Branara ~ Magnum

Chapter One - Strange

KARA'S POV

"Karaline Warren!" Barker calls.

"Here!"

I hate that name, but I can't be bothered to correct him.

Boring things follow. It's school. What did I honestly expect?

I can't be happier when lunch period rolls around. Lachlan is the only person I've talked to so far, and he's got his own friends. But I've eaten alone plenty of times.

Oh, how wrong I was to be happy.

I am walking to the cafeteria when suddenly, rough hands grip my shoulders.

The guy pushes me to the ground before I can even react. Then he turns me over so I can see his face.

It's the Jerome guy who's in my homeroom.

"You're new?" he growls.

I don't try to fight him, I know he's stronger than me. I don't respond.

He smacks me across the face. "Answer." He spits out every syllable like it's venom.

My cheek stings. I wince.

I hope he can't feel how fast my heart is pumping. "Yes," I hiss through gritted teeth.

"Jerome!" A voice yells. "What are you doing?"

He turns. "What? It's the new kid, Brandon. Come on, you can have a couple punches if you'd like." He gestures towards me.

Brandon kneels down and looks at me. "What's your name?" he asks quietly.

I stare at him, then break my gaze away. "Why do you want to know?"

And despite his looks, he disgusts me.

"Because I want to know," he snarls.

"Fine." My heart is pounding, and it's got nothing to do with Jerome. "My name is Kara. Happy?"

I think I see his gaze brighten for a second. But before I can be sure, it returns to its icy, cold demeanor.

"Alright then. Step aside, Jerome."

Jerome gladly does so. Brandon looks at him and says, "Hey, can you save me a spot in the lunch line?"

Jerome nods and runs off.

He looks around.

"Well, if you're going to punch me," I snap. "Do it quickly, will you?"

"Shut up," he retorts.

Slowly, he stands up. "Now pretend I've beaten you up or both of us are toast. Burned toast."

Then he runs off.

And I stand there, frowning after him.

What was that about?

Strange...