Athena In Gold

II - Friends

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I was hoping my morning walk to school would be peaceful.

"Ayla!" My hopes were standing strong until my head twisted to peak at the psycho yelling in the street at 6am in the morning.

It was to my surprise to see that it had been that Altheo boy who had no regards for the sleeping residents in the area.

My feet stopped instantly as I waited for the psycho to drive up to me.

"It's Athena." I remind him, fighting off the awkwardness. "And how did you find me, this is a closed off neighbourhood."

"You're not the only one who lives in this neighbourhood, Alena." He teased purposely.

I chose to not give him any reaction from me and decided to walk away, having to try and keep my composure.

"I hope you know you're heading the wrong way. " He shouts again.

I shut my eyes, wondering if he'll keep yelling like this until I give into his antics. At this rate the other residents would have me kicked out.

His car slowly drives up to where I stood.

"Just get in or we'll both be late." He says.

I don't contemplate long as I notice a woman peaking from her window curtains with a scowl on her face. Of course that didn't mean I enjoyed ending up in the passenger seat of blue spider convertible.

I felt so out of place.

"You don't live in this neighbourhood."

He laughs at me in disbelief for a second. "And how do you know that?" His voice softened in curiosity as his eyes melted onto my skin.

"Cars like this don't have owners who live in this sort of neighbourhood." I stated bluntly, looking away as he nodded in agreement.

"Do you not like the car?" He changed the subject as he began to drive off. "I brought it out just to impress you." He added playfully, half of me doubted him but the other half wondered if it was true.

I shrugged. "You just seem like the type to have something more vintage." I admit, feeling myself relax a little as I watched his expression.

Altheo kept his eyes ahead on the road, I tried asking him what he was doing in the area but he started playing opera music on the radio just to avoid the question.

At some point, I realised I was smiling like a fool as I watched him attempt to sing.

I gave up asking him questions by the time we arrived in the school grounds. At first I was confused as to why he drove past the main gates but then I recognise the private parking lot I had stumbled upon on my first day.

"How come no one parks here?" I saw all the cars lining up to enter through the main gates as we passed them.

"These spots are reserved for certain students." Theo explains as I looked over to the spot where I had seen that girl crying.

Then it suddenly seemed quiet.

I was aware of his eyes staring at the back of my head, it made everything feel warmer. I didn't want to turn around and meet his gaze so I rushed out of the car and headed for the entrance.

My body froze when I realised he had caught up to me, placing his arm around and over my shoulder. I try shrugging it off but he pretends that nothing is happening. I eventually stop trying, realizing how stupid I probably looked.

Once again people are staring. My increased hearing picks up some whispers.

Is she the new kid?