Broken Hands

2. Just a talk

Two weeks. That's how long it was since the incident with Judas. It wasn't the first time, and certainly wouldn't be the last. The day had been rough, and Judas was doing everything in his power to make it worse. Grayson's temper had boiled over, and it had been ugly. Everyone feared him for that, his unpredictability and his little patience. He didn't choose to be feared—it was just who he had to be, a shell hiding all the chaos and trauma crammed into his mind.

Savanna was the first to invade the silence around him. She moved with casual grace, her dark skin and vivid blue eyes making her striking. Her wild, lion-like mane of hair did nothing to soften her look, but she didn't care. She was unapologetically herself. Their first meeting had been anything but friendly—two volatile forces clashing—but now, she was one of his closest friends. In a way, she understood him better than anyone, better than any therapist ever could.

She dropped into the seat across from him, pulling out her lunch with a grin. "You should try some of these," she said, offering him fried bar snacks. It was a Brazilian dish.

Grayson couldn't resist. He took a bite, the rich flavor melting into his mouth. "it's good," he muttered, his voice gruff but appreciative. Savanna's grin widened, proud of the simple approval.

As she dug into her meal with gusto, Grayson couldn't help but watch her, amused. She ate like she hadn't seen food in days, completely absorbed in her lunch until she noticed his gaze. "What?" she asked, mouth full, a teasing gleam in her eye.

Before he could respond, Milo dropped into the seat beside Savanna, running a hand through his messy hair. "Grayson, tell me you're still doing math tutoring," he panted, clearly exhausted.

"Nope," Grayson replied, taking another bite of his food. Milo let out a defeated groan, pulling out sandwiches and tossing one to both Grayson and Savanna—it had become their little lunchtime tradition.

"Mr. Alan is a beast," Milo grumbled, slumping back in his seat, "He's gonna kill us some of these days." The group was soon joined by Russell, who strode over with his usual swagger. His dusty blond hair and athletic build made him stand out as the soccer team's captain. Without asking, he grabbed part of Grayson's lunch.

"Why so quiet? Who died?" Russell quipped with a grin, already tearing into the food.

Savanna rolled her eyes. "We're not your teammates, cap," she joked, shaking her head at him.

"Russ, can you help me with math?" Milo pleaded, glancing hopefully at him.

Russell straightened his tie and shot a cocky grin. "Sure, no problem."

"Where's Julian?" Savanna asked, scanning the cafeteria. They spotted him almost instantly—his light blond curls bouncing as he waved at half the room. Julian, with his endless energy, had a reputation for lighting up any space he walked into. They were sure he would make it as president next term.

"Hey guys, what's up?!" Julian chirped, placing his hands on both Grayson and Russell's shoulders as he leaned into the group.

Savanna shook her head fondly. "Where do you get all that energy? School's killing us, but you're glowing."

Julian flashed a wink. "Not in my final year yet. No stress for me!"

Milo raised an eyebrow, grinning wickedly. "Yeah, enjoy it while it lasts. Next year, we'll all be gone, and you'll be here drowning in it."

Julian gulped, but tried to keep the smile up. "Let's focus on today. Tomorrow can worry about itself," he said, chuckling nervously.

Before the conversation could continue, the cafeteria suddenly went quiet. The sound of a lunch tray clattering to the floor echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention.

"Don't fucking play with me, bitch!" Judas's voice roared from across the room. All heads turned toward him, standing over a girl who sat all alone on an empty lunch table. Amber Woods, her fiery red hair a stark contrast to the dark scene unfolding, was crouched to pick up her scattered lunch with all serenity like she was used to it. The rumor mill had painted her as an outcast, with whispers of a troubled past and scars—both physical and emotional. Now, Judas was towering over her, full of rage, gripping her arm as she tried to gather her things.

Julian clenched his fists beside Grayson, eyes narrowing. "Asshole," he muttered.

Grayson, still calm, reached for his drink. "Julian, that's not your fight," he said softly, his voice steady his eyes not leaving his food.

But Julian wasn't listening. "Hey, Judas Iscariot!" he shouted, striding toward the scene, causing a ripple of laughter through the cafeteria. Everyone knew Judas hated that nickname, a sore spot that Julian was more than willing to poke.

"Off he goes." Savanna sighed dramatically.

Judas's face turned an angry shade of red as he let go of Amber, his eyes locking on Julian. "What did you just call me?" he snarled.

"Judas Iscariot," Julian repeated, his voice loud and clear. "Why don't you let her go and we can all eat in peace?"

"This has nothing to do with you, princess," Judas spat back, but his voice wavered as more students started laughing.

Julian slipped his hands casually into his pockets, playing it cool. "Come on, Jud, picking on girls? You're a senior. Shouldn't you know better by now? Maybe stop watching so many bad movies and focus on not being a caveman." He flashed a mischievous grin as the crowd erupted into laughter again.

Judas's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists, ready to pounce, but before he could strike, Grayson's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Think carefully, Judas," Grayson said, his tone icy and calm. "Hit him, and you'll be out of here before you know it. You'll be dead, and I'll be in jail. Is that what you want?"

Murmurs erupted in the hall.

Judas faltered, his bravado crumbling for a moment as he met Grayson's cold stare. "This isn't your business," he spat, but his voice was shakier now.

Grayson mentioned with his eyes. "That's my brother."

The cafeteria seemed to hold its breath. Judas's face drained of color as he realized what he was up against. He glanced nervously at Grayson, then back at his cronies, "you wanna pick a fight? This time it won't be off guard." He grinned as his squad rose up ready to defend.

Half of the boys in the cafeteria rose up as Grayson paused, "Not today," the instance he said it the boys all regained their seats. Judas looked pale; he'd underestimated the rumors he heard about Grayson Smith.

"Stop your drama. Now." Grayson said, his voice growing cold.

Judas hesitated gritting his teeth, but before he could make a choice.

Mr. Peterson stormed into the room, his voice booming. "What's going on here?"

Judas's boys scattered like mice, releasing Julian as they hurried back to their seats. Grayson glanced over at Amber, their eyes meeting for the briefest moment. Her copper gray eyes, haunted and distant, held his gaze, something unspoken passing between them. Something was different about her, something Grayson couldn't quite place...

A/N

Keep on going!

This took me half of the day, I faced a major writer's block!

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