4 Chapter Four: Guns School

Jade's alarm went off again, six A.M. sharp. She once again groaned, not from exhaustion, although she was tired. No, she groaned because that alarm signaled the beginning of her first day of school in the City of Guns. And she was Not looking forward to it. It was bad enough she had just moved, but now she was starting a new school in the middle of the year. And it was her junior year, no less.

She heard her father's foot steps in the hall. Sighing heavily, she shut her alarm off and sat up. Her hair was flipped to on side, making her scalp prickle. Shaking her head, she looked around her new room. Everything had been put away since yesterday, her heavy purple curtains blocking out the sunlight, making it easier on her eyes.

There were two sharp knocks on her door, then her father walked right in, turning the light on. The sudden light blinded her, and she instantly closed her eyes.

"Dad!" She complained, shielding her eyes and glaring at her father.

"You need to see to get ready. Hurry up, you don't want to be late your first day." He said, walking over to her window and throwing the curtains open, then opened the window.

"Lemme guess, I have to walk." She said, getting up and shifting through her dressers, looking for a good "first impression" shirt, and some short jeans allowed in a school.

"Of course! It's beautiful outside!" Her father said, lightly punching her on the shoulder. "Now hurry up."

"I'll be down in ten." She said, stifling a yawn.

"Breakfast is ready in five." Her father said, smiling as he walked out of her room.

Sighing, Jade changed quickly, then made her bed. Stifling another yawn, she headed for the bathroom when she caught sight of her reflection. She stopped and examined her outfit, a navy blue t-shirt, and mid-thigh jean shorts. A last-minute decision had her putting on a black choker with a small golden heart. Smoothing her hair out, she nodded to her reflection.

"I got this." She told herself, walking out of her room and closing the door.

She quickly brushed her hair, sprayed hair spray to prevent it from knotting in ten seconds, and applied her make up. Black-winged eyeliner, blush pink lipstick, purple eyeshadow, and black mascara. Satisfied, she went downstairs, her father greeted her with a kiss on the top of her head.

Smiling, she sat down at the table, in front of the plate piled with eggs, toast, and bacon. Setting a mug down next to her, her father sat across from her, plate looking similar.

"Ready for your first day?" Her father asked, taking a bite.

Jade shook her head no.

'How could I ever be ready?'

"Just nervous," Jade said after she had finished her bite.

"Relax Sweetheart, they'll love you." Her father said confidently.

'Yeah right.'

"Alright! Anyway, I should get going."

The clock hanging above the front door read ten past seven. Assuming school started at eight, Jade had to get going if she wanted to make it there and get her class schedule before the school day started.

"Have a good day, Jade! I'll be at the station." Her father told her.

Jade nodded, bringing her dishes to the sink and draining the rest of her life drink, coffee. Snatching her last piece of toast, she went over and hugged her dad, grabbed her drawstring 'Harley Motorcycles' bag, then opened the door.

She was greeted by a rush of warm air and light. The early morning looked to be mid-day with all the color and light radiating from the buildings. Trying not to be dazzled by the colors like she was yesterday, she put her earbuds in and tuned out the world, relaxing as she listened to her rock music, thankful that when everything else around her changes, her music always stayed the same.

Jade was just rounding the corner of a building when her eyes caught sight of it. A huge, government-looking building, complete with the white marbled pillars and matching steps. A banner on the outside read "Gun City High School: Home of the Snipers." Rolling her eyes at the banner, she took a single, deep, steadying breath, and walked up to the school.

Going up the stairs she could see three sets of double doors leading into the school. Going through the doors on the left, she entered into a giant room, around the size of a football field. Lined along the walls were lockers, the tall ones, that were gray. Looking to her left, she saw doors that must have led to the classrooms, a number next to each door. To her right, Jade saw more of the same. Straight back, there was a sign that directed her to the office. Between her and that door stood students. Lots of students.

Hoping to avoid notice, Jade put her head down and followed the wall, heading for the back of the school. It seemed like she'd make it, and picked up her pace when she got shoved against a locker. Startled, she looked up and took her earbuds out.

"Didn't you hear me, Bitch? Who do you think you are, getting in the Boss' way?" A large kid with sandy blond, shaggy hair, said.

He'd been the one to push her, and she never let anyone push her around.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize this was one of those schools." She replied, making her face sweet, but her voice was soaked in sarcasm and anger.

"What type?" Someone behind him said.

"The school for Asshats." She replied cooly.

"Why you-" The blond guy looked as if he was going to punch her, and Jade prepared to dodge.

"Enough." Someone behind him said.

A hand was resting on the blond guy's shoulder, and Jade could swear he literally paled.

"Move." The same voice said. It was rich and warm, the voice washing over her, making her want to never stop listening to it.

The blond guy moved aside quickly, his movements jerky and stiff.

Who now stood before Jade was someone who was beyond beautiful. Deep brown hair, nearly black, long but neat. Rich tan skin, the kind girls want but fail to get, full lips, and pitch-black eyes.

'Demon'

She knew how dangerous a Demon was. But she didn't shrink away, didn't back down. She was completely allured. Awestruck at his indescribable looks. She said nothing, shamelessly drinking the sight of him in. He smiled at her, his perfect, straight, white teeth showing slightly. Jade suddenly felt very underdressed.

"It seems my subordinate was quite rude, and we've gotten off on the wrong foot. He simply meant you're in my way. I'm Derik Heath. You are?" He held out his hand as his voice washed over her again.

But now it was what woke her up. She smiled back, not friendly, but not completely sarcastic. More of an I-see-through-your-bullshit-and-I'm-not-afraid type of smile.

"Parke. Jade Parke." She said, shaking his hand.

Derik's hand was soft and warm, and it completely held hers.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss. Parke." Derik said, bringing her hand to his face and kissing it.

Her heart beat faster, and she had to focus to prevent herself from swooning. Hoping the warmth in her face wasn't apparent in a blush, she gently took her hand out of his grasp.

"It's very nice to meet you, Derik. I'm going to have to cut this short. I'll probably see you around." With that, Jade turned away from him and walked away, making it to the office.

Only when she reached the office did she notice the entire student body was silent. Without turning around, she knew they were all staring at her. Even that gorgeous Demon. She could feel his eyes wandering over her, his gaze sending hot chills through her. On a whim, she turned around, met his gaze, and gave a flirty smile, and waved her hand slightly, every motion hinting at a flirt, then walked into the office without a second glance.