Outsiders

Chapter 2

I rolled my eyes at the escalating bet, knowing that this was bound to end in either Brandon's disappointment or a month of homework for Michael. Michael, with a smug smirk, nodded confidently.

"Alright, okay, you want to go there, huh?" Michael's tone was playful yet competitive.

"Oh no, not this again," Ali chimed in, echoing my sentiments as she tried to intervene.

Ignoring the warnings, Brandon stood up, locking eyes with Michael in a challenge. Michael mirrored his stance, stepping forward to meet Brandon's gaze head-on.

"I bet you fifty dollars she's going to have powers!" Brandon announced boldly, his smirk widening. Michael chuckled, reaching into his pocket and pulling out another fifty-dollar bill.

"Okay, I accept your bet, but here's the deal: if she doesn't have powers, you owe me fifty bucks, and you have to do my homework for a month!" Michael countered, placing the bill on the table and extending his hand for a handshake.

Brandon's smile grew wider as he looked at the money, clearly unfazed by the high stakes. He firmly grasped Michael's hand, sealing the deal. "Deal!" Brandon affirmed, his competitive spirit shining through.

I shook my head, amused yet exasperated by their ongoing rivalry. It was a familiar sight—Brandon's enthusiasm for bets often leading to amusing consequences, with Michael usually coming out on top. But there was always an undeniable thrill in their friendly competitions, even if it meant Brandon would be doing homework for a month.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and I made my way to math with Michael, Winter, and Brandon. The classroom was filled with the usual buzz of chatter and the sound of chairs scraping against the floor as students settled into their seats. Once the math lesson wrapped up, I headed to construction class. The workshop smelled of sawdust and fresh paint, and the sound of hammers and saws filled the air. There, I saw Jason and Hannah.

Hannah, Jason's best friend, stood out with her long, wavy blue hair cascading down her back. Her bright blue eyes were striking against her pale complexion, and she wore a white shirt under a navy blue jacket that complemented her hair. Her outfit was completed with short shorts that showed off her long legs. It was hard enough trying to avoid Jason, who always seemed to have a smug look on his face, but when they were together, it was unbearable. Their constant whispering and shared laughter made it impossible to focus on anything else.

After class, I went to my locker and placed my books away. The familiar clang of metal echoed as I slammed it shut and locked it. I walked through the bustling hallway towards my food class. Once I arrived in front of the door, I grabbed the handle, took a deep breath to steady myself, and opened it. Inside, the aroma of spices and baking filled the air, and I saw Nash and Jason already seated. I took my regular spot just as Mr. Chambray walked in and shut the door with a sigh.

"I can't believe you three. Snow, my best student. Nash, my second best, and... Jason. I will be pulling you guys outside one at a time. Jason, you're up first," he said, his tone dripping with frustration.

As Jason followed Mr. Chambray out of the room, I turned to Nash. "I don't understand, why am I here? I did nothing," I said, annoyance creeping into my voice.

Nash was slumped over his desk, lazily flicking a pencil back and forth. "You were trying to pull me off of Jason," he explained.

"Still, I wasn't part of the fight," I insisted, slumping over my desk in exasperation. Nash sighed.

"Snow, don't worry. I know you're scared, but nothing is going to happen," he said, trying to calm me down. I managed a small smile. The door creaked open, and Jason sauntered back in with a smug smile plastered on his face. He returned to his seat just as Mr. Chambray called Nash.