Chapter 2

The campus was droned with activity as students rushed to their classes. I could feel the students’ excitement, but here I was, so nervous. I inhaled and exhaled, trying to calm the fluttering butterflies in my stomach. My eyes darted nervously around the campus.

I was on my way to my first class, clutching my books tightly and trying to find the place and blend in with the crowd when suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned to find a man towering over me, smirking and exuding an air of superiority. His blue eyes were piercing. His perfectly styled dirty blond hair accentuated his chiseled jawline, adding to his overall aura of confidence. His t-shirt hugged his broad shoulders as he crossed his arms, emphasizing his powerful presence.

“What do we have here?” he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. “You look like a lost little lamb wandering into the lion’s den.”

Ignoring his tone, I flashed him a smile, my eyes blinking rapidly. I was new to this school, and maybe I could ask him for some information. “Hi, how are you? I’m Harper...”

“Harper, huh?” he sneered, his eyes narrowing. I couldn’t read him, but it was eerie when he looked so impassive.

“Actually, I’m just trying to find my way around.” I softly said. “Do you know where the Wing building is?”

His laughter echoed through the corridor, drawing the attention of curious onlookers. And I noticed how frightened and astonished they appeared as they looked in my direction.

“Ryker,” a voice called, and footsteps followed.

The man leaped on the man in front of me laughing and shaking his shoulders. Two other men chuckled as they watched me.

“Uhm,” I cleared my throat. “I’ll find it.” My voice was steady despite the nerves bubbling within me.

“No. No. No. Not so fast. Who is this?” the man asked, checking me curiously. “A hoody girl in a skirt.”

Was he mocking my clothes?

“She asked me where the Wing building is,” Ryker said, his tone bored.

The boys erupted in laughter.

“Oh, you need Ryker’s help now, do you? How adorable,” the man with black hair scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “But I’m afraid you asked the wrong guy.”

They were making me feel smaller with every passing moment. Even if I didn’t want them to sense my vulnerability, I knew it showed on my face and now, they were exploiting it for their amusement.

And it dawned on me, the wrong guy...

Every school has the wrong guy...

I swallowed nervously. Bullies and tormentors existed everywhere. I had met ones before. They were those who reveled in causing pain to others, who found pleasure in making someone feel small and helpless.

I took a deep breath, mustering every ounce of courage I could find although my knees felt like giving up.

“I’ll find my way. I’m sorry for bothering you.” I turned to leave, but Ryker spoke.

“The Wing building is right ahead, down this alley, and then turn to your left,” he said, devoid of emotion.

I turned to look at him, but he just cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. Does he always look like that? Like everything seems to annoy him.

“Thank you,” I replied with genuine gratitude, but I noticed his friend’s mocking grin. My smile faltered and I turned away quickly.

“You know what, you have to finish your drinks before all the ice melts and changes the taste of it,” Emily said, snapping me out of my reverie with a shake of her head as she followed my eyes.

“Just remembering something.”

“I see that. You have been so lost in your thoughts that your drink was untouched in your hand.”

I nodded, giving her a sheepish grin. “Just that time flies so fast,” I replied, taking a sip of my drink. “Those students must be excited to go to school. Look at them, they are smiling.”

This coffee shop was close to a university and our company was a block away. Emily and I were both working for InkQuill Press, a publishing company that specialized in producing and promoting books, particularly those in the literary and creative writing genres. I was in the Marketing and Publicity department while Emily was in the Production and design department. It had been two meaningful years.

“Just like us before when we were students, it was not easy, Harp. Especially with all these dickheads who made our college experience miserable.”

“Your life only became miserable because you chose to stay with me, Em and I haven’t told you how thankful I am for you.”

Emily shook her head, her eyes distant, reminiscing about our college years. “You were my only friend, Harp, and seeing Ryker’s behavior towards you made me want to stay closer to you. I felt like I just had to.”

“Thank you, Em. I can’t thank you enough.” I told her. This woman was my best friend.

She rolled her eyes dramatically and groaned as if in pain. “Don’t use that tone on me, Harper. I don’t want to cry.” She looked around with effort. “I might just start sobbing uncontrollably right here in the coffee shop. People will think I’ve gone mad!” she was fanning her face.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her theatrical response. “Alright, alright, I’ll spare you the melodrama. But seriously, thanks for being an awesome best friend.”

She finally let out a playful sigh of relief. “Much better, Harp. Now, let’s enjoy our drinks before I really start crying.”

I just giggled.

Her phone rang, and this time, the roll of her eyes was a genuine frustration. “It’s George,” she mouthed and answered the phone. George was her manager. “Yes, sir...” “That’s right.” “Noted.”

I stifled my laughter as I watched her exasperated conversation with George. It was clear that she was doing her best to keep her cool.

She finally hung up and let out an exasperated sigh, her frustration was ruining her day.

“Well, that was an Oscar-worthy performance,” I teased, unable to contain my grin any longer.

Emily rolled her eyes once more. “Oh, you have no idea, Harp. Dealing with George and his abnormalities is like navigating a maze of endless frustrations.” She chuckled and stood up. “I need to be there in three minutes. You’ll be okay here, right?”

I waved her off with a grin. “Of course, don’t worry about me. Be there in ten. I’ll bring you coffee.”

“You’re an angel.” She winked at me and hurried out of the coffee shop.

As I watched her disappear through the glass wall, my eyes caught a familiar figure leaning against a car in the distance. He was wearing a black cap, black shades, a black shirt, everything black. My heart beat so fast I thought it would come out of my ribcage as I looked away quickly.

Ryker...