Chapter 2: Cold Thorn Truth
1271 Words
Students scattered and murmured as Ryker threw his bag over his shoulder. Turning around, he leaned against his locker. Hands in pockets, face unreadable.
Stalking forward a couple steps then stopping a few feet away. His now more mature features clearer.
Ryker stood impossibly tall, at least 6’4”, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his academy blazer in a way that left no doubt about the strength beneath. Even through the uniform, I could see the muscular lines of his arms and the power in his strong hands.
His features had matured, sharper now, more defined. Slight stubble along his cheeks and chiseled jawline, and there was a beauty to him that was impossible to ignore. His short dark hair was mostly neat, though a few strands occasionally fell into his eyes, softening the intensity of his gaze, giving him an effortless, magnetic edge.
Tattoos along the edge of his wrists that I knew created sleeves on both of his arms.
A couple that I happened to be present for. Not to mention the new ones that now peaked out near the collar of his shirt that went against school policy.
The staff were probably pretty pissed, but no one would ever dare say anything.. because he was Ryker “f*****g” Kane.
Even the few feet away he towered over me in size and height. I didn’t care though, while everyone feared him and his family, I saw him as my beloved friend.. at least I did before I left.
We stayed in touch and reached out to each other from time to time, but never really got past casual conversation. With the way my day has started who knows if he’d still consider me as his friend.
I suppose we were both indifferent; me no longer being single and him not wanting to over step his boundaries.
I felt a flicker of relief, my mind clinging to the one person who hadn’t laughed at my pain. Ever. “You okay?” He said voice low but still loud enough to hear.
I swallowed, my voice barely audible. “I… will be.”
But even as I said it, I realized the truth: the perfect couple was gone, and there was no going back. Not now, not ever.
Nodding his head he took another step forward slightly parting his lips only to be intercepted.
Like a bolt of energy through the calm, a voice shattered the fragile pause.
“Oh s**t! Zaria! Finally!”
I turned to see Tessa Kingsley the academy’s resident fashion icon and unofficial social directory, I hadn’t seen her in forever. She was always kind to me, striding toward me with a stack of crisp papers in hand strawberry blonde curls swinging just below her shoulders.
Every step seemed perfectly timed to command attention, her designer bag swinging from one elbow, hair bouncing with effortless style.
“I have your Advanced Student schedule!” Tessa exclaimed, practically thrusting the neatly folded sheets into my hands. “You’re going to love it.. look at this,
Chemistry with Professor Hawthorne in the morning, Advanced Literature after lunch… oh, and don’t forget your new elective, ‘Art of Persuasion.’ Very exclusive. Very you!” Along with fencing and something called.. CQ Combatives “What’s that??” ..There’s so many courses in this place”
I blinked, trying to absorb the information while also processing Ryker’s still-quiet presence a few steps behind her. His eyes lingered, obscured, and I couldn’t tell if he wanted to speak now… or if he would let the moment pass like he always seemed to in the past.
“Close Quarters” I say looking away.
“ As in close quarters combat?” Whew.. but I guess that’s to be expected being second in our class”
“Second?? Who’s first?”
“Ryker Kane” she said matter of factly
“ Figures” I raise an eyebrow at him.
Tessa clapped her hands together.
“I’ll let you read it later! You missed morning assembly but I can’t let you be late for your first class, Vale!” “ You can sit next to me”
With a flourish, she spun on her heel, linking her arm with mine and pulling me into a cluster of chatting students.
Ryker’s silent gaze weighing on her more heavily than any of Tessa’s dramatic announcements. Turning to look back, he was gone just as sure as he came.
Exhaling I strode forward with Tessa to my first class.
Time seemed to stop, I mean I listened to Professor Hawthorne’s lecture, most of it was a reiteration of the previous year but I couldn’t get out of my own head. Especially with the side eyed looks and whispers. One student in particular who didn’t make an effort to whisper at all.
Letting my temper get the best of me I couldn’t stop myself, I blurted out at the girl on the next row “Do you have an issue, or do you just enjoy making one?”
The entire room went silent. She looked like a dear in headlights. Tessa chuckled a bit. The girl started to speak but stuttered over her words “I.. uhh..”
“If you’ve got a problem, at least make it interesting.” I leaned forward onto my forearms.
Before I knew it the bell rang and I’d hardly taken any notes. Thankfully Torin and the others didn’t have this class. I don’t know how I would’ve survived an hour without smashing something. I needed to let off some steam ASAP.
Gathering my things, I leaned over “ Hey Tessa you think I could copy your notes from today?” I said softly
“Yea of course!” If you’re not too busy I’m going to the Bistro to study later.”
“Bistro?? As in Bistro Beaumont?”
“Yea, you’ve been there right?”
“It’s been a while but yea, okay I’ll meet you there”
“Now let’s eat! I’m starving.” She giggled
But suddenly I felt nauseous. I could avoid them for a while but now I have to face them all. Again.
“s**t, I wish this could wait until tomorrow, just give me a day” I say under my breath.
Linking her arm with mine again. “Hey I heard what happened.. just act like you don’t give a f**k” it’s definitely his fault.. I mean look at you! If I were a guy I’d probably f**k you”.
My eyes widening as my cheeks became flushed, “Tessa!”
“What? I mean have you f*****g seen yourself?? You’re absolutely gorgeous”.
“Definitely not the Zaria we knew two years ago” bumping her hip against mine.
I smiled as I walked alongside her, she was always loyal, and who knows she may be my only friend.
“.. fine by me…” I thought to myself nudging in closer to her.
I spot Torin far off as we approach the cafe doors and Tessa catches wind.
“Hahahaa ha! Oh my gosh b***h! You are hilarious. What a bunch of idiots!!” Tessa blurts out.
My head turning sharply towards her as I chuckled “Tessa what the hell??” I smiled
“What!?” She shrugged..
“You actually sound believable”
“I had to do something. They’re just standing around waiting for us to pass so they can say something f*****g smug.”
“Yea but you prolonged the inevitable..” I said as we walk through, because here’s their chance.
- Writer
