Ryder & Ryder |on hold|

Chapter 2 |'Why do they always go for the hair?'|

‹Picture of Sadie to the side›

Chapter 2 |'Why do they always go for the hair?'|

  The day had gone by surprisingly smooth. I caught up with those who I don't hang out with on a regular basis and talked to almost everyone who came up to me. Social Skills? Check.

  It was now passing period for sixth period and I was running late. Blame the math teacher, Mrs. Lauder, for pulling me to the side to talk about tutoring. Which I kindly declined. It wasn't like I didn't want to tutor people – because I really did. It's just that I'm not the best person to teach someone else.... And I have the attention span of a goldfish. So it would be a lose – lose situation.

  I was heading to English, my second to last class of the day. Dreading the part where I have to tell her why I'm late. Apparently Mr. Peewee – yes, that's how it's spelled – jumps at the chance to give out detentions. I was only about two minutes late. So maybe he isn't even there yet. It's a long shot, but all I do right now is hope.

  Crossing my fingers, I slowly but quietly opened the door, thanking the gods that it didn't squeak. Everyone's heads turned from the tall man at the front towards me as I tiptoed towards an open seat in the back. I was about three feet away, thinking I got away with it when a voice made me halt.

  "How nice of you to join us, Ms. Holloway."  A high pitched voice said.

  Now, when I say high pitched, I mean someone – inhaled – a – little – too – much – helium – high pitched.

  I outwardly cringed, slowly turning in my around. There he was, Mr. Peewee, in all his.... Peewee glory. He was a middle – aged man who just got divorced. I wonder why. That voice, man.

  I tried holding back my laughter as a small smile grew on my lips. "Is that – is that really how you talk?" I asked in a disbelieving voice. I clapped a hand over my mouth while the class snickered quietly.

  Mr. Peewee apparently didn't like that too much. "Well, I'm not sure what you mean?" He huffed. Is this dude for real?

  "Dude, you talk like you inhaled too much helium," said a male voice from behind me. Everyone turned around to see Sean Monroe sitting all the way in the back. His feet were crossed and up on the table.

  Okay – lets get one thing straight. Sean Monroe doesn't talk. Sean Monroe doesn't even come to class. He only hangs out with three people: Roman Hall, Kaiden West, and Ryder Mathews. I've never talked to any of them personally. Most of what I know is what I hear.

  Roman Hall is a tall, pale, brunette who talks. A lot. He also likes to prank people. Vinny's brought him around the house a couple of times, but only when I'm not there. Roman is a very... outspoken person. If he doesn't like you, he'll tell you. I heard he told one kid that his glasses made him look like a starving squirrel on steroids. The kid transferred schools two days later.

  Then there's Kaiden West. I actually met him once. Well, it was more of an altercation then a meeting. Sophomore year, Kaiden ran into me during lunch and spilled milk down my shirt. Mitchell, being the uptight jerk he is, punched Kaiden and then took his shirt off and practically shoved the shirt on me. None of the teachers said anything about it.

  Finally, there's the one and only Ryder Mathews. Ryder is an enigma to the people of Montgomery High. He's handsome, athletic, and smart. But... he just doesn't care. About anything. The kid could probably win a Nobel Piece Prize if he wanted to. There's daily rumors that go around about that boy. Just today I've heard that he's turned gay (not that I have a problem with that) and that he made out with the principal, Ms. Hanger, to get out of a detention. Yeah.... he doesn't have the best reputation.