Chapter 2
Jenni
When I first opened my eyes this morning, I almost forgot that last night really happened. I’d cried myself to sleep, and my red, swollen eyes were the proof of it. I rubbed them, before slowly climbing out of bed. I was tired, and going to school was the last thing on my mind.
“Honey?” Mom called from somewhere down the hall. “Breakfast is ready. You’re going to be late.”
“I’m coming,” I called back with very little enthusiasm. I trudged over to my closet, grabbed a pair of leggings with an oversized tee, and quickly ran a brush through my hair. I didn’t feel like going, let alone fixing myself up. After twisting my hair on top of my head, I grabbed my backpack off the floor, and headed for the kitchen. “Can I borrow the car today?” I reached for an apple on the counter, all the while refusing to look my mom in the eyes. I knew that as soon as she saw my face, she’d know something was wrong.
“Sure, but I thought Darrin was picking you up this week.” Mom stopped what she was doing and turned to face me.
This was it, the moment of truth. I slowly lifted my gaze to meet hers. “Not anymore.” I sighed as I closed my eyes and willed the tears to stay away. “He won’t be giving me rides ever again.”
“Did something happen?” She stepped closer to me.
“We broke up last night.” I sniffed.
“Oh, honey.” She pulled me into her arms, and as soon as my face felt the softness of her chest, the tears fell freely.
“He’s a jerk anyway,” I cried, “but why does it hurt so bad?”
“First loves always hurt the worst,” she soothed as she rubbed my back. “Do you want to talk about it?” she probed.
“Not really.” I sniffed as I pulled away, wiping my eyes in the process. They hurt, and every time I started to cry again it made it that much worse. “I’m just gonna ignore him,” I squared my shoulders, “and maybe one day he’ll see that he made a mistake.”
“Here.” Mom handed me the keys. “We’ll figure out the car situation soon, but you can drive my car to school this week.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I hugged her once more before turning to leave.
oooooooo
When I pulled into the school parking lot, I parked near the front where I usually did with Darrin. I didn’t see his car yet, and I sighed in relief as I climbed out. I grabbed my backpack, and rushed toward the door to head to my locker. I wanted to avoid running into him. I was already going to have to sit with him in chemistry class; that would be bad enough.
Just as I heaved the heavy door to the school open, I heard his laugh. Anger boiled inside me at the fact that he was laughing when I felt like I was dying inside. How dare he be happy about this! I tamped it down as I weaved through the students milling around the hallways waiting for the bell to ring.
When I approached my locker, my best friend Kenzie was standing there waiting. “Hey.” I waved as I worked to keep my voice even.
“So, it’s true. I can see it all over your face.” Her eyes softened as she moved to the side while I worked to open my locker.
“What’s true?” I dropped my backpack on the floor, and began stuffing its contents in my locker.
“Jenni, it’s me.” I felt her hand on my shoulder. “He’s a dick.” She shook her head when I glanced up at her.
“He’s an asshole who only wants to get laid,” I growled. The anger was starting to take over and replace the hurt.
“Good.” She gave a quick nod. “Get mad. He doesn’t deserve your tears.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“How am I going to survive chemistry class? We’re lab partners.” I grabbed the books I’d need for my first class and then stood, slamming the locker closed in the process.
“Ignore him, and ask for a new partner.” She shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I think you should tell everyone why he’s such a jerk, too.”
“I’m not telling the whole school that I’m a virgin,” I whispered. “I’ve been with him for almost two years. Everyone thinks we’ve been doing it.”
“Says you.” She shook her head.
“I don’t care what people think of me. Let them talk. In nine months, I’ll be out of here. I’ll go to college where no one cares if I’m having sex or not.” She rolled her eyes as we turned and began walking to our first class. She had American history, and I had calculus. They were across the hall from each other, and we usually walked together in the mornings.
“You’re probably right.” I sighed. “I’m just mad at him and myself. Ignore me.” I blew out a breath. “I’ll be fine.” I waved my hand in the air as we approached the spot where we usually turned in different directions.
“Damn right you will be. We’re gonna move on, and find someone who likes you for you, and doesn’t wanna be a douche.” She laughed lightly as she waved and turned to go into her class.
“Thanks, Kenz. I needed a laugh this morning.” I attempted a smile as I turned into calc class.
oooooooo
I tossed my bag on the floor by my usual desk before slipping into the chair. As I was digging in my bag for my calculus book, and my homework, I could hear the telltale laughter of a few of the guys from the football team. They were always coming in at the last minute, and boasting about their latest conquests. Nathan Carter was the leader of the pack, and most days it was all I could do to stomach being around him.
“S’up, Jenni?” Nate flopped into the chair of the desk beside mine. He flashed a megawatt smile my way as he leaned back in the purposeful relaxed way that guys do.
“What do you want, Nate?” I sighed as I glanced at him. He never talked to me unless he needed something, like copying my homework. I’ve never been friends with him, but Darrin was. I knew him by association.
“Just thought I’d see how you were doing.” He sat up a little, and leaned in my direction. “I heard you and Darrin aren’t together anymore.”
“Why do you care?” I crossed my arms over my chest as my head swung towards him. Nate Carter was the guy who every girl wanted, every girl except me. He seemed to know this, and it made him push that much harder.
“You’re a nice girl. Too nice for him. I just wanted to check on you.” He shrugged. “Sorry I asked. I won’t bother you again.” He flipped open his notebook and started copying down the day’s assignment on a clean page.
I closed my eyes and groaned. I was probably gonna regret this, but I turned toward him and attempted to apologize. “Sorry,” I muttered. “I’m not in the best mood today. You didn’t deserve my bitchiness.”
“Eh, I’m used to girls hating me. Comes with being the football captain.” He grinned. “They all want me. I’m a hot commodity.” I laughed, causing him to laugh. “See.” He pointed at my face. “It worked. You smiled.”
“I smile all the time.” I shrugged.
“Not lately. Darrin’s been an ass to you.” He set his pencil down. “You deserve better.”
“Like you?” I leaned back and stared him down.
“That’d be a start.” He chuckled. “Wanna go out after the game Friday?”
“Um, no.” I shook my head. “I’m not dating you.” I began to look around the room. I needed to stop looking at him because I had this feeling that he wasn’t used to hearing no. My suspicions were confirmed when I heard his chair scrape the ground.
He slid closer to me. “You’ll say yes soon enough.” He leaned in, causing me to feel his breath on the side of my face. When he slid back, he tried again. “You should come over to Justin’s after the game. We usually just sit around talk, but it’s nice to relax.”
“Won’t all the team be there?” I tipped my head to the side.
“Nope. Just the seniors. My brother gets us booze, and we just watch TV, play video games, you know… hang.” I shrugged. “Just think about it. Girls come too if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Right at that moment, Mrs. Sanderson came in. She set her things down and closed the door, s
ignaling that class was starting. “I’ll think about it,” I whispered. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“Bring a friend if you want.” He grinned. “The more the merrier.”
“Mr. Carter, do you plan to pay attention today?” Mrs. Sanderson cleared her throat and looked right at the two of us. I’m sure she called Nate out because he disrupted class a few times a week whereas I never did.
“Yes ma’am.” He winked as he turned his attention to the front of the room.
oooooooo
My day wasn’t going as badly as I thought it would today. I hadn’t run into Darrin, and ever since calc class all I seemed to be thinking about was Nate’s invite. I’d known Nathan Carter since grade school. His brother, Brad, was one of my brother’s best friends. Mason and Brad had played football together growing up, and whenever I tagged along Nate was usually there too. I was never interested in him because he was ‘that guy’, the one who girls chase, and he loved it.
As we got older, I found my own circle of friends and Nate followed in his brother’s footsteps of being a football god. Until this year, I’d never even had any classes with him. Today’s the first time we’ve even really had a conversation.
“Hey, let’s eat outside today.” Kenzie brought me out of my daydream as I began approaching the cafeteria.
“Ok.” I shrugged. “I need to buy a drink first.” I attempted to step around her, but she blocked my path.
“Use the machine in the hallway.” She refused to look at me.
“Kenz, what’s going on?” I put my hand on my hip.
“He’s in there, Jen, and he’s not alone.” She sighed. “I just didn’t want you to have to deal with it.”
“I’m fine.” I sighed as I waited for her to move. When she stepped out of my way, I pushed through the double doors, and was assaulted with the smell of food and Darrin’s laughter. He was holding court in the corner where we usually sat together only, he wasn’t alone. Several of our friends were with him along with a couple of girls. I recognized some of them, but there were others that I didn’t.
“Ignore them,” Kenzie whispered next to me as she guided me to the lunch line. “He’s trying to make you jealous.”
“Well, it’s working,” I growled as anger and hurt coursed through me.
“What’s working?” Nate appeared at my side and flung his arm around my shoulder.
I stiffened under his unexpected embrace before I stared at the offending limb. “What are you doing?”
“Helping, I think.” He winked as he pulled me closer and Kenzie’s mouth dropped open in surprise.
“I’m fine,” I hissed as I started to push him away.
“No, you’re not, and it’s working.” Nate smirked. “He’s staring at us like he wants to kill me. What are we doing here? Buying food?” He reached for a Jell-O cup and placed it on the tray I had in front of me.
“I’m not buying you food,” I scoffed as we moved along the line.
“You’re right, you’re not. I’m buying you food.” He grinned as Kenzie’s surprised face morphed into total confusion.
“Well, if that’s the case, I’m adding to this.” She grabbed a cheeseburger and placed it on the tray.
“Kenz,” I warned.
“What?” She shrugged. “I’m taking advantage of whatever this is.” She waved her arm at us.
When we reached the register, Nate removed his arm long enough to pull his wallet out of his pocket and pay for the food we’d collected. As soon as he’d stuffed it back in his pocket, his arm went right back to where it had been. “Lead the way.” He motioned in front of us. Kenzie turned and headed for the tables outside, and Nate steered me in her direction.
Once we were outside and away from Darrin, Nate moved his arm. I should have felt relief, but I felt loss instead. It was weird and confusing at the same time. “I’m sorry if I made things worse, but that dick needs to feel some of what he did to you.” Nate stayed standing while I sat at the table Kenzie had chosen.
“Thanks, I think.” I offered a smile, and it was really the first time that I felt halfway normal all day.
“No worries.” Nate laughed. “Let me know about Friday. Bring your friend.” He motioned to Kenzie as he started walking backwards. “Later.”
“Ok, Friday?” She nudged me with her foot under the table. “What about Friday, and what was that?”
“He invited me to Justin’s after the game Friday, and I don’t know what that was. I’m still trying to figure it out myself,” I murmured.
“Wait.” She held her hand up, and paused like she was trying to understand what I was saying. “He invited you to Justin Crawford’s party. You realize that not everyone gets to go to those, right?” Her eyes bugged out like she thought I was crazy for even considering not going.
“But it’s Nate Carter.” I sighed as I opened my lunch bag. “I don’t know why he’d ask me.”
“And he picked you. Who cares why.” She flung her arms in the air. “Stop worrying about it. We’ll go to the game together, and then to the party. You can stay at my place Friday night. I’ll drive.” She giggled and did a little happy dance in her seat.
“You got it all planned out, huh?” I shook my head as I glanced in the direction Nate had walked when he left our table.
“Un huh.” She nodded as she chewed a bite of food. “Nate Carter likes my best friend. That alone is going to get us into some of the coolest parties.”
“So that’s all I am? An invite.” I rolled my eyes as I sipped my juice that Nate bought.
“You know that’s not true. I like him, though. Look what he’s done in less than a day. You’re smiling.” She pointed at me. “Today could have been so much worse, but he made it better. Maybe he’s not the guy we’re constantly hearing about. Maybe he really is nice, and that reputation is full of bullshit.” She lifted a shoulder before taking another bite of her burger.
“Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled as I continued to stare at the walk way he’d left on. Nate was known for being a player, so was his brother. I’d never seen this side of him before, and it made me wonder which one was the real Nathan Carter.
Chapter 3
Jenni
The week seemed to creep by, and the closer Friday came, the more Nate seemed to push. “S’up?” He lifted his chin in my direction as he slid into his chair. I don’t know how some guys did it. It’s like they have this gracefulness that only being cool gets you.
“Good morning.” I rolled my eyes at him as I laughed to myself.
I watched as he looked down at himself. He plucked at his shirt and sniffed it before glancing at his surroundings. “Do I smell, or something?” His brow furrowed. “Why the attitude?”
I sighed and closed my eyes before turning to face him. “I’m trying to come up with a new way to tell you no.”
“How’s that working out for ya, Jen?” He leaned closer and smirked.
“You’re still here, so not very well.” I shook my head as I attempted to lean away from him.
“Why don’t you want to hang out with me? Most girls would kill to be in your shoes right now.” He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. Confidence oozed out of him, and only made me that much more nervous.
“I’m not most girls, Nate. Your charms don’t work on me.” I flipped open my notebook as more students filled the room. Class would start soon, and I wanted to be prepared.
“I can see that.” He chuckled before mirroring my actions. Before he could say anything else, Mrs. Sanderson walked in and greeted the class, promptly ending all conversation.
ooooooooo
When the bell rang signaling it was time to leave, I thought I might escape without any more harassment, but I was wrong. “Hey, Stone!” Nate called after me. “Wait up. I’ll walk you to lunch.”
“No.” I glared over my shoulder. I rushed out the door, and ran smack dab into Kenzie.
“Whoa.” She stumbled back. “Where’s the fire?”
�
�Right here.” Nate laughed as he caught up to me. “Apparently she’s burning over me.”
Kenzie’s eyes swung between us, and I gave her a silent signal to get me out of here, only she somehow couldn’t understand me. “Wanna have lunch with us?” She smiled sweetly as she tipped her head to the side.
“Finally!” Nate flung his arms wide. “You’ve restored my confidence in my abilities.”
“You have never lacked confidence,” I muttered as I stepped around them, and began walking to the cafeteria.
Things with Darren had been strained to put it mildly. After that first encounter with Nate in the cafeteria, Darrin started trying to be friends. I’ve blown him off, but he keeps popping up too. Between Nate and him, my head is constantly spinning. I keep telling myself that I only have a few more months, and then I can escape this place and reinvent myself at college.
“You coming tonight?” Nate tried again as I followed him and Kenzie outside. Kenzie and I had made this our spot, and it was starting to feel normal.
“How many ways do I have to say no?” I glared at him as I sat down. Normally this is when Nate leaves. He follows us out here, bugs me about going out with him, and then leaves, but today he sat down beside me. “You can say it as many times as you want.” He grinned. “I’m not giving up.”
“Who’s your sponsor for the game?” Kenzie smiled sweetly, and I knew she was up to something.
“I haven’t picked one yet.” Nate took a bite of his chicken sandwich. “I do still have over a month.”
“True.” Kenzie grinned. “You have anyone you’re thinking about?”
“I have some prospects,” he mused. “I know who I want to ask. I just need to get her to like me a little better first though.”
“Sounds like a smart girl.” I popped a chip into my mouth.
“Oh, she’s smart alright. She’s smart, and funny, and she’s got this attitude that challenges me in ways I’ve never been challenged before. She’s pretty too.” He kept staring straight ahead, not giving anything away.
On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7) Page 2