Shattered Howls (ON HOLD)

Chapter Six

Behold my very own eyes stood five tall, radiant men. I am not talking about the Anthony brothers, who were just as radiant, but five different brothers who belong to a different family, the Morgan family.

No one looked happy to see them, and I didn't understand why. The Morgan's remained at the entrance when the bell rang. Reluctantly everyone stood up and there was only one exit so we began our decent. I tried talking but no one would listen, their eyes were all focused with the Morgan's.

"Derrick, who are they?" I whispered as we approached closer. As soon as those words escaped my lips a few of the Morgan's smiled.

"Nice to see you again, Peter," The one who seemed to be the eldest said. "Ryan, why the hell are you and your family here?" Peter growled.

"We've decided that it would be more fun to stick around for a little while.

We like this area." One of the tallest boys spoke with a grin. "I see you've finally found a pretty girl, Derrick." He said.

"Hi there beautiful, I'm Paul." His smile was so irresistible; I couldn't help but give him my hand and blush. "Alana." I replied. Instead of shaking my hand, to my surprise he laid an aggressive kiss upon it. This made my face even hotter and I could feel Derrick's disapproval radiating from behind me. Not only did Derrick seem extra peeved about my greeting with Paul the others did as well.

"We better get going," Noah interrupted. "We'll be keeping a close eye you!" Derrick muttered before dragging everyone out of the cafeteria.

"What was that all about?" I asked. "Nothing important," Derrick replied. "That didn't look like nothing to me." "Well you wouldn't know now would you?" He rudely answered.

I was angered by his sudden outburst and really surprised that he would actually raise his voice at me. "Never mind," I meekly said before turning and heading over to my next class.

"Alana, wait up. I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

"It's fine, I guess it's none of my business anyway." I said while continuing my way down the hall.

"Alana, I'm sorry. It's just a long story, a very long story. I'll explain soon okay?"

"Okay." I simply said.

"You still on for tomorrow night's bonfire right?" He hopingly asked. His tone of voice was so hard to resist.

"Yes, of course." I sighed.

"Excellent, I can't wait." He smiled then later on left to go along with Noah to his class. At first he seemed hesitant to leave, but then after Noah insisting he go with him, he left. I walked alone to my next class.

Shortly after beginning the lesson a student walked in and interrupted class. It was Paul. "Mr. Morgan, I wish I could say it was a pleasure to have you back in my class again but I am an honest man." My teacher commented.

"The feeling is mutual sir." Paul smirked while looking over to find a seat. His faced beamed when he noticed the empty desk next to mine.

"And we meet again," I laughed as he sat down and greeted me. "It is destiny, my love." He said sarcastically, I think.

"Okay class everyone is assigned the partner that is sitting directly to the right of you for this next project." Mr. Hudson announced. I could tell Paul was excited, "Guess you will be seeing a lot of me then, Alana."

"Guess so."

The rest of the class was unusually enjoyable and I owe it all to Paul, he kept me entertained. By the time class was over we became much acquainted and I liked him. He was not as bad as the Anthony brothers made seem, but I can't speak for the rest of the Morgan brothers since I don't know them yet.

"What's your next class?" Paul curiously asked. "Music." "Awesome me too. I'll walk you then." He happily demanded. I was not going to lie, Paul is a cutie. He appears to have a hidden bad boy side that any girl would be attracted to.

My thoughts drifted when we walked into music class and I found Derrick's intent eyes analyzing my presence next to Paul. "Um I'll see you later; I'm going to go sit with Emily." I told Paul. Sadly, I didn't have the guts to sit next to Derrick with his angered look so I took the easy route and sat next to a friendly Emily.

"You are a total boy magnet, Alana!" Emily jealously whispered. "What do you mean?" "You have both an Anthony and Morgan brother falling for you!" She answered. "Don't be ridiculous that's crazy. No one likes me like that." I truthfully said. I barely knew Derrick and Paul and there is no way any of them would like a girl like me. "Don't be so blunt, Alana." She whispered back. 

"Alright everyone lets pick up where we left off the other day." My dad started. "Now who is left to present their talents to the class?" I felt my body unconsciously shrink back into the chair. "I'm pretty sure Alana hasn't gone yet," Caitlin blurted out with glee. "Yeah lets here the girl sing!" Derricked winked.

I frowned towards him and tried my best to give him a disapproving look but he was not catching on. They pushed me up onto the stage and a microphone was placed into my hands. "I can't do this," I whispered to Derrick who handed me the microphone. "Yes you can, Jamie said you were an excellent singer! Go on!" He whispered back before running off the stage back to his seat. All eyes were on me now, Derrick's, a few of his brother's, Paul's, and Caitlin's, everyone's. I could feel my heart rate climbing and my skin started to itch. I felt nauseous as the background music began playing. I glanced toward my dad was giving me pity glance back. I already missed the second verse, stares were becoming harder. "I... can't." I stammered. I felt the mic slip from my empty grasp and hit the floor with a loud thud.

I ran out of the room is a hurry. What happened to me? Where has all my confidence gone? I could only hear my footsteps as I ran down the empty school hallways. Far away from my classroom, I sat down against a locker. Willingly, I pulled my legs up and hid my head between them, panting. "Alana." I heard. My head rose and my eyes met with Derrick's. He sat beside me and wrapped an arm around my neck, pulling me closer to him. All I really wanted right now was to be held, and Derrick was doing a great job at it. "I am so sorry Alana, I had no idea." Derrick sincerely told me. "It's fine, you had no idea that I don't sing anymore." I sorrowfully replied. "If you don't mind me asking, why?"

I shifted uncomfortably. "My mother's death corrupted me. I thought I would recover, but apparently I haven't. Every time I find myself feeling blissful I also feel a pang of guiltiness. Singing makes me feel... Well there are no words to describe it but I don't deserve happiness anymore." Derrick's face changed, "Alana, you more than anyone deserve in world deserve to be happy. There is no reason you should feel guilty for your mom's death."

Derrick is wrong. He doesn't know the truth, no one does.

"Horrible accidents happen like that all the time and even though they are heart breaking you can pull through." He tenderly spoke. "I hope so."

"Alana, are you okay?" Another voice came. "Paul," Derrick growled. "Leave this is none of your business and you are not welcome here." "Derrick!? Why would you say something like that?" I questioned. I don't understand why these boys hate each other. "He is bad news, Alana." Derrick whispered. I looked up after hearing a rusty laugh. "Don't worry Derrick I won't hurt you." Paul smiled. "I am fine Paul, thank you." Paul's glance turned back to me. "You're sure?" "Yes, I better get going." I told both the boys as the bell rang and students began to fill up the once empty hall ways. "Okay I'll pick you up tomorrow, for the bonfire." Derrick told me. "Can't wait," smiled. Then I fixed my composure and walked out of the building.