Broken and Shifting (book 2) #wattys2016

Chapter 4

After all of the luck I've had avoiding the twins, today would be the day it runs out. In the morning I dress in a black v neck tee covered by a red and black long sleeve flannel that I button once just under my bust and throw on red tights and black jean shorts and my combat boots. I wrap a black scarf around my neck, pack up my bag and head downstairs. I set my things by the door and set to my chores before heading out for school. With luck there are no twins and I can take the bus. However, as soon as I get to school I am ambushed. Not only have I been waylaid by Dante and Augi, but also by Laurel and her boyfriend Jordan and his friend Flynn. I panic and try to bolt past them but Laurel gets a grip on my arm making me wince from the bruise Jason left me with yesterday. She pulls my sleeve up and flips my arm around to see the bruise. She purses her lips because I know what she can do and I know she knows how I got it because I can see her not wearing gloves. Jordans looking over at me funny now too and the tears start to fill my eyes as i fling her arm away and bolt to the nearest bathroom. After the warning rings leaving me only five minutes to get to class, I take off and get there just as the bell rings and take my seat. I get through music with no problem, playing the violin having helped me calm down. By english i am able to act like nothing ever happened as I take my seat and stare at my desk, hunching in on myself as i sense Laurel sit next to me. A note lands in my lap and I look around quickly. Right now we are the only two in class and I unfold her note.

I'm here if you ever need help.

I feel tears well up but I quickly brush them away and look at her from the corner of my eye a smile on my face. She smiles back but our smiles fall as the room begins to fill up with other students. I look down at my desk and wait for class to begin.

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At the end of the day I make my way to the library. I always have a bit of time after school to snag a book. My parents never know I have them so I can spend some time at night in another world and not have to deal with my miserable reality. I decide to pick up a random book from the paranormal romance section. It's some sort of werewolf romance. I shrug. My parents will murder me if they ever find out but they will never know. I smile softly to myself. I check out and make it to the bus with a few minutes to spare. I sit down in my seat and rest my head against the window. My eyes drift closed on their own. I feel the seat next to me move and I know someone has sat down next to me but I am too tired to care until I felt the pinch on my leg and I have to stifle a yelp. He growls and I look over to see none other than Jason.

"You weren't waiting at my locker bitch." He whispers under his breath so noone can hear but I hear a slight intake of breath behind me and I know some one has taken that seat and they have also heard what he said. I look down before answering him.

"I'm sorry. I was just tired. I won't forget again Jason." i whisper and tilt my head slightly. to peek at him from under my lashes. "I swear it."

He has a sneer on his face as the next words come out of his retched mouth leaving the blood in my veins ice cold. "Swear it on your body Skylar. If you ever forget again I have permission to do whatever I want to it."

I look at him head on like a deer in headlights, eyes wide and mouth parted. Solely out of fear of what he might do if it were ever to happen. What he might be capable of. I struggle to catch my breath, heart racing, as I think of the possibilities and push past him to stumble out of the bus hyperventilating. I run into someone on my way to the closest bathroom but when I make it there I throw myself into a stall trying to catch my breath. I'm having a panic attack. Tears fall down my face and I can't breathe. Spots dance across my vision and then my stall door bursts open and the last person I expected to see is standing there. It's Dante. Why the hell is Dante in here? I start crying and I just can't stop it. His eyes soften and he steps closer to hold me as I cry on his shoulder.

"Just cry it out sweetheart." he tells me softly. And so I do.... for ten minutes. When the tears begin to slow I gather a handful of toilet paper to wipe my face down and attempt to slow my breathing. A blush coats my face as I realize I just cried on a total stranger... a guy.... in the girls room.... a shifter. I gasp and look up at him.

"A-as much as I appreciate you being so kind, which I don't completely understand why a stranger would bother to worry about someone they don't know, and you know let me cry on you and everything..... what are you doing in the girls room?" I stammer out in rapid fire before waving my hand to signal nevermind. "Forget it I didn't mean to blurt that all at you." I look down at the ground and try to shuffle around him. "I-i need to go." I say before running around him and back out of the school. The bus is gone so i need to walk home. I'll be late.... which means there will be a punishment. I sigh, resigned to my fate.