The Gang Leader's Best Friend

Chapter Two

Another day, another morning routine. We all get to school on time again, which is quite an accomplishment for my family. I go through my morning as per usual, which entails of me not speaking to anyone and being the smart girl in class. Around lunch time, I avoid being the awkward girl who sits alone at the lunch table by making my way to my lunch destination. I would love to be one of those girls who could eat lunch with her friends, have a distraction for a short period of time, but I've got too much going on in my life to be able to put the effort in that we need friends.

Walking down the prison style hallways, I make my way to the final classroom on the left as I knock on the metal frame of the open door, "Is it okay if I eat in here today?"

The dorky math teacher perks his head up from grading papers, as he gives me a gracious smile, "Of course, Ariel. Take a seat anywhere you would like."

"Thank you, Mr. Harris," as I move to the seat near his desk, as I begin to unravel my wrapped turkey sandwich.

After I take my first bite, I start digging through my bag to grab my book, as I open it up and continue where I left off. We sat for a few moments in silence, as I heard his voice over the sound of opening tupperware, "Whatcha reading this week?"

"Pride and Prejudice," as I read my last sentence real quick before closing it again, "I've already read it, but I'm a sucker for a good love story once and while."

"Understanbly," as he took a bite out of his salad, "Personally have never read it, but have seen the movie and it's definitely great."

"Well, the movie is pretty good. Kiera Knightley is phenomenal in it, as she is in everything else."

"That's facts," he says in such a monotone voice, I can't help but chuckle a little. "Wait, did I say that wrong?"

"No, no, no. Trust me, I think you are one of the few teachers in this school who can say that without looking like you are trying too hard," as I took my final bite out of my sandwich.

"Thank god," he exasperates in a dramatic fashion, making me laugh again.

As I started finishing my sandwich, the tone changed from light and playful to more serious, "How have you been, Ariel? You haven't been stressing yourself too much with your brothers, have you?"

"I'm doing alright. I'm stressed, but I've actually been sleeping more, plus my oldest brother brought a friend over last night, and he was quite helpful. Hopefully he will be a good influence on them, and take some of the load off," I chuckle lightly trying to calm myself down.

"Well that's better than the last time I asked you, so I'm glad to hear. What's this friend's name?"

"Xavier. He went here with Zach like two years ago," as I packed up my lunch to throw away.

"Hmmm ... maybe I'll recall him later today," as he was mimicking what I was doing.

"Well, thank you for letting me eat in here. Is it okay if I eat in here tomorrow?" as I'm now standing at the front of his desk.

"Absolutely. Have a good day, Ariel," he saluted me as the bell rang for the next period, queuing my exit.

******

The day flashed before my eyes in a second as all suddenly it was 7 o'clock closing at the coffee shop, as per usual Adelaide sent me home earlier than anybody else. I did manage to finish sweeping the shop beforehand, so that made me feel more helpful.

Pulling into the driveway, I see Xavier's car in the driveway again. Getting a closer look this time I see it's some kind of black Mercedes. Nice. Pulling into the driveway, I make my way into the house, expecting to hear what I heard the night before again. I didn't expect the screaming.