Lady Venom

Unyielding

"It is not what we think or feel that makes us who we are. it is what we do or fail to do"
- Jane Austen

Raiden

The classroom buzzed with the low hum of conversation.

I sat in my usual spot, half-listening to Mr. Jensen droning on about the intricacies of Shakespeare while my mind drifted elsewhere.

I was far done with school; I was only going in for football.

I catch a glimpses of Harlem's doodles in his notebook.

"Lamb, are they-?"

"Yes, I'm drawing female boobs, RD. Don't be so immature," Harlem rolls his eyes.

"I know what they are, dickhead. Why are you drawing them in your English book?"

Harlem shrugs before going back to drawing. "Can't help it. It's on my mind. Lin flashed me that last night as I—"

Make it stop!

"I don't want to hear about you and your girlfriend's sex life, Lamb." This kid has some serious issues.

"You asked why. Maybe you shouldn't be such a pervert, RD," Harlem rolls his eyes.

I'm the pervert here?

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. I stood up, stretching my arms overhead. "Fucking finally."

My friends were already talking about lunch. Football guys could eat anything and still be hungry.

My thoughts were consumed by the way she smiled, the way her eyes lit up when she laughed, and how everything felt better when she was near.

• • •
• • • •
• •

It's the middle of lunch now, but I find myself searching for Vienna as my eyes scan the cafeteria. I spot her sitting near the entrance, talking with two other girls, Madeline and Katherine.

One of my friends, Seth, has always had a small crush on Katherine, so I catch him looking over at their table as well.

Vienna's brown hair caught the light. She looked so at ease, laughing at something someone said. Her acne scars were visible under the light; she's always been insecure about them, but she's beautiful regardless.

For a moment, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, she was smiling, and that was what mattered most.

But then, from the corner of my eye, I noticed Kian, one of the cockier guys on the football team, making his way toward my girl. He had this ability to always get on my nerves.

"Hey, Vienna..." he called, leaning casually against the wall beside her. I couldn't hear what he said after, but I didn't need to. I could see the way her smile faltered, the way she stiffened slightly at his presence.

"Hey," she replied, her tone lacking enthusiasm.

The tension in the air thickened as I continued to watch. I turned to Seth, who sat beside me. "What's up with that guy?" he asked, nodding toward Kian.

"Nothing good," I muttered, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

I couldn't hear what was going on between them. I needed to get closer.

I was already moving before I could think twice. "I'll be back."

Harlem noticed that I got up from my seat and raisedan eyebrow but didn't stop me. "Don't do anything stupid!" he called after me, but I barely heard him.