Beauty and the Outcast (New Hope)

“But you’re fucking him?”

“No.” This time I don’t bother to look up to answer her. She taps her nails on my desk in an annoying way.

“But you live in the same house as him?” I nod my head. “We should be friends.”

“Why?” That’s an odd thing to say.

“If we’re friends, I can come over. Knox is this mystery that everyone is trying to unlock. Well, the girls around here are anyway. He doesn't give anyone the time of day, but everyone says he fucks college girls.” She rolls her eyes. My stomach tightens. “Is that true?”

“I have no idea.” In the few weeks I’ve known him he’s always around. I can’t seem to turn around without almost tripping over him. He’s home every night, even on the weekends, so I have no clue when he’d be banging these college girls. And I really don’t want to think of him with anyone else for some reason.

“He’s nice to you, so I thought maybe you two were together, but I guess he’s nice to Faith too.”

Thankfully, the teacher dismisses the class, so I don’t have to respond to her. I start to pack up my stuff. I wait for everyone to file out of the room before I follow, trying to miss the mad dash. I hate being in the hallways when they are filled to the brim.

I swing by my locker, putting a few books in and taking a few out. I open the front pocket of my bag, looking for my cell phone, but I don’t see it. Kennedy gave it to me a couple weeks ago. Said every girl needs to carry one. I tried to protest. They’ve already done too much, but she pushed, saying it’s about safety too. I close my locker and head back to my last class, thinking it might have fallen out there.

“Lilith,” someone calls out from behind me. “I mean Whitney!”

I pause for a moment before I turn to see Jett heading straight toward me. We have two classes together. He is always trying to talk to me. He’s tall with short blond hair. He has a bit of bulk to him. I think he’s on the football team.

“You coming to the game Friday?” His question all but confirms that he does play football.

“Yes,” I respond. I don’t really have much of a choice. I’m supposed to sing the national anthem. It’s the first game of their season or something.

“We should hang out after.” He doesn't stop walking until he’s up in my personal space. I try to back up but come up against the lockers.

“I’m not sure I can.” He puts his hand on the locker above me. The sense of being caged in has panic rising up in me. I try to keep myself calm, not wanting to make a scene.

“Come on. We can go out to the lake.” He reaches out to stroke my chin with his knuckles.

“No thank you.” I push at his chest, but he doesn't budge.

“Don’t be like that, angel. You’re new in this school. I can make things a lot easier for you around here.” He leans down. I keep shaking my head no.

“No.” I get the word past my lips finally. He grabs my chin to stop me from shaking my head. I try to force more words out, but my throat is clogged.

“I bet you taste like a virgin. I might even lick your pussy if that’s the case.” I close my eyes as tears start to fall. “Don’t cry. I’ll make it so good for you.”

“Mother fucker.” My eyes fly open to see Jett being pulled backwards by the hair of his head. The look on Knox’s face tells me he’s way past being pissed off. He looks as though he wants to murder someone. I watch as Jett turns, swinging his arm. Knox lets out a grunt when the blow lands to his side.

“What the fuck, Knox? Finally found a pussy you want?” The guy baits him. Jett might be tall, but Knox is taller. He’s built more too.

“I only see one pussy.” Knox swings, hitting Jett right in the face. Then he lands another to the other side of his face before he nails him in the stomach. Jett falls to the floor, crying. Drops of blood are splattered everywhere.

Still, Knox isn't done. I lunge, grabbing him by the arm before he can go for him again. He stills, his eyes going to my hand then to me. He still has a murderous look on his face. I’m not sure he’s even really there at the moment. The anger and rage pour off of him. He’s filled with it. I think it’s always inside of him waiting for someone to draw it to the surface.

“Did he touch you anywhere else besides your chin?” His voice comes out strained, as if the thought of someone else touching me pains him. I shake my head no. He releases a loud breath of relief.