The Dark Ones

Chapter Three: Dejection

Georgia couldn't have told a soul what went on around her that day. For the first time in her life she played truant at school. She was physically present through every class but her mind couldn't have been further away. From class to class, wherever Georgia went, she felt the back of her neck burn. Hayden Ryder always managed to get in before her and sit at the back. Every class she entered, she tried to make eye contact with him as she walked to her seat. Each time she wanted to speak or say something to him, she lost the nerve once it came time to actually let out the words.

Frustratingly, he always kept his head down and never once looked up to see her. It might have been easier if he did. He could have spoken first and broken the tension Georgia felt. Homeroom was the worst. Hayden had taken the seat directly behind Georgia. Her eyes were fixed on his face as he passed, as were every girls' in the class. Some of them even giggled unashamedly and openly catcalled him which Mrs. Jordan was not pleased about. The boys also seemed entranced by him. Hayden appeared immune to everything around him. He kept his head fixed ahead and never blinked as he walked to his seat without acknowledging a single person.

Knowing that he was behind her made her hyper aware of every inch of herself. The back of her neck felt so exposed. She had never hated the back of her neck more. It was so small. Maybe the skin looked bad? Was she hairy there? These questions plagued her mind as she felt like Hayden's eyes were on the back of her head throughout the class. Benny picked up on her daze. He became sulky soon after and the two never spoke much. Georgia didn't notice or care. Benny suddenly didn't exist. No one else did. There was just one person on her mind and everything else melted away.

With each bell, Hayden woke up robotically and was out of the classroom in a flash. At the next class, he was already there each time; sitting in the last row, head down, and refusing to look up or talk to anyone else. Georgia had so many infuriating questions on her mind and not a single answer.

What the hell is he doing here? Where'd he go after leaving the street that morning? What happened to him? Why did he look so dirty and banged up on the street?

He had obviously cleaned himself up. He had on a plain black t-shirt and indigo denims now. His hair was still long but it was tamer, falling over his forehead in neat, silky rows. It wasn't just that he was cleaner and not dressed in clothes anymore. Somehow, he looked tamer too. Still a beautiful specimen of a boy, but not as edgy and wild looking. He didn't seem remotely as frightening now. Still, there was something deeply intense about his eyes. He seemed to only ever wear one expression— smoldering.

"Earth to Georgia?" Benny's voice broke through her muddled thoughts.

"What?" she asked more bluntly than intended.

"I get it. He's good looking."

Benny's tone was casual but Georgia could sense a slight edge of bitterness.

"Who, the new guy? He's not my type."

Liar. He's everyone's type!

Benny snorted dismissively, like he could read her thoughts.

"Please. No need to be coy. You're not the only one that's noticed him."

Benny motioned around the cafeteria with his head. As he did so, it felt like the sounds and colors of the place had been on pause and suddenly switched on again. Now that she was paying attention again, she realized what Benny meant. The cafeteria at Beldon High was the one saving grace that kept the school from being engulfed by mediocrity. It was an expansive room, brightly lit, with brand new aluminum tables and multi-colored soft touch seats. The buffet-style menu offered well cooked meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, and a halal menu.