Second period went better.  I think that was just because everyone heard what Jake did, and he kept a protective arm around me.  God, I hate math.  Before I knew it, we were off to English.  People we're staring at me and whispering really mean stuff. 

I brushed it off.  That is until some guy decided to hit on me.  "Hey, cutie.  What's your name?  Haven't seen you before." He smirked.  "Ugh.  Back off, Mitchell.  Don't scare the new girl." Jake said as his arm tightened around me.  "Why do you have your arm around her?" "To keep creeps like you away."

"Anyway, cutie, My name is Mitchell Logan White.  Star track runner." He continued.  "Wow.  You're bold.  What makes you think I'd want to be anywhere near a f*ckboy like you?  I can see right through that disguise.  You ain't foolin me." My accent got thick because I was mad.

"Oh, we got a little Country bumpkin, do we?  Looky here, y'all." He said imitating my accent.  "It's cute how your attraction to me is conditional.  And, by that, I mean ridiculous.  Just be happy I can't fight." I said as I pulled Jake into our English class.  Ugh.  Mitchell has this class too.  He sat right behind me. 

"I see the little Country bumpkin likes a kid show." He whispered in my ear.  I turned around.  "Boy, you had best do your work or, with God as my witness, I'm gonna have to put you in check for gettin too big for your britches." I said annoyed.  "What are you gonna do?  Poke me with a cattle prod and hog tie me in the bed of your pick up?" He joked.  "I would, but I left the rope and prod at home in my room." I said truthfully.  My daddy got em for me. 

I took out my Bible that I got for Christmas as a youngin, and flipped to John 3:16.  My favorite verse.  It helps me calm down.  Mitchell started twirling my hair.  "Whatcha readin, cutie?" "The Bible.  You should try it some time." My accent just kept on gettin thicker. 

Just then, the teacher walked in.  I bookmarked my page and closed the Bible.  "I am Miss Grinswald.  I will pass out your necessary paperwork, then you may do as you please." Once I got what I needed, I turned on Cravin You by Thomas Rhett and Marren Morris, then put my country music on shuffle, and continued to repeatedly read John 3:16.  The next song was Redneck Crazy by Tyler Farr.  It fit the situation. 

Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder.  It was Jake.  He handed me a note.  'Dang, your accent is cute.  I just wish I could hear it when you're happy or excited.  I'll have to test it out.  Meet me at locker number 268 before lunch.' I blushed.  He smiled.

The bell rang, and it was time for Jake and I to part ways for the next hour and a half.  He had Gym.  I had Music class.  My momma signed me up for acoustic guitar lessons since I've been wantin to learn.  I got to the music room, and saw Mitchell with some other boys.

"Hey, cutie.  Where's your cowboy in shining armor?" He laughed.  "First of all, he ain't my cowboy.  Second of all, if he was, he wouldn't be wearin no fancy armor.  I'd want him in clothes that were tattered and dirty because he was workin for what he wants.  Earnin his livin." That surprised him.

"I can be anything you want, cutie." "No you can't.  Now, if you don't mind, I have guitar lessons to get to." I said trying to walk past him.  A couple of his friends blocked me. "You really are too big for them britches." I said, annoyance dripping off my tongue.

"Tsk tsk.  Why must you be so difficult, Sandy?" He whispered in my ear.  I shuddered.  "Get off." I said, thankin God I didn't stutter.  "Connor, Benjamin." Just then, I was picked up.  One of my biggest fears. 

"Put me down!!!!!  I screamed.  'Where is the teacher?!'. Just then, Jake busted into the room.  He must have heard me.  Thank God someone did.  "Mitchell Logan White, What in the Sam Heck are doing to her?!  Call off your goons!!" Thankfully, I was set back on my feet.  I ran to Jake and hugged him.

"Thank you." I whispered.  "You're welcome." He hugged me back tight.  The teacher came in "Sandra, are you ready for- What's going on?" Jake told her everything.  He even got a pass to stay with me.  He listened to me play.

It was a country song I adore.  It's called "One Hell Of An Amen" by Brantley Gilbert.  I smiled as I sang and played, and tears rolled down my face as I remembered those I love and lost.  And, yes.  I said "love".  I didn't stop lovin them when they passed.  They are now dwelling in the castle of the One True King.  Once I finished, the teacher clapped, and Jake pulled me into a hug.

He whispered in my ear.  "I hope those are happy tears.  Especially since this is the first time I got to hear that pretty little accent without worry or anger laced into it." "They definitely are." "Good."
Then, the bell rang, and it was time for lunch.

We walked into the cafeteria, and I saw Mitchell and his goons again.  Jake just put his arm around my waist and led me to a table.  "I'll get your food.  What do you want?" "You don't have to do that." I protested.  "You've been through enough.  What do you want?  I'll make sure to get mostly sweets." He said as a finality.  "I'm not picky." He walked away and got in line. 

"Aw, look.  The crippled country bumpkin is having people do stuff for her." Veronica sneered.  Her friends laughed.  I stood up.  "I am not crippled.  And, at least I'm not some snobby rich b*tch whose daddy uses his money to get her out of things.  My daddy taught me to work for what I want, and that's what I'm gonna do.  I don't need no Valley Girl wannabe stickin her nose in my business." I sat back down as Jake came over.  "Whatever." she scoffed and walked away.

"Darlin, I have got to stop underestimating you." I blushed a started to eat.  "Oh.  You've got some chocolate on your chin." He licked his thumb and wipe my chin.  Drying it with a napkin.  "There we go." "Thank you." "You're welcome."

We walked to Chemistry.  That went by pretty quick.  I love science.  We then walked to Government.  That dragged on.  Then, the last class of the day.  Theater. 

Jake pulled me into a seat next to him, and put his arm around me.  Mitchell and Veronica walked up.  "Aw, look.  Aren't they cute?" Mitchell mocked.  "I can't believe he stooped that low."

He tightened his arm and said "Bug off, you two.  She can't help what you're making fun of her for.  She's probably dealt with this her whole life, and you schmucks won't cut her any slack."

The rest of the period went ok.  Then the bell rang.  Jake walked me to my truck.  "Do you need a ride?" I asked.  "Nah.  I take the public bus." "Alright." I got in my truck.  "Here's my number.  Just in case you ever need anything." He handed me a slip of paper that was folded into a neat little triangle.