Chapter 2

Next morning Serah got up and took a shower before school would start. When she got out of the shower she was startled to see the huge bruise that had appeared on her cheekbone. She tried to cover most of it with makeup, but it still looked like she had been punched in the face. What would the kids at school think. Then she remembered, she had to get her dad's signature; maybe she'd check him on his way to work- oh wait, he was fired last night. Serah quickly got dressed, and headed down stairs, where she saw her mother cooking breakfast and her father was on the computer. Picking up the papers, she quickly said hello to her mother and approached her father. Very cautiously.

"Um Dad,"

"Yes."

Serah took deep breath in and exhaled, "Could you sign this for me?"

He snatched the papers out of her hand, "What's this?"

"Transfer papers for New Bodhum Preparatory."

"Where your sissy goes, eh?" he smirked, and grabbed a pen from the table. He handed the papers back to her with a smile, "I never liked public schools anyway."

Serah quickly slid the papers into her backpack and threw it over her shoulders. Charlotte met her at the door with a worried look on her face.

"Honey are you sure you want to go to school with a big bruise on your face?"

Serah nodded, and besides with Dad being home she probably would get hit more with staying at home. With that she headed through the garage and grabbed her bike, and headed out the door. She couldn't believe her dad said yes, It was so unexpected, but yet again he was at least sober. Pushing the pedals she rode past the bridge, and the grocery store, to and the light, and finally to the school. Serah was pretty early, but she had planned to have enough time to find her classes and her locker. She walked through the big wooden doors and over to the office, where the same lady sat in her chair.

"Got those papers signed?" she asked as Serah nodded and handed over the paper. "Fabulous dear. Now here is your locker number and combination, and here is also your schedule. If you need help finding any class, please just come back here."

Serah nodded and said thanks, and then she left to go find her locker. The hallways were about empty beside a couple of people, who were either sleeping or getting something from their lockers, and it didn't take her that long to find hers. One thirty three. It was at the middle of the junior hallway. Her old school's locker was eight twenty nine, and she was on the far end of the school. Here the lockers were separated by grade and then by alphabetical last name. She wondered where Lightning's locker was, since she was a senior. Serah quickly slid her books into the small locker and then she went to walk her schedule. Her first class was calculus at room two one nine, which was at the freshman hallway. She walked down the cold empty hallways until she came to the classroom; it was empty besides a teacher and a girl. The girl had long silver hair that reached down to her lower back, and she wore a headband made from different colored beads. She looked to be finishing some work. Serah walked into the class, introduced herself to the teacher, and walked over to where the girl was sitting.

"Hi, is anyone sitting here." Serah asked the girl about the seat in front of her.

The girl looked up and shook her head, "No, no one sits there."

Serah placed her stuff down and took a seat, which made the girl look kinda surprised.

She turned back to the girl, "Hey I'm Serah Farron, new student."

"Paddra Nsu Yeul, but my friends call me Yeul."

Serah smiled, "It's nice to meet you Yeul. Yeah I transferred here from New Bodhum high school-"

"Wait, are you related to Lightning Farron?"

Serah sighed, "Yes actually I am. I'm her sister."

Yeul smiled, "My friend knows her, they played basketball together."

"Do you happen to know where Lightning is?"

Yeul put down her pencil, "Well, she's probably at the gym with Fang-"

Serah was already halfway out of the room, when she turned and said, "Thanks! I'll be back here for first period!"

Yeul smiled and laughed. That Serah was a funny girl.

Serah had seen the gym when she first entered the building so she knew right away where it was. She quickly pushed open the big wooden door, where she could see a bunch of people playing basketball. Then she saw Lightning; she looked the same as ever, her hair slung over her shoulder, with a pair of ripped jeans and combat boots. Lightning shot a basket from the three pointer line, and made it. She then bumped fists with another girl with tan skin and dark brown almost black hair. That girl wore a tanktop, with an exposed arm tattoo, with shorts and combat boots too. There were a few boys playing too, but none of them looked familiar to Serah. Lightning sudden turned her head, as if she knew Serah was standing there, and saw her sister. She then started walking towards her, confusing many of the people on the court. Lightning finally reached her sister, and Serah pulled her into a hug; Lightning didn't reject the hug but she didn't necessarily hug her back. Lightning pulled away from the hug and quickly noticed the bruise on her cheekbone.

"Serah, what happened?" She asked turning Serah's head to one side so she could see the bruise better.

Serah sighed, "Ya know Dad."

Lightning clenched her fists, "What? He still hasn't gotten his drinking under control. It looks like you were in some kind of fight."

"Just wrong timing."

"He's like a ticking time bomb." Lightning sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

The olive skinned girl came walking over, along with some of the guys, and she gave Serah a big goofy smile.

"Hey Light," she had a very heavy accent, "Who's this?"
Lightning turned to the girl, "Fang, this is my sister Serah." She turned back to Serah, "This is my best friend Fang."

"Dem Farron sisters got game!" A tan guy with orange hair that was spiked up.

Lightning gave him a death glare and growled, "Shut up Gadot."

"Watch it Gadot," a blue haired kid said, "Lightning's getting pretty pissed off."

"What happened to your face?" another small blonde kid asked pointing at Serah's cheekbone.

Lightning chuckled, "Serah gets into fights at her old school."

The crowd erupted in 'oooooooo's like a bunch of little kids. Serah crossed her arms and pouted her lip, "I do not! I got clipped by a bike and fell down."

"Sure ya did." Fang said making the group laugh, even Serah laughed a little.

Serah soon became aware of the group she was talking to. The tan looking guy was named Gadot, the blue guy was named Yuj, and the blonde one was Maqui. They were all Lightning's friends from middle school, as well as Fang. Serah talked to the group until the bell rang signaling that class was about to start. Serah waved goodbye to Lightning, and said she would see her at lunch; the whole school had lunch at the same time. She made her way back to the math classroom, but this time the class was almost full. Yeul was still sitting there finishing her homework. As Serah walked to her seat, she could hear the whispers of other students questioning her.

"Who is she?

"Dear Etro, she's hot."

"Her outfit is so cute."

"Is she related to Lightning?"

"I love her hair color."

"I wonder if she has a boyfriend?"

Serah quickly sat down as the final bell rang. The teacher, an old man with a mustache, walked to the front of the room and looked around. He held a clipboard with him, and checked off people's names when he saw them. When he landed on Serah's name, he paused.

"Miss Farron, welcome to our school, I've heard much about you." Mr. Oldham said walking over to where Serah sat. "My wife works as the secretary and I had your sister last year."

Serah smiled and said thanks, and with that he continued on to the lesson. About halfway through class though there was a knock at the door. Mr. Oldham walked over to the door, looked out the window, and gave a rather large sigh. Serah heard Yeul giggle behind her. He finally gave in and opened the door, and in stepped this boy. Serah's heart stopped; this boy was something else. He was so tall, almost six foot, and his features were so sharp. His jaw bone and his cheekbones were almost perfect, and his eyes were as blue as sapphires. The boy had longer brown hair, but it wasn't too long, it wasn't as long as Snow's. He wore a white v-neck shirt with a pair of jeans; which would look fine on everyone else, but on him it made him look like a male model. Mr. Oldham sighed and tapped his foot impatiently.

"Mr. Kriess, you are late. Again."

Kriess reached into his back pocket and pulled out an excuse slip. With that Mr. Oldham walked back to his desk grumbling. The boy walked straight towards Serah, and their eyes met for a moment; Serah could hear her heart beating out of her chest, she wondered if he could hear it too. He took a seat besides Yeul, who looked overjoyed to see the boy. Oh great Serah thought as she reorganized her desk, It's been a day and I'm already over Snow.

From the corner of Serah's eyes, she saw Yeul reach over and pull the boy's arm.

"Noel, where were you? You had me worried."

Noel, so that's his name Serah dreamily said his name over and over in her head.

Noel chuckled, "Sorry Yeul," God his voice is perfect , "Coach Thomas wanted to talk to me before school and it lasted a little too long."

Yeul sighed, "Well at least your in class now."

"Who's your friend?"

Serah's heart stopped for the eighth time today. God she wished she didn't have a bruise on her face; she checked her reflection in the her phone's screen, the bruise didn't look to noticeable, only if you were really up close.

Yeul tapped Serah, signaling her to turn around. Serah turned around slowly and once again met eye to eye with the mysterious boy.

Serah tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, "I'm Serah Farron." She politely suck out her right hand towards Noel.

He smiled, and took her hand in his, "Noel. Noel Kriess."

The instant he let go of holding her hand, Serah felt cold; she felt empty and alone again. This boy was like the feeling of home, the warm embrace that rises your soul and fills your cup. She wanted more of this boy, so much more. She wanted him to be hers and vice versa. This lustful feeling, she'd never have felt it with Snow; it was like this boy screamed take me.

Lunch finally came, and Serah couldn't be happier. After having three out of four classes with Noel, she was so ready to tell Lightning about her day so far. Lightning was sitting alone at a table when Serah arrived; she guessed the others hadn't arrived yet. Serah pulled up a seat next to Lightning, and gently laid her head on her sister's shoulder. Lightning chuckled and smiled, and pushed Serah off of her.

"So," Lightning asked, "why are you coming here now? I didn't get a chance to ask you earlier."

Serah sighed and started playing with her hair, "Snow dumped me. I know it's stupid but I can't go on seeing him everyday."

"He means that much to you?"

Serah shook her head, "Not anymore, I got someone new to look forward to."

She smirked, "Who?"

"Oh no one."

Lightning shoved Serah a little too hard, almost knocking her off the chair, "Come on you can tell me."

"Tell you what?"
Fang asked as she sat down across from Lightning, a small smirk playing on her lips.

"Nothing." Serah finished before Lightning could reply.

Soon the three were joined by Gadot, Yuj, Maqui, and a girl name Lebreau.

"Serah's apart of the gang now." Gadot laughed as he ate some on his french fries.

Maqui smiled, "Feels like we've known you longer than just a day."

Serah nodded, actually feeling a lot better about the stress of changing schools. Today had been amazing so far, much better than life would be at New Bodhum high school. She'd probably would be having to deal with constant reminders of her and Snow breaking. Also if she never changed schools she would have never met Noel. Noel, amazingly handsome Noel. Speak of the devil, Serah quickly spotted him from the crowd; he was sitting with Yeul at a high table. She wondered if they were a thing or not. Yeul seemed mighty attached to Noel, almost in a boyfriend girlfriend kind of way.

"Earth to Serah! Hello! Anyone in there!" Fang yelled, waving a hand in her face.

Serah blinked and turned to Lightning, who was about to die laughing, "What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing." Lightning smiled, as she and the rest of the group stood up to leave the cafeteria. Serah quickly got up and followed them to her next class, which was AP Language Arts. She was one of the first people to make it to the class, when she felt a hand on her lower back. She turned her head and about ran her face right into Noel's. There they were standing in the class, faces inches from each other, and Serah's heart about stopped.

"Hey." Noel's voice ran through her ears.

Serah smiled, "Hi."

Noel smirked, which was so damn sexy, "Want to sit with me?"

"Sure." Serah tried to play it off casual, but she thought it just looked stupid. Obviously Noel didn't think so.

She and Noel sat in the very back of the class, and soon the bell rang. The teacher started talking about rules and nonsense, but Serah couldn't quite pay attention. Her eyes kept glancing over to look at Noel, who was paying attention to whatever the teacher was saying.

So it was surprising when Noel said, "Like what you see."

Serah smiled and pushed her hair over her shoulder, "Maybe."

Serah drifted back to reality, and realized the teacher was talking about some partner work project they were going to be doing. Serah quickly looked to Noel, who was actually looking at her.

She smirked, "Like what you see."

He laughed, which about made her heart melt, "Maybe."

"Do you want to be my partner Noel?" Serah asked kicking her feet underneath her desk.

"I thought you'd never ask."

It was finally the end of the day, and serah couldn't be happier. When she reached her locker, there was Noel leaning right against it. She smiled as he adjust himself to move out of her way.

"Sooo," He started looking at all her pictures, "your place?"

"Excuse me!" Serah asked and started blushing furiously.

"I meant for the project Serah."

Serah laughed, "Oh, for a moment there you had me. But can't we go to your place?"

Noel sighed, "Not today, or this week. My friend that I live with his having important business meetings, and he told Yeul and I we couldn't have anyone over."

Yeul and him, Serah's panic faded as she realized they must be only friends.

"Oh okay, well then yeah at my place." Serah said as she jotted her address down on a slip of paper, and handed it to Noel. "Come anytime."

"Will do-"

"NOEL GET YOUR PRETTY BOY ASS AWAY FROM MY LOCKER!" A girl with a darker colored pink hair yelled, causing Noel to almost jump.

"Sheesh Vanille, I'm going." Noel said turning to the girl, Vanille, and then back towards Serah, "See ya babe."

Serah waved bye, and then turned back to get her books and stuff. she felt a pair of eyes on her though, and she quickly turned around to see the girl staring at her.

"Your new around here, aren't you?" Her accent wasn't as thick as Fang's but it was still there. She was cute, with emerald green eyes and long flowing hair that looked like a coral color.

"Yeah," Serah said grabbing her backpack and shutting her locker, "I'm Serah Farron."

"OH, so your Serah!" Vanille said grabbing onto Serah's hand and shaking it. " I'm Oerba Dia Vanille, but I go by Vanille. I'm Fang's sister."

"I can see the resemblance with the accent." Serah laughed as Vanille finally let go of her hand.

Vanille laughed, then whispered, "I'm not like her though."

"What do you mean?"

Vanille giggled and said, "Fang's crazy, she does crazy stuff and loves it. Me, on the other hand, is more calm and mature, even though she's a year older than me."

"SO, you and Noel huh?"

Serah blinked, "Is it that obvious?"

"Kinda."

"Please don't tell me he has a girlfriend or some crazy ex girlfriend that i have to worry about." Serah said bangging her head against the locker.

"Nope," Vanille laughed, "never has had a girlfriend. I've known him for a while and he has never liked anyone quite like you."

"Really?"

"Yeah for sure."

Serah smiled, "Well, it was nice meeting you Vanille! I've got to go! See ya." Serah called as she walked past the coral haired girl.

"Bye Serah."

Serah couldn't wait to tell her mom about the day she have had. Maybe even her dad too. Once Serah got her bike, she peddled all the way home, in a matter of about ten minutes. When she finally got how, she parked her bike outside the garage door, and walked around back. She sometimes liked to go swing in her backyard, it reminded her of the days where Lightning was still around. Serah saw the back door open and Mog come running out, barking at all the birds by the feeder. She then saw Serah and ran over to her; Serah met her halfway and hugged the dog, picking her up to sit on the swing with her. Serah could see her mom through the window looking out towards her. She placed Mog on the ground and walked to the back door, and gently turned the knob, letting herself and Mog inside. Her mother was already cooking something for dinner, and her father was in the same place he had been this morning.

"Mom, Dad, I had the best day today!" Serah said sitting her backpack down on the table. Her mother looked happy while her father looked irritated.

Her mother smiled, "That's wonderful honey."

Her father made a grumble sort of groan noise.

"I'm having someone come over tonight, to work on a project."

Charlotte grinned, "Someone made a new friend."

Serah nodded, as she walked around the counter, "Yup, and he's absolutely amazing."

Thomas snorted, "You and a boy? What, do you want to be on sixteen and pregnant?"

"Thomas!It is just a friend of Serah's." Charlotte scolded, making Thomas just get even more agitated.

"Well we need the money." Thomas smirked and laughed to himself.

Charlotte gasped, "Thomas!"

"Mom," Serah grabbed her mom's arm, "it's alright. He just being an instigator."

Thomas snorted, but didn't say anything. Serah took that as her cue to leave. Mog and her hurried up stairs to her bedroom, shutting the door behind the little dog. Serah then stood in front of her full length mirror; she looked pretty with a red plaid-pleated skirt lined with black lace, a white sleeveless dress shirt, a semi-transparent pink sweeper, an extra matching hair tie on her left wrist, black thigh-high stockings with a white diamond shape attached to the top of her left stocking, and her favorite pair of ivory ankle boots. She gently tugged on her ponytail rubber band, and pulled it out, letting her long hair cascade down her back. Mog happily ran around her room with a ball in her mouth, which was one of her favorite toys. serah then plugged in her straightening iron, to straighten her hair before Noel got here. She took very small sections of her naturally wavy hair and clamped the iron down on her hair, and dragged it down. Soon all her head of hair was straightened, and rested at her lower back. Mog ran over to where Serah was seated at her vanity, and jumped on the side of the chair. She ran her hands through the dog's fur, and then she scratched her little head; Mog sighed happily and laid down beside the chair in satisfaction. Mog's ears suddenly perked up, and she dashed to the door, crying and barking. Serah hurried to the door to let her dog out, and when she opened the door she was greeted by her father; Mog quickly ran past him and headed down the stairs.

"Hey Dad, you need something?" Serah asked confused.

He gave her a sinister smiled, "You know exactly what I'm going to tell you.:

Serah sighed, "Don't tell anyone about the bruises. I got it."

He grabbed her arm, tight, "Don't use that tone with me young lady, or I'll never let you leave this house."

Serah tried to pry his fingers off her arm, but to no avail; she could feel the circulation in her arm being cut off. He easily grabbed her other hand and held it too, pinning her against the door frame. His breath smelled of beer and whiskey.

"You understand you filthy whore."

Serah glared, but just shook her head yes.

He let go of her and walked over to the stairs and head down stairs; Serah just stood there holding her arm, where his fingernails almost drew blood. She headed back into her room and looked out the window, where she saw her mother and father talking to none other than the man himself. Noel looked the same besides now having rode his motorbike with him. She was disgusted by how her father pretended to love his wife has he had an arm wrapped around her. They looked liked a normal pair parents, but only Serah knew the truth. She headed out of her bedroom and down the stairs, to where Mog was barking and pawing at the door. Through the door she could see Noel shaking her father's, and her mother headed towards the door. Serah opened the door quickly before Mog could get out, and walked outside to where Noel and her father were talking. Her mother stopped her halfway, a look of worry on her face.

"Honey, what happened to your arm?"

Serah looked down at the tiny red marks appearing on her arm, and just as if her father had eyes in the back of his head, he turned and looked her right in the eye.

"Nothing Mom, just Mog."