I walked through the dreaded hallway, surrounded by shocked expressions. Annette was on Elias's arm instead of mine, and I could tell that the other students were flabbergasted. It felt like just another way to label us as freaks.
Taking off my backward hat, I hung it on the hook. I noticed eyes on me and turned to see Nova.
"Nova," I said, surprised to find her away from the other two.
"Able," she replied, twirling her ivy-green hair around her finger as she stepped closer to me. My feet instinctively moved back toward my locker.
Her body pressed against mine, and I looked down into her beautiful blue eyes. She inched her face closer, and I thought about how I wouldn't mind kissing Nova, snake person or not; she was a stunning girl. Gently, I placed my hand on her shoulder and pushed her back a bit.
"Nova, this isn't a good idea," I said.
I noticed her gaze drop to the floor, and I realized I had hurt her feelings.
"Why? Because I am?" she asked, looking back up at me.
"I prefer not to dive into that topic; it could create complications." I gently rubbed her cheek.
From across the hallway, I saw Lane watching us from his locker. He didn't seem mad, just curious about my rejection.
"Fine, Able." I watched as she walked away. I could feel every eye in the hallway on me.
"How could you turn that down? Just think about how intense it would be!" Finn laughed as he approached me.
"Whatever, dude," I replied, shaking my head.
As I sat at my desk, I saw Annette walking into the classroom. She wore a breathtaking red dress that seemed a bit too short for school. She placed a Pepsi on my desk; Annette was a huge fan of pop and always hit the vending machine every morning.
"Thanks, doll," I said.
She smiled at me and took her seat across from me. I noticed all the male students watching her; it was obvious that Annette was the most beautiful girl in the room. Abby walked in behind her.
"You and Nova, huh?" I could see the twinkle in Annette's eye as she found it humorous.
I rolled my eyes. "No."
"Maybe that's why you didn't want me," she replied, and I looked at her, shocked by her words. I had never thought she was into me like that.
"Whatever, Annette."
Annette frowned, and I could see the sadness in her eyes as she turned back around in her seat.
Abby glanced at me for a brief moment, her gray eyes meeting mine. I couldn't help but notice that one of her eyes was blackened. An anger surged within me, and I felt a protective instinct rise up, even though we weren't even friends.
The professor walked into the classroom.
"Open your books to page three hundred," he instructed, looking around the room. "Abby, what happened to your face?" His concern was evident in the creases on his forehead.
"Umm, well, I'm sort of a klutz," she replied.
The professor nodded. I thought to myself that her boyfriend needed a serious beatdown.
As I walked down the hallway, Annette held onto my arm. Normally, it wouldn't bother me, but I didn't want any conflict with Elias. I noticed him and Finn watching us from their lockers.
I gently pulled my arm away. Annette looked upset, and I didn't want that to happen.
"You don't want anything to do with me," she said sadly.
"Annette, it's not like that, but you're with Elias, and I wouldn't want someone walking with my girl like that."
"Well, you didn't want me."
"What are you even talking about? We never really talked about dating."
"Because I waited, Abel, and you never asked."
I watched as Annette walked away, and I felt like such an ass.
"Annette, get back here!" I called out, but she continued toward her next class without looking back.
Blowing air out of my mouth, I moved toward my locker, quickly putting in the combination to grab my book.
"What was that about?" I heard Elias's voice behind me.
"Ask your girlfriend," I replied coldly.
"I am asking you, Abel." His voice was loud and angry, drawing the attention of curious onlookers.
"Not here, Elias," I said, feeling my irritation increasing. He had disobeyed me by getting close to Annette and then dared to question me.
"Fuck you, Abel," he shot back.
I turned around quickly. "You're not going to speak to me like that. I don't care if we are at school; you will not disrespect me." My words came out louder than I intended, demanding he fall into line.
I noticed his eyes drop to the floor.
"You're right, I just got caught up," he said quietly.
I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Just talk to Annette."