Run

Chapter 4

"You're seriously going to wear that?" Brandon asks with a skeptical smirk.

"Listen, if I wanted your opinion, I'd ask for it." I glare. Who does he think he is to pass judgement on my attire? I haven't seen him wear a single shirt that fits him right since I got here. Mr. I-Shop-Exclusively-At-Baby-Gap.

"Who cares?" Micah groans, "Just get in the damn truck before we're late."

I walk past Brandon and get in the back of the black pickup truck.

"Since when are you so punctual?" Benjamin asks from the middle seat.

"Since he got his last warning from coach," Dalton answers with a smirk.

"Why didn't you ride with Steve?" Brandon asks as he climbs into the passenger seat.

I wonder briefly if he's talking to me until Benjamin replies.

"Overslept."

Dalton lets out a scoff but no one persists questioning.

"Just a heads up, you should probably figure out something to do after school," Brandon continues talking.

I look around in confusion, unsure if he's still talking to Benjamin.

"Who, me?" I finally ask.

"Yeah," Brandon laughs.

"None of us get home until past 5," Benjamin states simply.

"Why?" I ask lamely.

"We have football," Dalton explains, gesturing toward Brandon and Micah in the front.

"Plus Steve," Benjamin adds, "And Frank and I are in quizbowl."

I shrug.

"I mean you can hang out with us if you want," Benjamin quickly offers, "Our coach doesn't really mind if anyone just wants to hang out in the room."

"Nah," I state, "I'll figure out a way to get home. Don't worry about it."

"You sure?" Brandon asks.

"Listen, I'm not some helpless puppy that need assistance," I come off sounding harsher than I meant.

"I never said you were," Brandon frowns.

"Just leave here alone," Micah rolls his eyes, "If she wants to be that way, let her."

The rest of the ride to school is stiff and silent. Everyone basically sprints out of the truck upon arrival. I know I should probably make an effort but I can't. I can't make myself be comfortable around these strangers, not even if I wanted to.

Wyatt already had me registered so all I have to do is get my schedule and textbooks.

"Hello, can I help you?" an older woman smiles from the other side of the front desk.

"Oh, yeah. I'm a new student. My brother  should have already registered me." I wring my hands nervously.

"Ah! You must be Miss James," she beams, "I have your schedule right here. Our school isn't very large but I took the liberty of printing out a map for you."

I smile, genuinely pleased by her generous demeanor, "Thank you, so much."

"No problem, sweetheart," she offers a gentle smile, "You have homeroom in a few minutes with Ms. Yates, she'll have your locker number and combination."

"Have a good day." I nod before heading off to find my classroom.

I feel nervous already. A mixture of sweat from the hot air and my own built up anxieties cover my brow as i swiftly move through the sparce crowds of the hallways. I turn a corner and run straight into someone. We both jump back in shock.