Breaking Gates

Chapter 2

He wasn't in the best mood, failing to graduate last year had really put a damper on his summer, though he wouldn't lie, having another year with Hellfire wasn't terrible. His uncle was decent enough to not make a big deal about him having to repeat his senior year again, and he was determined to make this his year. It was as he stepped into his first class that he realized he had forgotten his books and in his moment of panic he spotted her.

She was small, covered in a giant army jacket, talking to the teacher. Mrs. McDougall smiled warmly at her, something Eddie hadn't thought the woman was capable of, before she headed to the back of the room, taking a seat and looking out the window. He was quick to scramble after her, figuring since he didn't recognize her, she might not know who he is, and be willing to share her books.

Quickly drawing her attention, he almost gasped, her eyes were two different colors, a beautiful amber and deep green. She had an almost angelic face, with thick eyelashes and full lips. He felt his brain stutter for a moment before he quickly explained, and she agreed to lend him her book. Her quick acceptance made him almost giddy and he quickly slid his desk next to hers.

As they spoke, he came to realize she was actually very smart and kind. He still couldn't place her though, and it bugged him. She made a point of keeping to herself but he had made it his special talent to seek out other misfits. She was clearly one of his kind, maybe not a metal head or D&D fan but she certainly didn't fit in with the pops and jocks. When she offered him the audio for the book he was trying to read, he knew he had found a new friend.

When the bell rang, and she made her way to her next class, he was quick to follow, tracking her oversized camo jacket. He was pleased to see she was in his next class as well, and sat next to her to learn some more about her. She wasn't kidding when she said she could graduate whenever she wanted, she was a fucking genius. Just like their first class she handed in extra credit work for math as well.

What really blew his mind was she broke down everything the teacher was talking about and made it easier for him to understand. For the first time in a long time Eddie actually understood what the fuck the equations on the black board meant. She was a proving to be a god damn angel. She was soft spoken, but kind and patient. He couldn't help but look forward to the rest of their classes, hoping he would see her again in the day.

By the time lunch came around Eddie was on the lookout. He knew they needed new members and as soon as he spotted a kid brave enough to wear a Weird Al shirt, he knew he hit the mark. However, the second a familiar army jacket caught his eye he bolted, determined to get new recruits and talk to Arrow again. Sitting next to her, he immediately asked if the boys like D&D, the soft snort next to him was just cute to ignore.

When he heard her explain that they all played D&D and that she was the one who introduced them to it he felt his heart start to race. It was obvious she meant the world to the little sheep around her, even going to the point of bringing in kids from other states if someone broke her heart. The thought sent a flash of rage through his body, the very idea of someone hurting her formed a possessive knot in his belly. Hearing the confirmation that they were all in caused a large grin to split across his face. He couldn't wait to tell the guys about this.

By the end of the school day Eddie was pleased to say he had his first afternoon class with Arrow, and he found it absolutely adorable how bright her face went when he sat next to her. She really was an enigma, one moment she was confident, then she went right back to being shy and reserved. It was as if she wanted to be herself but she didn't want to scare anyone off. He hoped that she would feel more comfortable once she got to know them all. Arriving at the drama room, he was pleased to get started on setting everything set up.