Chapter Two: Playing With Knives

I was about ten seconds away from banging my head against the door of my locker when Ashley shows up, perkier than ever.  "I heard the good news."

What good news?  "By your tone, I'm assuming you think I know what it is."

                "You do, obviously."

Her eyes grew wide and she was getting slightly irritated.  "Ash found a new drummer."

I didn't want to be reminded about my brother's decision, and I didn't want Ashley to say I told you so.  âI was there.â I said as I opened my locker and pulled out my English text book.  I didn't want to stand around to see Noah, so we finished our conversation when we got into class.

                Ashley rested her chin on her knuckles and turned her head in my direction.  "So you saw?"

I shook my head, flipping to a clean page in my notebook.  "I heard it though.  He's really not bad."

Here it comes.  "I told you so." She gleamed.

I pressed my fingers to my temples and closed my eyes. "Guess who is coming over for band practice Friday?"

I opened my eyes again and looked at Ashley.  "You hate their band practices.  You only went the first few times because you had a major crush on Rai.  Which you still do."

                "Rai is obviously going to ignore me for another year."

                "You know he likes you, Ashley. He's just oblivious."

She snorted, running her fingers through her hair, "I don't know how many times I've tried to talk to him, and he just completely shuts me down.  So in the mean time, Noah is completely single, and I know he doesn't mind a little female attention."

Apparently that's the whole female school population.  "Go for it."  My voice sounded a little harsh, almost jealous.  But she didn't seem to notice.

                I walked into the gym, my bones still aching from yesterday.  I did my fair share of morning runs, but I kind of put that off during the summer.  My muscles ached to be stretched.  I walked into the girl's locker room, and there was a group of girl buzzing about something and giggling.  I heard Noah's name, and then I heard my brothers.  "He's throwing a party this weekend.  Kid has to make a name for himself.  But I'm pretty sure every girl knows that face by now." They started to giggle again.

                I have a bad habit of rolling my eyes at stupid comments.  The lead of the group, Laura Ryan, was known for dating every guy on the football team.  She's head cheerleader, golden brown locks, and beautiful.  She was everything a guy would want, including easy.  And now she was going after Noah.  Why do I feel so possessive over him?  I want to smack myself.  I've talked to the guy once and I know nothing about him.  I don't care about him.  He's just another one of my brother's obnoxious friends and band mates. 

                I grabbed my cotton shorts and school t-shirt from my gym locker and changed before someone came through here.  We didn't do much in gym yesterday, but I was still a tad sore.  I tied my hair into a pony tail as I walked back into the gym.  The gym walls alternated between a navy blue and white.  Two basketball hoops were located on each ends and the stands were placed on either side of the walls opposite of the basketball hoops.

                Girls and guys started flowing inside the gym.  I noticed a few of them as seniors and some Juniors I noticed from some of my classes.  Coach Welch liked to keep the girls and boys separated during gym.  I honestly didn't care.  Laura liked to roll her shorts up so much as the waist you could see the bottoms of her butt.  I guess she likes to go after seniors, too. This small fact doesn't surprise me.

                Coach Welch stood at the front of the gym, blowing her whistle.  She lead us into a few stretching exercises.  She announced we would start running laps today and I felt a wave of relief.  I would rather run then stand in the gym and do exercises.  Laura wasn't the only one trying to show her ass.  And I mean literally show her ass.  The senior guys showed little interest in the Juniors anyway, so she was trying a little too hard, and she definitely was succeeding.  I watched a guy slap another guy's chest, pointing him in Laura's direction.  They both smiled at her.  I looked away, focusing on the stretches.     

                After stretching we were led outside and onto the track.  My feet broke into a sprint.  A few people passed me.  A few senior guys laughing and talking.  I really wish Ashley would have taken gym this year.  I felt alone.  I didn't know anyone in this class and I really didn't have any intentions in doing so.  I just let my mind wonder.  I have an essay due by Friday and I could focus on that.  But I couldn't, of course. My mind makes decisions on it's own.

                I know Ashley has found out about this party and I am going to be forced to go. I can't tell you how many parties Ashley has tried to get me to go to. I've been to a few, maybe had a little fun, but it just wasn't really for me.  If Ashley doesn't force me to go, Ash will.  Everyone knows me as Ash's uptight little sister.  I'm not uptight, I just don't like complications.  And everything Ash or Ashley did brought up a complication.  Now that I think about it, Ash and Ashley are made for each other.  They can call themselves the Ash's.  I really need to stop before I embarrass myself in front of myself. It was exactly hard to do.

                My shoelace came untied mid-run and I stepped on it causing me to land on my knee, scraping the skin in the process.  I heard the laughter passing and I sat up.  I pulled my knee to my chest, trying to assess the damage.  A small trail of crimson blood trailed down my knee, and down the middle of my leg.  I touched the surface beside the gash and winced a little.  Damn shoe laces.

                A figure stood in front of me and I lifted my arm to shield the sun from eyes.  Noah's head moved in front of the sun and now I could make out his features perfectly.  He squatted in front of me and glanced at my knee.  "You okay?"

                "Yeah, I'm fine.  I'm just going to go to the nurse."

He stood straight up, holding his hand out for me to take.  There was hesitation but I placed my hand into his and he pulled me up.  I staggered a little, regaining my balance.  It hurt more now that I was standing on it.  I started limping back to where Coach Welch was standing and Noah spoke from beside me.  "Wrap your arm around my shoulders." He instructed.

I raised my eyebrow out of curiosity.  Why did he want to help me?  Oh because I'm Ash's helpless little sister. 

                I canceled out my inner battle with myself, and hooked my arm around Noah's neck.  I felt myself stiffen a little when I felt his arm go around my waist.  It would have taken me twice as long to get back to the beginning of the track without Noah's help, so I was thankful because it was starting to hurt even more.  I had to explain what had happened and she gave me a slip to go to the nurse.  "Go with her." Coach Welch tore out another slip and handed it to Noah.  Great.

                It took and easy ten minutes to reach the front office.  We walked down the hall and the second door on the right held the Nurse title.  Noah helped me inside and the woman that was sitting at the desk came towards us.  "Gotta love gym." I said sarcastically, earning a laugh from her.  Ms. Betty was an older lady, but probably my favorite person here.  She was a nurse at my middle school, but got transferred here during my Freshman year.

                She directed me towards a cot and Noah helped me.  I sat down at the edge and Noah swung my injured leg onto the plush surface.  Something about his touch sent chills down my spine.  I lifted my eyes from my knee and met his.  "Thanks for the help. I owe you."

                "I might collect that eventually."  His tone was teasing, but he meant it.

My cheeks felt like fire and I knew I was blushing.  I was glad when Ms. Betty came over with a first aid kit and an ice pack.  She cleaned up the cut before placing a band-aid over the opening.  I didn't notice Noah was still here until I saw him standing at the edge of the cot.  Ms. Betty wrapped the ice pack in paper towels and placed it over my sore knee.  She retreated to her desk and called my mom for filing purposes.  "I figured you would have left by now."

He shook his head, "How are you going to get back?"

                "I do limp pretty well."

The corners of his mouth twitched into a small smile.  "Yeah, so I've seen."

                "Oh, um, congratulations on becoming part of my brothers band."

He brushed his long fingers across his forehead to move the dark hair from his eyes.  "Can I let you in on a secret?"

His tone made my stomach turn.  "Sure." My voice almost sounded shaky; giving it away he made me nervous.  "I might be able to get us to play at Mist in downtown LA.  My friend from my old band knows the manager and he's going to talk to him."

That was actually really nice and Ash will probably freak when he finds out.  "That was nice of you."

                "Just don't say anything.  I'm going to get the news Friday if we are in or not and I'll tell Ash at my party Friday.  Are you coming?"

Ashley would force me to go. "I didn't know I was invited."

                "Everyone's invited."

I can't use that excuse now.  "I'll think about it."

                "What?  Do you have a date?"

                "Yeah, with a giant book."

He lightly chuckled, "It's Friday.  You'll have Saturday and Sunday to do your homework."

The only thing stopping me was that it wasn't really a Willow thing to do.  "Fine." I breathed.

His smiled returned.  I couldn't say no to that face.  I doubt a lot of girls can.  "I figured it was going to take more convincing."

                "I can always say no." I grinned.

He held his hands up, palms out defensively.  "I'll stop.  And you have to show up or I'll find you and bring you there myself." Why was it such a big deal?

                Ms. Betty sent us off twenty minutes before the bell rang.  I didn't need Noah's help as much to get back.  He helped about half way and then I was on my own.  "Thanks again for the help." I told him before we parted for the locker rooms.

He sent a nod in my direction and went inside the boy's locker room.  I went into the girl's locker room, carefully changing back into my jeans and blouse.  I slung my bag across my chest and left just as the girls came swarming inside.

                Noah didn't strike me as a person that would try to kill someone.  He was decent as far as I could tell.  He's been nothing but nice to me today.  He stopped to help me when everyone else laughed. I guess that doesn't exactly mean he's a good person. I didn't even know he was in my gym class, he wasn't there yesterday.  But I'm glad he helped.  Another thing that stayed on my mind was the party.  Why did he want me to go?  Of all people?  I know he saw Laura showing her ass amongst the ten other girls doing the same thing to get the seniors' attention. Everyone's invited, so I guess I shouldn't feel too special.

                After my last class I walked to my locker and emptied some of the books inside.  I only needed English and Calculus.  I slung my bag across my chest and headed towards the front of the school.  Ashley usually meets me out here, but she wasn't here.  And there was no sign of Ash anywhere.  Ash is my ride home.  He usually stands out here waiting for me, surrounded by his friends.  But I didn't spot any of them either.

                I spun around, hoping to catch a sign of him.  He was always out here before me.  I pulled my phone from my bag and found Ash in my contacts.  It didn't ring; it went straight to voice mail.  "Hey, Fighter." I heard Noah's voice coming up behind me.

I turned around, angrily stuffing my phone into my front pocket.  "You wouldn't happen to know where Ash is, would you."

                "He left about ten minutes ago.  He didn't tell you?"

I wanted to claw my eyes out.  "No, obviously because I am still standing here."

                "He told me to give you a ride home."

He is so dead. I know he did this on purpose.  He's probably home laughing at me right now.  Where is Ashley when you need her?  "No offense, but I barely know you."

                "Your house is a good ten miles from here, you can't walk."

I was aware of that.  I should just be grateful someone is here to give me a ride.  "Lead the way."

                He walked ahead of me and I followed behind.  The student parking lot was crazy with cars backing from their spots and kids trying to find their cars.  Some just stood around, chatting around with their friends.  Noah walked to the driver's side of a black Range Rover.  I opened the passenger side and slid in.  The moment I closed the door I caught the scent of his cologne.  I think Ash was right about that one, he did smell good.

                He pulled into the driveway of my house and he cut the engine.  I don't know if he thinks he's going inside.  "Thanks for the ride." I said as I opened the door.  "And sorry about earlier.  You're just doing what my brother asked."

                "I've been told I'm scary, I understand." He was serious.  Until I watched a playful smile form on his lips.

My heart was beating really fast at this point. "You're not that scary." I lied.

                "You barely know me." He mocked a smirk on his lips now.

And he was right.  "Bye, Noah.  Thanks again for the help earlier today and the ride."

                I jumped out of the car before he could say anything else.  I fumbled with my keys, but eventually got inside the house.  I peeked out of the window seeing Noah's car back out of my driveway.  He really did make me nervous.  And it's not because he scares me.  The sound of my phone ringing made me jump back.  I pulled it out, glancing down at the screen to see Ashley's name and picture.  I answered it quickly.  "I am going to kill you." I breathed.

She started laughing.  "What did I do now?"

                "You weren't out front today and Ash left early."

                "Are you home?" She asked.

I plopped down on the couch, leaning over my knees.  "Yeah, no thanks to you or my brother."

                "I'm sorry.  I left after lunch because someone paid an early visit."  Aunt Flo.

I covered my mouth to keep from laughing, "I'm sorry."

                "I didn't call about that.  I heard from Allison that you fell today at gym and that Noah Lockwood walked you to the nurse.  How could you not tell me this valuable information?"

Ashley was never out of the loop.  "I tripped over my shoe laces and he stopped to help me while everyone laughed.  He just helped me, that's all.  Don't read too much into it." I should be taking my own advice.

Her end of the line went quiet.  I almost thought she hung up.  "How did you get home, Willow?"

She already knew if she was asking that question.  "Noah."

                "I knew it!" She paused.  "You can't lie to your best friend."

I was a bad liar to begin with.  "Ash told him to give me a ride, but I'm pretty sure he did it on purpose.  Oh and by the way, will you be my date this Friday?"

Her squeal told me she was waiting.  "Of course!  I thought I was going to have to force you to go.  What changed your mind?"

Noah's smile probably.  "I just thought I would make it easier on both of us."

                "Well I am excited and I'm glad you're going." She cheered.

Friday after school, Ashley forced me to go home with her so she could dress me.  All my muscles were tight with nerves.  "Red is a good color for you."  Ashley jerked her closet doors open, pulling out a sheer sleeves black button blouse and a bright red blazer.  "And I'm getting you out of those damn jeans.  You have great legs, show them off."  She walked to her dresser, pulling out a pair of short shorts and slamming the drawer shut.

                She lined the outfit up on the bed and placed her hands on her hips.  "Genius.  And gold jewelry."  She tapped her chin and went to her jewelry box.  I looked over at the outfit she picked out, and I liked everything except for the shorts.  I only wore shorts during the summer and that's only because it was too hot. Oh, and gym.

                Ashley came back with a stack of gold bracelets, a few pearls laced in between.  She handed me the clothes and pushed me into her bathroom.  I changed quickly, giving myself a small glance before walking out.  I really did like the way red looked on me.  I always thought blue was my color, but I'm starting to believe it's red.

                Ashley clapped her hands, pleased.  "I really am good."  And I'm really glad I shaved this morning.  She stood in front of me and brought my hair to one side and braided it into a loose fishtail.  "You're lucky." She said tilting her head and looking me over.

                "How?"

                "You don't have to wear that much make-up.  You look beautiful just like that."

                "You're pretty without make-up, Ashley.  You'd be pretty wearing a plastic bag."

A giggle escaped her lips and her cheeks turned a shade pinker.  "This is why I love you."

                We arrived at the party, parking a few blocks from Noah's house.  Ashley was wearing a really tight black cocktail dress and six inch heels.  But not one complaint came from her as we walked.  Ashley was right about the loaded part.  The house was huge.  It raised two stories, but looked like three.  Glass windows made up most of the house from what I could see.  The house was the definition of Luxurious.  We walked up the paved walk way and made our way inside the house.  There was loud music and people grinding on every inch of the lower level.

                    Now I remember why I never wanted to come to these parties.

                The smell of mixed liquors infused with the many perfumes and colognes filled the air around us.  It wouldn't be long until sweat would be one of those scents.  "I'll go get us some drinks!"  Ashley called over the music.  I just nodded and she disappeared in the kitchen.  I spotted Ash in the crowd with his new sidekick, Noah.  They both had arms around a girl's waist, letting them dance on them while they tipped liquids into their mouths from a red plastic cup.  What was the point of even coming here?

                Ashley found me, giving me one of the red cups.  "What is this?"I asked, taking a sip.  I almost spit it out and she started laughing.  "It's rum and coke."

                "Where's the coke?"  I took a few more sips until it started to taste good.  The rum became subtle the more I drank and it wasn't that bad.  "I'm going to go see if Noah wants to dance."  She shook her rear and pushed through the crowd of people until she made it into the living room.  I adventured up the stairs and started a quest for an empty bathroom.

                I opened a door to find a couple making out in the bath tub.  I quickly shut the door and walked further down the hall.  There was a sign on one of the doors that read "OFF LIMITS" in big red letters.  That just makes a person want to go in, and that's exactly what I ended up doing before I could stop myself.  I closed the door behind me and felt the wall for a light switch.  I found one, flipping it on.  I let my eyes adjust to the room.  The room was black and white.  The bed was drenched in white silk and black pillows.  The bed post was black to match.

                A TV hung on the wall opposite of the bed and above a black painted dresser.  Picture frames lined the top and an Xbox hung just below the TV.  Noah.  This was Noah's room.  The sudden hit made my stomach drop.  Now I know why the room is off limits.

                A long black box caught my attention on the corner of the dresser.  No one was going to come in here and I might as well kill my curiosity.  I took a glance at the door and walked to the other end towards the box.  I brushed my finger tips over the top, feeling the soft black velvet.  I shouldn't be doing this.  This is bad, right?  I wouldn't want him snooping through my things.  I would roll over and die.  But something inside of me wouldn't stop.

                I pulled the box lid slowly from the bottom and a gasp escaped my lips before I could cover my mouth.  A full row of knives lie snug inside.  Some were small, some were long, and some even had rings at the bottoms of the handles.  Seeing the knives made me feel slightly uneasy.  My breathing had quickened.  I heard the bedroom door open and I placed the top back on the knives as quick as possible.  Now I felt like I couldn't breathe.

                Noah's eyes widened in surprise when he saw me standing in his room.  "What are you doing up here, Fighter?"  He grinned and put his cup to his lips.

I gestured towards his bathroom.  "I was about to piss my pants."

It looked like his drink was about to come spewing from his mouth.  "We can't have that, now can we?"

                "I'm just going to go-"

He caught my arm, pulling me to a stop.  "I didn't think you were actually going to show up."  He dropped his hand and took another drink.  He was one drink away from intoxication.

I lifted my shoulders and shrugged.  "I said I would and I did.  Happy?"

He looked me over, his eyes landing on my braid.  His hand moved quick and pulled the band from the end and stuck it in his pocket.  He pulled the braid apart, letting my hair fall loose on my shoulder.  "What the hell did you do that for?"

                "I like it better down."

                "Who said I was trying to please you?" My tone was harsh.

He took a step towards me, tucking a stand of hair behind my ear.  "You're here, aren't you?"

I smacked his hand away and took a step back.  "I'm only here because you asked me."  And he said he would drag me here.  I don't know how literal this kid was.  "Why do you have knives?" I blurted.  I squeezed my eyes shut, wanting to take it back.  "You went through my things?"

No, of course not.  "I was just curious."

                "Curiosity killed the cat." He warned with a smirk.  He sat his cup down on the dresser and grabbed the box of knives.  "I really don't like people snooping through my room.  That's why it says off limits on the door."

                I glanced at the door, hoping to make a quick escape but there was no way I could make it.  My heart was on the verge of stopping completely.  Especially when he opened the box and retrieved one of the smaller daggers.  "I didn't mean to-"

                â"o you just happened to walk in here and find these?"  He walked closer to me and I started backing up until I was backed against the dresser.  My breath hitched in my throat and I couldn't speak.

His face was hard and serious.  All of a sudden he started laughing and stepped back.  "You're so gullible."

I slumped against the dresser and let go of the breath I was holding.  "You're an asshole."

                "I thought I wouldn't hear that today."  I wanted to smack that stupid smirk off of his perfect face.  "I like playing with knives.  Some people play with fire, some people play with knives."  He grabbed a small stuffed bear from one side of the dresser and handed it to me.  "Throw it at that wall."  He pointed to the wall to my left.

                "What?"

He pointed to the wall again.  "Throw the bear in that direction."

                "Okay?" I looked at the bare wall and threw the bear in that direction.  The flash of the blade flew across, pinning the bear to the wall beside his bedroom door.  Another gasp escaped and I jumped back against the dresser.  He walked up to the pierced bear, pulling it from the wall.  He ran his fingers over the gash in the wall and laughed.  "I gotta fix that."

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I'll do my best to get the next chapter up tomorrow, but I won't be home. D:  If not tomorrow, then the next day it'll be up. :)

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