I don’t give a fuck about anyone or anything. Let ‘em talk. I’m gonna leave here one day and things will be better then. I kick the wired fence and push off to walk away.
“Hey dipshit, your shirt’s ripped and you stink. ”
I look over to the jock and snigger, “Jealous I’m gonna steal your girl, Chris?”
Chris’ face reddens. He’s not the best looking guy, but he’s a jock, meaning he’s got some god-like status in this fucking shithole of a school. He comes toward me, grips my already-ripped shirt and sneers, “You’re gonna pay for that, fucker. ”
He has no idea how many times I’ve heard that exact thing at home. It doesn’t scare me anymore.
I lean forward and whisper, “You have no idea who you’re fucking with. I’ll shoot you three times in the head and still make it look like an accident. ”
For a few seconds he looks like he’s going to let me go, but he and I both know that would make him look weak in front of the others. He cocks his arm back and I sigh, “Make it quick, shithead. ”
Just then I feel someone by my side. Chris’ eyes widen and he steps back from me. A hand on my shoulder makes me turn and I see this guy. I know this guy. Well, I don’t know him but he’s one of those guys. The popular guys.
What the fuck is he doing?
Just as I’m about to tell him to fuck off, he says, “You need a hand?”
And he isn’t talking shit. I’ve had enough experiences with bad people to know this guy is actually asking if I need help kicking this jock’s ass. Still unsure of him, I narrow my eyes and shake my head.
He nods, all the while looking at Chris in warning. And then he’s gone.
***
I wait all second period by the lockers. I feel like an ass just standing here, but I want to talk to him.
Finally, there he is. Dark brown hair, lightest brown eyes I’ve ever seen and making out with a hot girl. He’s got his hand on her ass and for a second, I’m jealous.
I’m taller than him. Not by much though. I wait til he passes me in the hall and run to catch up with him.
When I reach his side, I walk with him. I say, “I’m Asher. ”
He nods his head, looking straight ahead. He replies, “I’m Nik. ”
We walk the halls together and people stop and stare. People like me don’t hang with people like Nik but there’s something about this guy. He’s got an attitude to him. He’s one of those guys that makes the trends. No one would dare question him.
I know why the people are staring. I have holes in my clothes and Nik wears designer shit. We just don’t match. Halfway to class, I ask, “Why’d you do that?”
Acting dumb, he asks, “Do what?”
I’m this close to losing my shit. I snap, “I don’t owe you a fucking thing, pretty boy!”
Nik grins. A single dimple pops out and he says, “Never said you did, asshole. Calm your shit down. Here’s what’s gonna happen. You’re gonna come eat your lunch with me today. Just me and you. We’ll talk then. ”
Then he disappears down the hall.
***
Nik sees I don’t actually have lunch and gives me half his sandwich. He says with a full mouth, “So what’s the deal with all the angry?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “What the fuck is there to be happy about?”
Nik grins. “Good point. ” His face becomes serious. “You been through shit?”
I don’t answer, just stare him down while I take a bite of the sandwich. He nods and says quietly, “Yeah, me too. ”
We don’t talk during the rest of lunch. He finishes his sandwich, and stands. “Come over tomorrow after school. Got some shit you might like to see. ”