The Nice Kind of Bad

6

Jordan Withers had experienced a lot in her life and had to put up with things at seventeen that most people wouldn't till they were thirty or so. However, being suspended for nine days was a first. She wasn't complaining about it that much, actually. Partly, because she knew she was at fault. Secondly, which was probably the most important reason, was because she could hide better.

The news of her suspension and fight had not been well received at home. Before her father had gotten home, Jordan was already shivering in the corner with pain numbing her body and names like 'Abnormal Bitch,' 'Useless,' 'Pathetic' and 'Burdensome whore' were being thrown her way.

After that episode, Jordan needed the time off even if it was by punishment. She had assured and reassured Carter and Heather that she was fine and that she'd meet them soon. They hadn't believed a word she said and decided on their own to pay her a visit when her mother wasn't around without telling her.

Now Jordan was stuck on her second day of suspension, a counter full of foil wrapped goods and the aroma of richness floating through the house. The soft strums of Give Me love by Ed Sheeran cooed at the back. The idea of being alone this way felt far more appealing to Jordan. It was a rarity.

She took the last batch of her muffins out of the oven and hummed along the singer. Her head jerked up when the doorbell rang. She leaned forward carefully to get a glimpse of the clock in the living room. It was only two thirty. Her mother couldn't possibly be back by this time. Heather and Carter had after school activities.

She frowned. Must be the mail.

She wiped her hands against her jeans and made her way to the door before opening it a little and poking her head outside. Oh. God. It took everything in her not to say those words out loud.

"Hi,"Levi said with a goofy smile. Jordan's shoulders drew closer which surprised Levi. He had expected her to narrow her eyes or glare at him. Except, the girl he had found adorable standing in the same spot a few days ago looked almost afraid of something. Still, he felt a sudden rush of relief to see that she was okay."What are you doing here?" she asked, eyes flickering over his shoulder momentarily but the door remained in its place. He was really beginning to hate that door.

In truth, Levi himself couldn't bring himself to tell her that he wanted to see she was alright. He hadn't been in the cafeteria that day because of Coach but had he been there, Adam Brody wouldn't have raised his voice. Levi patted his bag. "You're suspended,"he stated, giving her a small smile that had its full effect,"and you're missing out on school."

Apparently, it came out different than Levi had imagined it. Jordan's eyes flashed and she drew in further. "So?" she demanded, defensive. Shit, Levi thought. "Well, we couldn't have that, now could we,"he completed,"so I brought you homework."

Jordan had expected him to say something stupid, but she wasn't expecting that. She stared at him and his school bag. He had walked all the way to give her homework? "No, thanks,"she said and ducked herself back in to shut the door. Just like last time, Levi's hand stopped her. She heard him chuckle. "Wait, woman,"he said, pushing it open but enough to let her keep her space. She huddled back which made Levi blink. "Let's not have a rehash of last time, shall we?"

Jordan maintained her poker face as she clutched the door. Was he here to pity her? Well, screw him and his pity. She didn't need it. She sure as hell didn't want it. She would get it enough when she'd go back to school.

"Why are you here, Levi?" Levi began pointing to his bag but Jordan shook her head. "No, as what are you doing here? Why are you being nice to me?" she asked. Nice? Levi thought, confused. Does this girl ever give him a break? He sighed. "Are you serious?"