Burning Love ~ Billy Hargrove ( +18)

Chapter 4

After the argument with Billy in front of the whole class during the first-period introduction, the blond guy had already achieved what he wanted: to attract the attention of everyone who moved and wore a skirt. And, of course, the boys who hadn't noticed me when I entered the school now did.

Because, as expected, rumors and gossip in a school spread faster than wildfire. And speaking of fireworks, what was being said about us was how explosive we were and the bad temper we had, something not too common in this town, apparently. So, with all this, during the following classes and lunch, all we saw were looks directed at us, whispers, sly smiles towards Billy, and whistles mixed with compliments directed at me.

The only one who didn't look at me, or rather, avoided looking at me repeatedly, was Steve. I couldn't blame him after how I had spoken to him, but I hate being treated like a damsel in distress—I've never been one and I'm not going to be now. Although I couldn't deny that I felt a bit odd for having treated him like that, he was the only guy in a long time who hadn't treated me like a piece of meat. I won't lie, I really like guys and getting intimate with them is too much fun and pleasure. But feeling like someone sees beyond my physical appearance every now and then also feels good, in fact, I think Steve was the first guy in my life who approached me with the intention of just being my friend. That's precisely why he had to stay away from me, otherwise, Billy would turn him into mincemeat.

I was somewhat tired from the trip, the move, and having to endure Billy's threatening looks, keeping an eye on whether any of my movements suggested I might get close to Steve again. It had been a pretty crappy first day, though I wasn't expecting anything different. Just before lunch, I went to my locker to drop off my books and grab an apple and a sandwich to eat.

"Hi, Maddie." A girl's soft voice caught my attention.

"Oh, hi Nancy." I closed my locker door and looked at her, noting that Steve was behind her, ignoring me.

"How's your first day going?" She asked kindly.

"Well..." I fell silent, and we both noticed a group of girls staring at me with a mix of envy and superiority.

"Don't pay them any attention. People love to make up rumors or gossip, especially if you're new." She tilted her head with a sympathetic smile. "They'll make up a thousand things, but it will all pass."

"Honestly, I don't care what they say about me. Besides, most of the rumors will probably be true." I shrugged. "They'll probably call me a bitch and arrogant, but I don't care, at least I enjoy life." I smiled.

"Oh... Oh..." Nancy tightened her grip on her books, clearly uncomfortable, and I saw Steve rolling his eyes over her shoulder.

"Anyway." I sighed and bit into the apple. "Did you need something?"

"Just wondering if, since you're not having lunch with your brother, you'd like to join us..." She whispered, and immediately Steve straightened up behind her, glaring at me with a furrowed brow.

"Oh, thanks. You're very kind, but I can't smoke inside the school." I pulled a cigarette from my jacket pocket. "I think I'll head outside. See you later, Wheeler." I clicked my tongue and waved to say goodbye.

"Oh, okay. See you later..." I heard her whisper as she turned around.

I left the happy couple behind, clearly, Steve didn't want me around him, and Nancy seemed too prim for my taste. It would definitely have been a tedious lunch. I headed outside the school in search of a bench where I could lie down, listen to my music, and soak up a bit of the weak sun. This sun was nothing compared to California's, but it was better than nothing.

I found a small bench right on the edge of the woods behind the outdoor basketball court. I finished my apple, put on my sunglasses, plugged in my walkman, and lit a cigarette. I think this was the best moment of the whole day—having no one to put up with. I might be a bit of a loner, but I really enjoyed being alone, especially considering that Billy was often like my shadow.