The New Girl

Fresh Meat

Clara~

"Whoa boys lets slow down a little. I think I see some fresh meat right there!" I looked straight ahead as I pedaled, trying to avoid eye contact. I didn't want this to be my first interaction with people from my new school, but it looked like these guys were probably around my age.

I felt myself blush and pedaled faster. Good thing I had rode the route to school last night so I knew the way. "Hey, sweetie are you on your way to the highschool? " The boy in the passengers seat asked me. I nodded and kept looking forward.

"Let us give you a ride, it looks like you are struggling a little?" I felt my cheeks getting warm. I was trying to ignore it, but my ankle was killing me. I slowed down for a second and thought about it. Could I trust these strangers? No. I didn't know these guys. Also, I hate when guys stop a girl like that by yelling or cat calling. It is creepy. 

"No, it's okay. I think I will just get off my bike and walk. Thanks though." I managed to get out quietly as I stopped pedaling completely and got off my bike. A sharp pain shot up my ankle and I winced in pain. That really hurts. My ankle hadn't been rolled this bad since two years ago at my old towns annual fair. I stopped walking for a second and looked over at the guys who were watching me still. They looked nice, but also, who starts yelling at a stranger like that? My mom would kill me if she found out I got into the car with a bunch of guys I didn't know. 

"Look, obviously you are in pain. We won't bite. You are new right?" One asked me. I nodded. I sat down on the curb where they had stopped to talk to me. I could feel the weight of panic building on my chest. No. Not now. I pushed the feeling down as well as I could. Maybe I could postpone the attack, but when it is ready to happen it will. I won't be able to stop it. I looked at my swollen ankle and the bruising that was developing on the right side of it. 

Two of the boys, one being the driver, got out of the car and headed towards me. I felt a tear fall down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away.

"Hey, don't cry. Are you okay? " The driver asked me quietly as he kneeled down in front of me. He hadn't said a word until now. He seemed like a quiet guy from what I could tell. 

"Yeah. I, uhm rolled my ankle this morning." He reached for my ankle, but before he touched me he looked up at me for permission. I nodded at him hesitantly and he lightly began poking at my ankle.

"Hurry up River." One of the boys in the car said. I blushed an even brighter shade of red.

"I don't want to make you guys late to school. " My voice came out quietly, barely more than a whisper.

"We are late all the time, nothing new. " River said with a cheeky grin. I smiled at him and he stood up. He put his hand out for me to grab, and I took it hesitantly. He pulled me to my feet, which sent s jolt of pain through my ankle. He turned around with my hand still in his and led me to the car. I felt uncomfortable and really just wanted to get away from these guys. 

"Hey Jame's, do you mind if she rides shotgun?" He asked the boy who quickly nodded. Maybe he wasn't as much of a jerk as he seemed. 

I sat down and watched as River grabbed my bike and stuck it in the back, it barely fit. 

"You two guys are so soft. We get a piece of fresh meat and you are putty. We are going to be very late to first period all because you boys don't have a backbone. " A boy in the back said. He was clearly grumpy. I thought River said they were late a lot? Maybe this guy wasn't part of the "Always Late" club. 

"Shutup Alex. I'm driving. If you've got a problem then you can walk. " River said.

"Whatever, and 'piece of meat' what's your name? " Alex asked with a raised eyebrow. Just one eyebrow raised. I couldn't do that. When I try that my eyebrows both go up, making me look surprised. 

I sat there and stared at them all for a few moments. Sure, they had been nice enough to give me a ride. However, I can't pretend they hadn't acted like total jerks before. It is not acceptable for guys to act like that. I decided to respond instead of just watching them though. 

"Clara." I mumbled and all the boys nodded.

The car slowed down as River found a parking spot near the front of the lot. The spot was painted but I couldn't tell what was on it. I looked around and noticed that a lot of the cars looked pretty expensive in the lot, few of them were old or beat up. 

"Well, lets get you inside."