A Lion's Will

Chapter 1 Part 2: A Newcomer Enters the Chat

The tingles are back and I ignore them motioning for him to follow me. Warren follows behind as I give him the run down of the school and where each of his classes are plus the quickest ways to get there and how each of the teachers takes getting a new student in the middle of the fall semester. Warren seems to be listening intently, but who’s to tell, he could be thinking about anything.

“And that’s about it. Any questions?” I say as we reach the door to both of our next classes.

He nods, “No, I think I’ve got everything. If I have a question though can I let you know?”

I shrug, “I don’t see why not, from the looks of your schedule our classes are pretty much in the same areas, so if you want to you can walk with me and my friends until you get the hang of everything. It looks like we have the same lunch too.”

“Sounds good to me, it's kind of intimidating being the new kid again.” He says adjusting his bag over his shoulders.

I give him what I hope is a reassuring smile, but I'm too tired to fake it, “Don’t worry I’m sure you’ll be making plenty of friends today.”

He gives a light chuckle showing off his white straight teeth, “I’m sure I will, but I think I’ll take you up on your offer to walk with you.”

I shrug, “Alright, suit yourself.” I say as the bell rings.

I take a step away from the door to allow the flow of students past before ducking inside. Warren follows after me and we find our seats towards the back of the classroom. Katie and Sam join us soon after. I make quick work of introducing them when the bane of my existence struts into the room. I groan and roll my eyes when Jesse Daniels comes to a stop in front of my desk.

“Hey baby, who’s the scrub sitting in my seat?” He asks, pointing nonchalantly at Warren.

I roll my eyes at Jesse, my skin beginning to crawl as he leans towards me, “I’m not your baby, or your anything Daniels, now get your filthy hand off of my desk.” I tell him before shoving his hand off of my desk.

“Come on Ness, I know you miss me.” He says, giving me one of his trademark smirks.

I stare him in the eyes and with as much venom as possible reply, “I would rather swim in shark infested waters wearing a meat suit than spend ten seconds alone with you.”

“Why scared you won’t be able to control yourself?” He asks leaning in again.

I smile up at him in a sickeningly sweet way, “No, I’m scared I’ll catch a murder charge.” I say before punching the crease of his arm so he slams his face down on my desk.

Jesse stands up, his public mask slipping slightly showing the anger and jealousy glittering there, “Bitch.” He says as he slides back to his seat.

Warren looks between Jesse and I, “What was that all about?”

I roll my eyes while turning to look at him, “Jesse is my ex and to say things ended badly is an understatement. He’s bad news, possessive, and narcissistic on his best days. I try to steer clear of him as much as possible.”

“What happened between the two of you?” Warren asks, his voice low and soft.

I feel my back go stiff at the memory. I shake my head pushing the bubbling emotions down into the pit of my stomach, “That’s not something I’m comfortable talking to you about.”

Warren’s eyes dart to Jesse and his jaw clenches before unclenching, “Fair enough, but I would hope in the future you’re comfortable enough to at least tell me the basics.”

Anger flashes through me at his persistence, “That's going to be a long time coming buddy.”

“I’ve got all the time in the world.” Warren says his eyes are determined and steadfast.

I roll my eyes at him and cross my arms over my chest trying to get a grip on the anger at his nosiness before focusing in on the lesson being presented at the front of the room.

After class I introduce Warren to the rest of the crew as we meet up throughout the halls. Jeremy and Warren are fast friends, but Jeremy could make friends with a brick wall if it would talk back to him. Katie nudges me to get my attention so that she can wiggle her eyebrows at me before shifting her gaze between Warren and I. I roll my eyes at her as we move through the halls to continue our silent conversation. The rest of the day seems to go on like that with Katie giving me looks and Warren beginning to integrate himself seamlessly into our group. By the end of fifth period I’m not surprised to see Jeremy steering Warren towards the parking lot, when Duncan catches up with them.

“So, he’s hot, and super into you.” Katie says coming up beside me while I shove books into my locker.

I raise my eyebrow at her and shake my head, “He’s just new Kat, and needed a couple of friends. Besides, he's a little pushy and nosy for my taste.”

“What did he do, or rather what did Asshat Mcgee do?” Katie asks, unable to control her curiosity.

I sigh, closing my locker and adjusting the bag over my shoulder, “Jesse was being Jesse this morning and Warren asked what happened between the two of us, and I basically told him to mind his own damn business.”

Katie shakes her head a little, “So, nothing big at all, just Ness over reacting to a normal question.”

“It’s not normal to me.” I shoot back at her.

Katie nods, “I know the whole independent single lady vibe.” She says waving her hands around, “But he could be good for you, you know get you back in the saddle with dating.”

I snort at her, “Yes, because that is an excellent idea, send the damaged goods out.”

Katie snags my arm, “You’re not damaged goods, Vanessa.” She says firmly, “You’re a person and something terrible happened to you, but you are still a person, and a damn good one at that. Stop being so hard on yourself and live a little.” She says looking me dead in the eyes before smiling at me.

“So, do you think he’s single?” She asks.

I huff and throw my hands in the air exasperated at her persistent need to “get me back in the saddle”. “I don’t know, why don’t you ask him?” I tell her as I round the corner and bump into someone.

I look up just in enough time to see Jesse turn around. I go to sidestep him but he grabs my arm and pushes me back against the lockers making them rattle. I feel the locker handle dig into my shoulder and wince slightly.