The Hidden Hybrid Within

Chapter 7: Starting to See a Different Side

Xander’s POV

      “Dad we have to talk about that new girl.” I busted through the door of dad’s office as soon as the buses let us off.

     “What now son?” Dad huffed at me. I could tell he was not happy with my outburst, but he would get over it.

      “She pushed Jess today and made snarky remarks on the bus this morning toward her. Her attitude and actions must be punished. I also heard she will not be trying out for the Warrior Club.” I plopped down in the chair and folded my arms.

      “Really, where did you hear that and was there a reason given?” Dad asked.

     “Something about she is to only use her strength and skills to protect and defend never to start anything.” I rolled my eyes. “Wait I tell you all that and all you ask about is why she is not trying out. Did you even hear the part about her needing to be punished?”

     “Do not raise your voice at me young man, if you really want me to punish then I will. But it will not be Sin’s punishment it will be yours and Jess’.”

      “What the hell are you talking about old man?”

       “Like I said do not raise your voice at me. First, you threw a ball at her head this morning, secondly Jess is the one that started rude comments on the bus this morning, and the one that started the scene in front of the lockers at school. So, with that said, like you just told me, she will not start anything, but she will protect and defend. So how can I punish someone who is defending herself when she has made it clear that that is all she will do.” Dad smirked at me, and I was enraged at this point, but I knew he was right. We were the ones that instigated it today not her. All she did was defend herself and nothing more.

     “Never mind dad, I am going out for a run.” I stood up and proceeded out the door but was stopped by his voice just before I shut it behind me.

      “And son, she will try out, I promise. Just give her a chance.” I slammed the door and headed outside.

      “Come on Jake let’s run,” I shouted at him, he was standing outside the door looking to the trees when I exited the archway.

      “What’s got your panties in a wad now,” he teased.

     “My father and his infatuation with that girl. I just don’t get it.” I huffed as we started at a light jog on the track. Running was always a good way to burn off some anger.

      “Xander man, you need to lay off her. I am with your dad on this one, there is something special about her and if you would get to know her you would see it too.” He taunted and it just made me more furious.

      “Not you too. What the hell man, is she made of gold in unforeseen places that you guys aren’t telling me about.” I could taste the venom in my words as I spoke them.

      Jake came to a stop and put his hand on his hips while glaring at me, “Xander you can’t be this blind and stupid. I like her, and I will befriend her, and honestly, she is who I would want in my corner if I needed someone to have my back. You don’t even know her or what she has been through, but I can tell you that she has seen more in her short time than you or I could ever imagine. Give her a chance man.”

      That just pissed me off even more, “Now you sound like you are in love with the slut. What is she sixteen, seventeen years old, she couldn’t have seen that much, and besides if you know her story then tell me!”

      “Not my story to tell, but I guarantee you if you befriend her you will be as amazed as I was to hear it, and she is only fourteen dude. And I will only say this once Xander, do not, I mean ever call her a slut. No, I am not in love with her, but I can’t deny there is a bond that I can’t explain that is pulling me to her. But it is more like a family bond not an, in love bond, as you say. I could easily take her under my wing like a little sister.” Jake smiled at me and judging by the goofiness of his smile I knew he was telling me the truth, I didn’t get it, but I would respect his decision. It did hurt that he would want her in his corner more than me if he needed back up, but I would never tell him that.

      “Fine I will lay off, but I will not take it easy on her if she tries out or if she gets in my way. If you all want me to give her a chance, she is going to have to prove herself worthy.” I started jogging again.

      “Fair enough. But dude I will beat your father to the whole I told you so thing. I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something special about her.” I just shook my head, that was all anyone seemed to have to say about her.. I wasn't sure why him or my father wouldn't just let it be, but I wasn't going to push it at that point, I needed to see for myself, and I wasn't going to make it easy.

        We made about five laps and came through the back side of the trees when I noticed some of the limbs rustling above us. I came to a stop and starting scanning the tops to see what was causing it, the stupid grin on Jake’s face didn’t go unnoticed either. And then there she was, she was in a pair of black leggings, and a blue tank top, her hair still in that messy bun, I don’t think she knew how to take it down, and she was barefoot.

        I stepped to the side hoping she didn’t see us I wanted to observe this odd girl for a moment. She was jumping from limb to limb like a monkey. She was about sixteen feet in the air, no rope, and she never second guessed her jumps, I watched her twist and twirl and leap like some sort of ballerina dance, she showed no signs of fearing the possible fall and injuries she could receive. She was graceful and so sure of herself, just like the day I first laid eyes on her with the wolves, she was fearless, but watching her with no one around, I could see it was who she was, not who she was trying to prove to be.

       “I told you so man, special,” Jake whispered in my ear, causing me to close my mouth and pick the jaw up that I left on the ground, I must have looked like an i***t standing there in aw of that small petite nobody girl. She must have heard him because she immediately stopped and crouched down like a lioness in an attack position.

      “Oh hey, Jake, didn’t see you down there.” She smiled at my friend and I felt a tad bit of jealousy. Then she looked to me and her smile turned into a scowl and she glared, “What are you staring at? Haven’t you ever seen anyone on a tree limb before.” I was getting ready to reply, but before I could she stood and I can’t even explain what I watched, the way she glided through the limbs until she was about ten feet from the ground and then she just jumped landing like a tiger on her toes and sprinted off never looking back.

      “Dude that girl has got some talent.” I hated to admit he was right.  I too, like Jake and my father, saw that this girl had something going on with her, special I wasn’t sure, but definitely something.

       “Let’s go, Jess will be waiting for me.” With that I took off back toward the building. Mauling over the events I just witnessed in my head.

        I went to take a shower before dinner, after about twenty minutes of letting the hot water relax my muscles, I exited the bathroom and there stood Jess in front of the window. She was sexy as hell standing there in her high ponytail with the big green bow that draped around her scalp. And that cute cheer leading costume, with the short green and white plaid skirt and halter top. I snaked my arms around her waist pulling her close to me.

       “Hey baby, what a nice surprise.” I nibbled on her ear lobe.

       She turned quickly and wrapped her arms around my neck, “So did you talk to your daddy? Is he going to punish that little slut?” She gave me her cute little puppy dog eyes.

      “No, he found out we instigated, and threatened to punish us, so I let it go.”

      She pushed me away and stomped around the room like a toddler. As sexy as she was, this was not even a little cute, it only agitated the hell out of me and was starting to make me angry.

      “Well, I don’t like her, I don’t like the way she looks at you. Your sister can’t stand me, but three days with that girl she adores her. And Jake let’s not talk about him, I am going to take her out Saturday at tryouts and there isn’t anything anyone can do about it.” She stopped and came to me again pulling my face to hers. “And then I will be on the team where I can be right with you baby. Won’t that be great?”

       I never even thought about it, if she wins, she would be on the team. I didn't know if I liked that idea or not. I had to shut her up, she was starting to annoy me, so I did what I knew would get her to shut up. I pulled her close to me and crashed my lips to hers, picking her up she wrapped her legs around my waist, and finally she was silent.