So, I've written more for Levi's story, obviously. I'm a little stuck with chapter 20, and school's just started, so, that really sucks. But I'm halfway done, so I just need a little more time. But, as a thank you... here's Levi and Celina... I'd love if you guys reviewed, too.

Levi's story:

"Hanna," I groaned, trying to shake her off my arm, "Get off!" Her arms only tightened around mine.

"No," she whined. "Josh, why do I have to come anyways?" Her greenish blue eyes widened as she stuck her lower lip out. She shook the straight, pale blond bangs to reposition them on her forehead.

He frowned, glancing down at Danny. He sighed. "Because, I told you, Hanna, Mom and Dad are out and I can't leave you home alone."

"But I've already shifted! I can take care of myself! Besides, why can't Levi just stay home and watch me?" She pouted again.

I rolled my eyes. "Because I don't want to." I replied, trying to shake her off again. "Ugh, get off! Why don't you go hang onto Josh or Cormac? Why me?"

"Josh's got Brett and True, and Cormac's got Haiden and Landyn." Hanna said, laying her head on my shoulder. I groaned and Cormac snickered.

"What if I carried Charlie, huh? Then you couldn't hold onto me." I said, glancing towards Josh's mate.

She narrowed her eyes. "Uh, excuse me? This is my baby." Danny let out a low growl, glaring at me. Her arms tightened around the pink bundle in her arms.

"No!" True protested. "Mine!" The two year old made a grab for her little sister, letting go of Josh's hand.

Josh cleared his throat. "Um, I'm pretty sure she's half mine too." he said, wrapping his free arm around her waist.

Danny shook her head. "No, she's all mine."

His eyes narrowed. "Then Brett and True are all mine." He bent down, scooping up True by the waist. She protested, pounding her little fists on his arms. Danny scrunched up her nose, sticking her tongue out at him.

I cleared my throat, nodding towards the diner we were passing. "What about here?" I asked, trying once again to shake her off.

"Hungwy!" Landyn screamed, bursting into the door.

Cormac groaned, starting after him. "Landyn! No! Get back—!" he called. He gave up, groaning as he reached the door. "I guess this is as good as any. It's not too crowded."

Josh shrugged, setting True down and nodding, following after Cormac and Landyn. The diner smelled of freshly baked cookies, meat, and… forest? I scrunched up my nose. Why would a diner smell of the forest? "Hey," I said, shaking my arm to get Hanna's attention. "Do you smell that?" I asked quietly so humans wouldn't hear.

Hanna furrowed her eyebrows, sniffing the air. She shrugged. "What? Cookies?" she replied, looking around.

I frowned, following her gaze as we made our way towards a large booth. "No. I smell the woods." Hanna finally let go of me to slide in next to Cormac with Haiden in his lap. The four month old slapped the table, making grabs at everything in sight. I sat on the end, trying to make sense of the smell.

"Hi, I'm Celina, and I'll be your waitress today. Is there anything you'd like to drink?" my mouth dropped open slightly, letting the scent settle on my tongue. She smelled of the forest, of flowers and grass. I glanced up at the voice, my breath catching in my throat. Her heart shaped face was framed by her strawberry blond hair that was done up in a messy bun with strands falling around her cheeks. Her large brown eyes were locked on the pad in front of her. Slight bags shadowed under her eyes and her shoulders sagged slightly, yet her eyes still sparkled. Her hand scribbled furiously and her eyes glanced up every once in a while until they finally connected with mine.

Her lips parted slightly and a blush covered her cheeks. "Um, uh," she cleared her throat. "Is there something I can get you to drink?" she asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, yea, uh… water, please." I sent her a smile before she nodded and scurried off to another table. I watched her before Josh coughed, bringing my attention to him. He sent me a smirk, winking. I growled at him, narrowing my eyes.

"Oh crap…" Danny said, her eyes trialing behind me, frowning. I straightened, following her gaze. A snarl rose in my chest as I watched the girl as she waited on a table filled with teenage boys. She stepped back as one of them reached out to touch her waist and below. Before I could think about it, I stood, but Hanna brought me back down.

"Don't." Cormac said. "It won't end well." He warned, his eyes flashing. I sighed, not looking at him, and continuing to watch Celina. She nodded at the boys, inching away from the one who had touched her. She began walking away while taking their plates and glasses before another boy stuck out his foot and catching her ankle. She gasped as she tripped over him, glass breaking over the tile. I swallowed a growl, but I couldn't help myself from going to her.

"Are you alright?" I asked, taking her arm and helping her up. She gasped as electricity sparked at our touch.

She brushed her hair out of her face, blushing. "Y-yea. I'm sorry." She replied.

"Celina!" A woman growled. Suddenly the whole restaurant was looking at us. "What the h*** happened?" The boys behind us snickered, and I sent them a glare, scowling.

She stepped away from me, stopping the sparks. "I-I'm sorry, I tripped. I'll, uh, clean it up."

Her boss groaned, rubbing her face. "Celina, I can't keep a clumsy waitress." She said, frowning.

Celina's jaw dropped. "No!" her voice cracked. "No, please! I need this job! Please, you have no idea."

She shrugged. "I'm sorry, I—" she began, but I cut her off.

"She's not clumsy." I said hurriedly.

Her frown remained, and her eyes narrowed. "And… you are?"

I stuck my hand out, and she reluctantly took it. "Levi Miller." I said. "I saw her fall. She didn't trip on her own; those boys tripped her." I said, flashing them another glare.

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Are you sure?" she asked.

I nodded. "Positive."

She sighed. "Alright. Just, get this cleaned up, alright?" she turned on her heel and walked away.

Celina sighed in relief. "Thank you. Thank you so, so much! You saved my job. Thank you."

I smiled. "You're welcome. Here, I'll help you clean this up." I said, bending down to pick up the scattered glass.

"So, um…" she began, clearing her throat as she picked up the broken glass and putting them on the platter. "Are you just visiting, or…" she trailed off, blushing slightly as her brown eyes glanced up at me.

I flashed a crooked smile before she returned her gaze towards the floor. "No, yea, I'm new here. My family and I just moved here a couple days ago." I replied, but I couldn't stop smiling.

"Oh… so you're going to school here, right?" She asked, mindlessly pulling her hair behind her ears.

My smile fell. School. I really didn't want to think about that. "Yea. I'm a junior." I mentally slapped myself. Why would she need to know that? She doesn't care.

But she flashed me a small smile. "Cool. Me too." she picked up the last of the glass and I put my pile onto the platter she was holding as we stood. She looked away, another blush covering her cheeks. "Well, I guess I'll see you at school. Levi, right?" she asked, sticking her hand out towards me.

I took it, enjoying the electricity I felt come from her skin. Her eyes widened slightly. "Yea." I answered, finding no other words.

"Thanks again, Levi. Bye." She stepped away, scurrying towards the back of the restaurant.

"Levi!" Hanna hissed just loudly enough for me to snap out of it and make my way back to the table.

"Shut up." I muttered to the multiple pairs of eyes that were fixed on me. I slid in, locking my fingers together, watching the door to the back room close after her.

Celina

My head spun as I dumped the glass in the recycling bin, my hand still tingling from where he had took it. "Eep!" a shrill, excited voice shrieked behind me. I turned, tucking the platter under my arm as I caught sight of Paris.

I sighed, running my hands over my face. "What is it, Paris?"

She squealed, clapping her hands together. She wore the exact same outfit that I did; a low cut black t-shirt and black kakis, but hers had no undershirt underneath. The black only made her cocoa skin look lighter, and her dark eyes darker. Her wavy light brown hair was pulled back tightly, and two pieces fell out on either side of her face. "Did you see him?!" she said, taking my shoulder and shaking. Not so gently, I might add.

"Hey!" I shouted. "Paris!" I peeled her hands off me, rolling my eyes. "Of course I saw him. He saved my job."

She gasped. "So he's cute and sweet!"

"Yes," I agreed, rolling my eyes once more. "His name's Levi and he's a junior."

"Eep!" she cried again, making me cover my ears.

I groaned. "What?"

"Goodness," she said irritably. "You are so blind, Celina. He was totally into you!"

"No," I said, shaking my head. "He wasn't. Guys don't like me like that. Watch, once he goes to school and sees that I'm a nobody, he won't even give me a second glance."

She scoffed. "Then he's an idiot. Any guy would be lucky—" she began, but I cut her off.

"I don't want to hear it, Paris." I said, pushing past her to put the platter away. "You have guys hitting on you left and right!"

"Celina," the chef's voice interrupted. "The drinks?"

"Right!" I said, scurrying over to pour the table's drinks. I turned, seeing Paris carrying plates filled with steaming food. She winked, spinning to kick her way out of the back room. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. There was no way a guy like that could be interested in me. Not really. Not seriously. I backed open the door, spinning around to let it close, and catching the pale blue eyes of the blond haired boy. I gulped, biting my lip as I tried to calm my rapid heart. Breathe¸ I told myself, taking a deep breath. Breathe. He's not that into you. You're not into him.

"Hi again," I said as I approached the table, avoiding his eyes. "How are you all doing?"

There was a series of replies as I handed out the group's drinks, smiling at the little kids and saving the best for last. He took the glass from me, our fingers brushing, and sending electricity up through my arm. I stiffened a gasp, but I couldn't help but glance up into his eyes, where he held me before I pulled my hand back to pull my notepad and pen out of my apron. "Is there, um, anything I could get you?" I asked, tearing my eyes away from him to scan the group.

"Mac and cheese!" a little girl sitting by the woman holding a tiny baby squealed, bouncing up and down on the booth. I chuckled, looking to the mother for reassurance. But the man was the one who took her into his arms and whispered in her ear, nodding at me. I quickly sketched it out along with the rest of their orders.

I left them; I had to get away from him before I did something stupid, like blush or daydream about something that would never happen. "Okay," I confessed as soon as I caught sight of Paris in the back room. "He's amazing."

She laughed, clapped her hands before turning to the soda fountain. "I knew it! You like him!" she teased. "So? What did he say? Did he give you an old pick up line, or something specifically for you?"

I shook my head. "He didn't say anything. I was handing him his drink and our hands touched, and it was like…"

"Oh!" she said, doing a little dance while she filled up the glasses. "You felt something, didn't you?"

I blushed. "You know the feeling when your arm falls asleep? Like little needles pricking your skin over and over again? That's what it was like, except it felt like it was spreading through my skin."

"AWWW!" she erupted, literally bouncing up and down as she clapped. "Finally! I was beginning to wonder if you even liked the other gender!"

I gave her a blank stare. "Thank you for that." I said sarcastically, shaking my head. "But it doesn't matter. Just wait until tomorrow, and then we'll see if he actually likes me."

"I bet you ten bucks he kisses you on the first day." She said, her eyes twinkling. Somehow, she always liked other people's love life more than her own.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the red that painted my cheeks. "Ten bucks says he hardly glances my way."

"Deal," she said, sticking out her hand.

"Deal," I agreed, taking it.

...

I stared at the small piece of paper in my hand, mouth agape, and eyes wide. The tiny numbers scrawled across the paper in messy handwriting baffled me. Suddenly it was gone, snatched out my hands my caramel skinned hands. "Paris!" I cried, glad that the diner had closed after they had left, only staying open until just after lunch.

"Ah!" she screamed. "He gave you his number?!"

"Yea," I said, snatching it back. "What a tip." Too bad I don't have a phone to call him with. I thought bitterly, ready to tear it up.

"Don't you dare," she said, taking it back. "You call him. You call him right now." She said, handing me her phone.

"No!" I said, pushing it away from me. "I can't do that!"

She scoffs. "And why not? He obviously wants you to, or he wouldn't have left you it."

"So?" I said, and my jaw clenched as I looked away. There was no way I could afford to like someone, let alone have a boyfriend right now. I couldn't have anyone finding out about my life. Not now. Not until I graduated. I was so close. I was almost done. "Look," I said, taking the paper. "I gotta get home. Do you mind locking up for me?" I lied, my eyes widening.

She crossed her arms over her chest, giving me a glare. "Only if you promise to call him," she said.

I rolled my eyes, grabbing my bag off the booth. "Fine," I lied again. "You're the best!"

"Only in France!" she said as I rushed out the door, making me chuckle. I turned down the street, glad for the small town life—where everything was set right at once place. It was hardly a block to the grocery store. Like always, the cashier gave me an odd look when I bought my food and other necessities, but only what I could afford. I sighed as I stepped out, carrying the heavy bags on my arms. Spinning towards the road that led to the woods, I started towards 'home'.

Levi

The sun was setting, its light spreading over the land like a blanket. Leaves crackled under my paws as we ran, surveying our new territory. Levi's got a mate! Iya sang as she leaped, her yelps bouncing off the trees, sounding like human laughter to my ears. I growled at her, nipping at her flank, but she only sped up, her mocking laughter echoing in my head.

Levi found his mate! Levi found his mate! She chanted, before Jesse barked at her.

Iya! He scolded. Calm down!

Oh c'mon! She said, but slowed down, dropping to her mate's side and shouldering him. Loosen up! Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't have fun!

If that means you won't get hurt, then yes, he said, growling protectively, it does.

You're such a buzz kill. She said, slowing down to a trot.

Jesse said something back, but a scent fogged my head, blurring my vision and I collided with something tall and dark, sending me back into the pine needles. Laughter exploded through my mind, but the scent was still there. Levi! Josh tried to hold in his chuckle as he appeared next to me. You alright there? Playin' Tarzan?

I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I stood, shaking my head. Whatever, I said, I found somethin'. I'll um, be right back… I trailed off, dashing after the scent, and not waiting for approval from the alpha. I knew that scent. I knew there was a weird reason why she smelled so strongly of the forest. I stopped dead at the edge of the clearing, my breath catching in my throat. There she stood, dropping plastic bags on the middle of the forest floor, sighing loudly. To my surprise, a tent stood strongly, parallel to a strong flowing river. A stump stood in the middle with one tiny, cheap lawn chair facing it. A cooler sat by the lawn chair, a bag was leaning on it. A circle of stone was near the water and away from the tent, ashes and soot in and around it. Why was she camping out in the middle of the week? And still going to work?

She had dropped the bags by the stump and moved to crawl inside the tent. She went over to the fire pit, crouched, and soon, a tiny flame was flickering. I heard her sigh from here as she picked up something from the ground, setting it so it was across the pit. She leaned over and took something out of the bag, ripping it open and placing it in the pan she had hung over the fire. She stood, went over to the chair, and dragged it back towards the roaring fire. Slowly and quietly, I moved across the edge of the clearing to where I could see her from the side. She had curled up in the chair, letting her hair down and closing her eyes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a slinking form come out of the safety of the woods, continuing through the clearing; towards the food. Before I knew what I was doing, a warning bark escaped my throat as I started towards the figure; a coyote. Of course. I should've guessed. Its tiny black eyes glanced up to me, wide with fear, before it bolted off. I growled after it, but it fell short as soon as I felt eyes boring into my back. I froze, waiting. Waiting for the scream. The shriek.

But it never came.

Slowly, I turned, and, as my eyes caught hers, she gave a tiny, wistful gasp. I stepped back, tensing to run, but her words stopped me. "Thank you," she said quietly. I began toward the woods, turning away from her, thinking, idiot, idiot, idiot, over and over in my head. "Wait!" she said a little louder, making me stop and turn towards her.

My actions surprised her. "You can understand me," she said breathlessly. I resisted the urge to nod, but instead continued to stare at her, studying her. "Please. Stay. I'm…I'm so lonely out here. I could use someone to talk to." She whispered, almost as if a part of her didn't want to admit it.

I glanced towards the woods, where my pack was no doubt waiting for me. "Please," she said, her voice cracking. Before I knew what I was doing, my paws turned and started towards her, coming to a standstill about a foot away. She smiled at me, curling back up in her chair.

"You probably think I'm camping, don't you?" she asked, never looking at me, but staring at the chicken cooking.

I grunted in response and she glanced at me in surprise. I plopped down on the ground, sending puffs of dead leaves and pine needles up into the air. I lay my head down as to where I was looking at her. She sighed, leaning her cheek on her hand, her hair falling about her face. In that moment, with the light of the setting sun casting just the right light over her, I knew. This girl was my mate, and I was already falling in love with her. She glanced at me, holding my gaze. "You have the most prettiest eyes," she said. It wasn't a compliment, but she stated it as though it were a well-known fact. I blinked at her, so many responses running through my mind.

"If you must know," she said, "I'm not really camping. Welcome to my home." She chuckled when I flattened my ears to my head. Her home? This was no home. A growl rose in my throat. "Don't get your panties in a knot. I did this to myself. I ran away from home. I've only been out here for a few weeks—a month at the most. My mother was bringing home boys left and right—some were nice, others… not so much." I couldn't help the growl the ripped through my chest, my fur standing on end.

She ignored me and continued on. "You see, my mother left my father just after I was born. I don't really know why. She would never tell me. All she would say was 'he wasn't what he said he was' or 'he lied about what he really was'. When she announced she was marrying one of the worst ones, I knew I had to get out of there. I couldn't stand to be in the same house as him. So I packed up what I could and left. Simple as that."

I whined, clawing the ground. "It feels… kind of good." She confessed. "To tell someone that, ya know? I've never told anyone that." She sighed, pulling something out of her pocket and loosely examining it, twisting it in her fingers. I stood, straining my neck to see the small piece of paper. I chuckled inwardly; it was the piece of paper Josh had persuaded me to leave her with my number written on it.

"Hey!" she scolded, catching my spying as she tucked the paper away. I raised an eyebrow at her, giving her a wolfish smile. Her eyes widened. "Fine. So a boy gave me his number, what about it? Paris, my friend, says that he was really into me, but I don't know. I've never had a guy interested in me like that." She said, blushing. Good, I thought, my fur bristling with the thought of another man touching her.

She shrugged. "But, tomorrow, he'll forget all about me, I promise you. He's one of those jockey, sporty guys that don't even now girls like me exist. The chicken's ready!" she exclaimed, jumping up and removing the pan from the heat. Digging in the cooler, she pulled out a plate and utensils; items she had undoubtedly taken from her home. She took the chicken from the pan and onto the plate. "Did you want some?" she asked, pointing the fork lazily at me. I grunted, getting a shrug out of her. "Oh well. Your loss."

Like I'll forget about her of all people. I scoffed to myself. I didn't know what would happen tomorrow when I started school, but I knew that would be the last thing that would ever happen.

:::::

"Hanna!" I yelled. "Let's go! C'mon!" I growled lowly, pacing back and forth in front of the door.

"All right, all right!" she said, appearing at the top of the stairs. Her hair was curled and she wore a yellow sundress with a white sweater over her shoulders.

"You curled your hair?" I groaned, turning in a full circle. "No wonder you're late! Let's go!"

"Hey!" She said, bounding down the stairs. "I've gotta look good for my first day!"

I opened the door, letting her go out first. "What?" I scoffed. "So you can be popular in fourth grade?"

She turned to shoot a glare of her shoulder. "Shut up," she said bitterly. "It doesn't come easy for some people."

I pretended to flip my hair back. "I can't help it that I'm so stunnin'." I laughed at her look as I slipped into the driver's seat. "Just wait 'til ya get older, Hanna. You'll get even prettier and people'll wanna be around ya."

She stared at me for a full minute, her hands stuck in the middle of putting her seat belt on. Finally, she shook her head and buckled herself in. "You're different, Levi." She observed. "I can't put my finger on it, but you're different. Happier, almost."

I just smiled at her as I pulled onto a street. "Find the high school for me on the GPS, will ya?"

She shrugged. "Okay." She fished for the GSP in the glove box. "You know where the elementary school is, right?"

"Yea, saw it on our way it, member?"

"Oh, yea."

I turned up the radio, relaxing into the seat. "Hey!" Hanna said, looking up from fumbling with the GPS. "Look, Levi. There's someone walking on the side a the road."

I rolled my eyes. "And why would I ca—" I gasped, slamming on the break and pulling over.

"Get in the back, Hanna." I said, unbuckling.

"But Mom said never to pick up hitch-hikers!" She protested, crossing her arms over her chest.

I growled. "She's not a hitch-hiker! I know her, alright? Just… get in the back."

"Fine," she huffed, kicking the door open.

"Hey! Hanna! My car deserves respect." I growled, getting out of the car.

She stuck her tongue out at me and I returned the gesture before closing the door. I turned around, shoving my hands in my pockets and taking a deep breath.

Celina

No. No. No. I thought as the pick-up pulled over in front of me. I am not looking for a ride.

"Fine!" After a moment, a small girl got out on the passenger's side, turning and sticking her tongue out.

"Hey! Hanna! My car deserves respect." I stopped dead as a boy hopped out, doing the same to the girl before sticking his hands in his pockets.

Okay, Paris, I thought, he might be into me now, but as soon as he sees me at school…

"Hey," he said, stopping about a foot from me, the corner of his mouth picked up in a smile. "Celina, right?"

I nodded weakly, smiling just as strongly. "Uh, yea." I replied, glancing away from him and willing myself not to blush.

"I'm, uh, Levi," he said, sticking out his hand.

I took it awkwardly, giving him a genuine smile. "I know… I, uh, remember you."

"Great," he chuckled and then pointed at the truck over his shoulder. "You need a ride to school?"

I glanced at the truck and saw the girl leaning against it with her arms crossed over her chest, glaring. "Uh, no, thanks." I looked away from her and back to his pale blue eyes. "I'll just walk."

He shook his head. "Nah, c'mon." he said. "It's gotta be a ways away. Let me drive ya."

"Uh…" I couldn't help blushing. I glanced at the girl biting my lip.

He looked over his shoulder. "Hanna!" he said, running a hand through his hair.

She rolled her eyes, throwing her hands in the air before getting back in the truck. He turned back to me. "Sorry, uh, that's my little sister, Hanna."

"I guess." I smiled, sucking in a breath as I shrugged.

His eyes brightened. "So you'll let me give ya a ride?"

"Sure," I laughed. "Only because of the accent."

"Yes!" he laughed as we started towards the truck. "I knew that'd come in handy one day!"

I found myself smiling as I followed him, making my way to the passenger seat. As soon as I opened the door, the little girl spoke. "Ohhh," she chuckled. "I see…"

"Hanna," Levi growled. "Shut up."

"Don't tell me to shut up!" Hanna snapped.

Levi groaned. "Hanna, really?"

I stepped inside the vehicle, giggling to myself as they continued bickering. "Do siblings always fight this much?" I found myself asking, buckling myself in. I knew not to take rides from strangers, but this boy was different. I didn't feel scared or conscious, I just felt… normal.

"Oh, we been fightin' since I was born." Hanna informed me. "When I was a baby, and Levi got ta hold me fer the first time, I knocked him right in the nose."

I laughed, glancing at Levi as the truck started forward. He was frowning, glaring into the rearview. "It didn't hurt…" he mumbled, and I laughed again, imagining it.

"And Mamma told me one time," Hanna continued, "that when I was real little, I stole some a Levi's cookies, and he chased me 'round the house fer 'em."

Levi scowled. "They were my cookies."

"How adorable," I said without thinking. "I don't have any brothers or sisters, so."

"We gotta real big family," Hanna replied, although I wasn't sure if I had been speaking to her or Levi. "He's only one a my brothers. I got two more, and Josh already has kids! We haven't heard from Adam lately, though. Maybe Skylar's gonna have a baby!"

"Hanna," Levi said firmly, and I glanced over to see his cheeks redden. "I don't think she needs a family history lesson."

"It's okay," I replied softly, and then turned back to Hanna. "So what are Josh's kid's names?"

Her face brightened. "Well, there's True, she's the oldest. She's almost three. And then there's Brett, he just turned two. They got a little girl named Charlotte, but we all call her Charlie. She was just born a couple months ago."

"How cute!" I smiled.

"Did you ever find the high school on the GPS?" Levi suddenly asked, and I looked up to see him turning into the elementary school.

"Oh yea!" Hanna said, placing the GPS on the middle table. Her smile suddenly faltered as she glanced up. "Do ya think they're gonna like me?"

Levi parked and looked back at her. "A course. Just be yerself. Ya want me ta come in with ya?"

Hanna frowned, considering it before glancing at me. "Nah. I ain't no baby. I can't get along just fine by myself. I'll see ya later."

Levi's hand hovered over his seatbelt as if he expected to take it off. "Oh…" he said, surprised. "Okay. Bye. Have a good day."

Hanna hopped out, pushing her chin into the air to seem confident. "You too," she said before closing the door.

"Huh," Levi muttered, staring after her as she made her way into the school. "She normally likes me ta go everywhere with her. Weird."

"She's growing up, I guess." I assured him.

He turned his bright eyes to me and smiled. "I guess so." He threw the car into drive and made his way out of the parking lot.

"Hey," he said as soon as we were on the main road again, "does this school have a football team?"

I had to think for a moment. "Um… yea, but the season's almost over. But basketball tryouts are starting." I personally didn't play any sports, but it was all everyone could talk about. Our football team wasn't too great, but everyone knew our basketball team rocked the conference with our small, redheaded point guard that never missed a three pointer.

"Awesome!" his face brightened into a smile. He glanced at me before asking, "Do ya play anythin'?"

I shook my head. "No, but I manage for the boys' basketball team. I've got nothing better to do." Truth was, in middle school I had a crush on one of the boys on the team, so I tried out for the girls' team. When I didn't make it, I decided to keep score for the boys and found I liked doing it. So I did, and I didn't stop—even after I ran away and lost my feelings for the guy.

His smile deepened. "That's even better."

"You gonna try out?" I asked.

"Heck yes!" he replied immediately.

"I've got to warn you," I said, smiling. "The team's pretty good."

He flashed me a cocky smile. "I'm pretty good myself."

"We'll see. The coach's pretty tough."

He shrugged. "I'll be tougher."

I laughed softly, and the woman on the GPS told us our destination was on the right. My lips dipped into a frown as soon as I saw the building. I sighed, dreading another day.

Levi

I saw her expression change as I pulled into the parking lot. I frowned, wanting to see her smile again. I pulled into a visitor spot, cutting the car off. As I did, Celina unbuckled, sighing softly to herself so I wouldn't hear. "Thanks for the ride." She said, smiling politely up at me. But that's all it was. A polite smile. The smile you give to those old people at church, the same one you use to thank a cashier after a long day. Not one you give to a friend, or someone you hope to see as more.

"A course," I said, even my own smile faltering. "Any time. Do ya need a ride home too?"

She gasped sharply, but without my hearing, I wouldn't have even caught it. "Uh—no. Nope, I'm good, thank you."

My heart dropped, but I saw it coming. Of course she didn't want anyone to know about her living space. I should've known. I frowned as I pushed my door open and stepped out. "Maybe ya could show me around some?" I asked hopefully, wanting to spend more time with her.

She was blushing when she appeared on the other side of the hood. "Uh… I think you'd probably prefer one of those guys to show you." She pointed to a group of lean guys huddled together by a truck, laughing and talking.

When I turned back, shaking my head, she was already a ways down the side walk, hurrying away from me. I frowned, my hands closing into fists. Was she scared of them? Of me? I wanted to meet new people, make new friends, but I wanted her more.

"You new around here?" a male voice called from behind me.

I turned to see the group of guys all turned towards me, but I felt no pressure. "Yea," I replied, making my way over to them, deciding it was best not to chase her down. I'd catch up to her later. "Name's Levi Miller."

"From the South," the guy stated in amusement, obviously the 'leader' of the gang. "I'm Nick." His blue eyes glinted, but his smile was friendly. His dark brown, almost black hair hung in his face, shadowing his tanned skin. He was small, but built; he had obviously been in the weight room. "This is Sean, Allen, Stephen, and Andrew."

He pointed to each one in turn as he said their names. Sean was a little guy with spiky orange/red hair and dark green eyes and pale skin. Allen was darker skinned and had dark black hair with equally dark eyes. But his expression was light, joking smile. Andrew's dark blond hair curled at his ears and right above his eyes. He smiled, reaching his dark blue eyes. Stephen's, though, were narrowed in a dark gaze, his lips picked up in a scowl. His beach blond hair was cropped short, but I could guess why he was glaring at me, and I smirked to myself.

"I am," I nodded, turning back to Nick. "Born in Kentucky, raised beneath the Mason-Dixon Line."

"Pretty neat," Nick replied.

"Who was that you were riding with?" Sean asked, his eyes flickering to my truck.

The tone of disgust in his voice made my anger rise. "Her name's Celina. Why?"

Andrew stepped a little closer, his voice lowering. "If you're looking to make it here, I'd stay away from that girl. She's got quite the reputation."

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Andrew nodded to Stephen, whose scowl had widened. "She came onto me, and when I refused, she began to tell everyone that I had tried to rape her. I put that rumor to rest, of course, so now everyone hates her. As they should. She's a liar." Stephen hissed.

I frowned, glancing over my shoulder to look for her. She was nowhere in sight, but something in me didn't quite believe him. Not the way she was. She was too shy, too cautious to make the move on someone. Unless Stephen was just covering up his mistakes. "I've heard yer basketball team is pretty good." I said, trying to change the subject off of Celina.

"Pretty good?" Sean asked in disbelief, raising his eyebrows. "We're the best in the conference. We've gone to states two years in a row! This year will hopefully be the third."

"Why?" Nick asked. "You thinking of trying out?"

I smirked. "Lead my last school ta states in football, basketball, and baseball, and helped 'em win it. So, yea, I was thinkin' 'bout it."

"You sound pretty good," Stephen scowled, and I began wondering if that was his permanent expression.

"I am pretty good."

"Awesome," Nick said. "You know your way around yet?"

I shook my head. "Not really. I still gotta get my schedule from the office."

Nick nodded. "C'mon, I'll show you around."

I followed him without another word, glancing uneasily back at Stephen.