In My Defense

Corner of Friends

Chapter Three

I took my seat in the back. No one sat back there except for me. My desk was wedged in the corner by some shelves. It was secluded. Just how I wanted. I liked being alone.

I stuck my earphones in, since I already learned this lesson. Music was always the perfect escape. It was a way to get lost. When I was home, I couldn't. Frank (my father) didn't know I had a iPod or a cell phone. So I would study when he wasn't hurting me. That's why I know this stuff.

My fingers played on an imaginary guitar. I didn't care who was watching. I was just really caught up.

Which is why I jumped when a heavy hand shook my shoulder.

I yelped in surprise and hurt. I had a bruise covering my upper arm. I yanked the earbuds out of my ears and turned to face some kid who was seated next to me, even though there were plenty of other seats scattered around the class room.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." His voice was gruff, but soft.

I glared at him. "What are you doing here?"

"Hunting leprechauns," he retorted, sarcastically.

I pursed my lips. "Ha-ha."

He smirked. "My name is Ryan. I'm new."

I blinked at him, taking in his features. He had jet black hair, and tan skin. His eyes were a stormy gray. A gray so dark and intense, it was like they held literal rain clouds in them. He seemed tall, but I couldn't be too sure since he was sitting down. He was dressed in a black T-shirt and worn out blue jeans. There were dull red earphones hanging out of his pocket.

"Wha'cha listening to?" he asked.

I sighed inwardly and responded, "Music."

He rolled his eyes. "No kidding."

I prayed that he would stay silent because I really wanted to be left alone.

But of course not. "Favorite artist?"

I squeezed my eyes shut but when I opened them, he was still there. Damn.

"Uh, I don't have one specific artist, but if I had to choose it'd be Paramore. There's lots of other stuff I like too. Here, see for yourself." I handed him my iPod and watched as he scrolled through the various artists.

He finished after a minute or two.

"Whoa. Music lover, yeah?" He raised his hand to the back of his head and I winced due to reflex. He gave me an odd look.

To my luck, the bell rang before I got to say anything in return. I got up quickly, and caught a whiff of his cologne. It wasn't the cheap kind that burned your eyes and made your throat itch. I couldn't even be sure if it was really cologne or just the way he smelled. But I didn't give it much thought as I rushed out of the class to where I ditched P.E.

"Wait!" he called behind me as I made my way down the crowded and stuffy hallway. I slowed my pace, but didn't turn around. "What's your name?"

"Raelynn!"

And with that, I shoved the earphones back in my ears to shut out everyone else.