chapter one:
SHY GIRL MEETS OUTGOING BOY
Her name is Justice Adams. She's a timid, fifteen year old freshman at Salton Public High School. That is, until she met the three most important persons in her life: Darrin Oak, a bold young man who is the most kindhearted person she knows; Caeleb, Darrin's best friend and natural comedian; and Dog, who isyou guessed ita dog.
. . .
We have a new student joining us today, Mr. William Garcia told the high school freshmen of homeroom class 1-B. He looked at the girl next to him. Go on, He whispered to her. Introduce yourself.
The girl looked at her new classmates from under her long bangs and inhaled a shaky breath. My n-name is J-Justice Ad-Adams, She stuttered. She clenched her hands as she spoke. She looked up at the class and her long, black hair fell from her face. It's nice to m-meet you.
The class gasped when they saw her purple eyes. Justice's classmates all started talking amongst themselves. They tried to be quite, but she could tell what they were saying.
Freak.
The teacher tried to silence them but to no avail. Justice quickly walked to her new seat. It was in the back, left corner, the farthest from the light of the sun. She cried silently as she listened to the murmurs around her.
Only one boy stayed silent.
A young man with fire red hair and emerald eyes. And just like her, his shoulders where trembling. Unlike Justice however, they weren't quivering in sorrow. And it wasn't from amusement, either. He was shaking with anger.
Fierce anger.
By the time lunch rolled around, the entire school was gossiping about the new girl. It makes me angry when they make up stories about people, The boy told his best friend, Caeleb Well.
We're high school students, Caeleb replied as he pulled his long, white hair into a small pony-tail. What do you expect them to do, Darrin? Give her flowers and sing camp songs?
Of course not! Darrin stood up, knocking his chair onto the cafeteria floor with a loud bang. Caeleb winced and teenagers from all over the room looked at Darrin. He picked up his chair and sat back down. I just wish they would be a bit merciful, He muttered. If only by a bloody little.
Oh! Caeleb pointed over his shoulder. Look who it is!
Darrin turned around and saw Justice Adams standing in front of the doorway, food tray in hand. She looked at the tables and saw that not a single one didn't have someone sitting at it. She started to turn around to walk outside.
So sad, Caeleb sighed as Darrin stood up and started walking over to her. Darrin? Caeleb called after him. What are you doin' man?!
Darrin quickened my pace and caught up with her before she left. He grabbed her arm and she turned around, fright in her eyes. W-what do you want? She stuttered, fearfully.
He let go of her arm and smiled. I couldn't help but notice that you didn't have somewhere to sit, Darrin told her, kindly. Why don't you come sit with me and my friend?
Sure, She looked at him, tears threatening to escape from her eyes. Thanks.
The boy led Justice to a table where his friend was sitting. She sat down and did a retake when she saw his friends hair. White? Justice quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. I'm so sorry! She apologized to the boy who was just staring at her in a response. Why did I say that?! She thought, sadly. Now he'll hate me for sure! Tears started to dwell her eyes.
Bwa, ha ha! The boy burst out laughing, and a tear escaped from one of his dull, gray eyes. Girl, He told Justice. You alright. You alright.
The red-haired boy sighed and looked at her. Anyway, He said. My name is Darrin Oak, and this idiot is called
Caeleb Well, Darrin's friend interrupted. He spoke with a fake Irish accent (which Justice believed was to aggravate Darrin, whom spoke with a real accent). At ye service.
Why you, Darrin reached across the table to grab Caeleb's shirt collar.
Hahaha! Caeleb laughed. As he tried to pry himself from Darrin's grasp.
Um, Justice said, nervously. She looked at the table.
Yes? Both of the young men turned to look her.
Why did you let me sit with you? Justice asked, looking down at the table. People will start to talk about you.
So you're saying that we should stay away from you? Darrin asked her, letting go of his friend to look Justice in the face.
And if we don't we'll be made fun of? Caeleb continued. And be bullied?
Y-yes, Justice refused to look them in the eyes. So it would be better if you just left me alone.
No! Darrin refused abruptly and fiercely.
What? Justice asked. Surprised at the sudden assault, her head jolted up. When she tried to remove her eyes from Darrin's stare, she found herself unable to leave his fierce gaze.
No! Darrin repeated. We decline! Caeleb nodded aside him.
You...decline? Justice was confused. But then people will start to pick on you! They'll hit you and throw your clothes in the trash! And, and...
Nope! Darrin refused to be shaken by Justice's predictions of the future. Not gonna happen!
But you'll Justice couldn't even finish her sentience this time.
Too bad, so sad! Darrin rejected. We aren't going to let you go!
What? Justice reclined in her seat unconsciously. What does that mean?
He means we aint going to leave ya to fend for yourself! Caeleb translated. We gonna stick to ya like butter on bread!
You're stuck with us! Darrin proclaimed, smiling. And we're not gonna let you go!
END OF CHAPTER ONE |
