Chapter Six: Lyla

After telling Xavier about my old life, I felt closer to him. It felt good to know that he loved me, trauma and all. I was supposed to start school at Xavier's high school this morning. I quickly got dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Ethan was making pancakes. Xavier was sitting at the counter.

"Good morning Lyla," they both said, greeting me.

"Good morning," I replied. "I'm excited to start school today." I had never been to high school without having to worry about my home life. It was a relief to know I could be a normal teenager again at school.

"It's going to be great!" Ethan said. "All the teachers are super nice. You'll like it there for sure."

After eating a delicious breakfast, Ethan, Ben, Lily, Alexis, Xavier, Naomi and I all headed off to school. When we arrived, Naomi jetted off to her sophomore friends. Xavier walked me to my first period class, government.

"Mr. Lydell is pretty chill. You should catch up in no time," Xavier told me before he went off to his first period class.

"Good morning everyone. Hope you had a lovely weekend," Mr. Lydell said in a charming voice. "It's now time for everyone's favorite class, government!"

With a smile on my face, I listened intently for the rest of class, eager to make a good impression.

Before I knew it, it was lunch time. Government and chemistry had passed quickly. As I made my way to the cafeteria, I felt an arm snake around my waist. I peered up to see a smiling Xavier.

"How were your first two classes, mi amor?" he asked.

I blushed at the use of his affectionate name for me. "They were good," I replied. "I've always had a thing for science."

"Great to hear," Xavier said as he led me to a table. The gang was already sitting there having lunch.

"All I'm saying is, you haven't taken me on a date in over a month," Lily complained. "I feel like you're crossing into dangerous territory, mister."

She was sitting next to Ben, who at the moment was looking quite flustered.

"I'm sorry baby. I'll make it up to you, I promise." As if a lightbulb went off, Ben's face drastically changed from nervous to sly. "How about I…" He leaned over to whisper something in Lily's ear.

"Eww, get a room you two. Preferably soundproof." Ethan said.

"After what Ben just said, we're gonna need it," Lily joked while Alexis fake gagged.

"Let's get down to the real story, nevermind you two. How was your day Lyla?" Alexis prodded.

"It's been good so far," I said. "I wish I had some classes with you guys though."

"Well good news," Alexis explained. "We all have Spanish together last block!"

"Yay, I can't wait!" I exclaimed.

After finishing lunch, I headed off to chorus. I always had a knack for singing. Then, it was time for Spanish. I found Senora Richel's room with little difficulty and sat down next to Xavier.

"Hola clase!" Senora Richel said once the bell rang. "Today we have a new student. Lyla Amangia. Oh, and look at that," she said while looking at the attendance sheet. "Your birthday is coming up. !Feliz cumpleanos!

"Gracias Senora," was all I said. With everything that had been going on at the Sunset Pack, I had forgotten about my upcoming birthday. I couldn't believe I was turning 18, kind of shocking.

"I didn't know your birthday was coming up," said Alexis. "How exciting!"

The rest of class was spent on vocab and conjugations. Soon we were all heading back to the pack house.

When Xavier and I were finally alone he said, "I want to take you out on a date."

"A date?" I questioned.

"Yeah, like a human date," he continued. "That's how humans get to know each other while they're dating. I want to do that with you too."

"Sure," I said. "That sounds like fun. What do you have in mind?"

"How about ice skating on Friday night?" Xavier asked.

"Sounds like a plan!" I exclaimed. My first real date. I couldn't wait!