Feelings at Bay

Chapter 2

The chatter among students made the evening classes fast-forward. Although Julianna led most of the conversation through note passing and scream-whispering, everyone had gotten entangled in her insanity. Even the boys couldn't stay focused on the chemical makeup of certain acids for too long. Eventually, they escaped into the halls.

As they hurried to their lockers, their walk came to a screeching halt when a girl's shriek bounced off the walls. Simultaneously, they all turned their heads towards the source of the disturbance. Thinking something was wrong, Amy hid behind Jordan who just scowled in response.

At first Amy thought it was because of her actions, but the girl hadn't even noticed her. Instead, her gaze had honed in on a specific individual that wasn't the screamer; it was a boy who had just flung the doors open and walked as if he owned the place.

"Great." She mumbled.

"Figures he'd come back." Matthew said under his breath.

"What are you guys talking about?" Julianna questioned too loudly for Amy's taste. Apparently her sentiment was shared with Jordan, who elbowed her friend.

"Hush; he's right there!"

Where the boys in her group had at least some semblance of a uniform, the stranger had none. His clothes were clean, yet totally unacceptable. Sunglasses covered his green eyes. His brown hair was modest by comparison, without any chemicals added.

He saw them and walked over in an exaggerated fashion; his arm thrusting back and forth with each step he took. A golden wristwatch bobbed up and down his arm with its rapid movements.

"Why, look who we have here! It's my favorite people; been a long time, hasn't it John?"

"Not long enough."

"Jordan, Julianna, have you gotten the closure that you needed last year?"

His arrogant nature was clearly having the effect he was after. At least three people were bright red in frustration. He wasn't done yet; he had to get four straight wins... hold on a second...

"I don't believe we have met before. What's your name, sweetie?"

Amy found herself caught off guard. Visibly shaking, she struggled to remember her name. There was something about this boy's confidence and strong accent that made her feel intimidated. What was going on with her?

Speak already!

"..."

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? It happens all the time, so I won't hold it against you. But that was a serious question. What's her name?"

His eyes fixated on the only other target left: Matthew.

"Noneya."

"Don't be smart with me. What's her name, for crying out loud?"

"It's Amy!" She stuttered.

"Amy huh... That's a cute name. Sweet, innocent, and harmless. You know what, if you want to live up to your name, you should stay away from these guys. Bad for business. Whelp, that's it! Gotta go."

He walked away.

Letting out a collective sigh, everyone, save for Amy, started to walk to their next class. She found herself dumbfounded by the stranger's actions and words. She was lost in thought until Julianna called out to her. Quickly catching up, she didn't say another word until gym, the final class.

. . .

"You can't do this to me! Don't you know who I am?"

"Your family name is exactly why I'm doing this."