Caught in the Flames

Chapter 2

^ Vallerie (cause I know that I like to read with some visual guidance)

By the time I emerge myself from the Shadowhunter world I realise that I only have 20 minutes before school starts and it takes 15 minutes to walk there.

"Shit" I curse and dash to my closet.

I throw on black skinny jeans, a singlet and an oversized hoodie. I run to my vanity and use my foundation to cover the bruise on my face. Once I finish applying the foundation, and blending it to look natural, I grab my school backpack, chucking in my book, and go to my window. I throw my backpack down and climb onto the branch that sat under my window. I close my window and make my way down the tree.

As soon as my feet hit solid ground, I sprint until I'm a block away from my horrid house. Once I feel that I'm far enough away I slow down and catch my breath. I get to school with two minutes to spare and pull up my hoodie. I speed walk through the halls with my head down until I come to my locker. I exchange my bag for my books and slam it shut once more. I hear the bell go off as I attempt to get to class on time but I end up crashing into someone. Of course my life just had to be a fucking cliché, doesn't it?

The "someone", who I now can tell by their frame is distinctly male, wraps his arms around my arms before I fall. Now this would be a really great time and all, but his hands grip right where the cuts I made last night are. I hiss in pain and scramble to get out of his arms.

"Are you ok? I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going. Did I hurt you?" A voice that belonged to the male said.

I slowly looked up to see a face I had never seen before, although that isn't unusual, I don't know a lot of people. He seemed different though and I realise why when I see the map clutched in his hands.

" Um n-no. It's o-ok. It's m-my fault." I stutter and bend to pick up the books that tumbled to the ground during the collision.

"What's up Ace?" I hear another guy ask.

I only then notice the two other guys standing behind the man I bumped into. Seriously, he looked twenty! He even had tattoos! He bent over to help me as he replies.

"I bumped into someone" he chuckles.

"Well at least someone isn't yet in class. Um, girl, can you show us where our class is?" He asks while scratching the back of his neck sheepishly.

They all look at me, waiting for my reply. By now I have gathered all of my books with the help of "Ace" and was standing up facing them. Honestly this was a new experience for me. I haven't really talked to anyone for a long time. Mostly out of fear of my father.

I look around the halls to see them empty and assume that the warning bell has already rung so I figure I can't do anymore damage.

I nod my head, "sure" I say quietly.

The one who hasn't talked yet passes me his schedule, "we have all the same class".

I nod again, "this is actually where I was headed, follow me".

We walk in silence until one of them comes up beside me, "hello, my name's Zander, the broody guy you bumped into, that's Ace, and the last one over there is Kayne."

I'm still shocked that someone is talking to me. This has to stop. I'll just get to class and then I'll avoid them. Yea, good plan. If I get too close to someone I risk them finding out and, my god, I can only imagine the pain I'd be in after that beating. Maybe he'd actually finally kill me. I was brought out of my thoughts by the voice of Zander.

"What's your name?" He asks.

I was just about to tell him when, "VALLERIE TAZER WHY ARE YOU LATE TO MY CLASS"

My eyes widen at the loud voice and I look up to see my teacher glaring at me, "DETENTION".

No. I cannot have one of those. Dad would kill me. Literally.

I think Ace saw the pure fear on my face because his whole demeanour changed. He walks behind me and places his hands on my shoulders. I flinch from his touch but, if he notices, he doesn't acknowledge it.

"Actually, Ms. Carter was it? Ms. Carter, Vallerie here was showing us the way to our class. Now, judging by the look on your face," which to my confusion was fear, "I think you know who I am. So, following on from that, I don't think our kind little Vallerie really needs to be punished now does she?"

"N-no Mr. Turner" she says backing away slowly.

The whole class is watching with the same expression but I can sense the excitement and anticipation of what's going to happen. Honestly, I have no clue what's happening nor why Ace has so much power over a teacher like that but I just shrug it off. Not my problem.

I turn back to him and pull my lips up in what I hope resembles a smile, "thank you".

"Anytime princess" he smirks back.

I feel a heat rush through my cheeks at the nickname but I shake it off. One, a guy like that has got to have a girlfriend. Two, he probably calls other girls that. Three, father would kill me and him. Four, father would KILL me.

I turn to the class to see that there are only four desks available in a cluster at the back. FML, come on. Avoiding them is gonna be harder than I thought. I walk with my head down to the four desks and sit in the one in the far back corner. Zander sits in front of me, Ace sits next to me and Kayne sits diagonally across.

I drop my head into my arms, effectively cutting off light and the sound of the history lecture. However, it didn't stop me from feeling the curious eyes burning a hole on the side of my head. I would bet any money that it's Ace. I just ignore it and relax into my pit of darkness, trying not to think of anything.