I dare you.

Chapter 2

One thing I can confidently thank my mother for is not passing down her anger issues to me. I do get angry though, don't get me wrong, but it's nothing like when someone does her dirty. Her and I... we've never had a good relationship. It's not that bad either though. Like, let's say someone was about to shoot her? I probably wouldn't take the bullet for her. But I'd definitely take her to the hospital. I'm 99% sure the feeling is mutual.

She always tried to teach me little things when I was younger that I really didn't need to be taught: how to tell if the guy you're dating is actually some crazy serial killer, how to make easy money on the deep web, just your average everyday life lessons. She had one rule and one rule only - NEVER bring them home if they frequently twitch their eye. Well, guess what mum? That's actually called an eye spasm.

I've seen A LOT of different guys walk in and out of my home. Most were men of my mum, not mine. I've had my fair share, not enough to brag about. Most are just cousins of the people at high school. Anyway... that jerk is lucky I didn't flip my shit at him. I sort of did, but that's nothing compared to my usual. Maybe I do have anger issues... how do I get that tested? Can I buy a test from the chemist? Over the counter?

I go to my first class; English. One of my favorites. But my overall favorite is art. I like to think I'm good but my grades tell me otherwise. I go to sit at my usual seat but notice that someone is already sitting in it.

"Umm...?" I tap him on the shoulder before noticing who he actually is. I could guess from miles away just from his oily hair.

"Following me?" He looks me up and down before meeting my eyes. Lady is staring at me as well, very confused. I'm not sure whether to embarrass him or push him out of my seat. I choose the latter.

"Hardly." I scoff. I notice Lady and Koda glaring at me as if I had said something completely out of line, then Lady lets out a small laugh and changes her attention to the boy in my seat. He stands up and gets in my face.

"You should stay away from me." He cautions.

He tilts his head to the side and then runs his fingers through his hair before walking out of class.

"Ace! What do you think you're doing?" The teacher says as she slowly approaches this 'Ace' and I. If anyone would make a scene, it's me.

"He was just leaving, weren't you Acey?"

He cocks his head back and turns around to face me and the teacher. At least I now have a name to the face, not that I needed one.

"Yeah, what she said." he cautioned.

I watch him as he walks out of the classroom, the teacher not even in the slightest caring. I take my seat in the now empty chair with everyone's eyes on me.

"Is something wrong? That was the weirdest thing I have ever seen from you." Lady asks, sounding concerned.

"How? Who is that anyway, I don't get it?"

"Amari," Lady emphasizes my name and I know she's about to say something dumb.

"Haven't you taunted him enough? He has... serious issues. That's no joke either. Usually, I say you aren't someone to mess with. But he REALLY isn't someone to mess with, whatevers going on." Koda starts to nod in agreeance. Are they serious? Do I look concerned right now? Intimidated? I'm not.

"What do you mean by 'enough' I have barely spoken to him. What's it to you anyway? We only have an issue if I make it one."

"He told us what happened at his locker, Mari. We're friends with him." Lady whispers, Koda shifts her attention to me clearly waiting for my reaction.