(Javier's pov)

I wasn't sure what to make of anything. I'd stopped in at the library, grabbing two books I'd need for my newest class and was making my way to the frat house when I saw them.

Sophia and a police officer.

My first thought, now fully aware of what happened yesterday assumed nothing of it but their heated words had me stopping.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" She hisses

"Miss Jones-"

"Why the fuck are you here?! I haven't done anything! Hell I've done everything you asked! You cant just show up after eleven years-"

The officer grabs her face, abruptly stopping Sophia's words with a painful squeeze.

"Now listen here you little brat!" He hisses back.

I move, going to react when she beats me. Her hand moves, gripping his and twists sharply to the right. The movement forces the officers' arm to the side and she spins him around, kicking out his left knee. He lands in obvious pain and Sophia had followed, tightening her grip as she leans down, hissing something to quiet for me to hear. She shoves him all the way to the ground content on walking away.

"HE KNOWS!" The angered voice stops her and I watch any emotion shift to fear. The officer sits up, spitting out grass and looks at her "He knows, he's here and he's pissed." Sophia had frozen in her place, her spine ridged "you're to report to Dean Hardscrabble's office immediately."

Sophia doesn't move until the officer had risen, moving to grab her arm and harshly drag her along the road to the school.

What the hell?

I slowly moved out from behind the tree and watch them disappear down the road. Ignoring the urge to follow them I make my way back to frat row, swerving around monsters and ignoring any conversations tossed my way. My head was reeling. I'd only met the freshman a handful of times but she was kind, considerate of others and had a habit of using soft words, so watching her swear repeatedly and assault a cop was...

I shake my head, feeling my pride take a hit. Growing up as a silent observer Id always considered myself a good judge of character. I enter then house, setting my books on the small shelf by the door and stand there.

Had I been wrong? Why did that bug me so much? Id never been one to obsess over someone, well anyone for that matter. One-night-stands sure but honestly I'd begun to worry that I'd never find anyone that interested me. And now, on the last year, probably my most important year of college some freshman shows up and-

Knock knock.

I blink, glancing at the door. I shake my head. A taller monster in a black leather jacket, button down shirt, dark black jeans and sunglasses looked at me. He must have been some sort of cop as I could clearly see his gun tucked away against his ribs. By the time I finished my quick scan it was like every instinct in my body hated him, so much so I had to stop myself from wrapping my arms around his throat.

"Ah! You must be Mr. Javier Rios!" The monster states, his voice holding to much enthusiasm "Is Mr. Worthington here?" I felt my eye brow rise, simply staring the man down. The man takes my challenge, lowering his glass just the slightest to flash me pitch black eyes with blood red irises. "Trust me boy, it would be in your best interest to comply."

I feel myself step back, three steps. This overwhelming force seemed to leak from the man and I felt the cold grip of fear latch onto my body. Any thought of disobedience vanishes.

Finally forcing my head to turn "Johnny, you might want to take this..."

Johnny's reacting is much like mine, shock, fear then anger as our fraternity leader storms out of the house. Only after they've cleared half a block does this crushing fear lessen. I take in a shuttered breath and shake my head.

What the hell was that?!

(Johnny's POV)

By the time lunch rolled around we all knew what happened last night, or rather twisted versions of the event.

"That's not what happened, Sophia saved Clara so stop spreading lies you hear me?!" Chris growls, pulling a young monster off the ground.

Surprisingly Omega Howl had been doing major damage control. An odd thing as the group was just as involved with last night as she was.

"Yeah, yeah! Sorry!"

The knock on the door was unexpected but firm. Four sets of eyes rise but only one set of feet. I look back at my book, confident Javier could handle whatever it was.

"Johnny?" Javier had stopped in the doorway, sending me an off vibe "you might wanna take this."

I sigh, moving to the door and feel my blood run cold. Ice cold fingers of death grip my heart and my mothers tortured scream rips through my mind. I wince in pain, seeing the bastard smile.

"Mr Worthington-"

"Not here." I walk down the steps, not caring if he follows, but like always he does. Like a wad of gum stuck to my foot. When we were far enough away I cast him a side glare.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I thought we made our agreement very clear."

"I kept my end." I hiss back, blocking out more screams.

"So Miss Sophia being here isn't true?"

I can't help but grind my teeth together "I didn't ask her to come if that's what you're implying."

"So she is here." He slows his walk a bit and I turn to stare him down.

"Are you asking or stating?"

Even with my height and my muscles I still felt like that small pup. Like his very presence was suffocating the sun itself.

He smiles like he was reading my thoughts "Would you please come with me to the deans office?"

"Seriously?!"

"Yes, now."

When we got to the office I was mildly surprised to see Sophia, her arms crossed in anger. A second officer was standing to the left.

"What is happening?" Dean Hardscrabble glares, clearly not happy with the interruption.

"Were sorry for the interruption dean hardscrabble but a matter has come to our attention." I sit beside Sophia, also rolling my eyes.

"What matter?"

"That's classified, but I can tell you is Mr. Worthington and Ms. Jones made an agreement with local police to stay away from each other. Having both of them here together is dangerous and we can not allow this to continue."

I watch the scales on her body ripple in anger "What is dangerous about two students attending my school?"

"Again, that's classified." He sighs, flipping over his folder "As much as it pains me to do I would like to remove Ms. Jones from school until Mr. Worthington graduates. In one year she is free to return and will be granted a year's tuition as compensation for her troubles."

(Sophia's POV)

"In one year she is free to return and will be granted a year's tuition as compensation for her troubles."

My heart was in my chest. I could see Carla's disapproving shadow glaring at me.
My father's shadow.
My brothers.
Johnny's.
All my teachers swirling around me.

You're such a burden Sophia.
Stop following me around.
Why can't you figure out this simple equation.
I'm the best teacher in this city! The problem must be with you!
How could you make a scene like that?! Who do you think you are?
You honestly think anyone's on your side?
Children are seen NOT heard!

All there voices swirled around me, suffocating my voice and I curled into myself.

They were right, I shouldn't be a burden... I should just-

Hi there! A soft flicker of light breaks through the dark looming figures M-my n-names Randell. Randell bogs.
My eyes lift slowly and I gasp as the darkness pounces on Randell, smothering the light. They spin back to me, slowly circling like venomous snakes.

Children should be seen not heard.
You always find a way to ruin everything. You-

I see white forms of Mike and Randell sitting by the tree
Good morning Sophia. Cool jacket!

Thanks I smile It's kinda growing on me.

The darkness pounces again, smothering Randell but another light flickers into view from the left.

Oh no Randell we're loosing her! She's turned into a groupie!

I watch the dark figures turn, attention now on Mike and Randell.

No!

I'm pushed back by another gust of wind.
Children should be seen NOT Heard! Learn your place!

Three figures move, grabbing my arms and I'm forced to my knees, Shelia's looming figure standing over me.
I don't even know why I bother with you.
I'm shoved back again, my body tumbling down a large hill

You will never be anything but a disappointment.

I hit the bottom, hard.
Honestly I don't know why you even try Sophia.
I scream, feeling my body sinking through black sand, the darkness swirling around me.
Face it loser, some monsters have it, others don't. So do yourself a favor and go home, you're only embarrassing yourself...
Hands pushing me back into the nothingness.

No! Please!

I grip the sand, my fingers sliding through the soft grains.
It's better that we remove her from school for the rest of the year.
I panic, trying to call out for help and realize in horror that my voice is suddenly gone.
It's better this way, trust me. You're father is going through enough pain as it is, this would only burden him more.
I scramble, trying and failing to grab something as I sink deeper into the cold sand.
Just stop thinking so much Sophia, you'll only hurt yourself.
The hands above me push me further in and I lift my hand, trying to find anything as my head sinks under the sand, my tears blending into the nothingness.

Please god, no!

Sophia wait!

A hand grabs mine and suddenly all the sand explodes around me.
I gasp. Stumbling into the figure before me as I cough.

Please wait!
I see a white form of Christopher Haws

I want to say I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. He glows brighter.

Here.
He places his my shoulders, the suffocating feeling fades away.

Thank you for helping her.

Another light appears on my right.
Carla.

It's so stupid, I tripped in a hole and fell down the grass. I see us walking together

I'm just glad I was there.

My eyes flicker to the shadows lurking hungrily in the background. It had always been me, just me against the world. No one was ever on my side. No one wanted to be my friend but these last few days while hell had been thrilling, I realized for the first time in forever I didn't want it to end.

"...No."

The figures fade away around me and I find myself in the deans office, all eyes on me.

"Excuse me."

I curl my shaking hands on my lap, seeing my friends faces "I'm sorry, was I too quiet? I said NO! I'm not leaving."

"Miss jones-"

I laugh, quiet and painfully "You know, it's funny. You'd think after a lifetime of saying yes I'd be able to do it. But not this time. I have done everything everyone has asked me to do. I've been homeschooled, I never had any friends, or an online persona, I only got a phone this year because my father fought for it."

"Miss Jones." I watch his eyes narrow, teeth grinding in annoyance.

"Johnny's in frat row, I'm in the student dorms. He's a scaring major, I'm in economics. We don't have the same interests, schedules or activities and we sure as HELL don't have the same friends."

"Miss Jones..." his voice was long passed warning, the danger lingering in its depths and I'm on my feet before I can stop myself

"I AM STAYING! I have EARNED the RIGHT to be here!" My eyes flicker from detective douche to Johnny and back again "And if that's not good enough, then screw you."

I stormed out of the office, ignoring the detectives and the Dean's voices to come back. I called my fathers lawyer, letting him know what was going on a little to harshly and thanked the man quickly when he promises to fix it. I thought about calling my father but the simple thought was enough to bring me to tears. I couldn't hear his voice right now.

"That fucking arrogant asshole!" I mutter under my breath. My feet were walking with no direction, my mind to occupied with not punching anything and everything in sight "Why the fuck did he show up now! I mean how the hell did he find me?!"

Fearbook. The thought hit me like a ton of bricks. Everything had gone down hill since that accident. Everything had happened because of him.

Like it was fate I couldn't miss the amused giggles to my left "Uh oh," one female chuckles "Look's like the princess is pissed."

"Excuse me?" I hiss back but the action only fuels there joy

"I wonder what happened?" the second adds "Is prince charming not living up to his reputation?"

"He is not my prince charming okay? Would everyone stop saying that?!"

"Well why is he everywhere you are huh?" the first sneers, crossing her arms.

"He's not."

"Oh really?" the second giggles "then who's that."

I feel my heart drop, this crushing force squeezing my chest as none other than Javier walks up the path, stopping at my angered look.

"Jesus Christ! Of course you're here right now!" the surprise was clear as poor Javier had unfortunately walked into my wrath. Even the females stopped laughing "I mean seriously! Are you following me or something?! Back off!"

Before I could feel any sort of emotion for my unfortunate explosion of the ROR senior a third voice speaks.

"Sophia?" I sigh, letting my head fall forwards. Honestly, I could scream in frustration.

"What's going on here?" a fourth adds and I don't have to look to know the entire Omega Howl group was behind- well now in front of me as I'm circled and shielded from sight.

"Are you trying to start something ROR's?"

"You heard her Javier, back off."

Instead of defending himself or getting angry Javier simply pauses, now standing face to face with my first defender, Christopher. The two of them share a few moments of silence before Javier simple moves, walking around the group like nothing happened. Christopher snorts territorially, receiving a few pats on the back and general cheers of happiness.

"Hey," Christopher sigh "So what was that-" the others had turned, all staring at me softly. "... Sophia what's wrong?"

Jonathan moves, gently running a clawed finger up my cheek. I blink, finally feeling more tears run down my face. I was feeling so many strong emotions at once I wasn't feeling anything yet the tears wouldn't stop falling.

"Hey," Jonathan whispers gently "It's okay..."

I shake my head, feeling too much attention at once and run away.

(Javier's POV)

The front door opened, causing all our heads to turn.

"Oh hey! You're back!" Chet yells excitedly "where did-"

The enthusiasm stops when Johnny hadn't stopped, entering the house and walking up the stairs. We all jump when his bedroom door slams shut.

I rise, walking up the stairs after him.

"Johnny?" I knock on the door softly "hey, open up." Silence "hey its just me." More silence.

I sigh, turning around.

"Hey Javier is Johnny-" I walk out the front door, feeling slightly bad about ignoring Chet yet again but move down the quad. I had no doubt this whole thing was about that man from before. This whole thing was one twisted spider web. The first time they met at the party, Sophia's out burst at the cop and now this?

I was mulling through all my information when laughter stops me.

"Jesus Christ! Of course your here!" I suppose I shouldn't have been shocked to find myself face to face with Sophia. I'd seem to find the freshman no matter where I went "would you back off."

Before I could speak Omega Howl is on me like rabid dogs.

"What's going here?!"

"You trying to start something Roars?!"

I take in the group now surrounding Sophia, fully intent with defending my honor when I see it. The soft tears spilling over her cheeks, eyes filled with so much emotion you could almost drown if you stared too long. So I shut my mouth, simply moving around the group and continue my walk.

I wasn't going to get any answers today.

..
..

I knocked on Johnny's door softly "hey Johnny I have food."

There was no response. I open the door, seeing Johnny hidden under a pile of blankets. The curtains were pulled shut and his yellow shirt and sweater were tossed unceremoniously on the floor.

I set the tray on his desk "Johnny?"

Johnny only sighs, rolling away from me and pulls the blankets over his head.

"Okay, okay amigo. Ill leave you be. But if you want to talk..."

I shut the door, seeing the others standing in the hall and shake my head.

The others mopped around the house, flipping open books to get an early lead on classes or in Sully's case flipping through channels on the tv. I thought about sitting down but the overwhelming need to walk buzzed through my body.

I stepped out of the house for the third time today, walking through the school yard. The usual faces and cheerful chatter bugged me, I felt myself walking further and further away from the noise and after a little while noticed I'd left the school ground, yet the thought was... comforting.

I inhale, taking in the smells around me. Looked at the smaller houses and the different colors and structures, the growing flower beds and wooden gates. I had been here for three years yet I hadn't seen any of this. Sure I'd left the school to go bowling with the guys or to grab groceries twice a week but I'd never really looked at it.

The houses and gardens soon turned into play grounds and buildings. I watched a few kids running around the park, laughing and chasing each other.

Watching them run I find myself laughing. How long has it been since id done something for the fun of it?

I turn, stretching my legs in both directions and twist my upper body. I crouch, feeling my fingers on the cool stone and dash forward. The images around me fly past, I feel my feet on the ground, the earth all but calling to me. I push harder, trusting my feet to move as I flew down the blocks in record speed. I see a car coming and smile, getting closer and launch myself over the top. I move my legs in circles, trying to ease the pressure and continue running as my feet land. I'd easily cleared the road and couldn't help but laugh.
God this felt good!
I turn, taking a left, then a right. I'd run, feeling the warmth spreading through my body and grin when I notice a large stone wall a head. A little part of me said to turn left but I pushed that thought down. Increasing speed I crouch low, jumping over the wall with so much height I surprised myself. I throw my hands out, spinning them backwards and land, sliding across the sidewalk a bit before stopping.

I was in a graveyard.

With no sense of direction or another monster in sight I simply picked a direction, starting my walk back to school when I smelt it.

The sweetest scent. A familiar scent I couldn't place yet it drew me in like a magnet. That earlier buzz had returned, calling me, begging me to move. To find the source of that smell. It made my whole-body tingle and my head fuzzy. My heart pounded in my chest as the scent grew stronger and all thoughts left my mind.

(Sophia's POV)

"Sophia?" a voice calls, causing me to jolt.

"Sophia?!" a second voice adds.

I gasp, my body shaking off this crushing weight. My body felt cold, numb to the world.

"Sophia, where are you?!"

It was Mike and Randell. I cough, curling my fingers and feel something cold crumble around them. What had happened? Where was I?

"Sophia!"

I groan, forcing my eyes to open slowly.

"According to the GPS on her phone she should be around here somewhere." Randell states, their voices growing louder "Sophia!"

I shut my eyes at the pounding headache and try again. The world was so bright. When it begins to fade, I notice a bit of grass then dirt. Each breath pushing loose dirt. My eyes flicker up, seeing engraved stone and blurry words. I think I was in a graveyard but how I got here or what happened before was a blur.

I tried to move but that heaviness wouldn't budge, in fact it seemed to be getting worse. I could hear Mike's voice coming around the bend, they'd be here soon. As I shut my eyes, I see long legs with three black toes. I feel strong arms slide under my body and my head fall forwards as I'm lifted off the ground.

(Mike's POV)

When Randell had burst into our room his fear was enough to spook me. I hadn't gotten the whole story but most of it was clear. Something was wrong with Sophia and now she was gone. I tried her phone, hearing the line ring as we make our way out to the quad.

"What happened?!" I ask, already having a bit of trouble keeping up with Randell's long legs.

"I'm not sure, she was happy and laughing this morning and then she blew up at Javier."

"Javier?"

Randell rolls his eyes "He's in the Roar's."

"Oh, problem solved then." I sigh, getting her voice mail and try once again "Why does everything crappy have to end with those guys?!"

After searching around the Quad with no luck Randell suggested that new tracking app. With a bit of fumbling, we find it.

"... Where is she going?"

My silence echoes his thought as we watch the dot that was Sophia fly down the streets in record speed. We'd followed the dot to the gates of a graveyard, causing Randell and I to share a look.

"Sophia!" Randell yells, the two of us walking down the empty path.

"Okay am I the only one weirded out right now?"

Randell looks at his phone once more "The dots stopped for a while; she should be here." He lifts his first set of hands "SOPHIA!? WHERE ARE YOU!?"

I sigh, cupping my mouth "SOPHIA!"

The yelling continues for a bit, causing us to head deeper into the old cemetery "She should be around here." Randell states, watching our green dot approaching Sophia's "Wait!" he stops "She's... She's moving."

"Sophia?" I call out softer, looking up over the hill and we both see the top of a figure. I smile softly "Soph-" my eyebrow raises in confusion as a familiar face reveals itself.

"Javier?" Randell states "What are you doing here?"

The stoic senior simply walks past us, an unconscious Sophia in his arms.