One Step Forward [ON HOLD]

Chapter 3

I walked through the halls, making my way to study hall. It was the only class I didn't have with any of my friends. It was generally in this class that I caught up on any work, or even get ahead in some classes. I have to stay at the top of my game, because I'm on a sports and academic scholarship, so if I get below a B average, I get kicked out. Yeah, I know, harsh, right? But I've never gotten below an A average.

I walked into the library and went to one of the shelves. This was where study hall was held, and I had no homework so far today, which wasn't unusual for a Friday, so I was planning on continuing to read the book I started last week. But when I sat down, a teacher walked up to the podium and spoke to the four of us who take this class. There was a new kid next to her. He had short blonde hair and deep blue eyes that were like sapphires. He was tall, about the same size as Justin, and he made me feel small, being only five foot six. He was wearing a white button-up shirt and a black sweater-vest over it. The green serpent over his heart seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the library. His eyes scanned the room, inspecting every face. They settled on me, and I looked away. The picture if his eyes burned in my head, and I couldn't make myself forget them, not that I wanted to, though. Hell, I still remember the day my parents died, every little detail of it. I was five then. Sometimes it's a real pain having a perfect memory(and be perfect I mean that I remember everything that's happened to me since Pre-K).

"Class, this is Jasper Fox," the teacher said, who I didn't recognize. She must've been a substitute. "He transferred here from London, England. I hope you all make him feel welcome here at Lorien Academy." Two people said hi and one waved. I said nothing, because I could still feel his eyes on me, and I was afraid to look up at him again. "You can have a seat next to Amber Blake, Jasper."

What?!

Jasper walked over and sat down next to me. He gave me a small half-smile that made him look mischievous. "Hey," he said, scanning my face. His eyes were so inviting, his half-smile actually seemed friendly. But as quickly as that smile came on his face it disappeared. Huh. Strange. "I'm Jasper."

"Amber," I said.

"Oh, an American," he said and the smile returned. "You are the first American I've met at this school. Well it's a pleasure to meet you."

After that he turned to his book and remained quiet for the rest of the class. And I have to say I was thankful for it. I was afraid of making a fool of myself in front of him. And luckily the class flew by. The bell rang after what felt like ten minutes but was really forty. I returned my book to the shelf and got ready to go to English. Jasper walked over to me on the way out. He stood in front of me and I stumbled back and bumped into a senior, who looked at me with disgust.

"Watch it charity case!" she said, clearly upset. I apologized, not looking for any trouble, and she kept on walking. Jasper kept his eyes on me the entire time, only flicking to the senior as she walked by.

"Not the first time I've heard that," he muttered to himself. He turned back to me, but before he could say anything, I put up a hand and decided to tell him now.

"A charity case is a scholarship student; someone who can't afford the tuition for this school," I said. "Someone like me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to English before I'm late." I walked away without waiting for an answer. I wasn't expecting him to want to be friends now that he knew what a charity case was.

The rest if the classes went by without another problem. I told Alice about Jasper. She said she had him in her AP Bio class. In Ceramics I made a little bowl for ice cream. She told me she'd meet me at the apartment after basketball practice. Sure she may be a little shorter than me, but she runs really fast, so she was admitted to the team immediately.

Justin was waiting at my locker. Ugh, he just cant catch a hint can he? So I put on my headphones and continued to blast Linkin Park. I stepped around him to get into my locker, tossing my books in, watching him closely through the mirror I placed in the back of my locker to make sure no one snuck up on me. It comes in pretty useful sometimes. When I closed my locker and turned around he was right there pushing me against my locker and forcing my headphones around my neck.

"Why do you keep avoiding me Amber?" He demanded. "I love you to the end of the world. You love me too right?"

"Uh, let me think, hmm, no!" I said. I stared at him straight in the eyes when I said it. "You're stupid, ignorant, hateful, and obsessive. I broke up with you last month. You need to get over me, 'cause I'm over you."

"Baby, you don't mean that! I know you love me!" For the first time I saw hurt in his green eyes. But I couldn't give in now.

"No Justin, I don't love you. Not anymore. Not like I used to."

He backed away. I couldn't see any emotion on his face. But for a moment I thought I saw rage.

"Alright then," he said, looking away. "Whatever you say. Then he walked away.

I won. I was, finally, free.

And victory was very sweet.