Snowridge's Secret (Book 1)

12 - Penance

Alexi - POV

I watched out the window as the first snow of the day fell. The sky was grey, and the wind swayed the tops of trees as we passed out of the forest. A security vehicle behind us and one already at the school.

It was Monday. Our first day of school together. My nerves from the weekend still frayed as I came to grips with what happened. I've kept it to myself, and Elijah appears to have not mentioned it as well. Although, I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I deserve no solice. My transgression, regardless of Xanders words, is unforgivable. As such, I've kept to myself and focused on protecting Elijah. Something I should have done before, rather than trying to befriend him.

"We're here." Devons worried voice resournds in my ear as I try to calm my nerves. He glances at me through the mirror and gives me a weary smile. I can't bring myself to return it. Instead, I open my door and get out, making my way to the rear of the suv and grabbing Elijah's crutches from the back.

Devon knows something is wrong. He tried to talk to me Sunday morning, but I avoided the topic. He's brought it up again several times, but I finally told him to drop it, and he has, although he isn't happy about it.

I sigh as I walk around to Elijah's side and help him out the back. He's bundled up in a jacket and joggers. A scarf around his neck. He tries to speak to me as he gets out, but I cut him off and grab his bag. This earns me a scowl as I look away from him.

He's also tried to talk to me, but other than offering my assistance, I told him I didn't wish to speak of it again and left it at that. Which earned me 10 minutes of yelling and cursing while I helped him get dressed. Luckily, this morning, all I received were glares and looks of pity.

Something I deserve.

"Hey guys." Jimmy yells as the others join us. My father ordered us to take the pack suv for security. So they met us here. I just nod as I open the door for Elijah. But instead of entering it, he glares at me. I look down as I continue to hold the door, and after a bit of silence, he finally walks in, grumbling away.

I watch his tall lean figure crutch forward. His messy hair was covered with a beanie. His joggers bunch around his cast as his dirty sneakers scuff the floor. He gets quite a few looks. I swallow hard.

The others look at me as I turn and follow him in. I ignore them as I catch up and pull his schedule out of his bag. We have all the same classes and days that we have soccer practice, he'll join us.

I direct him to my locker and get my books out. The tense feeling grows as no one speaks. Elijah just keeps his back to me, and Devon maintains his frown. I sigh as there is nothing I can do.

"Alright. We're going to head to our first class. I'll see you guys at lunch, I say to Louis and Jimmy. As Devon has the first two classes with us. They nod as we head in our separate directions.

As we reach our classroom, I open the door for him. This time, he stops and turns to Devon. "Can you give us a minute?" He asks him before he nods and steps in. Realizing what he wants, I try to enter, too, but a metal crutch blocks my way as he pulls the door from my hand and closes it. Before I can do anything, he turns and crutches away.

My eyes widen. Where the hell is he going? But I don't have time to dwell as I follow after him. I catch up just as he reaches the end of the hall by the storage room. As I reach him, I'm shocked when he turns around and grabs my shirt before pushing me against the wall. He may be taller than me, but I could easily escape, but I don't. I just stare at him.

"You're really starting to piss me off, asshole." Are the first words he throws at me as he moves closer. My heart rate increases as I try to avoid his scent. But he doesn't let me as he gets even closer. "I don't like being ignored."