Secret Desires

17: Why A Lotus?

        "Are you serious?!" David shushed me with a smile as we walked down the narrow hallway. I didn't worry about anyone hearing me, it was much too early for other students to be here. When we pulled into the parking lot, there were hardly any cars. A few sedans I recognized as some of my teachers, but thankfully a navy blue impala was not among them.

       I had been surprised when David parked, unsure as to why he didn't just drop me off by the main doors. When he got out of the car to open my door, I thought he was just being nice. Then he took my bag from me and walked me to the sidewalk. I thought nothing of it. Not even when he kept adjusting small things on his uniform, dodging most of my questions. He made idle conversation with me until we reached the door.

       When he held the door open for me I reached for my bag. I had been confused when he swung it over his shoulder. I rose an eyebrow as he jutted his chin, gesturing for me to go in. I stepped over the threshold and held my hand out for my bag again. He ignored me and let the door close behind him. I'd asked him what he was doing, but he only commented on the weather. He took a few steps down the hall, throwing me a smirk over his shoulder.

       I guessed quickly as to why he was walking with me in school. His nod in confirmation made me gasp.

       "Not so loud," he told me. I scoffed as I caught up to him. He was trying not to laugh from my visible excitement. I couldn't help it. He was back. He had been trying so hard to be a resource officer at my school again. He knew that things were still bad for me and had been trying to come back since early January. But the school had deemed his presence unnecessary. I hadn't expected him to return because of that very reason.

       "When did you get approved?" I asked.

       "The school called the department and the department called me. I'm here until I'm told otherwise." I made a face at that. On the way here, he'd gotten a phone call. He acted as if it hadn't happened and changed the subject when I asked about it. I let it go but now I know what that phone call had been about.

       Regardless, I squealed with excitement as we turned down the main hall. A few students were lingering by the main doors. I avoided looking their way. I kept close to David as he told me more details about his phone call.

       As we neared the security office, a group of girls that I knew didn't like me came dangerously close to us. David moved to my opposite side, putting me between him and the wall. It had been done casually, but I knew better. David asked me something, but I didn't hear him. I only heard the girls laughing as they neared.

       The one leading the pack of wolves gave me a once-over. She glanced between David and me, smiling sweetly. It was anything but kind.

       "Pathetic." It was one word. One stupid word, but it was enough to make me nauseous. My smile was tight. I watched them in my peripheral as they passed. They laughed once they were behind us.

       Part of me wanted to tell David who they were. That a few weeks ago, the girl leading them had thrown a paper ball at me and mocked my trial. She and her pack were one of the reasons why I stayed after class with Mr. Hodge. They were why I lingered until the halls were nearly empty. I didn't tell him though. I wasn't sure why, I just didn't think it was worth divulging that information.

       "Are you alright?" I cleared my throat, not trusting my voice. I didn't want this to put a damper on my morning. I already had a lot on my mind. I was anxious and confused and a little overwhelmed from last night. There were things I needed to ask David, questions that I wasn't sure I wanted the answer to. Things I had to speak to Jake about that were upsetting.