I wasn't as tired as I thought. My gran wasn't in when I woke, already set of for her garden club that she
had failed to mention she had joined. A book club and a garden club. I now had no way of getting to
school. Catching sight of Jake's hoody that was thrown over my chair I smiled. I forgot to give him that
back.
Slipping my feet into my sneakers I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I could always text
Alanna and see if I could car share with her. Unplugging my charger I made sure everything was
switched off. Grabbing my cup I finished the rest of my coffee just as my phoned vibrated.
'Had a really good time last night princess. You needing a lift to school? noticed your gran leaving early'
Well that was my excuse out the window.
'No it's okay I'll find a way. Thanks though'
I couldn't bring myself to accept his offer. It was like half of me wanted to but the stubborn part didn't.
Opening up a new message I sent it to Alanna.
'Hey do you mind giving me a lift to school?'
Giving myself a once over in the mirror I headed downstairs. I still had half hour before I needed to
leave but Alanna hadn't texted me back yet and I was starting to worry. I didn't want to be late again
and I wasn't sure if a bus stop was near or even went past the school.
Alanna messaged me back and it turns out she wasn't going in today. I was screwed. I didn't want Jake
taking me to school. After what happened last night I didn't need anymore unwanted attention. I mean
what was it about Jake. Yes he was good looking but what did he hold over this town?
I was running out of time.
'Can you still give me a lift?'
..
He didn't message me back and I was already an hour late for my first class. I needed a car and fast. I
couldn't depend on my gran anymore.
Why didn't I just accept his offer the first time?
I had phoned the school and told them I'd be in after lunch. That gave me enough time to get there by
bus. I googled times and stops, I just had to walk 20 minutes down the road to the bus stop. I hope
google was up to date.
It wasn't very warm outside but I was prepared with my hat, gloves and my coffee. Sticking my
earphones in I pressed play and set off down the street.
I had sent my gran a message earlier asking if she would be able to pick me up when school finished
but she had yet to reply. I did wonder why she was so busy nowadays. I mean we hadn't been here
long enough for her to make friends. Something felt off.
I could hear it but I chose to ignore it. The car horn wouldn't stop but I already knew who it was. I wasn't
interested. He could toot his horn all day if he wanted too. He wasn't taking me to school. Yes he did
offer and I declined but in my head I could still be annoyed at him for ignoring my text.
Coming to a stop I pulled my earphone out and glared at him. "What do you want?".
"Get in". He sighed.
"No" I huffed.
"And how do you plan on getting to school?".
"Bus". I shrugged.
"Busses don't run in this part of town so please just let me take you to school".
"Jake". I sighed. "I'm new here and I'm trying to fit in. You seem like a big deal around here and you
taking me to school is just going to throw unwanted shade at me".
"You're overthinking Leah. No one-..."
"Last night". I stated cutting him off. "The way those girls looked at me". I had never in my life had any
issue with other girls but this town was different.
"Babe-..."
"No Jake I can't do it I'm sorry". Maybe I could just miss school today. But I already told them I was
coming in.
Damn it.
"I'll drop you away from the school so no one will see. How does that sound?". I must admit it sounded
great considering I was freezing. I couldn't feel my toes.
What other option did I have?
"Okay". Getting in I put my seat belt on and continued to sip on my coffee.
"Are you really bothered about what other people think?". He asked starting the car back up and driving
off.
"Not really but you have to see it from my point of view. I don't want girls to hate me because they think
I'm ruining their chance with you. And that's what they'll think. Even though there is nothing going on
between us. Girls are mean when they're jealous".
He started laughing.
"And I'd rather the last 6 months I have to be here be pleasant and stop laughing at me". I groaned.
He stopped but I could see the grin he was wearing.
"I just want an easy time here and for people not to think I'm trying to steal their potential husband".
Shaking his head he pulled up about a block away from the school.
"You need me to pick you up after?". He asked.
"No but thank you". Unclipping my seat belt I opened the door and got out.
"If you need a lift home please just text me".
"Bye Jake". Closing the door I walked the short distance to the school.
I had managed to make it in for 2nd period. Sitting in English I could feel the stares already. This is
what I was talking about. They sure know how to make someone feel uncomfortable for doing nothing
wrong.
"Okay class today I want you to focus on yourself. I want you to write a personal statement. I want you
to put in your goals, your motivation, likes and dislikes but I want it written proper. No bullet points and
no lists. I have to nip out for 5 but I'll be back and no talking".
Glancing down at my hand I made a face. How was I suppose to write a personal statement when I
couldn't even write.
"Yo new girl".
I could here him I just wasn't interest.
"Hey". He whispered.
Again not interested.
"I'm talking-...."
"She obviously doesn't want to talk to you so leave her alone". The girl in front of me said. "Besides
shes way out of your league". She laughed.
Glancing to side I noticed the boy was glaring but for the rest of the class he didn't bother me. He didn't
even look at me.
Mr Gallagher had yet to return and there wasn't much time left to this class. Everyone else had there
heads down writing away.
"Okay everyone we will continue this tomorrow. The next two classes will consist of this. I want feeling
in there. I want to be able to read it and know exactly who wrote it. Start packing your stuff away and
get ready for your next class".
Putting my books away in my bag I pulled on my jacket and waited for the bell to ring. I had chemistry
next so at least I had Ryan to sit with. Taking out my phone I made sure Mr Gallagher couldn't see it.
He seemed like the type of teacher who would confiscate it.
'I'll pick you up today honey. Jacob is here knocking down the kitchen. Takeout for dinner okay with
you?'
After quickly texting her back I slipped my phone into my front pocket.
"I hope that wasn't a cell phone Miss Wilson".
"No it-..."
Saved by the bell. I was almost out the door but of course he stopped me.
"Ah Miss Wilson".
"Yes?".
"Cell phones aren't allowed to be used during class. Don't let it happen again".
Why did I have a feeling he was picking on me?! I had only been here 2 days. Nodding my head I
about turned and made my way to chemistry.
"And there I thought you weren't coming in today". He grinned as I took my seat.
"I overslept". I lied. I was embarrassed to say I didn't have a ride. And I didn't want to put him in a
position where he felt he needed to offer. I really needed to find a job and save the rest of the money I
need for my own car.
"Jake Taylor got anything to do with that?". He grinned.
"Huh what? No!".
"Why's your face going red then shorty?". He laughed.
"Shut up". Getting my books from my bag I set them open on the table. "When are you free to tutor
me?". I asked changing the subject.
"I've got football practice today and tomorrow but I could do Thursday if that suits?".
"Thank you again for doing this".
"Anytime shorty. I like to share my big brain". He smirked causing me to laugh.
"Miss Wilson Mr Smith nows not the time for talking. Get the books open and work through the
questions on page 4 and 5". Mr Robinson said.
"I'm so failing this class". I groaned.
"Nonsense I'll give you all of my notes. You'll be fine I promise".
We sat in silence for the rest of the period. Mr Robinson was in a stinker of a mood today and I didn't
need a detention for not keeping my mouth shut.
It was lunch after this and I couldn't wait. I was starving.
"So are you and Jake a thing?".
And we were back to this.
"I saw you two last night at the diner". He whispered.
"He took me for a burger. It isn't a big deal". These people were obsessed with him. "His dad is fitting a
new kitchen for my gran".
"That speech he made". Ryan grinned.
"You definitely have a hard-on for him too".
"I do not he's just a cool guy".
"Whatever you say"... I sang.
"Miss Wilson detention after school tomorrow". Mr Robinson yelled.
You have got to be kidding me.
The bell rang signalling it was time for lunch. "You coming to sit with me for lunch?". He asked as he
helped put my books in my bag.
I can't believe I got a detention on my second day here". I groaned. "I thought Mr Robinson was cool?".
As we sat at a table Ryan placed my lunch in front of me.
A turkey sandwich, an apple and a bottle of water.
"He usually is". He shrugged. "Must not be getting laid". He smirked.
Rolling my eyes I started to eat my sandwich. My hand was throbbing and I was beginning to get a sore
head. My body was screaming for the sugar that I was trying to give up. Taking through my bag I pulled
out my antibiotics popping 2 from each kind.
"How long before that comes off?". He asked.
Swallowing the pills I put them away. "At least another 5 weeks. I've got a check up at the end of the
week".
"Did you really punch a guy in the face?".
"I did". I smirked.
"Beautiful and a badass". He winked.
"Kinda stupid considering I broke my hand but it was satisfying".
"What's your last two classes?".
Finishing off my sandwich I grabbed my schedule from my pocket and gave it to him. I had a feeling I
had maths next.
"Oh maths and then history. Wanna skip?".
"And do what?". I asked.
"I dunno anything. I'll treat you to a chocolate muffin".
"Sold". I grinned. Getting to my feet I pulled my jacket on and grabbed my bag. "Let's go before we get
caught". After Ryan put our rubbish in the trash we both made our way out into the parking lot. I don't
know why but my heart was hammering in my chest.
"Oh maths and then history. Wanna skip?".
"And do what?". | asked.
"| dunno anything. I'll treat you to a chocolate muffin".
"Sold". | grinned. Getting to my feet | pulled my jacket on and grabbed my bag. "Let's go before we get
caught". After Ryan put our rubbish in the trash we both made our way out into the parking lot. | don't
know why but my heart was hammering in my chest.
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