Page 3 of We're At It Again

Once my cigarette was nothing but a bud, I trampled it before mounting my motorbike–mine and my dad’s special summer project. The engine roared, bringing life to the dead neighborhood. I raced through the streets, attracting attention from onlookers as I maneuvered through the minimal traffic. As I stopped in my usual spot in the school parking lot, more eyes befell me. I rolled my eyes at the tasteless people I go to school with.

I strolled down the hallway and tossed my leather jacket over my shoulder. A group of freshmen parted like waves before me, casting curious glances mixed with a tint of apprehension. Once I approached my locker, I spotted a group of jocks a few feet away. Their booming laughter was obnoxious, especially considering they were laughing at something Austin Chambers said. He needed a personality to be funny. With concealed disdain, I rolled my eyes at their juvenile antics.

“You have a problem, Wilder?”

They caught me. Chambers took my indifference as a challenge and swaggered over to me. His entourage shadowed him. I met his gaze with cool indifference, smirking as I towered over him.

“I’m perfect,” I said with a mask of calm defiance. “You seem to have one, jockstrap.”

His arrogant smirk wavered.

“You think you’re better than everyone else, don’t you, Wilder?” He said, his tone salivating in aggression.

I held my ground, my gaze unwavering. Don’t take the bait.

“I don’t waste my time thinking about you.”

The air between us was static. I grinned as his face reddened with anger. His fists clenched at his sides as his friends egged him on. There was a fire in his eyes as he shoved me with force, sending me tumbling backward. My back hit the metal locker. Now, I was mad. His friends erupted into cheers; their voices echoed off the walls. I regained my balance, my muscles tensed as I prepared to punch him in the jaw. But, as I was about to retaliate, a figure stepped between us, cutting through the chaos. Luna.

“Austin, stop.” she said, her voice pleading as she placed her hands on his chest.

His expression twisted with frustration; his anger redirected towards her for intervening.

“Don’t get involved, Luna.”

I couldn’t resist getting involved in their couple’s spat.

“That’s no way to treat a lady, Chambers.”

He lunged for me, but my reflexes were quicker as I dodged his fist.

“Austin, stop it.” she demanded.

I smirked as he glared at me over her head, unable to resist provoking him further.

“Listen to your girlfriend, jockstrap.”

“Hudson.” My name sounded like poison past her lips. “Stop it.”

I raised my hands in mock surrender as I trudged back, bypassing arguing with a dismissive smirk.

“Have a lovely day.” I said, picking up my fallen jacket.

“I won’t.” Jockstrap said with unfiltered aggression.

“I was talking to Luna.”

I winked at her in parting, the smile never leaving my face, even when I was out of sight.

?

I had just made it through the doors of the History classroom when Stacy Henderson accosted me. Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders like a golden waterfall. She twirled a strand around her finger as she sidled up to me with a coy smile. Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

“Hey, Hudson.”

“Stacy.”

I sidestepped her, but her reflexes were quicker. She tilted her head, gazing at me from under her lashes.

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