I Only Bite When

Chapter 2 - The Clique

"Oh my God Steph. Was someone following you?!" I asked as I gave her a hug. "Yes," she sighed as she held back her tears. She took a deep breath and began to explain. "I was at my boyfriends house. We got into a huge fight and I stormed out. Then I felt like someone was following me so I started to walk faster. They began to run after me so I panicked and ran here from a few streets away, I'm sorry, I-" Steph began to break down in tears. "Shh," I said as I cradled her. "It's OK now. Although I think we should call the police-" "No, you can't! My mum thinks I'm sleeping over at a friends. She would kill me if she found out I was at a boy's house and wandering the streets at night!" Steph said in a panic. "OK, OK, as long as you're sure. " I replied as I gently massaged my forehead. "Thanks. I'm gonna go and ring my mate Katie to see if I can stop at her house." Said Steph as she began to take out her mobile. "You can stop here if you like," I said as I panicked. "I don't want you to walk around the streets at this time on your own. You can take my bed. It's upstairs on the second right, I said as I gestured upstairs. "Thanks so much! Wait- are you sure?" Asked Steph timidly. "Of course," I smiled.

The following day we caught the bus uni. Steph is in her first year and I'm in my third. We said goodbye as we got off the bus as Steph hurried off to class. "Thanks again, Raven!" She shouted as she ran away. I felt happy and proud of myself for my good deed. I just hope being followed didn't shake her up too much.

That lunchtime, I sat on the bench in the yard by the grass whilst I ate. Jenny should be here soon I thought to myself as I started to pick off the tomatoes from my sandwich. Jenny usually finishes class half an hour after me, so I'm usually alone for a while. I kind of like the time to just chill out and collect my thoughts to be honest. It's not like

I have any time whatsoever to do that at home.

As I picked up my packet of crisps, I suddenly smelled the very strong scent of smoke from above me. As I looked up, I saw Cara, Steph's older sister, standing above me and smoking a cigarette. Her dark hair was half shaven, and her loose curls were flipped over to the other side of her head. She was wearing a black leather jacket and skinny jeans with bright red lipstick, looking like she's ready to break some hearts at any given moment. I don't think I've ever met a girl quite like Cara. She's so confident yet humble, glamorous yet it's effortless. She looks like a tough, mean girl, but from what I've seen, she cares.

She was accompanied by two other girls; Saskia and Leanne. Saskia is the quiet one of the group. Sometimes people think they can walk all over her because they think she's shy, but she's not. Under her head of ash blonde hair, she's got a good mind, and she isn't afraid to speak it.

Leanne, on the other hand, seems to be everything I expect Cara to be. She's very loud and is very no-nonsense. I wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of her. She is a typical fiery red-head and much respected by her fellow students.

Long story short, these girls mean business. They aren't your typical popular, elitist group of friends like some of the other girls in my year. No one really knows much about them, to be honest. They tend to keep to themselves, however they definitely give off the 'popular' vibe as they walk through the halls. I can admire and respect that.

I was extremely pleased yet confused as to why they approached me. Little did I know I wouldn't find out until that night.