Chapter Two

When lunch came around, I thought I’d finally gotten a hold of myself. My plan was to turn down Ryan and avoid him and Zak at all costs until the end of the school year. I’d thought everything through. The only problem was around them, my brain seemed to not cooperate. 

I went to grab my tray of food from the counter in the cafeteria, but large hands already had a hold of it. “I’ll take that.” Ryan held my tray just out of my reach. Ryan was also tall, but not as tall as Zak. I was only five-foot four, making it easy for him to hold the tray up high and out of my reach. He smiled down at me as he played his game, but I was not the least bit amused. I put my hands on my hips and raised an eyebrow. “You’re sitting with us.” He stated.

I laugh. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Ryan started walking backwards wearing a taunting smile. “Seriously, Ryan.”

“Come on. Just one day.” He moves to my side and leans in close. “I’m hoping it’ll help sway you to go out with us tomorrow.”

“I don’t fit in with your crowd. Surely you see that?” I reasoned, but he was stubborn.

“One day. That’s all I ask.” 

I sigh, knowing I was giving in. It felt like a trap, but Ryan wasn’t a mean guy. I’ve seen the guy interact without everyone over the course of four years and never heard a bad thing about him. “Fine.” I gesture for him to lead the way. I’m going to regret this.

We arrive at the table filled with Ryan’s inner circle of friends. He sets his tray down and places it directly next to mine. “Guys, this is El. I believe you know Benny.” 

Ben sat across from us and his face lit up. “What up, girl! Decide to stray from the dark side?” He holds out his fist and I bump mine with it. Ben was the only person I could tolerate in school longer than five minutes. He was probably the most genuine guy here. I didn’t know him well, but I did know he hated being called Benny.

The other three guys each gave me a fist bump, seeming to accept me immediately. The two girls however, ignored my presence. I knew each of them, I was very observant, but I doubted they even knew who I was until today.

“Hell, no. She’s not sitting here.” And here comes Kelsey.

Ryan wipes his hand down his face. “Kels, be nice, please.”

“Seriously? You want me to be nice to her?” She scoffs, then turns on her heel, flicking her hair back as she does and walks to an empty table. The two girls grabbed their items and followed behind her quickly.

“She will come around.” Ryan says, picking up his burger.

I shrugged. “I’d really rather she didn’t.” I say, earning laughter from a couple of the guys.

Suddenly, as if my brain could sense him, I turn my head slightly and see Zak sitting alone at a nearby table. My eyes connected with his and his lips were pressed in a tight line as he watched me, not looking particularly happy. Everything in me wanted to go sit at his table, but I stayed put. I pretended not to notice, but he didn’t even eat his food. Just sat there staring at me. I pull my thoughts back to the conversation, trying to follow along with the story that Tyler was telling.

Ryan scoots closer as I pick at my food. I felt odd here, the black sheep of the group. This wasn’t the type of people I would normally hang out with, even if I wanted to. But there was something about Ryan that made me want to find out what his endgame was. I’d never been kissed before, and thought it’d be good to have that under my belt before I left town. Maybe even more than just a kiss…

“So,” Ryan leaned into my ear, sending goosebumps over my skin. “What did you think of everyone? Think you can tolerate us for a night?”

“Hmm…” I pushed my lips together, leaning my chin on my hand. “I don’t know…” I draw out and he smiles. “Will Kelsey be there?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound jealous.

“Uh…” He scratches the back of his neck, seeming nervous. “Yeah, probably.” 

“Then I’m in.” 

I’m sorry, what did I just say? Did I just agree to a group date with Ryan freaking Davis? I mean, what in the world did he see in me? These were all football jocks and preppy girls who loved pink. I’m the girl that likes to wear black and keep to myself.

His smile widens and he chuckles a bit. “You pleasantly surprise me, El.” He says.

I stand as the bell chimes. “I hope you surprise me, too, Ryan.” I say giving him my most flirtatious smile before turning and dumping my tray in the trash.

The next few hours fly by and I’m so busy thinking about Ryan that I had completely forgotten about Zak until he plops down next to me in art class. “So, you finally agreed to the date.” He said, amused. How did he even hear about that?

“Not a date.” I state, not looking up from the drawing I already had out and was working on. The tables were large, and I normally sat alone, but not today. Zak was so close that his leg kept tapping mine, despite there being plenty of room at the table for him. I couldn’t stand the tormenting feeling and tried to inch away which only seemed to entice him.

“It’s a date.” He counters.

I finally looked at him. “Are you jealous?” I was definitely flirting. I definitely didn’t care. All reason went out the window the moment I looked at those piercing blue eyes.

He was about to say something when the teacher came over to talk with him about the assignment, saving me from my awful flirting. I went back to my drawing and took this time to inch further away from him. The moment the teacher walked away his attention was back on me. He looks down at the drawing, giving a nod of approval.

“You’re really good.” He says. I look down at the drawing, taking it all in. It was just a landscape of the wide open road, but I suppose I did have a knack for drawing.

“Thanks.” 

“What made you choose this landscape?”

I talk without thinking. “Because at the end of summer I will be on a road just like this going far away from here.”

And of course now I’ve piqued his interest. “You don’t like it here?”

“I...uh.. It’s complicated.” I stutter.

“Try me.” He challenges. Strangely, I wanted to tell him all of it. Every last detail of my life that led me to this decision. My father, my mother, my… ability.

“That is a story for another day.” I say, hoping he will take the hint.

“Already making future plans with me. That’s a good sign.” He says and I catch his smile out of the corner of my eye and my insides heat up. I wished I had worn my hair down to hide the red that has surely taken over my face.

He stays quiet for a while and moves his pencil delicately and skillfully over the paper in front of him. I didn’t dare peak, knowing it’d start the conversation again. This boy was dangerous, I knew that much. I also knew that, if given the opportunity, I’d drop Ryan in a heart beat for him. 

The end of class neared and I put my notepad in my bag. I finally snuck a peak at his drawing and gasped. The detail was amazing, especially for only a short period of time. The girl staring back at me was beautiful, and slightly familiar. Half of her face was done, shaded and detailed. The other half had an outline of a wolf.

“That is… wow. I have no words.” He placed the picture into his bag delicately. 

“I’m glad you like it.” I tilt my head at the way he says the words as he stands. He bends down to me. “It is you, afterall.”

My jaw dropped. That’s why she looked familiar. But there was a wildness to her features that didn’t really seem to suit me. Was that really how he saw me?

The bell chimed before I could come back with some witty comment. “Until tomorrow.” Zak says, his eyes taking me all in. “It was a pleasure to meet you, El.” He disappeared out of the door leaving me to finally try to catch my breath.

The feelings that grew in me for Zak in just the short while that I knew him scared me. I needed to stick to the plan and avoid him. I knew Ryan was a player, I’d seen him with several girls in the past, but this meant he wouldn't want a relationship. I was sure I wouldn’t fall for him even if I did have a short fling with him, and I’d still be able to leave at the end of the summer. But Zak…

With Zak, he would definitely make me want to stay, and I couldn’t let that happen. I needed to leave this town and everyone else in it. I was so engulfed in thought that I hadn’t realized I was already at the Diner. Lea greeted me as I walked in. She was an average size girl with platinum blonde hair that hung just above her shoulders in waves. She was the manager and as long as you stayed on her good side, she was very sweet. 

I quickly changed in the bathroom and pushed all thoughts of boys from my mind as I started my shift. The restaurant wasn’t very busy, but I still made decent tips. The end of the day came quickly, fortunately, and I helped Lea with the closing chores before we made our way to the door.

I untied my apron, shoving it in my bag as Lea was locking up the door to the diner. “Goodnight, El!” She calls as she walks to her car. I wave back, waiting briefly to make sure she made it to her car alright. The sky was pitch black, and most businesses around were closed, giving the town an eerie feeling. Luckily I didn’t live too far from here.

Now was one of those moments where I really wished I had a car. I was so tired from the day and just wanted to crawl under the covers and sleep for twenty four hours. I dragged my feet in the direction of home, not sure I wanted to see what was waiting up for me. 

I wondered what sort of mood he'd be in tonight. He’s been better the past few weeks. My father and I don’t get along any more. I know he blames me for mom’s death, I do too. But he’s determined to punish me for it.

Twenty minutes later, I’m at the door to the double wide trailer. I can hear the T.V. and hope that doesn’t mean he’s awake. I walk in, taking in the mess. I just cleaned yesterday and now there were empty beer cans on every surface in the small living room. I groan. So much for sleep.

I creep down the hallway, searching for signs of life. I open his door tentatively, and see him lying over the covers with his shoes still on. I was proud he at least made it to the room this time. I carefully close the door back and pop in my ear buds. I put my loudest music on and quickly picked up the house. By the time I was done cleaning and finished my homework it was one in the morning. I already loathed the idea of waking up in the morning. But at least I’d have something to look forward to.

Someone to look forward to.