Prodigal Thorn

Chapter 4

As I stand under the shower, the hot water cascading down my body and thankfully providing relief for my aching and bruised body; I wonder if coming back to Rosewood was worth it. The physical pain of every fall or bump I took while running through the course blindfolded, because these boys are assholes is nothing compared to the feelings of sadness, betrayal and anger I've had to endure. To think today's the official first day of school and I'm not even nervous about that.

Just as I'm rinsing of my muscle relaxer body wash there's a banging on the bathroom door. "We don't have all day!" Killian's voice booms. Sighing I quickly dry off and get dressed in my uniform. Making sure my white shirt is wrinkle free and tucked into my red and blue pleated skirt and my tie was on, I opted for white knee high socks to wear with my Mary Janes. Since I'm on a time crunch, I opted for some tinted moisturizer on my face and mascara. I threw my damp red hair into a messy bun and quickly brushed my teeth and put on my favorite vanilla sugar cookie perfume before leaving.

The boys were already in their uniforms with Nate dressed impeccably. His white shirt crisp and his red tie around his neck, his blue pants fit him in all the right places and his blue and red blazer is lint free, and his black shoes are shiny. His brown hair is perfectly swept back and his signature clean peppermint scent fills the air. He checks his watch, annoyance visible on his freshly shaved face. "Do we need to have training on time management too?" he huffs before taking me in. The momentary interest in his steel eyes makes me shudder before it quickly vanishes.

Luca, currently has his tie on, his white shirt tucked but his sleeves are rolled up, showcasing his Core tattoo down his right forearm with Thorns surrounding it. He has his glasses perched on his tie, but I know that's for show. Most days he wears his contacts and he keeps his extras along with the glasses he cares about in his locker. His brown locks are damp from a recent shower and swept back effortlessly. His blazer is thrown over his shoulder. "I swear if we get detention because of her I'm making her run the track until she passes the fuck out," he snaps hatred radiating off him.

Killian, however, looks like he just rolled out of bed in the best way. His uniform the same color representing the seniors, his almost purposely disheveled. His shirt, while is steamed, is untucked and sleeves rolled up as well showcasing the tattoos on his muscular forearms, his tie is loose around his neck and his blazer nowhere to be seen. "Chill out it's just the first day. You're perfect attendance will be fine, Luca" Killian yawns stretching as Xander walks toward us with coffees.

"Don't say King Xan doesn't come through," he chuckles stopping in front of me. Xander, a junior, is dressed in junior colors of beige and blue with the first two buttons of his shirt unbuttoned. His tie is loose and his shirt is untucked. His blazer, much like his brother's is lint free. He hands me a to go cup "here figure you could use this. I remember how bitchy you are when you're tired" he smirks and if my body wasn't so achy, I'd jump into his arms.

Once coffees and breakfast has been handed out we piled into the SUV. No one bothers to blindfolded me so I put my A necklace on, ignoring the looks from the boys when I layer it with my C necklace, a gift when I joined the Core. The ride was quiet, everyone in the heads well Luca was going over Nate's schedule for the day as well as prospects for new Thorns. Killian nudges me with his thick thigh when Xander parks. "You ready to get back in the snake pit, Runt?"

"I'm just surprised they let me back" I said and it was true. Nearly burning down a prestigious gymnasium is grounds for expulsion, but someone clearly likes me.... Or the money my family came into. I hop out the car and adjusted my skirt when I hear a squeal and a small body rushed at me. "Ohmygod it's true you're like here!" She hugs me tight. I haven't seen Natalie Richards in two years and I'm not surprised to miss the blue eyed, raven haired ball of energy in front of me. We became best friends simply because we were both on the same dance team as kids and Xander and I were inseparable back then.