Chapter 13

Alanna wasn't in my first class, but I noticed a few girls that were at the club that awful night. Taking my
seat, I declined the offer to go up and introduce myself. I didn't need more people gawking at me like
the shiny new toy.

"Miss Wilson if you could wait behind a few minutes".

I had only been in the class for 15 minutes before the bell went signalling it was over. Heading to the
front of the class I stood awkwardly in front of his desk.

"45 minutes late to my class Miss Wilson". Mr Gallagher was a young teacher, no older than 30 I'd say.
"But I'll let it slide seeing as this is your first day. Now here are notes from today seeing as you can't
write anything just now. You'll get a copy after every class until your hand is healed".

"Thanks sir I appreciate it and sorry for being late. It wont happen again".

"Make sure it doesn't or it'll be a detention for you. Now off you go you don't want to be late for a
second time today". There was a hint of humour in his eyes.

Giving him a nod, I left his classroom and began walking to my next one. With my books under my arm
and a twizzler in my mouth I was somewhat having a good morning. Entering my chemistry class my
eyes roamed around the room looking for an available seat.

"In the back with me shorty. It's the only seat that's left". Ryan pushed past me and headed for his seat.
Making my way to the back I took the seat next to him placing my books on the desk. As soon as she
walked in her smile dropped.

Why did the look she was giving me make me feel like I had done something wrong? I thought she'd be
happy we have at least one class together.



Taking out my phone I typed up a new message. She was being weird or so it felt. This morning with
the whole dating and now with the way she was boring holes into the side of my face.

'You good?'

Seconds later she replied.

'Why are you sitting with Ryan?'

No kisses or an A left at the end of her message. Yeah something was definitely up her butt. But why
was she questioning where I was sitting? This was the only seat left. Making a face I slipped my phone
bac into my pocket.

"And finally Mr Smith has a lab partner. Everyone, give him a round of applause". The class erupted
and my face went beetroot red. Ryan pushed his chair back, stood up and took a bow. "Thank you,
thank you". He smirked.

Okay I was officially lost. What was going on?

"Ryan sit down. Apologies Leah I am Mr Robinson and Ryan here hasn't had a lab partner in almost a
year. Too smart for someone else's help". Rolling his eyes, I turned my attention to Ryan. He was sat
grinning at me.

"I'll let you help me though". He winked.

"Okay everyone, settle down and turn your books to page 214. we'll continue where we left off on
Friday. Ryan you can fill Leah in and catch her up".

The chatter in the classroom died down and everyone got to work.



Chemistry wasn't my strong point. It was the only class I struggled with and I was barely getting by. I
needed at least a B to graduate. Turns out Ryan was smart. Groaning I pushed the book away from
me. My brain wasn't functioning today, I wasn't taking anything in.

"Still not getting it?". He asked twirling his pencil between his fingers.

"Never have been good at it". I shrugged taking out a twizzler and placing it in my mouth. "It's not my
strong point and if I don't get a B in my final exam then I ain't graduating".

"Looks like you need a tutor". He grinned pulling the twizzler out of my mouth and into his. "I can help
you out if you want. If you haven't already guessed, I'm good at this". His grin was contagious. Shoving
his shoulder, I went back to reading over his notes.

"Why are you offering to help me? you don't even know me". Passing him a twizzler he placed it
between his teeth and pulled. Other than Alanna, Ryan was my first friend here, well if I could call him
that.

"Don't want you to knock me out". He laughed catching the attention of students around us. Alanna
being one of them. "Oh, little Miss Taylor doesn't seem too happy with you".

"I know Alanna. I met her when I first got here. We're cool".

"Well if she isn't glaring at you then she's glaring at me". Making the situation worse he winked at her
then blew her a kiss. "Works every time".

She didn't like that one bit.

Stifling my laugh, I dropped my gaze to the floor. Ryan seemed cool. As the bell went, I started to clear
away my things. It was lunch time and I couldn't wait to eat. I was starving.



"Here". Grabbing my hand, he began to write down his number. Hit me up if you need help, I'm being
serious. See you around little rocky".

By the time I put my books in my bag the classroom was empty. Taking out my lunch money I slung my
bag over my shoulder and hoped the cafeteria would be easy to find. Alanna was no where to be seen.

It didn't take me long to find the cafeteria. My stomach growled as soon as I walked in. I had skipped
breakfast this morning, to nervous to eat. It was packed, laughter and chatter filled my ears. Joining the
queue I glanced around the room but failed to find anyone I knew.

Where had she disappeared to?

After collecting my lunch I stood awkwardly looking for somewhere to sit. I couldn't believe Alanna had
left me on my own. I guess this is how it would have been if I didn't know her. Where was Lacey?
Sighing I started to chew on my bottom lip.

After finding an empty table I sat down. Suddenly I wasn't feeling so hungry anymore. I haven't felt this
alone in a long time. Opening my bottle of water I took out my phone and opened up a new message. I
knew if I played the hand card my gran would come and get me.

Out of nowhere my tray was being lifted along with my bag. Glancing up I fought back my smile when
my eyes landed on Ryan. "Come sit over here rocky". He didn't give me a choice, he was already
walking to another table. Water and phone in hand I followed him.

"Thank you". I whispered as I took the seat next to him.

"Can't have a pretty girl like you sitting on her own". He winked causing me to roll my eyes. "Where's
Alanna?". He asked as he picked at the fries on my plate. Hitting his hand I moved my tray out of his
reach.



"Do I look like the kind of girl that shares food?".

Holding up his hands he smirked at me. "So where are your friends?". There was a lot of people at the
table but they were all to engrossed in conversation to notice I had sat down. Shrugging my shoulders I
picked at the rest of my lunch. I had no idea where they were. Hearing my phone vibrate I glanced at
the text and frowned.

'Can't pick you up honey, are you able to get a lift?'

Another message came through only this time it wasn't from my gran.

'Where are you? come outside. Ax'

She seemed to be in a better mood, I didn't want to sit outside it was freezing but I did want to know
why she was acting so weird. Turning my attention to Ryan I pushed my fries towards him. "Thank you
for not making me sit on my own the first day of school". Getting to my feet I slung my bag over my
shoulder.

"Anytime Leah. See you in chemistry". He smirked.

Heading outside I scanned the area my eyes landing on Alanna. She was sat at a table with a large
group of people. As if she could feel me staring her eyes locked with mine. Grinning she lifted her hand
signalling me over.

"Where did you go after chemistry?". I asked taking the seat beside her.

"I had to call home. How has your first day been?". Something was off, I could feel it and I was sick of
feeling left out.

"I'll be better once it turns 4 o'clock. I'm going to head back inside I don't like the cold". Truth was I felt
awkward. I felt like I didn't belong, like I wasn't fitting in.



"Please stay". She whispered her hand grabbed mine. "I'm sorry about this morning it's just-.."

"I get it. You have stuff going on, stuff I can't know about. I'll see you inside".


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