The one day break that David had given me was over and I was back to school. There were no nerves today. I had woken up very early and had even being the one hurrying the guys up. I could not wait to get to school. We drove into the school compound and parked in our usual spot.
"You seem eager and perky this morning."
Lucas observed. His arm was draped across my shoulders.
"Let's just say I am ready to learn. No more sickness to stop me."
"Okay. That's encouraging."
"You don't want to learn?"
"Of course, we must all learn. But I am not as eager as you are. I wish I could have your enthusiasm for school right now."
I giggled. "It's simple. Be open-minded about everything academic and in-between."
"You giggled?"
Lucas had his left brow crooked in slight surprise.
"Why? Are we not allowed to giggle?"
I was feeling good this morning. This was the best I'd felt in a long while now. The peace and joy that sprouted from within. Contentment reared its head in full. I could almost feel myself walking in the clouds. As usual the college kids had gathered to watch the entrance of the Salvatore boys and today, I was not nervous neither did I feel like fainting. I was fine. There was no more Vanice or Katelyn after my life and happiness. I could go and enjoy learning. Enjoy school and wrestle all its challenging hurdles with the knowledge that no one knew me nor paid attention to me. No one would bully me anymore.
"Hi, Lucas"
That same blondie with lovesick stare. And Lucas never seemed to disappoint. Though I noticed there were other girls trying to vie for his attention but be always winked at just that seventeen or eighteen year old.
"That girl likes you, Lucas."
"I know. All of them like me."
His grin was cocky.
"And I guess you like her too."
"What?"
His eyes widened at my insinuation, I could see that denial was already on his lips.
"Don't deny it."
"What? No. You don't know what you're talking about."
"Well, I guess you're right. I definitely don't know what I am talking about."
I watched girls desperately grab Zach's hand. His lips curved to reveal a flirty smile. This was what he enjoyed. Zach, the pervert. Flirting with girls and making them feel they had a chance with him. How could so many girld come for a guy? Were they not seeing how many they were? Did they think he'd actually strike up something serious with any of them? Well, it was their choice, their life. I was going to be living my life and making my own choices without being influenced by anyone or anything. The goth girl did something very courageous, she kissed Trenton's arm. He paused, the rest of us paused, waiting for his reaction. His expression was bloody. It was murder-worthy. I guess she had wanted to go for his cheek but because he was tall, way taller than her and he had been in motion.
"Why would you do that?"
Aaron asked the girl.
"Trenton hates being touched"
Lucas whispered behind me.
He hated being touched? But Lucas had pulled him so many times. I had seen Lucas touch him or sometimes, hit him playfully.
"Except me. I am the only one who have dared it and lived to tell the tale."
"You're so melodramatic, Lucas."
"I should be in a movie theatre, right?"
"There might be no movie theatre if Trenton actually does to this girl what he harbors in mind."
We were whispering between ourselves. The students had noticed and people were watching, waiting to see what Trenton would do. With a Stony expression, he glared at the girl who had suddenly lost her confidence and was looking a bit lost and regretful. Kind of.
"Don't. Ever."
I felt the weight of those two words he'd uttered monotonously.
"I'm sorry, Trenton but I don't regret what I did."
Then she dived into the sea of crowd and was no longer found. Trenton looked furious but did not say anything. Wow, the goth girl had some nerves though. I'd thought she lost her confidence and regretted what she did, turned out I read the emotions wrong.
"Let's go, Trent."
Aaron took him out of the place and I watched them both walk out of the building.
"Did you think the girl was wrong to have kissed Trenton?"
We followed both of them. I was getting to realize that these boys stuck together. It did not matter how bad the situation was, they would look out for each. Trenton was angry over that girl's brave…or should I say it was foolish act, and here we were, following him to ensure he was fine. I was having lectures this morning but I could not leave, Trenton was my stepbrother too even if he'd been giving me the cold shoulder. He was in a bad mood and it was up to us to be with him. The lectures I was going to miss or be late for haunted me but I tried to shrug it off.
"I think so, Lucas. She crossed the line. There's something called personal space and she breached it. Trenton does not like that at all."
"Yes. But on the other hand, I think she might be good for him. He needs to liven up and start talking to others. That girl back there was courageous. I liked it. I like her."
"Yes, I get your point. But maybe Trenton is not ready for the association yet and even if he was, there would be a way to go about it."
"You have a point."
We got to the bleachers and sat down.
I let my eyes roam Trenton's face. He was still upset over the incidence. I hoped Katelyn was taking down notes, I'd need them for later. In case the lecture ended before we'd be done.
"What happened to Trent? Why is he always like this? Not playful or even wear a pleasant smile."
"Something happened to him, girlfriend. Something very bad happened to Trenton."