Dance of the Angels

Chapter 3

Lunch time yet again. Naomi sat with her friends, everyone sat in almost the same seat as the previous day. The only difference was Gareth’s seat. The boy hadn’t shown up so Ianto had taken it as an opportunity to sit by Katie. However, Katie looked like she would rather be sitting anywhere but by Ianto.

“Where’s Gareth?” wondered Naomi. The response she received was a mixture of shrugs and grunts (the grunting was mainly from Alex as he seemed to be in a foul mood). “I hope he’s alright.”

Nothing bad should happen to anyone, Naomi thought. Even if they are abusive, they are still people.

Ianto made a strange sound which turned into violent coughs. Katie patted his back and made sure he was okay, offering him some water.
“Since when were you concerned over lover boy?” asked Alex with a sly grin.
“Lover boy?” exclaimed Katie. “What are you on about?” She looked to her friends for answers but Ryan looked away, covering a smile with his hand.

On the other hand, Ianto was giving Alex a death glare.
“Shut up,” he growled. Katie and Naomi exchanged a worried glance.
“Ianto, calm-” Ianto interrupted her by hitting his fists on the table.
“No,” he hissed. “He needs to shut up!” Several students from nearby tables had heard, looking over in hopes of seeing a fight or heard something gossip-worthy.

Despite Naomi’s best attempts to ignore the argument happening next to her, their words and insults were heard loudly and clearly in her ears. She squeezed her eyes shut and covered her ears with her hands, hoping she wouldn’t hear any more hurtful words. It was futile.
“Please just stop arguing!” she yelled. He palms hit the table, making a loud smack sound. “Please just… just stop.”
“You should go back to being homeschooled,” spat Alex, turning his venomous words to her. “Obviously a bitch like you can’t handle being normal so run off like yesterday. I doubt Ryan will follow you out of pity this time!” Naomi flinched at his tone and choice of words but stayed.

Naomi decided to turn her attention away from people. She pulled out a piece of homework she had been given the day before and then she pulled out her black ballpoint pen from her pocket so she could start filling it in. A few insults later, Alex shoved the table into Naomi, Ianto and Katie before storming off. Frowning, Naomi looked at the pen line caused by the movement of the table. She waiting until Ianto had pushed the table back to where it was before continuing.
“We should probably get to lesson,” said Ryan, diffusing the awkward atmosphere.

Dropping the pen to the table, Naomi turned to Ryan and shook her head.
“It’s not happening,” she sighed. Leaning over, Ryan peered at her question.
“That’s ‘cause she added instead of taking-”
“Is Naomi Adams in this class?” Naomi looked to the owner of the voice and saw a teacher standing in the doorway to the corridor. “You need to come with me.” She glanced at Ryan who shrugged.
“What did you do wrong?” asked Ianto jokingly. Naomi rolled her eyes at him before grabbing her back and pen, shutting her book and following the teacher.

Naomi trailed after the teacher as they headed up a floor.
“Why am I out of class?” she asked. As she passed through the door he was holding open, she thanked him and he smiled in response.
“I’m going to be your mentor,” he replied. He pushed open a door to one of the offices and held it open for her again. Naomi stepped inside and he shut the door. “I’m Mr Sam Jones, hello Miss Naomi Adams.”

“You can leave your bag by the door,” he said as she collapsed back onto a swivel chair. There was a thud as the bag hit the floor. She sat in one of the chairs, choosing the more cushions and newer-looking of the two.
“Why do I need a mentor?” Naomi pushed herself gently side to side in the spinning chair as she waited for his reply.
“Mrs Morris said you had an anxiety attack yesterday. We just want to make sure you’re and have a place to go if you’re too overwhelmed.” Naomi nodded in understanding.