There's Just Something About a Bad Boy

Books, Homework, and Hayden.. Oh My

Later that day at lunch, I sit with the boys and Addy. My first two classes pass by antagonizingly slow. Pre-calc is just as I predict - a breeze, and I manage to snag Sarah's number as we leave the classroom. My second class, on the other hand, comes with a surprise. It's chemistry, and I just so happen to be seated next to Hayden - the teacher has stuck me there when I wasn't successful in trying to sneak past him. He also made me introduce myself to the class - which is something that I particularly hate about being the new kid all the time.

Glancing toward the door, I watch for Sarah, hoping that I can convince her to eat with us - if she can manage not to be a nervous wreck like she was with Cole this morning. I finally spot her and wave her over. She looks scared as she walks toward me, and even though I don't fully understand why she's so nervous around them, I can only guess it's probably because she knows these boys as popular assholes that you don't talk to.

"Hey, Sarah!" I say with a soft smile. "Do you want to eat with us?"

She gives me a soft grin and nods. She's still obviously nervous, but she sits down between me and Cody, and they seem to hit it off great. It's probably a good thing that she chooses to sit next to the goofier boy. He has the ability to make anyone a friend - this observation is only more solidified as person after person walks by waving at him. Almost instantly, though, Cody begins talking to her and flashes that gorgeous little crooked smile, and after that, I can barely get a word in. Instead, I turn to Addy, who is already looking at me, which I think is odd, but oh well.

"How's your first day going?" She says in between bites of pasta.

"It's been great so far," I reply with a smile. "How is senior year treating you so far?"

She laughs. "It's alright. Not the best thing ever."

I smirk and begin to ask her why, but her attention has once again averted to something behind me, just like it had this morning, and I turn around and follow her gaze to once again see Hayden walking this way. He needs to not make a habit out of this. I really don't need a reason to be on Kade's bad side, and it's only my first day of school.

"Shit," I mumble under my breath before turning back around to Addy. She's tapping Kade's arm to get his attention. Before Kade can look up and say something to distract Hayden, I feel a whisper at my ear. I spare a sideways glance at my brother, who looks like he's ready to explode.

"Hey, clumsy," I feel him smile against my ear. "Meet me in the library for your free period in a little bit."

I debate in my head for a minute on whether or not I should go, but decide that if I don't go, he will hunt me down and make me. I mean what could possibly go wrong? We're in school, and the library isn't exactly the best place to commit murder or seduction if Kade is right, so I nod and with that he's gone, leaving a warm tingly feeling on my neck. When I look back at Kade, he's glaring at me, but he has held his tongue. Surprise filters through me. I had expected a public berating.

"What?" I mumble in his direction, even though I know what he's glaring for. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

"I told you to stay away from him, Kayla," he growls. "Please, for once in your life, just do what you're told. It's for your own damn good." He practically yells the last sentence, catching the attention of the surrounding tables. People turn to stare at us after his outburst, but when they realize who's yelling, they quickly avert their gazes.

"Okay," I mumble into my plate, but he seems pleased with my response and doesn't say anything else.

I eat the rest of my lunch in silence, confusion and wonder regarding Hayden's request taking over my thoughts. I finish quickly and retreat from the table before anyone can question me, and despite Kade's order to stay away, I still find myself walking to the library for my free period after lunch.