. I squeaked, hoping he would take it as a yes, and scurried away from him.
I was still shaking when I sat down in third period. The desk in front of me jolted as he sat down. I glanced up, expecting to see Jake, but instead Josh smiled back at me. I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Hey!" he said. "I didn't realize we had another class together."
In the middle of Josh's sentence, my wolf interrupted, saying, I know! You can call me J! There's a lot more kids with the initial J than I realized.
How can I hear you, J?
I like it, yes! You let your guard down. It may have something to do with that new kid… do you have eyes for Josh already? He snickered.
I blushed deeply and Josh raised an eyebrow, which made me blush even more. Hey!
So you do? He chuckled.
No—well…—no! Of course not. I haven't even said a word to him. He's just cute, that's all.
'Oh those amazing eyes!' he mocked.
I protested, I do not sound like that!
"Joshua! Can you please come up here?" Mrs. Cadwell asked. He nodded and went to stand in the front of the class. Is there any way we can talk without you hearing my thoughts?
If you spoke to me, then yes.
I put my head down as she introduced Joshua to the class, although everyone knew about him. I'm sorry, I whispered, trying hard to not remember anything.
How 'bout I meet you in the woods after school? Same spot where we met.
Our spot. Sounds great! But I thought you wanted me to forget you.
That's basically impossible now, Danny. You know me as a human, you see me every day. I trust you not to tell anyone.
You… trust me? I asked slowly as Josh made his way back to his seat.
I kinda have to. Friends trust each other, right?
I closed my eyes and smiled, but then frowned. Not all the time.
What, you don't trust a wolf? He joked.
I have issues with that.
Ah, I see. It's okay, I'll get through to you eventually, and I know it.
I hope so, J.
Glad to finally have something to call me? He asked.
I don't know. 'My wolf' is growing on me.
I am yours, Danny, I promise. He said, sounding like there was a hidden meaning inside.
And don't you forget it.
Never, he vowed.
Don't forget; out spot right after school. I said in a voice that made it obvious I wanted to end the conversation.
Of course! He said. Until then, Danny.
Bye, J. I smiled and put up the wall. Yes!
A white slip of paper appeared on my desk. My name was written on it with sloppy, but readable handwriting. I unfolded it, revealing a sentence that read, "Do you write?"
I glanced up at the back of Josh's head, and then up at the teacher with wide eyes "I guess so…" I wrote and folded it back up. On second thought I opened it and added, "No one's ever talked to me. Ever since I stopped talking, my 'friends' wouldn't put up with me and no one else even bothers." I then poked him with the corner of the folded paper. He reached behind his back and grabbed it, bringing it around so he could read it.
The distant chatter of Mrs. Cadwell talking stopped along with my heart. She caught us. I thought, glancing up. Her eyes locked with mine and the thrill of being noticed rushed through me for the first time. Before everyone else knew what was going on, she smiled and continued teaching. I sat back and drew my eyebrows together. She smiled… she caught me passing notes and smiled, like she approved. Weird.
The paper landed on my desk again. "Then they weren't really friends at all."
"Why are you talking to me?" I replied.
He was very quick at responding. "No one deserves to be ignored."
"So you just feel sorry for me?"
"No! I wanted to talk to someone who wasn't falling all over me."
I frowned at the paper. He was the new guy; new, fresh meat for the girls. But he was expecting me not to have even the tiniest crush on him when he was the only guy who talks to me.
"Destiny?" I asked.
"Yes… you know her?"
"She's my sister." I wrote reluctantly.
"Her? She's your sister?"
"Unfortunately…and her boyfriend wants to meet me during lunch. I don't know what he wants, but I don't think I want to."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"You'd do that?"
"Well, yes. It seems like this guy scares you."
"He does. A lot." Well, that was kid of the truth. The thought of Destiny catching us scared me more than he did, but he did still scare me.
"You scare easily, don't you?"
"Yea,"
"So are you gonna tell me why you don't speak out loud?"
"It's personal, Josh."
He sighed lowly. "Okay," he wrote a minute later. I was afraid he would bring up me not talking again, so I didn't respond. Instead, I put it in my bag for later. Something to remember a conversation by.
Joshua walked with me to the cafeteria, but it still felt like I wasn't there. All the pretty girls were surrounding him, flirting like there was no tomorrow. He was smiling, and being polite, but I could tell he wasn't enjoying the attention like any other guy would. One clasped his hand in hers, and a hot pain flashed through my stomach. Someone clutched my arm rightly, making me go stiff as I walked. Destiny's shrill voice hissed in my ear, "You try anything, and you are dead. You understand me? He's mine. You have no chance with the new boy. So don't even try. He's gonna want a pretty girl, not some shy little w**** who wants attention." No one else seemed to hear her little rant of power, and I just nodded. I knew I didn't have a chance at getting a boyfriend, and I wasn't going to try, but she was too stupid to realize that. I slowed, letting the group I had no reason being with pass me. I walked slower, looking down at my feet.
Reluctantly, I made my way out the cafeteria doors toward the old willow tree planted in remembrance of those who died on 9/11. Jake was already waiting for me, leaning against the tree like he owned it and it meant nothing else. He smirked at me as I approached. "Danny!" he greeted.
Normally, I would've nodded, but this time I didn't do anything. I stopped ten feet from him. He smiled devilishly and closed the distance between us. His hand trailed up my stomach. "Look, so you know the new kid?" he asked.
Shakily, I nodded, wishing I had brought Josh along. But then Destiny surely would've noticed.
"He's…attracted the attention of all the girls, including Destiny." He was playing with my shirt. "Little w****," he muttered under his breath, "I plan on getting her back—I have to make her jealous. You know how I'm gonna do that?" he asked.
I shook my head slowly, wishing I wouldn't have to know.
"I'm going to use you—you're gonna be my girlfriend until Destiny comes crawling back." I backed away, shaking my head frantically. Being his 'girlfriend' meant more than just holding hands, kissing, and dates to Jake. It meant sex and there was no getting out of it with him.
He lashed out, grabbing me by the upper arms. "Now you listen to me, b****, it wasn't a question, and I don't care if you like it or not." He growled. His hands tightened on my arms against fresh bruises.
J? I whimpered in my head.
He responded immediately, and surprisingly I calmed just a little. Danny? Danny, what's wrong? Where are you?
He-he's ta-touching me, an-and it-it hu-hurts. I couldn't think straight.
Who? Who's hurting you? Where are you?
Suddenly, I didn't know where I was. I could see Jake in front of me waiting for an answer. The willow tree! I could see a willow tree behind him. T-the will-willow tre-tree. Ple-please…help me.
I'm coming. I will be there for you. Always. He said.
"What's going on here?" someone growled behind us, sounding nothing like my wolf. Still, I breathed a sigh of relief and turned around as Jake's hands dropped from my arms. Josh had his arms crossed over his chest, glaring at Jake. When he dropped them and touched my waist gently, I didn't flinch. He pulled me behind him and stepped up to Jake. He was taller than Jake, so much that he looked down at him.
Disgusted, Jake said, "What do you want? This ain't any of your f****** business." I flinched at his words.
"I want you to keep your filthy hands offa her." Josh growled.
Jake looked him up and down, and then scowled. "Don't get your hopes up."
Josh whipped around. "C'mon Danny," he said, placing a gentle hand on the small of my back. I stuck close to him and tried not to look back at my sister's boyfriend. His hand on my back was oddly comforting. I grabbed his hand when it dropped as we walked through the doors. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at me questionably. I smiled shyly, hoping he saw the thanks in my eyes.
He smiled. "Hey, no problem. Somebody's gotta stick up…ta him." something told me he didn't want to say 'to him.'
My hands were still shaking, my heart was still hammering, and I was still scared. But I let him lead me over to an empty table with two trays of food on it. I glanced at him, furrowing my eyebrows.
He shrugged. "I figured you were hungry." I gave him a small smile and sat down. But I couldn't eat; my hands were shaking too much. I stared at my food, trying to think about my stories, but my mind kept drifting to Jake. I would imagine him grabbing me, hissing in my ear, and throwing me on the ground before I caught myself. Finally, when it went a little too far, I flinched and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Josh asked.
At the same time, my wolf asked, Are you okay? I hadn't realized my wall had crashed again.
I closed my eyes and shook my head at Josh. I'm going someplace else; anywhere but here. I told my wolf before spinning around and hurrying, with my head down, out the door. "Honey, do you not feel good?" the woman at the desk asked when I entered the office.
Frowning, I shook my head. "Here, honey, sign out. I'll call your fourth period." I nodded.
Are you sure you're okay, Danny? My wolf asked.
I swear, one day you are going to piss me off. Could you start telling me when you hear me? And why is it that I can't hear you? I said as I signed out.
Fine, I can handle that, but I like listening to you. And, honestly, I don't know. I think it's because you're not a wolf. He said as I smiled at the woman and headed to pick up my bag.
What's it like being a wolf? I asked.
It's not as great as you think it is. Usually, we have to be more reserved from humans, but in our pack we can be ourselves. We're not allowed to do a lot of stuff, like date humans, but we can do more than humans can. It has its pros and cons.
You mean you aren't allowed to fall in love with humans?
No, we're not supposed to. He admitted as I walked in the classroom. I grabbed my bag and left.
And what if you do? People can't control who they or anyone else choses to be with. As soon as I got outside, I pulled out my iPod and slowed my stance. Now that I was talking to my wolf, I didn't think of Jake at all.
Exactly, he agreed, and people get away with it by 'accidently' turning them.
You can turn humans?
Of course, how do you think we exist?
I don't know… I started on the pathway home, but I stopped myself. I didn't want to go there. Instead, I turned and started through the forest.
Why don't you wanna go home?
Ah! I screamed mentally. Dude, seriously? You have to listen to every single thought in my head?
Sorry, I can't help it. I'm just trying to protect you.
You can't protect me anymore. Besides you have only known me for a day. Why do you care so much?
Wolves, especially alphas, are very protective…
Over their property. I growled, finishing his sentence.
Yes, he answered simply.
I'm not your property! I don't belong to anyone except myself. My pace sped up and I shifted the bag on my shoulder.
Fine, he growled fiercely, you're not my 'property.' I just feel very protective of you.
Wolves are protective over the ones they love. There was a pang in my chest. I thought you said wolves aren't allowed to love humans.
I didn't say that!
You implied it.
He only growled, and I smiled. Whatever, he said.
You know I'm right. I snickered.
Mhm, he hummed, you keep thinkin' that. After a slight pause he added, Ugh! I am so ready to go home!
You'll be out in about an hour. I teased.
Oh haha, you're funny. We still on for this afternoon?
Yea… I guess. Oh shoot!
What?
Turning around, I ran back through the forest. I need to go to the store, I forgot.
Oh. You scared me, Danny!
Sorry, I laughed, but I seriously got to go to the market, I'll talk to you later.
Bye, Danny. I put up my wall just as I broke through the line of trees. It was a small town, but very spread out. It would take a while to get to the store on the other side of town. So I turned up my iPod and quickened my pace.
…
I swear everything in this town was named after the town itself. The Sunset Valley General Store was a small, beaten up cabin type building. It didn't have everything, but it had enough food to live by. I could easily spend an hour in here with my parent credit card (which I had with me). And by the time I got out, carrying only two bags with necessities, kids from school were already roaming the streets.
Hey, J, do you mind meeting me just behind the General Store? I really don't want to go home, or anywhere near it. I asked as I started around the building.
Yea, sure, that's fine. It'll be a little while. He replied suspiciously.
Okay. Hey! Can you bring my notebook? Please! I begged.
I could imagine his smirk. Hm… well…let's see… I don't know. What did you say was in it? Stories? Poems? Work?
Stories… I reluctantly answered as I slipped back into the trees.
Can I read them?
No!
Are they about me? He snickered.
No, I hadn't met you yet! I exclaimed, searching for a clearer spot in the woods without thorns or low branches.
Aw, dang… you do realize I'm reading them, right?
No! No! No! No! I begged. Please, don't! Wait… I sighed, never mind. Those aren't my personal ones. Ah, Thank God. When I found a pretty nice spot, I leaned against one of the bigger trees and slid to the ground.
Haha, he laughed.
I didn't respond. I was too busy thinking, and I didn't even know how to respond. Instinctively, the wall around my thoughts went up and I brought my legs up to my chest. I closed my eyes and rested my head on my knees, relaxing for a while.
My thoughts drifted to Jake and Joshua. Josh was by far the cutest boy in school—at least to me. Jake was cute to, but it's so different when you've grown up with that same boys. Normally, in schools people move away and new people come. Not in Sunset. No one had enough money to move away, and no one wanted to come here if they even knew about it. Josh had to be one of the first kids I know that I didn't go to preschool with. I was lucky that he talked to me, especially with Destiny having her eye on him. Maybe I should just stay away from him. I thought. It would get me less beatings, but then I would just be that lonely nerd in the back again that no one talks to. Besides, Destiny would make up something for Father to get mad at me anyways. But it couldn't hurt to be a little more cautious.
A twig snapped, breaking my train of thoughts. My head lifted up instinctively to find my wolf. I glanced around, but I couldn't find him. Yes, normally a wolf would've been hidden in the foliage, but this was no normal wolf. He had a human mind, and he knew how to use it. A motion in the corner of my eye caught my attention. I froze; a gray wolf with a blue tint to his coat bared his teeth at me as he slowly circled the tree. He was not a large wolf, but not small either. He was obviously too big to be a female, but his teeth were the only thing I really cared about. His eyes were blue too, and it suddenly occurred to me that this could be a werewolf too; one of J's pack. His eyes were darker than J's, and he was staring at me with hunger imbedded deeply into them. It wasn't the type of hunger for food, no…it was lustful. He still circled me at an angle where each step brought him that much closer to me. There was something else in his eyes; mischief. For what, I didn't know. I watched him with cautious eyes, unmoving, because I couldn't. His ears flickered and I swear the corner of his lips picked up in a smirk. Suddenly, he stopped, and sniffed the air. Growling, his eyes caught mine and he leapt, his jaws opening.
A black blur flew through the air, and the gray wolf grunted when the blur hit him, sending him flying away from me. There was a deep, hearty growl to my left, and I looked over to see that huge black wolf holding down the other with his paws. He growled again, showing his pure white teeth. The gray wolf struggled under him, but J snapped his jaws, making him still. The gray wolf glanced at me, and winked, before squirming out from under J and dashing out into the forest. The black wolf's hackles were raised and his ears were still pressed to his head when he turned towards me. His bright blue eyes were still wary and glancing back as he padded up to me. Hesitantly, I let my wall down so I could talk to him. Was he a part of your pack? It was only when he stood almost inches from me when I realized my hands were shaking.
He sighed, lowering his head and visibly relaxing. Yes, he's my—never mind. I don't want to tell you that. His eyes glanced up at me. Are you okay?
I wrapped my arms around his neck and burrowed my face in his fur. Yea, I'm fine. Just startled me a little bit. It seems like you're always—well, almost always there when I get in trouble.
Hey, it's no problem. It's about time Adam got settled into his rightful place in the pack.
His fur was warm against my skin rather than the bitter, dry cold air nipping at the rest of my exposed skin, and I didn't want to let go. But I leaned back against the tree, wrapping my arms around my knees again. He took a step towards me. Adam? Is that his name?
Yea. He's a little headstrong—only a freshman. He doesn't get that he's not the alpha, and only a member of my pack.
I smiled. Freshman. I scoffed, and then frowned. I remember my freshman year—I hated it.
He lay down and placed his head on his paws. My freshman year was when they started cutting down the forest in my hometown.
Your hometown?
He sat upright again and began pacing around with his head held low. Uh, yea… I watched him pace back and forth in the small clearing.
Does Adam go to the high school?
Yea.
I smiled evilly.
J's beautiful eyes narrowed. No, you are not going to ask him who I am. If I tell him not to, he won't. That much I know about him.
I just smiled, but then frowned, sighing. It's not like I can anyways…
He whined suddenly, coming up to me and pressing his nose against my cheek. I giggled, the first time in a long time, and pushed him away. You can talk. Why are you so scared?
I know I can. I said, completely ignoring his question.
I've only heard you talk once, and that was to yourself.
"There, happy? I talked. Yey." I growled hesitantly. His sat down and his tongue rolled out in a grin. I'm ecstatic. Now you just have to speak during school.
What, so I can figure out who you are?
Do you have any idea?
None. I replied.
I'm not sure whether that's good or bad.
It's bad. Very bad. You should tell me! I said hopefully.
Sorry, babe, it ain't happenin'.
Babe? I scoffed.
Sorry. Habit.
I just smiled and I rested my head on my knees.
What would you do if I shifted right now and kissed you? He asked suddenly.
My eyes widened momentarily. I would have screamed and pushed you away if you hadn't warned me.
He sighed and plopped down on the forest floor, moving twigs and weeds out of his way. Oh, that's right. You scare easily. His eyes caught mine before he spoke again. You are so beautiful.
I pretended I didn't hear that lie. Instead, I turned my head away from him, still resting on my knees. I should go. My parents are going to be worried. What a complete lie.
He whined, pushing his nose under my arm, making it so my arm was around his neck. You are. You're beautiful—and don't let anyone else tell you different.
Whatever, J. I need to get going. Ruffing up the fur on the back of his neck, I stood, wrapping my arms around myself and picking up the bags I had left on the ground.
At least let me walk you home. He suggested, padding along with me, keeping up with me easily.
No! I said immediately. I mean…no thanks. I'll be fine.
He sighed. Danny. If something was going on, you'd tell me right?
Probably not. I hardly now you. I mean, c'mon, I don't know your real name, or your hair color, or anything about you. How do you expect me to trust you? I asked, tightening my arms around myself, trying to shield the cold.
His head dipped low and I heard him exhale deeply. I guess I just expected it. I'm sorry. I'll leave now. Bye.
Bye. I said, and didn't look back as he melted into the undergrowth. I sighed and shook my head. I looked up to see the sky already darkening. The air was gray when I got back out onto the streets. When I entered the main part of the town, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I felt like someone was watching me. I glanced behind me, but I couldn't see anyone. But I sped up my pace anyways, wanting that sick feeling to go away. But it only got worse. My hands fell to my side, holding the bags contained with groceries. I gulped, and glanced back again. But no one else was on the streets.
A hand grabbed my arm and pulled behind the post office, slamming me against the wall and covering my mouth with a hand. I screamed anyways, dropping the bags. A body pressed mine into the wall, and two hands grabbed my upper arms. I stared right into dark blue eyes; Jake. I screamed again, pushing at his chest, but he wouldn't budge.
"Keep scream, b****, no one's around to hear you," he leaned in close to me, I had fallen silent, and whispered in my ear, "Besides, it's sexy. But if you want to scream…scream my name, virgin."
I whimpered, pushing at him as he moved his hands to grip my waist. "You won't willingly be my girlfriend, fine. I get that—well, not really, but I don't take no for an answer. If you won't do it willingly, then I'll just have to make you. And there's only one way to make that official." He growled, sliding his hand under my shirt, pushing it up over my stomach. I protested, pushing his hand away, but instead it connected with my cheek, making my skin sting.
"Don't resist. You know you want it," he growled, kissing my cheek just where he had slapped me. I flinched, but when I did, his hands squeezed my stomach. His lips trailed down my neck, making my blood pump faster from fear. I tried to talk to J, to have him save me, but I couldn't. I couldn't move, I couldn't think. The only thing I could do was act on instinct; I brought my knee up in between his legs.
He grunted, bending over and releasing me. Hurriedly, I bent down and scooped up the bags and ran. I ran as fast as I could, the wind whipping my hair around my face. Luckily, I didn't hear footsteps behind me, but I didn't slow. My breathing became heavy, and my muscles protested, but I kept going. I glanced back, but I only heard a string of curse words screamed at me. Still, I ran, my feet brushing the overgrown weeds in the forest.
I jumped as something barked at me, but I still didn't stop. J? I thought, staring into the forest. It was getting darker still, and the air was getting colder, but I could catch glimpses of light reflecting of off those beautiful bright blue eyes in the forest.
Yea, is something wrong? Why are you running? He asked, but I still couldn't see him. Had he been spying on me? No, I wasn't spying on you. I just heard you breathing hard. I didn't know if something was wrong.
Don't worry about it. I'm just cold, that's all. I lied, and a shiver erupted through my back.
I heard a whine. Well…okay, if you say so. I glanced back again, but I was far away from Jake, and I could hear J leaving. I slowed to a walk, but my heart was still beating like a drum. It took me half the time it normally did to get home, and when I did, it was the best greeting I had ever had.
"There you are. Did you get groceries?" My Mother asked. My father must have had to work late today as a cop—pretty ironic, right? I nodded, looking at the ground. "Good girl, now go put them away." She demanded.
I smiled just a little and rushed into the kitchen to put them away. Immediately afterwards, I took a shower, ate the only thing I had had that day, did Destiny's homework, and went to bed still smiling.
…
I decided to wear a long sleeved bright blue V-neck shirt and jeans with flats for school the next day. I was a little reluctant to confront Jake, but the thought that someone would actually talk to me…was…amazing. I was humming as I brushed my hair and fixed breakfast for my family. I slung my bag over my shoulder and strolled out the door, grinning.
A huge black SUV stopped beside me on the road, its window rolling down. I pulled out my iPod and put it back in my bag. Josh smiled back at me. "Hey! What're you doin'? You need a ride?" he asked.
I blushed, glancing behind him into the passenger's seat. A blond haired boy stared at me with pale blue eyes. He was young, maybe about eight or so, and I could tell he was going to be a cute teenager. I smiled, stilling blushing, and nodded shyly. Josh whipped around, smacking the boy lightly in the shoulder.
"Levi!" he said. "Get in the back."
"But Josh—" The boy, Levi, began, but Josh interrupted him again.
"Now." He ordered.
The boy huffed and slid out of the seat, leaving it wide open for me. My cheeks were still hot with blood as I slipped around the car, stopping at the open door. "So this is the girl who don't talk?" a female voice asked from the back. I got into the car, turning around to study her more deeply. She was pretty, with highlighted straight brown hair and big, soft brown eyes. Her figure was perfect, with curves in all the right places, and she showed it off with tight clothes.
Josh rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Yea. Danny, this is Iya, Iya, this is Danny."
Iya smiled at me. "Nice ta meet ya." She said, smiling.
The young boy coughed. "Are you forgetting someone?" he asked with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Nah," Josh waved his hand in the arm, turning around to face to wheel again.
The boy pouted. "My name's Levi." He said proudly, sitting up a little straighter. I smiled at him, laughing slightly.
"Ya littl' squirt," Josh teased, smiling at him in the rear view mirror. Josh turned his smile to me. "He's my little brother, and she's my cousin. We have ta take squirt here to the elementary school first, it that's okay, but Iya's a sophomore, so she'll come to the high school with us." He kept the window down as he pressed on the gas.
Iya huffed. "I'm supposed to be a junior, but I missed the cut off day. It's stupid, really." She said. I smiled and chuckled.
"I'm one of the oldest in 3rd grade." Levi said proudly.
"Usually, Josh's younger brother, a—" Iya started before Josh shot her a dark look. "He's usually here with us, but he's sick." She finished. I couldn't stop smiling. I ran my fingers through my hair several times as we drove.
Levi tugged on Iya's shirt. "What, Levi?" she asked.
"Guess what we're learning in class!" he said, slightly bouncing in his seat.
"What?" she asked, humoring him.
"We're learning about animals. Isn't that cool?"
"Totally," Josh interrupted, "what else are you learning in class? They teachin' you anything good?" he asked in that horrible grammar of his.
Levi scowled. "Yea. Mrs. Freshwater's teachin' us the multiplication table, and Mrs. O'Neill's sayin' my grammar ain't good."
I laughed along with Josh and Iya. "She's just sayin' that 'cause she's jealous of our southern ways." Iya joked.
"I swear this town's never had a southern family in their midst's." Josh said, scoffing. I shook my head at him. His eyes widened. "You haven't? Really? Oh, wow." I laughed; this town was way too small. I stared at him for a while, watching how the smile across his face light up his eyes even brighter, how his laugh echoed through my ears. That little stubble across his chin that I wanted to run my hand across, and through his hair, just to feel its texture. I loved his posture in the driver's seat; calm, relaxed, hands loose but ready at the wheel, like he hadn't a care in the world. The white t-shirt he had on showed his dark skin and muscles clearly, especially when he ran a hand through his hair to tame it from the wind. Since the windows were still down, my hair was flying everywhere also. But I had learned not to bother with it. Iya wasn't messing with hers either, but it seemed like hers had more spray in it. I noticed how Josh's free hand was on the holder in between the two chairs, as if waiting for someone to clasp it.
I was still thinking about him when he moved, breaking my train of thought, to turn into the U-shaped parking lot of the elementary school. "Bye guys!" Levi shouted, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and hopping out the door.
Josh held his fist out to his little brother. "See ya later, squirt." He said, smiling. Levi knocked Josh's fist, laughing like a little boy looking up to his big brother.
Levi's hand hovered on the door. "Bye Iya," he said, and then turned to me. I swear I saw a little red on his cheeks. "Bye Danny." He said and closed the door. Iya burst out laughing, and Josh smiled, shaking his head.
Iya was still cracking up in the back seat when Josh pulled out of the lot. I turned in my seat to give her a confused look. "I think Mr. Squirt has a little crush!" Iya laughed, turning red in the face and clutching her stomach.
My eyes widened and I turned my gaze to Josh. He laughed through his nose, smiling. He glanced up in the rear view mirror. "That he does. And I think I need to knock some sense into 'em." He smiled, chuckling.
By now I was blushing beyond my normal. I glanced down at the tiny table again, seeing Josh's hand in the exact same position. It was as if he was saying; I'll always be here. Just take my hand and we'll go somewhere far away.
"Ha! She's blushin'!" Iya yelled, pointing and laughing at me. It only made me blush more.
Josh smiled and shook his head. "Chill out, Iya. Goodness."
Her laugh died until she was just smiling. "Fine. Fine. Okay. Whatever." She said, leaning in between the two seats, separating me and Josh. "Hey, Danny, have you taken Spanish II yet?" she asked, tilting her head towards me.
I nodded, scowling.
"Did you have Mrs. Romero?" she asked. I nodded again, scowling still. "Isn't she the worst teacher ever? Ugh, I hate her!" she made a face too, rolling her eyes.
I totally agreed with her, so I rolled my eyes. Josh sighed, leaning back in his seat with a hand on the wheel and the other still on the table.
"We're here!" Josh sang sarcastically.
"Yey! Another day at a new school. Whoopee!" Iya answered, copying her cousin's voice. I sighed, grabbing my bag in my hand. Josh parked the SUV, turning the car off and hooking his hands behind his head. He leaned back in his seat, sighing.
"I say we all just stay here in the car. Technically, we're at school, right?" he smiled, closing his eyes.
Iya's eyes glinted. "Of course," she replied, "But it's our second day, Josh. Let's go."
He groaned like she had just invaded his happy place. He sat up and kicked the door open and slid out. I followed him quickly, securing my bag on my shoulder. Whispers blew around me, and I could feel everyone's eyes on me as I shut the door. Both Iya and Josh came around the SUV with their books, and Josh locked the car. I smiled at him and he returned it. "Hey, it's no problem." He said, walking around with me and Iya towards the front door.
"Yea, Danny!" Iya exclaimed. "You should get a ride with us every day!"
Josh smiled at me. "She's right. You should. I can give you a ride to and from school from now on if that's all right?" he asked. I smiled at both of them and nodded. Destiny would be pissed, but who cares? I finally have friends again. She can go somewhere else for all I care right now. As a matter of fact, as soon as we all entered into the school, she and Jake were glaring at me. I almost froze right then, turned, and ran out the door. But instead, I pressed myself tighter in-between Iya and Josh, and stared at the floor as we walked pass. I glanced up to see Destiny yelling at Jake, pushing him away while he scowled at her. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked towards us.
"Joshy!" she squealed, taking hold of his other arm. I scooted more towards Iya, who was staring at them as she walked with a bewildered expression.
Josh blinked, raising an eyebrow at her. "Can I help you, Destiny?" he asked.
She shot a dark look at me before answering him. "Oh, of course, sweetie! You can walk me to class! C'mon!" she started to drag him away, but he dug his heels into the ground.
Wrenching his arm from her grip, he shook his head. "Uh, no thanks." I glanced around; everyone was watching. Was my wolf here? I scanned the crowd as they laughed at Destiny, searching for any signs that maybe he was here. But Destiny's 'huff' brought me back to lock eyes with her. B****, she mouthed and turned away, strutting away from us.
She is so gonna kill me. I thought, sighing. That, I thought, is something I am sure of. I was doomed, but right now she couldn't hurt me, and I could do anything I wanted. Anything.