Page 1 of Broken Bonds

chapter one

CELINE

I almost hit him.

The guy on a red motorcycle, whizzing around the roundabout like he was invincible, had the audacity to stop and flip me the finger when I didn’t brake fast enough for his liking. Even though it wasn’t my fault he was exceeding the speed limit… or that he’d failed to yield.

What an asshole.

Not to mention, the hideous, neon-green mohawk helmet he wore didn’t match his bike at all.

But at least I didn’t hit him.

After slowing my racing heart, I continued home, taking a different route, driving slowly down the familiar roads, triple-checking for more reckless motorcyclists. When I drove past my old high school, I was reminded of why I didn’t take this route home anymore.

Ryan, my older brother, was always the popular one surrounded by friends. I used to be envious until he noticed, and suddenly, he was filled with great ideas that involved me stepping outside of my comfort zone. I instantly regretted every time I complained about my lack of friends at the dinner table.

Saturday morning, I volunteered my time and dignity by standing at the entrance of my high school, wearing a bright smile and sleepy eyes. My best and only friend, Emily, stood beside me. We did everything together, and so, when Ryan proposed starting a new welcoming committee, I had to drag her along. No way was I doing it alone.

He usually stood with us by the entrance of the school, but not today. Instead, he was touring a college with Dad near our house. He would be leaving for college next Fall, and I would be the new president of the welcoming committee. Therefore, Emily and I took charge of the front entrance, where we had to greet everyone who would be starting school the following Monday. We weren’t alone, and a few more students were inside, manning different hallways.

This morning was different because, for once, there was a cute guy walking in my direction instead of Emily’s with a big, goofy grin and messy, brown hair that swayed with every step. He also had big, chocolate-brown eyes. Totally my type. I just wasn’t used to guys bypassing my much prettier best friend to talk to me.

His eyes flickered to my name badge before clearing his throat. “Hi there, Celine. Name’s Aidan, and it appears I’m more lost than I thought I would be. Could you point me to the sophomore lockers?” He ran a hand through his shaggy hair, drawing my attention to the way the veins in his arms stood out.

“Bee!” Emily bumped into my side, pretending to squeal about a bee, but I knew better. She was the only girl I knew that wasn’t scared of bugs—especially bees. She thought they were cute creatures.

“Hey, Aidan,” Emily greeted, beaming at him. “Welcome to Heritage Prep! I would love to show you where the sophomore lockers are; it’s a bit tricky to explain. Celine, on the other hand,is a pro.” I stumbled a little when Emily roughly nudged me toward him.

I turned, walking through the big, green double doors for the school, shooting a glare at Emily for throwing me into this uncomfortable situation, who only winked in response.

“Not very talkative, are you?” Aidan asked after a moment, his shoulder brushing mine as we walked through the empty hallway.

“Not really. Pretty shy actually.” I played with the ring on my right middle finger, turning it around my finger to ease my nerves.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m shy, too. I had to leave my other school because of bullying. I needed a fresh start.” I stopped in the sophomore hall, turning to look at him in surprise. He was bullied?

“I’m sorry; that’s awful,” I finally managed to say. “I hope you have a better experience here.” I ran a hand through my hair, pushing a fallen lock out of my face.

“It’s already better.” He flashed me a grin that melted my heart. “I’m talking to a pretty girl before school starts, and I’m hoping I’ll convince her to be my friend by the time I leave.” My cheeks flamed red, and heat crept up my neck at the compliment. That was a first.

“I can’t make any promises.” I roughly cleared my throat, hating how strangled my voice sounded. “Here’s the sophomore hall. What number did you get?”

“Not yours, unfortunately.” He laughed awkwardly at his lame attempt at a joke, pulling a crumpled piece of paper out of his back pocket. I was too surprised by his words to laugh. I wasnotused to be guys flirting with me. “Two-ten,” he said before pushing the wrinkled paper back into his pocket.

“Lucky for you, that’s right next to mine.” He smiled that same goofy grin that had been on his face when he walked overto Em and me. My heart fluttered at the sight of it; I really liked that smile.

“We’re going to be best friends. I can already see it. It’s fate we’re locker neighbors.” I laughed this time, instantly covering my mouth and closing my eyes in embarrassment at the sound that came out. I had an unattractive laugh.

After showing him how to open the locker and pointing out some of the classes he would have on Monday, we walked back to the entrance. He was cracking jokes left and right, and most of them weren’t funny, but I laughed each time because he was trying, and I was enjoying myself.

When I made it back to my post, Emily turned to me with big, excited eyes and ran over to me, disregarding the mom who was walking up to her. The mom scowled at Emily’s back. “Did he kiss you?” she shrieked, catching the attention of the woman who walked by, shaking her head and ushering her young daughter past us quickly. An embarrassed flush stained my cheeks.

“No, definitely not! I don’t even know him, Em!” She shrugged at my reply, handing a welcome pamphlet to a nearby couple with their son.

“You are pretty red,” she teased. “Did you give him your number at least?” I shot her a glare. She shook her head in disappointment and heaved a disappointed sigh. “I would’ve asked for his number and kissed him goodbye.”

Emily and I weren’t the same—she loved boys, and she showed them that love any chance she got. She went out with a different guy every Friday night, then would sleep over at my house, and we’d spend hours whispering into the night about our dream guy.

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