The New Guy

"What's wrong?" Dakota asked after school as I walked toward him across the parking lot.

"Nothing. Let's go." I slid into the passenger seat, and he closed the door.

Dakota looked across the parking lot, concern filling his eyes. He then closed my door for me before sliding the truck into gear and pulling out onto the main road. "Now. Tell me what happened before I go back there and find out for myself."

I let out a deep breath. "The new guy."

Dakota's head snapped up. "What about him?" He shook his head, gritting his teeth. "Did he say something to you?"

I nodded.

Dakota slammed on his brakes and pulled onto the side of the road. "Okay, spill."

"He was in my last class, and he kept giving me and another girl I just met, Keena, dirty looks all through class." I looked out the window at the lush, green scenery. "I waited for him after class and asked him what his problem was—"