Chapter Two

Aria's P.O.V.

I coughed softly as his exhaust let out a lot of smoke which I was stupid enough to inhale. I fanned my face to rid it of the pollution. He saved me. Derek Caron actually saved me. All the rumors about him being a drug dealer and the leader of some gang aren't true, are they? Even if they were, who was I to judge?

A shiver ran up and down my spine as I shook my head. Don't think about the past. You can't change it. However, someone who saves another's life... They can't be all that bad right?

The winds picked up a bit and I shivered more. I grew up in the town of Frost. It takes its name after the weather of course. Most days were often below 40 degrees. Even though my entire life is here, as it has been for a few years, I never have accepted the cold. Stupid frost nipped at my nose. I hated it. My nose was freezing in agreement. Why couldn't my mother have moved someplace warmer? We could have both used the warmth.

It's because of you that we had to move. My mind reminded me. I closed my eyes to block it all out. Keep it together. I couldn't afford to break down here.

The warning bell rang out loudly. I cursed softly. I'm going to be late if I don't hurry! My gaze lingered on the large heap of Bradley. He was still unconscious? Should I help him? Oh, but what if he woke up? I covered my cheek with my hand. It still hurt. He doesn't deserve any help.

I scoffed to myself as I looked at him. Why not go back to Jesse? You went from one abuser to the next one. Stop it. Please leave me alone. Why couldn't my thoughts just be quiet. Just as I thought this, Riko walked over to me. I tilt my head curiously as he approaches me. He flicks a blunt away before looking at me.

"You get on to class bonita nina." He says.

I blinked in surprise. I took four years of Spanish, so I could speak it fluently, however the fact that he called me a pretty girl shocks me. It wasn't that I wasn't use to being complimented, it was just unexpected coming from him. Then he slowly reached a handout for Derek's jacket and I tightened it around myself.

What was I doing!?

"I'll give it to him tomorrow." I said without thinking.

He looked at me for a minute. Almost as if to study me. He closed his eyes and sighed but nodded as if to accept my answer. I wasn't too sure if he wanted to accept my answer, but he seemed to take it anyway.

I looked at Bradley once more as Riko gently pushed me toward the school doors. Riko didn't have to say anything, because I knew he would take care of Bradley for me. I shook my head and shuffled towards the school. My next class is Chemistry, and I am falling behind in it. I must better myself...for my mother. After all you did, it's the least you can do.

I ran through the halls, which was very unlike me. I was the definition of manners. I had to be. That's how I was raised. Even if I was a fuck up after everything that occured. Just as the bell rang, I managed to slip between the almost closed door. Mrs. Linn, my teacher, gasps softly. No doubt she was surprised I was almost late. I'm never late. She smiled sheepishly at me.

"Ms. Valtaya, please take your seat. So glad you could join us today." She said.

I know she meant it. She had a kind heart. Everyone admired her. I did because I knew she is free, and I am not. I focus and go to my customary seat beside my friend Rosa. Her real name was Rosalinda, but she hated that, so I called her Rosa. She's been my friend since I was 13. Hell, we are practically sisters.

Rosa was absolutely insane, but I loved her even more for it. Her raven colored hair fell down to her shoulders in wild curls. It suited her and framed her face very well. At least her hair went well with her dark blue t-shirt and blue jeans. Top that off with her black converse boots and you got her wrapped up in her own style.

When I sat, she looked me up and down? My eyes went wide. Could she have seen the red on my face? Please don't notice it. If I told Rosa what Bradley did, she would go full gangster on him... I looked at her. I'd rather she not start the purge on anyone. She raised an eyebrow and turned to the front. It's all an act I know. She just wants it to look like she is paying attention. In reality, she could care less what the teacher is saying.

"Nice jacket." Rosa whispered.

My face turned redder, but not from a slap this time.

I glanced down at my desk to avoid any eye contact. I was still wearing Derek's jacket. I couldn't help but notice how it still smelled of him. Pine and ash. What a unique scent. I smiled softly to myself. It suited him. Then someone threw a paper airplane onto my desk. I opened it as Rosa looked over my shoulder to read.

'Good girl gone bad? Who knew a jacket could make her think she's a badass?' It said.

I didn't even need to look over. Rosa is pissed. I could tell. I sighed softly and closed my eyes. Don't do anything Rosa... I groaned. Who was I kidding? This is Rosa we were talking about.

I watched her crumple it. Not before she sees it. On the back of the paper had another assignment on it, and he wrote his name on the assignment. I clicked my tongue. He should have used a clean piece of paper to write on. His mistake now.

Rosa stood with the paper and walked to the very back of the class and spotted Bradley's older brother William. I sighed again.

He's going to get beat. I winced as Rosa grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt collar and lifted him. Oh god... I close my eyes as I hear several desks being smashed together. I looked up and saw William laying on the floor. Rosa looks at me and gives me two thumbs up.

I couldn't help but grin at the gesture. Then Rosa looks at Mrs. Linn and holds up her hands.

"I know. I will happily go to the principal ma'am. I know the drill.

Come on Aria." She said.

I always took Rosa to detention because when it's anyone else she wouldn't move an inch. I mean that literally as well. The first time someone else was told to take her to the office she sat on the floor. That doesn't sound too bad right? Except for when they grabbed her and she bit one of the administratives. Our feet hurried out the door and I was glad to get out of class. Rosa stretched and looked at me as we walked.

"So, about that jacket?" She teased me with her eyebrow raised.

I shrugged. I couldn't tell Rosa this. I couldn't say it's Derek's because that would mean explaining to her what Bradley did to me. I just didn't want to risk it. Derek's words flashed through my mind. Don't let anyone put their hands on me huh? What even was that about? Then, I felt Rosa gently steer me towards the door.

"Where are we going Rosa?" I asked.

"A place. You trust me, right?" She asked.

I smiled and started walking beside her as we stepped outside. I knew it was cold, but I had a certain biker's jacket. Ah! Stop thinking about him! Just then, Rosa led me to her car. She had a classical white BMW Porsche. I wouldn't ask her where she got the money for this thing. You can't say anything because you already know.

Inside the car I focused on turning on the heat as well as the seat warmers while Rosa was backing out of her parking space. We didn't get caught skipping because students here leave on their own anyway. They tried stopping students, but they eventually gave up.

I couldn't help but snuggle into the seat as it warmed me. It felt so relaxing to me for some reason. I love heat.

"You're like a cat Aria! Huddling to the warmth!" Rosa said with a laugh.

I laughed with her and shook my head. My actions were a bit cat-like, but no need to point it out! I shrugged it off and went back to snuggling into the seat. Then Rosa started speaking as she drove.

"My mother says that your mom is throwing another gathering. What's it about this time?" She asked.

I sighed. Mother always throws the gatherings. Sometimes they're for gathering potential shares in stock, informal business meetings, and even just because she is rich and can do what she wishes. I rolled my eyes. That's my mother. Always trying to change people for her own personal gain. Yes, we were rather rich compared to other families, but we aren't that different. You're only rich because of- Stop it. Don't think about it.

"Well let's see... It's Friday, so she is doing it because she is a rich person." I said.

Rosa threw her head back in laughter and shook her head. I do the same. When the laughter died down Rosa glanced at me before returning her attention back to the road.

"You know I'll be there. Gotta keep those men from man-handling you!" She said.

I smiled gently. I directed Rosa to drive to the mall. When she pulled into the mall she asked why stop here. I looked at her. She was looking at me curiously so I rolled my eyes.

"We need dresses." I mumbled.