Brave: Remade

Chapter 2

"Crybaby! Crybaby!" Chanted the boys in my class.

The girls stood there laughing, taking note of my pain. They held no remorse for me-and they didn't care either way.

"Crybaby! Crybaby!" Tears burned my flushed cheeks.

I should have known that the attention on the new students wouldn't last that long. Of course they'd come after me only a few days later.

Slowly, the chanting got to my head and I tried to cover my ears to block it out. 

However, almost as if on cue, a boy made his way through the crowd. He pushed people off their desks, letting no way for them to step in his path.

This couldn't be good. After all, what reason would the school's most popular guy have for walking straight towards me, a smirk on his face? Immediately, I lowered my gaze. Anyone in his pack would kill you just for merely gazing at him.

I awaited the pain, a smack or punch, even a jeer. But it didn't come. Even so, I dared not look up.

"Brave," Came a male's melodic voice. How could any guy's voice possibly sound so harmonial? It was like Heaven on Earth, for goodness sakes! I couldn't help but remember how he had so easily approached me the other day. Why was he helping me?

I didn't reply. In an instant, I felt a hand on my wrist, and the jeers ceased. They were probably waiting in anticipation for the coming blow. Yet, it did not come.

"Brave, raise your eyes. You don't need permission to look at me," The male's voice came again.

At this, a hush fell over the room. Slowly, I raised my head and gazed straight into his ice-blue eyes. His eyes looked just like mine, but held a more masculine glow. What I had thought was a smirk, turned out to be a smile. No one ever smiled at me like that before.

"That's better," He, too, gazed straight into my ice-blue eyes. "Be brave. We're getting out of here." With that, he tugged on my wrist and pulled me off of my desk, towing me out of classroom. I hadn't even realized that he still had his hand on me. Silently, I followed him.

Eventually, he pulled me into the library and over to a table in the corner. We sat down, staring into each other's eyes for a long moment. Although I was beginning to grow impatient, I kept quiet.

At one point, though, I'd finally had enough. "What do you want?" I snapped. "If you want my money, go ahead and have it." Quickly, I took my money out of my pocket and pushed it forward on the table.

He shook his head, pushing the money back towards me. "Brave, why do you comply with everyone's wishes? That's not right. What's even worse is that they would treat you that way." A frown overcame his features.

"What can I say for myself? I'm not brave. I'm scared - weak," I grumbled solemnly.

His smile turned gentle. "Well, I won't let them insult you again. You can hang with me. They won't bother you if you stick around me."

"Really?" I mumbled hopefully.

"Of course!" This time, a silly grin came. "Take it from me-after all; I'm Aren Jenson, the most popular guy in school!"

"Thanks," I replied, trying my best to sound audible.

Aren didn't reply. However, when I looked at the small black and white clock above the table, I jumped up.

"I'm going to be late for lunch!" I screeched. Without another thought, I made a mad dash for the library's double doors. However, just as I went to grab for the handles, I was pulled back by strong hands.