ac

p or people would see the bruises on my arms with the shape of my father's fingerprints. He was drunk when I got

n that hoodie" Lola ch

alright,"

someone else's hands that made those marks. I pushed my so-called father to the back of my mind, trying to concentrate on my class, but there was something else

ipal's secretary. Our math's teacher Mrs Holland answered it, and ta

ld like to see you in his

ents oohed, all wondering why I was getting called to the office. I nodded, grabbing my things and heading out. I was nervous, racking my brain, wondering what

or, waiting for the principal to call me in. I

me, Sir!" I sai

s not alone. Someone was sit

dent around. Ryland is in all of your classes

ld I know someone who is new

o" I

to me turned to face me, a

about me already,

d why has he asked for me The mysterious

in my voice made it cl

would see you again ver

of me, only a couple of inches between our bodies. My breath ca

ficially, Gracie," he said

gh to send a shiver down my spine. I pulled

name to the face," I

last night" he asked, so

e, maybe

till holding onto my hand,

d see right through me. We heard the principal clear his throat from behind Ryland, reminding the b

ioned he is in all your classes, and if there are any issues

hile the principal instructe

es" I

not being the most well-beha

principal pointed out sternly, and finished with "T

all I need, a

" I answe

bag and walked out. I sighed, heading out after hi

ways ditch"

ng to happen," I sai

irl" he

uences for me if I ever ditched sch

ng" he

ay, making my way back to class. I heard him runni

r my question," he said, "But I will find o

n he suggested that too. He chuckled, finding me ignoring him amusing, apparen

hit with the girls, not so much with the guys, some of which have said not so nice or welcoming t

Lola asked him as the last fe

t wasn't like he lacked offers. Plus, I needed a break from him, even if only f

flashing his smile at her, "That OK,

ld think at that precise moment was how glad I would be when this day comes to an end. I don't know what it was about him. He got to me. He got under my skin

meone else, but did he No, of course he didn't. He waited for me, telling Lola and Brook to head to the lunch hall and get us a seat. I looked at my frien

is taking so lo

d, hoping to hide m

hink you don't want me to join you for

piss me off. I don't condone violence at all, but I found my

impression" I asked,

"Admit it, no matter how much I annoy you, you are enjoying having

air before storming out of the class. Yes, I was acting chi

better than I do. It's not like I don't like him, that isn't it at all. It is more that he gets kic

for the rest of the day," Ryla

hought aloud, finding a small giggle

ght, I don't know ho

es. At least he is hones

ow did you know

I have not asked him that question and I wa

"I have seen you a couple of times, you haven't seen me though, and I know your

little strange. He saw me, but I never saw him, yet the first time I officially met him, he drew me straight in. I must

ing you were some crazy

be," he replied

sitate to kick your da

have such a beautiful and unique laugh. I can't blame people for getting dr

is school will not be as b

y had his arm wrapped around me. I tried to ignore those stare

ing me alone anytime soon I was not sure what I thought abo

" I said, stifl

e said co

ar may have just gotten