Golden (Book 1 of the Golden Series)

Chapter 3

Did a bit of a mood board for Elle, I love making graphics for books so you'll probably see a lot of these as the book advances. Also– opinions on the cover? I keep changing my mind about what I want but I think I like this one! Thanks for the support on the book so far! You guys are amazing x

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The rest of the day went past quickly, my mind whirling with thoughts about Matt and the new people arriving tomorrow. I couldn't work out why I felt so on edge – it's not as if they would have any effect on me. They probably wouldn't be allowed within a five-foot radius of me if Matt had anything to say about it. The bell rings, announcing the end of class and I quickly pack up my things, rushing to meet Matt at my locker. He hated it when I was late.

There is someone already waiting for me as I arrive but it's thankfully not Matt.

"You're safe, he's not here yet." Kristie states, rolling her eyes and slumping against the locker beside mine, "I passed him chatting to some football guys so you've still got time." I smile gratefully at her as I start collecting my things, making sure to keep an eye out for the blonde head of hair. "So what's your plans tonight?" She asks and I close my locker door shrugging.

"Honestly, probably just have dinner with Matt and then have a discussion about tomorrow, my dad is home too so it's not like I'll be doing anything much."

Kristie's hand lands on my arm and she squeezes it comfortingly, her soft brown eyes swirling with pity and it makes me feel sick. She goes to say something but her eyes flick behind me and she glares.

"I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" I nod and she hugs me quickly before straightening up at the sound of footsteps right beside us. "See you tomorrow, Matt." She half spits.

Matt smirks at her, resting his arm around my neck, "See you later, Kirsty." She scowls but doesn't bother correcting him, he'd called her that for three years, it wasn't about to change now.

I don't get the chance to say bye to her because Matt has already dragged me away, through the crowds and out the front door before I realise.

"Honestly, I don't know why you're still friends with her." He murmurs, his hand guiding me into his pick up truck. "She's not even that attractive." I jump onto the seat and the door slams behind me. I don't say anything back or begin to try and defend Kristie – I'd be wasting my breath on him. Matt jumps in the car and we pull out of the schools parking lot. He takes the time to roll down his window and shout at some of his teammates as he does and I have to physically stop myself from groaning. I just wanted to go home.

"Did you have a good day?" Matt asks as we drive, his hand coming over and resting on my thigh and I smile.

"It was alright, the same of the usual – history was quite fun though, we're looking at ancient civilisations and how their government worked and how they managed to—"

"I asked if you had a good day, I didn't ask you to bore me to death with the information you learnt." Matt's voice is cold as he speaks, his eyes not moving from the road but his fingers dig into my thigh slightly sending me a warning.

"Sorry," I mumble, looking out the window, watching the trees fly past us in a blur of green and brown, "It won't happen again."

We arrive at my house and I step out the car, cringing at the sight of my fathers old Toyota parked in our driveway. I hated when he was home.

I wait for Matt to walk around the side of the car, knowing not to go into the house without him, and he walks straight past me, opening the door like it was his house and not mine. Honestly, sometimes it felt like it.