Chapter 6

** Candice **

All during chemistry, I felt Brad's eyes on me and it seemed like forever before class was over. I wish I were like other, normal girls, excited to have the attention of an attractive guy. But I simply can't have him right now-not when my life is shit. My head won't allow it even though my heart doesn't understand. I've never had roots and I sure as hell don't think we'll stick around here long enough for them to grow.

I wait for most of the students to leave before I try to stand because I'm pretty sure I'll need a second. I have no doubt I'll look like I'm a hundred for the first few steps. The pain in my lower back isn't as bad as it was at the beginning of class, but the last thing I want is to draw attention to myself. I'll risk being tardy.

As I leave the room I see Brad standing outside the door and I make the mistake of looking up at him. His lips curl up and for a split second, I can't remember why I told myself to stay away from him.

"Need some help finding your next class?"

He comes up next to me like he's looking for my schedule but I can't react because I'm too busy staring at him, wondering why he's being so nice.

"You okay?" he asks, and I snap out of it and nod. He probably feels guilty for making me fall on my ass.

As if relieved, his face tightens up into another smile and I quickly realize that he didn't have to wait for me or offer any more help. It was an accident and I'm the one who made it happen, but he is making me question my own no dating until college, rule.

"Sucks to fall down on your first day," he says in a flirty way and grins, like he's giving me permission to laugh about it now.

I shake my head and can't help but smile back, fighting the urge to smack my own face because I don't want to like him this much.

Dammit.

"I'm an expert at making first impressions," I answer, a little breathless. He's standing so close that I can smell the soapy, masculine scent on his skin.

"Yeah," he says, looking me up and down. "I noticed."

**

I end up having two more classes with Brad, which, thank God, limited the number of times I got lost since I refused to ask for help. Thankfully, this school isn't as big as the last one, so I should have it memorized pretty quickly.

After the last bell, I decide to skip going to my locker to avoid yet another avalanche of people blocking me from getting anywhere.

The instant I push on the double doors a strong breeze whips my hair in all directions and I reach over my neck to pull it to one side. I have to squint because the sun is so bright and I wish I had my cheap Dollar Store sunglasses with me. It's okay, though, at least I don't feel like I'm suffocating anymore.

By the time I make it down the steps, I see crowds of people pooling into groups while others head toward buses and parking lots. I'm suddenly glad for the clear fall day and the time it will take to walk home. Our apartment is less than a half-mile away with an extra bonus of Mom being at work. At least that's what her schedule said when I saw it stuck under the Marlboro magnet on the fridge.

I make it past the student parking lot and allow myself to relax for the first time since I woke up. Constantly being on guard is a daily exhaustion and it feels good to let go. I'll probably die from stomach ulcers by the time I'm forty but I figure that still gives me twenty-two good years.

Today didn't suck as much as I expected and I owe a lot of it to Brad. I almost hate to admit he was the best part of it, even though I had to fall on my ass to meet him. Humiliation almost stopped me from allowing his help, to say nothing of my usual steel barriers raised to keep out anyone I might possibly make a connection with. The strange thing was, it felt like he already knew me. He knew just how to put me at ease, even making me laugh when I was being ridiculously stubborn.

I can't deny Brad's attractive-girls definitely seem to notice him. One in particular gave me the stink eye when she saw us walking together. I wanted to laugh in her face because for once, I wasn't the outsider. But I didn't. I know how it feels to be on the other side. She shouldn't worry, I'll be keeping my focus on school and as soon as I graduate, I'm out of here.

I only need a few more credits to get my diploma and thankfully I have a total blow off schedule. I'm pretty sure the counselor thinks I've lost my mind, opting for two study halls instead of using senior privilege to go home early. But I know being at school-hell, anywhere but home-will help me focus. Besides, I never liked bringing schoolwork home when I could just do it there. No one will ever accuse me of being a procrastinator because like numbers I'm weird about homework, too. If I have an assignment, I just knock it out as soon as possible. I don't like things hanging over my head. Schoolwork is one thing I can control in my chaotic world.