Chapter one
1432 Words
Kara stood outside the gothic-styled building, a largely acquired high school. She looked up at the sign cowering above her head. The gothic-styled sign hanging half off from its hinges "Canterbury High" in thick gothic script, centered looked a little tattered and broken. The sign creaked loudly as it swung in the breeze that had escalated around the surroundings. It looked like they could do with a new one, but that did not bother her.
She'd had the tour of the school only a week ago and this was a fresh start away from all of her memories of L.A. Although she'd miss her friends, this had to be done, there was no other choice.
Her mom had had a promotion with the company she worked for, and the school wasn't far from their new house. Kara entered her first class a little nervous as she wished her friends were there with her right, that. The teacher looked up smiling.
"Well everyone, I’d like you to meet our new student Kara Daulton. She came here all the way from L.A. I hope you all make her feel welcome. Please take a seat, Kara."
She smiled, making her way through the room, many eyes staring at her, a girl with sheepish colored hair called her over to join them. She sat next to her as she introduced herself. "I'm Jaie and these are my friends Kaz and Maddy," she smiled.
"So, what brings you to England?"
"Mom's job."
"There are things that you should know, people that you should stay clear of."
"Like who?"
Jaie went to open her mouth.
"Right everyone settle down."
"I'll tell you at break."
Everyone settled down to their work for the next few hours before the bell chimed for break.
They all pulled themselves up aimlessly shoving their belongings into their bags before leaving to join the rest of the students' battle to get outside and into their own restricted areas. Making sure that they didn't overstep anyone else's space.
This felt weird to Kara, the air was brisk as she and her new friends walked out into the cutting air.
This place was nothing like her old high school in L.A. where everyone basically mingled with everyone, well apart from those that thought you weren't good enough for their company.
"So what did you want to tell me in class?"
"There are things you should know."
"Like what?"
"Things happen around here, bad things, so just keep your head down."
"Okay."
Kai and his gang strode casually across the grounds of the school, everyone parting to stay out of their way so they could claim their spot. They were not that big, but their authorities sure told people they were not to be messed with.
Kara looked over at them, wondering why they held such authority. They couldn't be much older than her. "And that's who to avoid.'
Why?" Kara asked, turning back to look at Jaie.
"If you want to stay alive, don't."
"He's not that bad, is he?"
"Worse. He calls all the shots around here. He's in the year above us, everyone fears him."
"He seems to be an ordinary kid to me.'
'Well he's not.' The bell rang and everyone began to descend from the grounds to go to their next lesson before lunch. "Come on, we had best get back in."
"Yeah, for more punishment."
They all laughed, walked away, walking past Kai and his friends. He arched his head, looking in their direction.
"Don't look, just keep going."
Kara decided it was a good idea not to attract his attention. If he was as bad as they said he was, she didn't want to be the next one on his hit list.
"Nice get up babe, not from around here?"
"Just walk on."
Jaie edged her further away, distancing them. "I'll see you around, then?"
They continued walking into the school.
"Watch him."
Kara turned to look at the tanned fifteen-year-old boy. "Why?"
"Because he's looking."
"For what?"
"Not a what a who."
"Who then?"
"Someone to join them."
"He's right, Kara. He's been looking for some time now, looking for someone like you."
"What do you mean, someone like me?"
"He goes for those with a past, a record."
"I haven't got a record."
They all looked at her.
"Just watch your step around him, he's always two steps in front."
"Okay." She said, as they walked through the school to their final lesson before lunch.
Kara met Jaie, Kaz and Maddy in the long lunchtime queue for lunch.
They all sat down eating. Kai and his friends sat across from them eating. He looked over, studying them, studying her. his eyes watched darkly. "Why don't you just talk to the girl, Kai?"
"Soon."
"Are you sure she's the right girl?"
"Yeah look." He pulled out his mobile, opening it with his significant password. He flicked through, bringing the photos up. "Here take a look."
Jed took the phone off him while studying it. He looked over, catching her eye. She sat frozen. "Kara, are you okay?" She sat silently.
"Kara."
Still nothing.
Jaie looked over. Jed looked straight toward Kara as he flicked through the photos. "Wh…what do you think he's doing?
"Whatever it is, it's not good news."
"Could be her, she's pretty enough to be her. You sure your cuz knows her?"
"Positive. We've been talking regularly for a month, she told me her friend had left L.A. to come here. She never mentioned the circumstances, just to watch out for her and welcome her."
"Did she give you a name?"
"Kara Darlington."
"You had best make sure it's her first, Kai. No mistakes, remember."
"I know."
"I wonder what they're talking about."
"Whatever it is, it can't be good."
He passed the mobile back to Kai. "You should text your cuz and get a more up-to-date photo to make sure it's her. Looks like her, but the photo looks a few years old Kai. You need a new one to make sure it's her before you go and talk to her."
"I will. I'll text her after school, though she probably won't answer till about one in the morning. Time difference and everything."
"She is pretty hot, Kai. But, saying that, she also seems very secluded. Do you think she can handle you and us to come to think of it."
"I hope so."
Sebastian sat next to them. "So what are you guys talking about?"
"The new chick."
He looked over his shoulder. "Mmm she's kinda hot." He turned back. "Wasn't she the girl that you gave that cheesey line to? the same one you gave Tara?"
"Yeah."
"You could've thought of something more original, Kai, she may have actually spoken to you.'
"Maybe, but she's probably been told to stay clear by now."
"By who?"
"Jaie who else."
"Oh, the girl that Jae has a big crush on?"
"Yeah her."
"Maybe you should tell her to butt out."
"I would, but I promised Jae I wouldn't touch her no matter what she did."
"He has got it bad."
"Are you ready to go, Kara?"
'Yeah."
They tucked their lunch boxes into their bags, pulling themselves up.
Kai and his friends watched as they left. "Lets split."
They all pulled themselves up, leaving the dining hall, going into the fresh air of the breezy September afternoon.
"They sure are interested in you, Kara. Are you sure you have no past?"
"I'm sure."
"Well, that's the only reason he pursues, unless he has other intentions."
"God I hope not."
"That's the way to think, Kara, or he'll have you begging down on your knees for him to leave you alone."
The bell rang. "We'll meet you at the end of school, okay, just wait in the front of the school."
"Okay."
The friends parted company.
Kara sure hoped she didn't bump into these guys again. She wasn't even sure why they were so interested in her.
When the bell went for the end of school, Kara met her new friends outside the double doors.
They all walked away, heading out the gates where Kai and his friends stood aimlessly smoking. They all looked up watching them pass, Wolff whistling at them.
Kai looked directly at Kara. "See you tomorrow. I'll look forward to it."
"s**t Kara, he's after you."
"Don’t talk shit."
"We're not. He used that line on Tara."
"Who's Tara?"
"His girlfriend."
"He's taken?"
"Yeah."
"You'll more likely see her tomorrow. She ain't a pretty sight, Kara, so stay clear."
"I intend to."
- Writer
