Doubt

Chapter 2 - New Friends, Old Enemies

I walked into homeroom and took a seat in the front. Only one seat was left and that was right next to me. I looked around and noticed all but one person was here. I couldn't place my finger on who was missing though.

The bell rings just as someone sits down next to me. I stare at my phone screen for a minute before turning my head. My eyes widen.

"You have got to be kidding me." I mumble as I glare at him. He turns his head to me and rolls his eyes with a groan.

"Great, it's you." Damien sarcastically replies. "I see you haven't changed a bit, Pet."

"I bet your brain feels brand new seeing as you never use it, Wuss." I try to keep my cool but it proves harder with every passing second. I hate him THAT much. He glares at me and opens his mouth to say something but Ms. Lee makes an appearance, silencing the whole class.

She stands at an average 5'2" with long dark hair that's always in a bun. She always wears light eyeliner and bright red lipstick with a pantsuit. She scans the room, not bothering to call out attendance as we've all been in here the last three years. She starts with the normal school dress code, late, absent, and respect policies.

I tighten my hand around my bag as I silently count down the last ten seconds of home room. When the bells rings, I push past Damien and I'm the first one out.

I sigh with relief and I slow my pace down at the end of the hallway. I turn the corner and notice Delilah by my locker. I walk up to her and smile.

"Hey," I say to her as I open my locker. "I have a free period. Want to go grab a smoothie?"

"I can't." She says with a frown. "I have history with Ms. Dunley and you know how she loathes skippers. We can go for lunch though?"

I nod at her and the warning bell rings. She gives me an apologetic smile as she starts speed walking away. I wave her off and sigh. I have an hour to myself. I smile slightly at the fact that I don't have a full schedule. Being a straight A student has given me some great privileges this year.

I walk through the hallway and past all the usual stragglers. I round the corner and bump into something hard. I go to fall but hands on my waist stop me from falling embarrassingly on my butt. I look up and gasp slightly. The stranger has deep green eyes and curly dirty blonde hair.

"Are you okay, miss?" He says with a heavy southern accent. He frowns slightly, concern written on his face. I shake my head yes and push out of his arms. I stand straight and pick my bag up off the floor.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Sorry I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." I look up at him and notice he's already staring at me. I cross my arm over my chest, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "Do you need something?" I ask as kindly as I can.

He smirks ever so slightly and rubs his jaw for a moment. His eyes rake over my body and back to my eyes. Great. Another smooth talker. Just what this school needs. I almost want to hit him.

"I must say, you are beautiful." He says as his eyes meet mine again. I look away as a blush creeps up my face. Damn him and his cute accent.

"I've never seen you around. Are you new here?" I ask, changing the subject. He nods. "Well, aren't you supposed to be in a class?"

"Nope. They gave me a free period. They actually gave me a girl's name. Said she might be in the library and that she would show me around. Though, I can't pronounce her name. Or find the library." He frowns as he looks at a piece of paper in his hand. I snatch the paper and read the name. I smirk ever so slightly.

"Ah, yes. Ariella Herrington." I start walking away. I look back at him over my shoulder. "Come on." I hear his footsteps and he catches up to me easily.