The New Girl

Overprotective New Friend

River~

I realized last night that I never got Clara's phone number. I had planned on giving her a ride to school today, especially because her ankle would probably hurt even more today.

When the guys and I got to school Clara's bike was there, so Clara was there. 

We walked in and all eyes turned to us, I tried to act like I didn't notice.  The pointing and whispering was difficult to ignore though. I felt a hand on my shoulder and found Eli standing next to me.

"Bro,  Brent is all over that new chick you were with yesterday. I don't blame him though. She's pretty cute." I looked at him and raised my eyebrows, then chuckled a little. He smiled and pointed towards them. "Anyway, if you have any interest in her, I'd recommend that you make it happen fast. You aren't the only guy in this school." He said as he turned on his heels and walked away. 

I looked over at the boys rest of the guys and waited for them to say something. 

"Just go get her. Duh." Alex said and walked away to his locker.  I rolled my eyes and walked towards the crowd of people. 

Clara was leaning against a locker looking uncomfortable as ever, with Brent on her left side. He kept stealing glances at her. The whole thing was awkward to watch. I strode over to her and stood on her right side and casually leaned against her a little. Of course Brent got the idea and raised an eyebrow at me. 

"Hey man, I was just introducing myself to Clara here." He said. I nodded and looked down at Clara. 

She looked up at me, clearly shocked.

"Uh, hey River?"

"Hello Clara.  I was just coming to take you to class." I said casually.

"Well,  I'm actually in her first class. I could walk her there." Brent butted in.

I looked at Clara questioningly, and she nodded. I dropped her hand and walked away, but turned to give her a smile as I went. I don't really know what my intentions are with her anyway. I know I want her as a friend, but I'm not sure what else I'm after from her. I can get ass pretty easily around here if I want, but I'm not sure if that is what I want right now. I'm just afraid she is making a mistake.  

Brent of all people. He's not a good guy at all. Perhaps she won't fall for his advances. 

My first few classes went quickly, and then it was time for lunch. I walked to the cafeteria and found Brent and Clara sitting at my table with the rest of the guys. Brent never sits there.  I went and sat on the other side of Clara hesitantly. Things felt off.

"Hey River, can I talk to you? In private?" She asked me quietly, clearly trying to keep from making a scene. I nodded and she stood up from the table. I noticed the guys at the table, including Brent, exchanging confused looks. Clara walked towards the hallway and I followed her. 

"What's up Clara?" I asked her when she finally stopped by some benches at the intersection of two halls. 

"Something was wrong with you this morning. What was it?" Her voice was low and she was looking me straight in the eyes. I couldn't help but notice how long her eyelashes were and how pretty her eyes looked. 

"Oh, nothing. I've just known Brent a long time." I said matter of factly. She raised an eyebrow. 

"And? What does that mean?" She sounded a little annoyed at this point.

"He isn't a good guy." No sugar coating it. 

"Okay, but I'm not dating him. He was just being friendly." She said.

"He is never 'just being friendly'", I replied with a sigh. She rolled her eyes and turned to walk back to lunch. My hand shot out and I gently grabbed her arm. She turned and looked at me as I pulled her towards me. What was I doing? I leaned in towards her and whispered right by her ear as quietly as I could, "I'm trying to protect you."  She yanked her arm away from me. 

"River stop being weird. We are not off to a good start today dude, get your crap together. You aren't my babysitter. I can take care of myself." With that she turned to walk away and this time I didn't try to stop her. She was right, I was acting weird. I am not normally like this at all. What has gotten into me?