Chapter Twelve

   I start getting ready for school in the morning and decide to completely forget about Trevor Lyles. Something just doesn't feel quiet right about him.

Dad and I went back to town last night to finish up my school shopping. I'm so glad to have my own style of clothes again.

I select black skinnies, all black Chuck Taylors, and my black 'Merica tee.

   "Gonna eat breakfast Riles?" I still can't get over the site of my dad slaving over a stove. Blows my mind. And kind of makes me scared. "No thanks, Dad. I'm good," I respond as I finish descending the stairs.

   "Alright, well be safe." I smile and nod and walk out of the front door. Still can't believe that beauty in the driveway is mine. Just wow. I jump in and the Bluetooth automatically connects to my phone. I select George Strait's "Check Yes or No" and make my way to school.

   I opt for a parking spot towards the back, because I just don't trust people parking next to my baby. Making my way across the parking lot I hear a familiar voice call my name. I turn and smile to see Matt's shining eyes.

   "Hey, Matt. What's up?" He falls into step beside me. "Nothing, just saw you and wondered if you'd let me walk you to class?" I look up at him and giggle slightly as he scratches the back of his neck nervously. I nod my head, "I'd love that." He smile is brilliant as he says "Great."

   When we walk through the huge double doors I'm surprised when Matt takes my hand in his but I don't let go. It's actually pretty comforting. I like it.

   "Drop her hand now, and you won't get that pretty little face of yours smashed in, Matthew." I look up into a pair of furious green eyes.

Matt doesn't let go and decides to step closer to Trevor. Before either can say another word I jump in with, "What is your deal, Lyles? Like seriously who died and made you rule over everyone? I'm not letting go of his hand, in fact I love the way his hand fe-" Trevor places his finger over my lips. He looks down at me, "I'll deal with you in a moment, Peaches."

   Matt pulls me back behind him, "Back the fuck up, Lyles. No one wants any trouble." Trevor throws his head back and laughs. By now a crowd had begun to form around the three of us.

   "Trouble started the moment you decided to touch my girl." I gasp. "Trevor, I made it very clear to you that I am not and I never will be your girl."

I step in front of Matt, furious. Spoiled, over privileged child, that's all he is.

   He laughs again. Amusedly he holds my gaze. "And I thought I made it perfectly clear to you who I was. You don't get a choice in this, Riley."

Before I can respond, Matt's fist connects with Trevor's perfect jaw. Why am I thinking about this idiot's perfect jawline right now?

   "STOP! GUYS!" I jump on Trevor's back as he gains the upper hand and closes in on Matt. "Blaxton, get her off, will you? There will be plenty of time for that later, Peaches" Trevor called out over his shoulder.

   Blaxton pulls me off and I notice Matt took advantage of the momentary distraction and lays a blow on Trevor's nose. Trevor roars and grabs him by the collar and pins him to a locker. Before he can get a good hit in the PE coaches come in and separate the boys.

   As they're being hauled off to the Principal's office I jerk out of Blaxton's grip. "Touch me again and you can count on not having kids in the future."

His brown eyes look shocked then amused as he puts his hands up in surrender. He runs a hand through his spiky black hair and winks. "Whatever you say, Peaches."

Before I can respond Claudette approaches. "Girl! How is it that you've been here less than a week and your life is already more exciting than mine? That was intense! That was hot! Girl!" I stare at her like she has three heads.

"That was ridiculous. I don't even understand what's happening right now." She smirks and shakes her head at me. Before she can respite the principal comes on the intercom.

"Riley Brinks report to the principal's office immediately. Riley Brinks." My eyes widen and my mouth turns dry. I've never been in trouble before. I look to Claudette, scared for my life.

"Better go, Principal Axe doesn't enjoy asking twice." She smiles and turns to walk away. "I would know, I've been in his office enough to know."

I numbly make my way to the front of the school. I should've just left the stupid boys alone. This is what I get for trying to be a dern teenager.

When I arrive the receptionist shoots me through and I'm greeted with two sets of eyes outside his door. They're getting along fine just now, why couldn't they do that earlier?

"Peaches-" Trevor.

"Riley-" Matt.

I just throw my hand up and walk into Principal Axe's office. What an ominous name. I look up and am shockingly greeted by warm brown eyes. He doesn't look so tough. Balding on top, fluffy in the middle.

"Miss Brinks, what an interesting welcome you've been given here at Torrance. I've viewed your transcripts and see you have no history of being a trouble maker and you've maintained stellar grades throughout your academic career. I understand that that Los Angeles is a whole new world for you, but please do not let it make you lose focus. I suggest keeping better company and making new friends. Am I understood?"

Wow. He talks a lot. I didn't have to say a single thing. I like him. And he's smart to boot. "Yes sir, I understand." He nods.

"Good, hopefully the next time I see you it will be under better circumstances. You are dismissed." I nod and silently get up.

As I exit he calls the boys back into his office. I feel Matt trying to meet my eyes but I keep my face straight ahead. Trevor lightly grabs my hand but I jerk away. Axe was right, I can't lose focus.