Friends

          The rest of the morning passes by, but I don’t remember much. I’m in a bit of a haze and am not retaining anything I’m coming into contact with. I head to Science class and am pulled back right when I’m about to walk into the room. I look down at the hand on my arm and follow it up to the face. Laslo. “Hey beautiful. What are you so deep in thought about?”

          “Uh…..hi.” I try to look everywhere, but in his eyes. “I’m just trying to focus on science is all.” 

          “Mmmmm….that’s a lot of focusing don’t you think?” Laslo gives me a grin and I try not to feel sick. Laslo has his hair slicked back in a ponytail today, exposing his chiseled face to all. I can understand anyone who may see him as attractive. He definitely isn’t ugly, but there is something about him that rubs me the wrong way. Laslo reaches up to touch my face, but I take a quick step back. He chuckles and puts his hand down. “We should go out some time.” The last thing I would want to do is go out with Laslo. That is not even a question.

I’d rather go out with Cory.

Really, Aria? What is it about Cory?

I’m not sure, I just know I like him.

          Aria certainly has her own taste. “Uh, I don’t really date. I’m just focused on getting done with school.” Laslo cocks his head and looks at me with a grin. 

          “I’m sure I can change your mind.” Laslo uses his hand to stroke up and down my arm. The contact makes me shiver, but not in a good way. Just before I can answer, my teacher pops his head out of the classroom.

          “Class is inside the room, not out here.” I smile at the teacher and pull my arm away from Laslo. I walk through the door to have a seat. I hope I can figure out how to get him to leave me alone.

~Cory~

          School has never been fun for me. Laslo made sure that everyone here treats me the same way that he does. Even kids that aren’t part of our pack are quick to bully me. I have no one to take the time to get to know me or look after me here. Oftentimes, I wonder what I did to have my life work out this way. Things were a lot simpler when my father was alive. He always made me feel wanted and loved. He would go against Margaret a lot when she would try to isolate me or blame me for things that Laslo had done. Now that he’s gone, I’m at Margaret’s mercy. She and Laslo are constantly putting me down and making me feel small. School should be my little get away from the madness, but Laslo made sure that it is just as bad a place.

          Usually, I find an empty table, in the corner somewhere, and eat my lunch. No one tries to approach me and I’m able to watch the world in front of me. Since I want to continue to avoid Zahara, I decide to head outside to eat. It feels a bit more lonely eating outside since the majority of the student body are inside. I may not interact with others, but I do enjoy watching them interact with each other. 

          There is a big tree on the lawn that faces a big window. I guess I will still be able to watch everyone else. I take a seat at the base of the tree. I sit at an angle so I can see inside, but most can’t really see me. I start to eat my lunch and fall into a contemplative state. “What are you thinking so hard about?” The voice shocks me out of my thoughts and I look up. Damn! Where did she come from? I say nothing and continue to watch the cafeteria. “Are you really going to ignore me?” Zahara sits next to me, but I refuse to look at her. I feel a hand touch mine. I look down at the joined hands then back up to Zahara.

          “Why?” Zahara looks confused for a minute. “Why are you talking to me? No one talks to me.” Zahara gives me a small smile. She starts to trace shapes on the back of my hand. 

          “Look, I get it. I know I’m new and things are done a certain way around here, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Zahara turns towards me. “I want to get to know you. I want to be friends with you and I don’t have to have a reason why.” I look away from her, tears building in my eyes. I’ve never had someone express a desire to be friends with me. It is a new feeling and I don’t know how to handle it. I don’t want her to notice my emotions because I feel like an idiot. Who cries over someone wanting to be their friend? I clear my throat after a minute or so.

          “Talking to me could get you in a lot of trouble. It could make others not want to have anything to do with you.”

          “Ah, none of that bothers Z. She likes to be different and dares anyone to question her.” Zahara laughs and Lennox takes a seat with us. “If Zahara wants to know you, there must be a unique aspect to you and I want to know what it is.” I look between Zahara and Lennox then sigh. It looks like I may have made a few new friends.  

~Laslo~

          Huddled under the tree, they look so cozy. It seems that my little gift for Cory yesterday did not serve its purpose. I was sure that I made my point and he would realize that staying away from Zahara would be the only way to keep himself safe. Clearly, I need to revise my approach. Watching them interact made me upset and watching Zahara touch him made my blood boil.

I want her. My wolf Nero growls out.

I know and I want her too. We will have her, just be patient.

          I have to figure out a way to get Zahara for myself. Before I accomplish that, I need to get Cory and Zahara to separate from each other. I’m not sure what the best way would be, but I will figure it out. They should enjoy their lunch as much as possible because they won’t be repeating today if I have anything to say about it.