Book and his Angel [ Forcebook ]

Ch 1

I stare down intently at my sketchbook, slowly dragging the tip of my pencil across the thick, white paper, making a bold line. I've been working on this sketch since Wednesday afternoon. It's a drawing of a zombie-like girl wearing a blood-stained dress, her face, arms and legs all covered in bloody stitches. I'm hoping I can create something that looks really creepy, yet kind of pretty at the same time. The drawing still needs more detail, some color would probably look good too. It's not quite close to being finished, but I like how it's looking so far. Satisfied with the progress I've made for today, I close my sketchbook.

It's a free period and the last period of the day. During this time, we're allowed to go pretty much wherever we want within the school and just hang out.

Any students that aren't involved in sports or clubs, like myself, usually gather in the courtyard in groups, just talking, gossiping and laughing about who knows what. Occasionally, someone will walk past the bench I'm sitting at and say hi or compliment my drawing. I never fell in with any cliques, got involved with any clubs, or developed a group of close friends. I wouldn't say I have a lot of friends at this school. But most people are nice to me, and I prefer to be by myself anyway. Plus, I still have two years left before I graduate. Who knows? Maybe I'll join a club or two and make some friends before then.

I glance up in the direction of the school store set up near the cafeteria, debating if I want to get a bottle of water or lemonade. The only time I ever bother to buy the school food, aside from the occasional bag of chips or candy bar from the vending machines, is when I forget to bring something from home. I'm not really that thirsty, but since it's early July, it's pretty hot outside today. It'd probably be best if I drink something now to avoid potentially dying from a heatstroke. I pause the "Monsters" by Matchbook Romance that had been blasting in my earbuds and gently yank them out of my ears. As I reach down to grab my backpack, someone moves in front of me and yanks my sketchbook out of my hand. I cautiously look up at the figure, only to be met with a pair of dark brown eyes staring down at me. Goddamnit, not this asshole...

"What's up, book?" The one-and-only Gawin caskey greets me, holding my sketchbook above me tauntingly. Where to start this guy? He's captain of the soccer team, and one of the most popular guys in school. Despite that, a lot of people are scared of him, including a few of his teammates if the rumors are anything to go by. I can't say I blame them. He's tall enough that he towers over a good majority of the students (including me), is strong as hell, and has a pretty bad attitude. Overall, he's not a good guy. Him and his buddies get a real kick out of bullying the freshmen and whoever else he decides is his target for the day. Unfortunately, I'm his favorite victim.

I let out a sigh, trying to think of a way I could get my sketchbook back and get away from him without getting seriously hurt. "Hey, gawin." I greet back, a nervous smile plastered across my face. I glance around, noticing he came alone. Hmm, that's odd. Usually, he brings some of his buddies along so they can cheer him on as he beats the shit out of some helpless kid. "Just you today? Where's the rest of your group?" I ask as I glare up at him. Ethan only chuckles, running a hand through his greasy, black hair.

Why would I need a group? I was passing by and saw you, figured I'd say hi. Got a problem with that?" He retorts, tossing my sketchbook from one hand to the other. The other kids in the courtyard have started to look our way, whispering among themselves. I even spot a few immediately fleeing the scene out of the corner of my eye. I'd say they got the right idea.

"Right." I scoff through gritted teeth, standing up. "Look man, I really don't want any trouble. Just give me my book back and leave me alone" "I say, reaching up and trying to grab my sketchbook.

Gawin roughly grabs my arm and laughs again, this time a cackle that makes me tense up. "Why? You got somewhere to be?" He asks. He's got a seemingly friendly smile on his face, but I can tell the twisted look in his eyes that it's quite the opposite. Over the years, I've learned to stop being scared of this dude. But right now? I'm feeling more than a little nervous.

Before I can process what's happening, the angry bastard grabs me by the collar of my shirt with his free hand and roughly throws me to the ground, pinning me face down on the concrete and twisting my arm behind my back, his nails digging into my skin. I try to move, but he places one foot on my back to stop me. "Still as weak as ever. You're one stupid ass fag, y'know that?"

"Fuck you." I shoot back, immediately regretting my words as he twists my arm further, eliciting a shout of pain from me.

"You better watch your fucking mouth, or I'll put you in your place. You got that?" He growls into my ear, his breath hot against my face. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying my hardest to slow my breathing. My arm feels like it's on the verge of snapping in half. One wrong movement and some serious damage will be done...

Why does it always have to be me? What did I even do to him? I've been asking myself this ever since he first started targeting me back in eighth grade, but I've never been able to find any answers. In my mind, I beg for someone to come and help me. The other students stand around us, observing the scene with fear evident in their eyes. Gawin is a predator, and here I am, being hunted by him. I am his prey. Weak, helpless, unable to fight back...

"Hey!" Someone shouts, quickly grabbing everyone's attention. "Get off of him!" Gawin lets out a growl, obviously annoyed that he had been disturbed. Pain explodes across my arm like a wildfire as he releases it from his iron grasp and stands up. Quickly rubbing my eyes to stop any tears from slipping out, I sit up, curious to see who was kind enough to stand up for me.

I feel my heart stop dead in my chest as soon as I lay my eyes on him. An unfamiliar boy stands in front of gawin, glaring at him with his arms crossed. He has pale skin, dark brown hair with dark brown eyes. He's wearing a white Falling In Reverse t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and black Converse. He's...really handsome, holy hell.

"And just who the hell are you to interrupt me like this?!" Gawin demands, his voice dripping with venom.

The other guy chuckles, a smirk creeping onto his beautiful face. "Such a harsh welcome. Is that you greet all the new kids? I'm charmed, truly." He says, his voice laced with sarcasm. I silently snicker at his words, hiding my face so neither of them see.

"What, you think you're funny or something?" Gawin  asks, then scoffs. "Whatever. I don't know who you are, but I don't have time to deal with you. Get lost, I've got more important stuff to take care of." He says lowly, glancing over at me and cracking his knuckles.

"Yeah...nah, I don't think I can't do that. I want you to listen to me real fucking good, man. You're gonna back off, you're gonna leave him alone, and you're gonna stay away from him. Is that simple enough for you? Or would you like me to go slower?" The other guy says, that same mischievous smirk still on his face. I have absolutely no clue who this guy is, but anyone who has the courage to stand up to gawin
, and remain so calm while doing it, instantly has my respect.