*** Lisabeth's POV***
Finally, I was free from the bullshit classes I had to stay awake through. It's not that I get bad grades, I do just fine, but my attention span is too short. At least Emily could nap through those classes. Lucky b***h.
"Hey! My job is to protect and serve, not sit there and listen to history and math," Emily murmured.
"Protect and serve what?" I scoffed.
"All the cheese, duh."
Cheese sounded amazing right now. Unfortunately, I skipped lunch to avoid any more drama with Brad. No one else seemed to pay me any attention. I was ok if they pretended like I didn't exist.
I dug through my bag, looking for something to snack on to get through my last class, art. I found some beef jerky and still had half a water bottle left. As I walked, I saw Brad and his two goons talking to a tall, thicker student. I couldn't see his face, but he looked like the guy who stopped me from falling on my ass earlier. I wonder how they knew each other. Were they friends?
It's none of my business.
I tried to look away and mind my own business, but then I saw Brad poke the bigger guy in the stomach, and his goons laughed. I don't know why this enraged me so much. I didn't even know the guy being poked at. I just hated people who preyed on the weak.
"What the f**k is this guy's problem?" I growled.
"Maybe he has a small p***s? I'm going to go with a small p***s," Emily replied.
I couldn't help but laugh out loud, which only caught the attention of Brad, who gave me a wonderful sneer.
"Hey, are you Lisabeth?"
I'm sure I jumped ten feet into the air as I threw a punch and hit something hard, causing a loud crunching sound.
"f**k me! I mean, Goddess! Ouch!" cried out a male voice.
I looked to see who I hit. It was an attractive middle age short man wearing a sweater and khaki pants. His salt and pepper-colored hair was a mess, and he was holding his nose. His chocolate brown eyes were watery from the tears that threatened to spill.
"You hit a teacher! Dude, we are in so much trouble."
Fuck she was right. He was most definitely a teacher.
"I am so sorry! You scared me, and it's been a rough day," I stammered apologetically.
"It's ok. It was my fault for startling you. I should have listened to Luna January when she said you were a little skittish. Just don't tell anyone I cursed, and we are even. I am Mr. Chapman, by the way, your art teacher. I am here to show you where the art building is," Mr. Chapman explained.
Luna January noticed I was skittish. I don't know if I should be embarrassed or feel some comfort in knowing she pays attention to me and seems to care. My parents never had the time for me or the patience, not since I became a family disappointment.
"You pack a punch, little lady! I hope you are this aggressive with your art like you are with your punches," Mr. Chapman chuckled.
I watched him crack his nose and grab a handkerchief to wipe away the small amount of blood that trickled out. He was a werewolf, and he would heal quickly.
After he readjusted his nose and ensured everything was good, we went to the art building. I was in awe as the art building looked like a massive greenhouse. Paintings, sculptures, pottery, and many unfinished projects were scattered throughout the building. The building was also filled with plants and random birds flying around. I was going to love art here! It was peaceful and smelled wonderful. Mr. Chapman showed me to a table and made his way to the front of the classroom. Everyone quieted down as he cleared his throat.
"I would like to introduce a new student for those who haven't met Miss Lisabeth Byrd yet. Lisabeth was the recipient of the scholarship for diversity and has been kind enough to accept it," Mr. Chapman explained.
"More like I didn't have a f*****g choice," I mumbled to Emily.
Emily snorted.
"What are you? I've never smelled your scent before," asked a girl with long red hair and owl-like glasses.
"I'm a fox shifter," I confessed.
"She does have a unique scent, doesn't she?" stated another classmate.
"What do I smell like?" I asked.
Now I was curious. Especially since Brad said I smelled.
"Like a forest after a heavy rainfall," said the red-haired girl.
"Yeah! Like wet Moss and oak," stated another classmate.
All of these were wonderful smells. Brad must have just been talking out of his ass.
"What do we smell like to you?"
"Uhh, like a fresh cool breeze on a spring day and grass," I replied.
My classmates muttered amongst themselves briefly before Mr. Chapman clapped his hands together.
"Looks like we will have plenty to learn from each other. Lisabeth, this class is full of wonderful like-minded individuals. You could say that this is the class of misfits," Mr. Chapman explained.
"Hey!"
"I don't mean that in a bad way. Everyone here has been ostracized in some way, shape, or form. We don't fit into the mold that is expected of us. That's how we can create such wonderful thing's here. You all have talents and ideas that inspire others through your artwork. Since this is your final year, we will do something different. You will all be paired with someone and... Well, hello, Mr. Mayers. So glad you could join us. Please take your usual seat next to Lisabeth," Mr. Chapman motioned.
I didn't even notice the large student who came into the classroom. However, I couldn't help but perk up a little bit when I saw it was the guy who caught me in the cafeteria. He was extremely tall, on the thicker side. Not your typical built-like-a-brick-wall werewolf. I couldn't see his face as his dirty blond curls hid his face. He stood looking at me for a moment before making his way to sit next to me. He didn't give off the friendliest vibes, but the least I could do was thank him for helping me earlier.
"As I was saying, this year's project is for you to be paired with someone you need to get to know on a more intimate level as you will be doing portraits of each other. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Of course, we will do other things along the way, but this will take a year to complete. I do not want any rushing to be done for this project. Those who rush will receive a fail. I want to see the passion and knowledge you have gained from your partner on your canvas. So, let's take today to get to know the person next to you. Alden, please, take your seat next to Lisabeth. I promise she doesn't bite," Mr. Chapman instructed enthusiastically.
"No, she just throws punches."
Just as Mr. Chapman finished giving his instructions, Alden grumbled before sitting next to me. I caught that faint unique scent I smelled yesterday when I arrived. It was coming from Alden. I couldn't put my finger on the scent, but it was comforting.
"Thanks for earlier," I whispered to him.
I was too nervous to look directly at him. His massive body next to mine kind of had me in awe.
"You fell on me," Alden grunted as he ran his fingers through his hair.
For a brief second, I could see his face. He was handsome. I wish I could get a glimpse of his eyes. Instead, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I have a feeling getting him to open up may be difficult. But art was my favorite subject, and I refused to fail this class because of his inability to be social.
"How do you know Brad," I asked.
"Does it matter?" Alden replied.
"Well, isn't he just a package of precious hostility?" Emily said, rolling her eyes.
"Are you always this pleasant?" I asked.
"Do you always ask so many questions?" Alden retorted.
I sat in my seat, shocked. This guy was testing my patience, yet a deeper part of me was curious about him for some reason. He may be verbally distant, but something about him pulled me to him. Maybe I just had to find the right way to approach him.
This story has been completed and moved over to A m a z on and A m a z o n K i n d l e. Please see my author's page on F a c e B o o k, Author Lisa Lynn Baird.