JASPER: A Disaster

"Don't forget about your assignments, class; there will be extra credit," The professor says as he exits the auditorium, triggering a burst of conversation among the students who are rushing to leave.

I shove my books into my backpack, wincing as I zip it closed with my stupid bandaid-covered fingers, which I'd forgotten were still sore from plucking my violin strings earlier.

"Fucking fingers!" Frustration pulses through me like a drumbeat.

Slinging my backpack onto my shoulder, I grab my violin case, my stomach growling with hunger. Fuck! I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch yet.

I press my hand to my rumbling stomach. "At this rate, I'll definitely lose more weight."

As I walk down the hall, shoving my hood over my head, I'm relieved that people don't stare as much in college as they do in high school. Everyone's too busy dealing with their own issues to notice an antisocial freshman like me, always dressed in black and hiding behind my hood due to my insecurities about my long hair.

I take a shortcut past the field, heading to violin practice. And... as usual, I'm running late.

"Loser, look out!" Rhys' voice rings out from behind me. But, in a split second of hesitation, I do the opposite of what I'm told. And a soccer ball smacks me right in the face.

I crumple to the ground, my violin case slipping from my grasp. Dazed, I stare up at the gloomy sky, its dark clouds threatening a storm tonight.

How nice.

Suddenly, I'm surrounded by concerned college guys, their worried faces hovering above me.

"Dude, you okay?" one of them asks.

I'm not.

"Fuck! You're bleeding," another exclaims.

I lift my bandaged fingers to my nose, feeling the blood dripping out. "I'm fine," A raw, raspy voice cracks from my lips.

Just then, a familiar deep voice with a thick Spanish accent booms, "Yo! He told you to look out, why didn't you listen?"

Oh fuck no!

I scramble to my feet, snatching my violin case, and my eyes land on a tall, bulky guy, with piercing brown eyes and dark hair. Luciano Garcia.

What the hell is Rhys' best friend doing here?! I haven't seen that asshole in two weeks, not since I lied to Mom about moving in with him. But now, his voice, the ball, it all clicks. If Luciano's here, he must be watching me. Right now.

Recognition flashes in those brown eyes, and Luciano's face splits into a sly grin. "Whoa, it's Jas!" He exclaims, taking a step closer.

I force a laugh, "Heh..." and take a step back, but Luciano's enthusiasm only grows.

"What brings you here, pretty boy? Oops, you're bleeding!" He says, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

A sudden chill sweeps across my back, and my skin prickles as every hair stands on end. Oh no!

"Hey, look what you've done, he has a nosebleed." Luciano pouts.

Rhys' menacing tone erupts from behind me, "It's his fault for being a pussy."

"Ignore him. Let me clean that up for you. I'm sure Rhys didn't mean to hit..." Luciano reaches out, but I'm already gone, running for my sanity.

Today is officially a disaster.

~

Flicking on the dorm lights with my stinging fingers, my tired eyes drift to my roommate Keon's bed, where he's fast asleep, clutching a hot dog in his relaxed grip. Seeing him like this, snack in hand, always swallows the anxiety of sharing space with Rhys.

I quietly drop my backpack and violin case on my bed and head to the shower, eager to wash away the stress. When I emerge, Keon's awake, munching on his hot dog with sleepy eyes.

"How was practice?" he asks, beaming with a bright smile. The black eyeliner framing his eyes adds an edgy touch, but I'm used to it.

Then, his expression shifts. He gasps, pointing at me. "Is that a bandage on your nose?"

Great, just what I wanted to think about – my miserable afternoon.

"Ugh, practice was terrible as usual," I mutter, changing into fresh clothes, "but if I keep up my streak, maybe I'll land another solo spot soon." I collapse onto my soft bed with a deep sigh.

My stomach growls loudly, reminding me it's past 9 and I still haven't eaten. "God, my wet hair is making me feel icky," I groan, burying my face in my pillow.

Before I can wallow further, Keon's voice cuts through my misery. "Here's my hair dryer." The device gently taps my head. "Oops, sorry!"

"No worries," I groan, taking the dryer and positioning myself comfortably. The charger-type device quickly dries my hair, and I hand it back to Keon.

"So," Keon says, beaming, "shall we go out and have some fun?"

I meet his enthusiasm with a dull stare. "I don't want fun. I'm sleepy."

Keon raises an eyebrow, his smile faltering. "Come on, are you always like this?"

I match his gaze, feigning indifference. "Like what?"

"Grumpy, brooding, antisocial," Keon lists, a small frown creasing his face.

I shrug. "Yes, yes, I am. But that doesn't mean I can't have fun, I just don't want to—"

The door bursts open, and a familiar black-haired figure fills the frame. Asael Orlov, A.K.A. Rhys' cousin, Damon's brother, and my future brother-in-law. We went to highschool together, but he's changed.

The psycho was always tall, but now he's broader, more intimidating. And that chain tattoo around his neck is a newest addition.

"Hello, pretty boy," A manic grin stretches across his face, his midnight eyes glinting with mischief. "It's been a while. I'm here to kidnap you, courtesy of Rhys' orders."

My heart leaps into my throat. "Oh, fuck!" I exclaim, frozen on my bed, paralyzed by fear.

Asael cocks his head, his grin growing wider. "Surprised to see me, Jas?"

"Get the hell out of my dorm, Asael!" Keon commands, his glare fierce.

Asael's eyes shifts to Keon, his expression twisting into a murderous scowl. "Oh, you're cute. But no." he sneers, sauntering into the room.

I spring to my feet, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Keon. At an inch taller than me, Keon's presence offers some comfort, but Asael towers over us both three inches taller and imposingly built.

But it's not Asael I fear; it's who he's taking me to. The person who broke my nose. Rage ignites within me, and I swear If I see him, I'll...

Asael suddenly pulls out a spray can from his bag and spritzes its contents directly at Keon and me. The sweet fragrance wafts up, deceivingly pleasant, but I recognize the danger.

"Damn... It."

Everything goes black.