Hunted

Chapter 5: The Anti-Social Tribrid

-The Anti-Social Tribrid-

-Chapter 5-

Hope knew the only way her parents wouldn't kill her for being late to class was if she wasn't. No one was going to believe her when she said "I found a four-old crying and had to bring her back to the pre-school." 

Her teachers would think she wanted an excuse to skip, and her parents would think the same. It was pointless. Fruitless. To try and convince them otherwise. 

So instead the Salvatore made her way to the Health room, and claimed she had "cramps." This was a lie obviously her period was last week, but she needed an excuse. 

After about ten minutes of laying on the bed with a heating pad, Hope asked for a pass back to class and the nurse gave her one gladly. 

When she walked into second period, she handed Ms. Sharma the pass and her teacher didn't even blink. 

She suck into her spot and after awhile began to zone the teacher out - until she figured out that everyone was moving. Hope gave a quick glance around and looked to the board, which read: Group Project! Causing Hope to mumble a few choice words under her breathe. 

She hated group projects. She never had anyone to do them with. 

"Hey," she heard a deep voice say behind her. 

Hope jumped slightly. She was more than a little on edge from the creepy text and the big blow out with Damon. 

The person walked in front of her, and Hope noticed that it wasn't just anyone, it was a boy . . . a very cute boy. 

He kind of had a rugged look about him. A loose button down hung around his frame and was covered mostly by a sweater shirt. With curly black curls covering his head. And deep blue-gray-ish eyes that one could get lost in-- 

No Hope! She needed to stop herself. She didn't even know if he was single or he if even liked girls. Plus, at this rate her parents would be home schooling her within the week. Starting a romanic relationship - bad idea. And there were those trusting people issues . . . 

"Do you need a partner?" he asked. 

Hope nodded, "Why not?"

The boy looked slightly confused with that answer, but sat down anyways. 

"I'm Jed by the way," he said sticking out his hand. 

Hope thought it was slightly formal, but took his hand anyways, "Hope."

Together the two of them got to work on the project, and Hope figured out a few things:

First, Jed was new to the school. Or new to just school in general. He said he was homeschooled most of his life. When Hope mentioned she might be homeschooled for the rest of her life, Jed gave an easy laugh and said it wasn't that bad - most of the time. 

Second, Jed was very smart. It was Math class. They were given a huge sheet of thirty word problems. When getting a partner Hope tried to be strategical, she needed someone smart so she wouldn't do much work, but having no friends in the class meant she didn't have many options. So she usually ended up doing most of the work, but Jed knew all the concepts. And taught Hope a few which was a life savior because Hope could not fail a class then homeschool would be a definite. 

Third, he was actually a really kind, caring person, and that was all she was going to say about that.

XXXX

Landon better known as, Jed, was sweating through his shirt. He really hoped Hope didn't notice. 

Having a conversation, befriending the tribrid that was strangely easy. She was kind, did her part, a good listener. He actually enjoyed getting to know her. That was the problem!