My Guardian

Chapter 2

One year later...

"Good morning, Lily!" Ella greeted me as soon as I walked into the school. Isabel and Katelyn were getting things out of their lockers.

"Morning." I said smiling.

"Did things go okay yesterday?" Isabel asked worriedly. They went on another class field trip and were gone all day yesterday.This time though, I really didn't have any problems with Lauren and Michael.

"Yes, Isabel. You do know I can take care of myself when you guys aren't here, right?" I asked her as I opened my locker.

"Of course, but that doesn't mean we won't stop worrying." Katelyn said rolling her eyes.

"Really, guys. I'm okay." I said rolling my eyes.

"What about that FBI guy?" Ella whispered.

"What about him?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"He's not being weird or anything, right?" Isabel asked, looking concerned.

"What? No way! Derek is really nice, and I've met the people he works with." I said smiling. "Plus, he's the one who's been teaching me self-defense." I haven't told them about me planning on killing myself that day. I don't think I could bring myself to tell them something so sad. They've been my friends since junior high and despite all the names they're called because of me, they still hang around me and call me their friend. I love them for that and I'm glad that they're my friends. I wouldn't want anyone else as my friends. Derek's been a great help and has helped me through a lot of things. I got to meet his team and they're all very nice and wonderful people. Derek invited me to go to a barbecue they were having after a long case. I bonded with them a lot during that barbecue. I especially really like Penelope. She's so sweet and the best human being I've ever met. She's so freaking happy all the time, even though she's expressed to me that it's not always sunshine and daisies with her. But I love how she tries to keep a positive outlook on everything. On my birthday last year, she got me a cellphone. A cellphone! I mean who gives someone they've only talked to a handful of times a cellphone? Penelope does, that's who.

I've got her number and the other's numbers in my phone as well as Ella's, Isabel's, and Katelyn's. They're the only ones I talk to, which could be seen as sad. But I don't think so. They're all that I need to be happy. I've met Jack and Henry too. They're so cute and sweet. I asked Penelope to look up my parents one time. Turns out, my dad walked out on my mom when he learned she was pregnant, and my mom couldn't handle having to take care of a child by herself, so she dumped me at the church I'd been staying at until I was twelve. After that, I ran away from the church because I got tired of the people there trying to stuff Bible stuff down my throat every day. So, now I live on the streets. Ever since I met Derek, though, I stay the night at his place every once in a while. Penelope asked me if I wanted to meet my parents one time, but I told her no. If they didn't want me in the beginning, then there was no point in meeting them. They don't deserve to get to know me. "Hey, losers. I'd say don't forget the Sophomore Dance is this weekend, but I doubt you'll come anyway." Lauren said sneering at us as she and Michael walked by. I just flipped her off. She's right. I don't plan on going to the Dance. I know Ella, Isabel, and Katelyn is going to make me go, but I don't want to go.

"I know you don't want to go to go, Lily. But you never told us why." Ella said as we headed to our first class.

"And I told you I really don't want to talk about it." I said sighing. "Especially not here."

"Okay, then will you tell us about it after school?" Isabel asked me.

"I guess." I said sighing. "Can we talk about it at the park though?"