Back to Class

I was awoken the next day by Ashley splashing water in my face, smirking. She wore a black crop top and light ripped jeans.

“Really, sis?” I groaned, and Ashley gave me an exaggerated kiss on the cheek before walking off. I groaned again and slid out of bed and tiredly got dressed. I couldn’t remember the last time I had woken up this early.

I was pulling on a shirt when Nate came in, looking uncomfortable.

“Hey, Zach. Um, I have a lot of friends and stuff, so if you could not screw me over like you did with Kenzie, that’d be great.” Nate frowned. I shrugged, smirking.

“Hey, she basically threw herself at me,” I pointed out. Nate scowled.

“I’ll try to respect your boundaries. Unless you have some hotties as friends. Then who knows?” I grinned.

“All good?” Mom asked, poking her head in.

“All good,” I smiled easily. Nate frowned and walked out. Mom pulled me into a hug.

“He doesn’t have the practice with having you around.” Mom apologized for him. I nodded and patted her back and then she stepped aside and I walked down to the kitchen.

———

I pulled up to school in my sleek, silver limo. I had leftover cash from my two years on government pay. The rest of it was graciously given to Mom. All the girls stared as I slid out. Nate came out after me and melted into the crowd. I had a ratty black backpack swung over one of my shoulders, and wore a white T-shirt and jeans, fairly standard, but I was mobbed by people. Mostly girls, but there were a few guys there.

I’d attained celebrity status here at Rose Chapel High. I walked through the school, surrounded by a posse of people I didn’t know. Kenzie emerged from the crowd and I gratefully kissed her. She slid under my arm as we walked and she gave me directions to my class.

I walked in and saw the teacher, Mrs. Blake, sitting on the desk chatting with the two students already seated. I sat in the back row, and my eyes studied the occupants of room 302.

Mrs. Blake had long blond hair that fell in curls. Her eyes were gorgeous topaz, and they lingered on me for a length that was probably inappropriate.

The two kids both looked nerdy.

The girl was dark-haired, plain brown eyes, and very uninteresting. The boy was probably her twin, and neither seemed like real uses of oxygen.

The door opened, and I looked up to see a girl walk in. She was coated in makeup so thick I feared it was permanent and had dyed blond hair and dark green eyes. She did have a large, natural bust that was squashed into a light pink tank top, and her sensual hips were hugged by black leggings.

“Hello, handsome,” she cooed, sitting beside me. I grinned at her. She wasn’t bad-looking, but I preferred more natural beauties. But this girl, woman really, was giving me some much desired attention. She stroked my hand and up my arm, eyes fluttering.

“I’m Brittany Patterson, pleasure to meet you,” she smiled sultrily. I smiled back at her.

“Zachary Byrd,” I introduced myself.

“I know, Nate’s hot older brother. Who would have thought that 1 could have a brother who’s a solid 10?” she smirked wickedly. I smirked back.

“Luck of the draw,” I winked, and Brittany scooted her desk closer.

“I saw that!” Mrs. Blake said sternly. Brittany scooted back in the other direction.