Older Brothers | Mafia Overprotective

chapter eight - first day of school pt2

As I got up to leave, I suddenly found my path blocked by three girls who looked like they'd walked straight out of a high-fashion magazine. They were dressed in minimal clothing, each outfit more revealing than the last, and their smiles were so obviously fake it was almost comical.

"Hey," one of them said with an overly sweet tone that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I couldn't help but notice you were sitting with seniors. That's quite impressive. How'd you manage that?"

I shrugged, trying to keep things casual. "Oh, they're just my friends."

Before I could walk past them, the main girl stepped forward, her gaze sharp and judgmental. "Well, we were actually hoping you'd join us. It's not often we get a new face around here."

I tried to protest politely. "I really appreciate the offer, but I've already made plans with my friends."

She didn't budge. "Oh, come on. It'll be fun. We want to get to know you better."

The other two girls flanked her, their expressions mirroring the main girl's feigned enthusiasm. I could tell this wasn't just a casual invitation; they were making it clear that I was expected to join them whether I liked it or not.

"Seriously, I'm fine with my friends," I insisted, but they remained firm, blocking my way.

The main girl's smile widened, though it was clearly forced. "You'll have a much better time with us. Just sit down. It won't take long."

Feeling trapped, I glanced over at Annabelle and the rest of my friends for help, but they seemed too far away to intervene effectively. I sighed, knowing I had to choose my battles carefully. With a resigned nod, I let them lead me to their table, hoping it wouldn't be as uncomfortable as it seemed.

"So, when did you join?" The girl that I can only assume is Tiffany asked.

"Todays my first day. I moved in with my brothers around a week ago." I smiled.

"Why only a week ago?" The girl with curly hair gilded her head, asking.

"Oh, just some family situations moved around.." I explained.

The three of them exchanged glances and chuckled.

One of them got up and winked, "We'll call you tonight."

And as if it was rehearsed, the three got up and walked off.

I laughed it off and left the cafeteria, heading for my last class.

----

As school ended I was completely bored. My last class was a total and complete snoozefest. Everyone paid attention too, so there was no one I could goof off with.

When I walked out of school I noticed both the groups of people I met standing on opposite sides.

I waved each of them goodbye and figured I'd have to walk home. I put my headphones on and began walking in the direction I assumed it'd be in.

As I started walking, I heard the low hum of a car creeping up behind me. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was just some random vehicle, but something about the way it moved, slow and deliberate, made me feel uneasy. I stole a quick glance over my shoulder and realized it was following me. My first instinct was to hope it was Walter, maybe he decided to come pick me up after all. But as I squinted, trying to make out the number plate, I quickly realized I didn't recognize the car.

I raised my eyebrows, my heart rate speeding up along with my steps. The car matched my pace. The eerie feeling settled into my chest like a lead weight, and I knew I wasn't imagining it. My breath quickened as I tried to walk faster, but the car didn't let up—it started speeding up too. The realization hit me like a punch in the gut. I was being followed.