Terminal Love

~Chapter 2~

I couldn't believe how hurt I was feeling about Michael's actions earlier in class. I just wanted to scream and cry over how unfair the situation was. Heading towards my car, and noticibly lost in my thoughts, I walked right by him, without the realization that he was extending his hand to me. It was when I heard his footsteps behind me that I snapped out of my trance. 

"Emily! Wait up!" I heard his unfamilliar voice call behind me. I turned around slowly, and cursed under my breath. This wasn't the time for introductions.

I kept walking, ignoring Michael's calls, until he finally caught up to me. The plea in his eyes was enough to get me to stop. "Listen Emily, I'm sorry for being an ass ealier, I'm the new kid here, I just want to fit in comfortably with everyone else." I felt a flare in my cheeks and quickly responded bitterly "Yeah, so you think that's and excuse to make someone feel out of place? That's really shitty of you," I immediately regretted coming off so bitchy, and his softened expression brought a lump to my throat. I choked out, "I'm so sorry." and quickly turned around to walk away when he grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him, wrapping his arms around me in and awkward but warm embrace.

"I'm sorry, okay... I can make it..." but his voice was interrupted by a loud familliar voice screeching "Ugh, Michael, what is wrong with you?! didn't I tell you to stay away from that creep?!" He let go of me and turned to face Lacey, with a flusttered look he said, "Look, I don't know what's going on here, but you can't treat her like this. She's a human being, and I'm not your lackey. You have to stop this Lacey..." 

I looked up at him, curiously. Was there something I didn't know? Michael was defending me, much to Lacey's dismay. "Are you kidding me Michael? You'd give up the life, the party, the popularity for this nobody chick? You must be a loser too." He shifted his gaze to me, and back to Lacey again and said simply, "Yes. And let's make this perfectly clear. Her name is Emily. Back off, nobody" I looked at Lacey, I knew the words left her ego bruised, but damnit it felt good. Michael replaced the books in my arm with his arm, and led me away quietly, leaving Lacey with a look of disappointment on her face.