Chapter 42

Arabella Rivera The dark haired boy spits out blood, glaring at the door Haiden and another boy disappeared from. “Fuck you Cross.” He spits again, this time the bloody spit falls on top of the lunch table.

He roughly pushes another boy away from him and marches away. A second later the cafeteria goes back to normal, like nothing ever happened. Strangely my eyes didn’t want to stray away from the door Haiden walked out of.

What was all that about?

The confusion I felt was as heavy as a sack of rocks. Haiden’s actions were always confusing and was constantly an alarm to everyone. But never had I ever seen him fight with someone he spared his friendship to.

The rage in his eyes was so dark and intense that I could see it from here. The clench of his jaw as it locked in fury was alarming. And the way his fist collided on the guy’s face was like a damn warning guy’s face was like a damn warning for more pain. Sickening and frightening.

Honestly I didn’t think he used all his strength on that single punch. If he had, the guy would have been knocked out cold. Everyone knew Haiden threw a mean right hook. That’s one of the reasons many fear him so much.

“What the hell is his problem?” Gwen grumble after the shock warded off of her face. Her voice snapped me out of whatever had frozen me solid and tugged me back to the present.

I didn’t like the present.

Gwen plops herself back in her chair, discarded the crumbled napkin on the table and faces Christian.

“Sorry you had t o see that on your first day. It’s just Haiden…….. being Haiden.”

“Speaking of……” She takes a fry from her tray and points it at Christian. “You probably should stay away from him. He’s bad news and will get you in trouble. “She pushes the fry in her mouth and chews harshly.

Samantha who refused to tear her eves mantha who refused to tear her eyes away from Christian, nods frantically in agreement to Gwen’s words. She hadn’t uttered a word yet but neither did I. Meredith on the other hand, continued to eat her lunch as though the uncomfortable tension wasn’t growing.

Christian looks at where Haiden disappeared and snorts, unamused.” Already too late for that. I live with the guy.”

His eyes drift until settling on Gwen and mumbles faintly with the heavy tone of regret and disgust.

“Sadly.”

His words finally set my mouth back to work. I was all for setting an opinion but the way he spoke was like the thought of Haiden was repulsive. “Thought you wanted to stay mysterious?”

I could feel the tick of my jaw as I gritted my teeth to stop the anger from showing For a guy who barely knows Haiden, he sure holds hostility towards him.

I know I was being the biggest hypocrite. The only thing I knew of Haiden was his TWISDOMS Dhe De only thing I knew of Haiden was his short temper, his cold and hot attitude and the taste of his kiss. But somehow m y own body, mouth, and mind, wanted to defend a guy I barely knew all that well.

Christian shrugs emotionlessly. “Like you’ve said earlier, staying mysterious with a step brother like Haiden, is like seeing green leaves in the fall season. Better for them to know now than find out later on when the leaves have fallen o n the ground.”

“Wait hold up. You’re Haiden Cross’s step -brother? Like hey bro, I live with you brother? When did I miss this?” Gwen asked, eyes widening into one of pure wonderment.

Christian eyebrows lined in thought.” Well not exactly. We don’t speak, in fact, I only got here last night and only before school did I catch a glimpse of him. His mother filled me in on what Haiden’s been up to.

Can’t say I’m surprised by what I just saw. Looks like he lives up to the reputation.”

So he’s judging him based on Charlotte’s words?

WUNUN Shut up Bella, it’s not like you don’t judge him also.

Yeah, but he makes it easy to.

“Well…..didn’t see that one coming. Haiden Cross having a step-brother? That crap will make a good newspaper headline.”Meredith voiced out after scrutinizing Christian across the table that separated them.

“Oh don’t be ridiculous Meredith. Haiden’s not that important to even make it on the school’s newspaper.”

Gwen retorted with repulsion coating her voice.

“Tell that to the many girls he’s fucked and those that are still in that long ass waiting line. Don’t act like you didn’t want his fine ass too Gwen.” Meredith jabbed as she pushes another forkful of Mac and cheese into her mouth.

A nasty scowled paints Gwen’s face instantly, alarming that she’d probably pop a vein if she continues to clench her jaw and seeth. “That was before I knew what a real asshole he really was!”

what a real asshole he really was!

I zoned them out, my belly grumbling with hunger but I refuse to eat the tasteless salad. I’d probably get diarrhea i f I do anyway. “I’ll be back.” I mumble getting up with the intent of not coming back at all.

Gwen’s blue eyes snap to me swiftly, her face was still red from the anger shown seconds ago.”Where are you going?” The need to ask more questions was heavy on her tongue, I could just tell by the look in her eyes.

“Need to talk to Mr. Boyd.” It wasn’t a complete lie. I did actually need to talk to Mr. Boyd. But I also wanted to get away from, them. I was running away from thoughts of Haiden but that’s difficult to d o when all I hear is talks about him every fucking second.

I just can’t seem to get away from him even though he isn’t here.

Christian eyes lift to mine and he smirks. “Ah yes, need to demand answers as to why you got a B?”

“Wait, you got a B?” Gwen screeched in disbelief.

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PODE 11ch Desktop IDULIILI Meredith snorts. “Didn’t see that one coming too. Today is just full of surprises.

I glared at Gwen. “Make the entire world know.” I said sarcastically and turned around without uttering another word.