Adopted by The Pack

Chapter 16

I got up in the morning, and started to get ready for school. I couldn't wait to see Raven and Cheryl again. Thinking about the dream last night, I smiled, and quietly laughed, remembering the look on Lachlan's face when Mitch had scared him. Walking over to my closet, I found a comfortable shirt and some jeans for school.

This morning, I decided to take the bus to school, so Preston could go ahead and get to the office, and Brianna could arrive early to nursing. On the way there, a boy I hadn't seen before sat next to me. I hadn't been around guys that much since I had been orphaned, and that had been nearly 7 years. Not knowing how to properly act, I turned and introduced myself.

"Hi, I'm Ashley. What's your name?"

"I'm Liam. What grade are you in?" He asked me. Great. I hadn't thought about the fact that we would be in different grades.

"Ninth, what about you?" I answered.

"Same." By the time he said this though, we had gotten to school.

"Well, see you!" I say as we get off the bus.

"Wait, were you chatting with Liam?" I heard a voice behind me ask. Turning around, I see Cheryl looking at me, waiting for an answer.

"Yeah, why?" I answer.

"Because he's one of the cool kids. Us outcasts rarely associate with them. What'd y'all talk about?" She said.

"Not much. I introduced myself, and he asked what grade I'm in." I respond. "Come on, we're going to be late to class!"

After school, I got back on the bus. Reading a book, it took me a little while to realize someone was talking to me.

"Sorry, what?" I ask, not looking up.

"I said, do you take the bus everyday?" The person says. Recognizing Liam's voice, I glance up before answering.

"This is actually my first day taking it. Why?" I asked.

"Just curious. Are you going to keep taking it?" He said.

"It would depend on my parents schedules. But I'm sure I'll end up taking it again." I replied. "Are you going to keep asking me questions, or can I read my book?"

"Is it a good book?" He asked.

"It would be better if I was allowed to read it." I say, going back to the book and blocking out all sound.

We had more homework that night, but I still only needed to work on it for maybe an hour tops. Finishing it, I realized I hadn't been on the PSP for a while. Plugging my headphones in, I started listening to my music and searched around for my sketchbook. Finally finding it, I lounged in the bed, doodling a fox.

After an hour or so, I got up to go eat supper. Finishing off the other Hot Pocket, I chatted with Preston and Brianna.

"So Ashley, we were wondering if you would want to take the bus more often." I heard Brianna say.

"Why? I don't mind, but I like spending time with y'all." I said.

"Well, you see..."