Page 15 of Fractured Mind
He nods. “Sure, I’ll take you.”
I shift to search for Ruby, but when I find her, she has a group of girls around her—attractive, wearing skirts, with heavy makeup and immaculate hair. Cheerleaders, maybe? I wonder if Ruby is one.
My senses are in hyperdrive as Ashton and I walk down the corridor side by side. He has high cheekbones, an angular jaw, and tanned skin. His hair is messy, and I have an urge to run my fingers through it. I inhale deeply. I can smell his cologne, and I have to bite back a moan. It’s rich and smoky, with vanilla.
“When did you get into town?” he asks with furrowed brows.
I clear my throat, trying to find my words. Being in his presence is all-consuming. “Two days ago.”
He bobs his head. He’s looking at his feet while he’s walking. There’s silence between us, and I keep sneaking glimpses of him. He has a few freckles scattered over his face. He’s a mix of a runway model and a bad boy. I don’t know why he fights in the ring and risks messing up his perfect face, and the thought makes me smile.
He shoots me a questioning look. “What?”
Since I want to avoid embarrassing myself, I change the subject. “I’ll be here for a while. Mom’s in rehab, so Nana came for me. I’m staying at her house.”
He pauses momentarily. “What’s she in rehab for?”
“Drink-driving . . .” Finally reaching rock bottom.
“I didn’t know she was a big drinker.”
“Didn’t she drink when she lived here?” I ask curiously.
He shakes his head. “Not that I ever saw.”
There’s a chill in my bones. It sucks that I’ve only ever seen the drunk Mom.
When I glance around, people are still staring. I cross my arms around my middle as I bow my head again.
“Are you cold?” Ashton asks, worry lining in his tone.
“No,” I answer timidly. I peek up at him and lower my voice. “Why is everyone staring?”
His face morphs from concerned to amused. “You’ll get used to it.”
I scoff. “What if I don’t want to get used to it?”
He’s smiling now, his eyes mocking me. “I guess you don’t have a choice.”
My jaw drops as he stops and looks to the left. “Here’s the office,” he says.
A larger lady with curly brown hair smiles as I approach her. “How can I assist you?”
“My name’s Mia Monroe, and it’s my first day. I was told to check in before class begins.”
She picks up the phone. “Mr. Oak, Mia Monroe is here.” When she hangs up, she says, “The principal would like to see you.” She points to large wooden doors. “Through there.”
I turn the doorknob, walk in, and close the door behind me.
A tall man with a full head of gray hair greets me. He smiles brightly. “I want to welcome you, even if it’s approaching the end of the semester. I hope you enjoy your time here and get settled in. If there’s anything you need from us, anything at all, let me know. Do you have any questions?”
With a subtle shake of my head, I answer, “No.”
“Would you like a student to show you around the school?”
“I have a few people helping me today.”
He bobs his head in acknowledgement.