Fresh Wounds

From the moment I took my first step into Predrex Academy, My Life became a living hell. From the constant harassment to the Disruptive hierarchy. The School honestly sucked and the blatant ignorance of the teachers and students didn't help. Nothing here was ever easy. I had been foolish to think that things would change with a new school didn't. I was still as I had always been, an outcast. Even if My father had told me differently. He would always say "Dreams are only possibilities that haven't been explored.." But, I couldn't hold on to his ideas of me forever. This wasn't a dream and I wasn't Like the other rich and overly pretty girls here. Despite it, all his words soothed the battle I raged against myself, and eventually, I gave in to the sad little emotional patter within my heart. I found myself believing in him and sharing myself with the world. Albeit the world only revolves around two people. The first is Ms. Matrices. The Lore and Mythology teacher. The second individual that made this school tolerable was Jackson. Now While Jackson's name had been very basic. He was anything but basic. He had been blessed with god-like looks. From his warm and welcoming caramel skin tone to his honey-coated eyes and plumped lips, he was beautiful with a body to match.

He was a small glimpse of humanity's perfection. You could tell he thought of himself as such from the way his brown locks were very well kept, never out of place. Not to mention that despite his very, very wealthy background. He had still found a way to maintain the kindness most of our peers had lost. He didn't care that I had gotten in because of a scholarship and pure luck. He rarely even brought it up. He treated me like I was more than my background. It was one of the reasons I allowed him to get close to me. Close enough to where I was contemplating going and potentially putting myself at risk just to see him. I shook my head at his invitation to the Red Moon Party tonight. It was a rare event that only seniors and a few special students knew about. I wasn't the popular type and most people avoided me. So, of course, I wasn't invited, at least not Originally, But Jackson always found a way for me. He was that kind of person. He was just kind of like that.

He always puts himself out there. I smiled at the thought of him slipping the invitation under my dorm room door. Uncertainty crept through my mind before circling back. " It had to be him, no one else would have invited me", I thought as I shot up out of bed. I quickly scanned the invitation in my hand. It's an iridescent purple color drawing me in "I suppose I should go even if I just pop in and out .." My mind ran over outfit options before settling on my high-waisted ripped jean skirt and a royal green bandeau crop top. I paired it with a black belt and matching combat boots. Nervously, I look at myself in the mirror. My tightly curled shoulder-length hair had fought a great battle against humidity and lost leaving it poofy. "I should put my hair in a bun" I mumbled before going to my dresser to grab the spray bottle and hair tie. Only stopping to look at the book that started it all. "The Legend of Lycaon". My mind goes back to the first time he spoke to me. It had been my first month after transferring my sophomore year.

~ 2 years ago~

" So, How are you settling in so Far?" The platinum blonde young woman asked as she passed a book on to the taller yet younger woman. The younger woman visibly tensed before running a hand through her coily black curls. " I- I'm not exactly doing bad Ms. Matrice" The student replied," But?" MS. Matrice asked. " but it isn't going as smoothly as I expected. The student looked down at the book reading: The Legend of Lycaon. "The kids here are tightly connected, they all have crews and they don't exactly like new people...but you have certainly helped so far giving me a safe place to relax." The teacher sighed softly.

" I know the student can be quite territorial at times but there are many students who want to experience new connections and friendships. You just gotta open up a little Astaria.." Astaria scoffed. "You saw when they dumped their tray on me Ms.Matrice, None of the kids helped me... I mean it's pretty obvious that they don't want me around them. They practically treat me like a virus...." The teacher patted Astaria's back with a comforting smile before her eyes went wide for a moment her mouth agape. " Y- You-" The teacher shook her head, taking her hand off Astaria's back. "Are you okay, miss? ". Astaria asked, confused.

" Yes, I thought I saw something outside". Astaria turned to the window not seeing anything but the grayish-tented building and colorful courtyard below. "Honestly, I think you just need to give it a little more time," Astaria sighed before nodding. "I'll try my-'' The door to the classroom swung open, and in stepped the God Like boy oblivious to the situation in front of him. '' Ms. Matrice do you think I'd be able to get full credit for the makeup work you know I-" His work was cast to the side when his eyes landed on Astaria's honey-drizzled ones.

" Had a family emergency that caused you to miss the start of the semester, yes, yes I do," She spoke before walking around to her desk and opening up the computer. Checking his report to see what he had been missing. She sighed as she spoke. " As for the assignments, I can extend some of them out over the weekend but you'll have to have everything in by Wednesday. Otherwise, you won't receive full points. Finally looking up from the computer she noticed the students in front of her still maintained a sort of intrinsic contact. She cleared her throat drawing both of the student's attention. " Did you hear me, Mr. Hellderson? "

" Yes I did" here replied before giggling softly. " I don't believe I've seen you around here,'' he questioned, turning to face Astaria. "oh, I just transferred in." She glanced over his tall, toned frame." She had been 5'9 and he stood far above her. " Yes Ms. Markmen Here, is very new and having a little trouble finding her footing" Astaria's eyes went wide at her teacher's blatant honesty. "I'm not having trouble I just ..Like solitude" She attempted to smile off her nerves. " Well-" Jackson strode closer and extended out his hand. " The name is Jackson Hellderson and I'd be happy to help you find the best places to be in solitude around the school-'' His hand was still in the air as Astaria eyed him up and down.

He took a small gulp under her gaze "... If you'd like" Astaria took his hands shaking them firmly. " I would love that" She smiled although it didn't reach her eyes. " I suppose I can't keep hiding in here .. can I? '' She looked around him to see her teacher's eyes. Her teacher only smiled before responding. "Not unless you plan to help me grade". Jackson sucked in some air before whispering " I wouldn't recommend it ". Astaria shook her head. " Well Mr. Hellderson, your assignment has been sent via email so you can head on out now" Ms. Matrice Nodded at Astaria " You can also head out as well. I can finish up by myself, Plus you have the book that you need". Ataria shot her a are you sure look? " Go on now " Ms. Matrices Shooed her. " Okay then" Astaria nodded nervously before grabbing her bag and putting the book in. Not noticing until it was too late how close she was to the papers she had just stacked. Turning around she bumped her bag into the paperwork. " Crap, I'm sorry.. I'll pick it up" Astaria quickly cleaned up the papers as Ms. Matrice only chuckled " You're quite clumsy ".

Astaria kept her eyes down and made quick work of the papers. Still, by the time she had looked up to the door, the boy had left. She sighed softly as she assumed his niceties had been shallow as she walked out of the classroom. She had barely made it down the hall when she ran into him again. Her body collided with his, almost knocking her to the ground. If not for his reflexes she would have fallen. His strength was working against him as his hold caused her to jerk and slam her head into his lean muscle, something she would have had fun with if not for the pain she felt in her nose.

" Crap are you okay, " he asked as he let her waist go and gently grabbed her face tilting it up to him. She scoffed, slapping his hand away " Seriously dude" she exhaled before rubbing her nose bride gently:" I thought you left" She practically growled at him in frustration. " I just had to run to the restroom... I thought we agreed that I would show you all the good hiding spots' " she glared up at him before softening her gaze, her mind losing to her heart. " I thought you were just playing around honestly.. I didn't think you meant it". She said re-adjusting her backpack. " Why wouldn't I mean It? " he asked. " Do, I have to spell it out for you" Astaria's eyes scanned his face not believing his ignorance. " I highly doubt that you don't know what they say about me. I mean I've only been here a month but even I know your name"

His eyes went wide as he tried to interject "I know I have reputations-" She cut him off "Exactly your practical royalty here, I know who your Lil crew is and I know what your little fans would do if they saw us together. I don't want any more trouble, Besides I'm not stupid I know that you wouldn't hang out with me without a reason... So what is it.." anger was evident in her eyes. " Is this another Lil prank? " His eyes darkened with the weight of her words. "First I know that you are not stupid you wouldn't be here on scholarship if you were. Second, I know that you think you know me and that you think you know the people that I hang out with but when I say I'm not like them I mean it.." Astaria attempted to cut him off " I wasn't trying t-"

Jackson ignored her continuing: "With that being said. Don't you think you're being a little judgemental, like the people you're claiming to dislike?" Astaria's eyes shot to the ground out of shame. "You did exactly what they did to you, they didn't even give you a chance, they just decided you were worthless". The silence that fell on them was heavy. The weight only lifted when Jackson spoke again only this time his voice was chilled.

" If you want to make it in this school you should learn to pick your battles" He sighed " Good luck finding a good hiding spot" He began to turn around when Astaria reached her hand out and gently tugged at his mauve uniform jacket. He let out a soft sigh attempting to keep his poker face. "... I'm Sorry" Astaria whispered " What," Jackson asked, turning around his poker face cracking when his eyes met her soft honey-brown ones. " I'm SORRY, that I reacted so poorly to your kindness... It's just been Harder than I expected it to be here". A soft smile etched across his face. " Listen, I know my crew has been a big reason why it's been so hard for you... So I'll talk to them if-" Astaria let go of his jacket " If what..?" She asked back. " If you let me give a real tour of the school" He continued his eyes never leaving hers. " Okay " Astaria nodded before smiling up at him for real this time.

Jackson took in a soft shaky breath at the sincerity of it, before returning the smile. " I doubt anyone has shown you where all the fun happens on campus" Astaria chuckled "Besides the quad and library" Jackson Shook his head as the continued down the hall " Yeah, whoever showed you around lied to you" Astaria's eyes went wide " What, Mr.Helderson, of course, they didn't" she responded sarcastically. Jackson sucked in some air through his teeth and put his hands over his heart as he played along "Well Ms.Markson I'm sorry to inform but... It's true" Astaria bumped her shoulder against his side. " I hope you're not planning on taking on the drama" she glared at him " Aye now I'm a great actor in the making " he joked "I don't know about that, people would pay you not to act" Astaria chimed in. " What! '' Jackson exclaimed his lips in a soft pout " Now I'm offended" She laughed, making him laugh as they continued. He took his time that day giving her a real tour of the academy.

He showed her all the nooks and crannies of the school. He even showed her where all the private lounges were and where the students snuck off for certain activities. He even showed her where all the gaming areas were. She enjoyed the tour becoming more interested in learning about him rather than the school. It wasn't until he showed her where he snuck off to during his breaks. It was a beautiful hidden Room located in the first library. Hidden away from all prying eyes fully furnished for relation. It was his secret haven. A place no one else knew about. He knew she would love it. He looked for her around the lunchroom the next day. She was nowhere to be found. It wasn't until his free period when he went to his little oasis that he found her. Hiding in his secret place reading and waiting for him. It had become their secret place.