Taya didn’t sleep that night; her mind kept flashing to Jake. She felt nothing for this new stranger who had taken the form of her one true love.
Even in class the next day she kept staring at Jake’s empty desk. Something told her he would never sit in that desk again. She remembered how fragile he had seemed that night in the forest.
“Hey, Taya, what’s wrong?” Kiri leaned forward and whispered in Taya’s ear, keeping an eye on Mrs. Burns as she wrote Euler’s Formula on the blackboard.
“Mrs. Burns.” Principal Wilcox’s voice came over the P.A.
Mrs. Burns pushed a small black button near her desk before speaking. “Yes, sir?”
“I need to see Taya Hawk in my office.”
Everyone turned to look at Taya.
“Yes, sir.” Mrs. Burns said. “Taya.”
Taya gathered her things as Mrs. Burns continued her lesson.
She walked to the front office, Mrs. Rivers, the secretary, greeted her warmly.
“Mr. Wilcox needs to see you now.” She said with a bright smile.
“Thank you.”
Taya entered the principal’s office and a boy stood across from the principal. He was pale, with black hair that hung to his chin. He looked at Taya as she entered the room; his icy blue eyes following her every move. He wore a tight black, long-sleeved shirt, black jeans, and black skater shoes.
“Taya, this is Michael Morris, he’s our newest student.” Principal Wilcox, a squat man with thinning gray hair and a toothbrush mustache, gestured at the boy.
“Hey.” Taya said, warmly. Michael just smirked, nodding slightly.
“I was impressed at how well you got Mary Johnson adjusted and our other new students, and I thought you would be happy to help Michael settle in.”
Taya remembered Mary; she was quiet and shy and usually hid behind her schoolbooks, but now she was president of the student council and captain of the cheerleading squad.
“I’d be glad to do it.” Taya said. She hid a yawn that began to rise and exited the room when Principal Wilcox excused the two of them.
Mrs. Rivers gave Taya Michael’s schedule and handed Michael his books.
Taya looked his schedule over. He had all the same classes she had. That was good. His locker was right next to hers, too. That was weird.
They emerged into the hall as the sixth period bell rang.
“You have all the same classes as I do, so it’ll be easier on both of us.” Taya said. Michael didn’t say anything. “Okay,” she said, trying to start a conversation, “where’d did you go to school before you came here?”
“I was home schooled.” He said. “You seemed to be the principal’s favorite.”
“I suppose you could say that, but it doesn’t mean I’m a straight-A student.”
Michael smiled at her. It was a charming smile, and Taya couldn’t help but smile back.
“Hey, Taya!” Kiri weaved through the crowd. “Who is this?” She said pointing to Michael.
“This is Michael,” Taya said. “He’s a new student and he takes all of our classes.”
“Cool!” Kiri said excitedly.
On their way to Mrs. Derrick’s Biology class, Taya and Jake stopped by their lockers.
“Your lockers are next to each other?” Kiri looked confused. “Weird.” Michael chuckled, slightly, and Taya smiled. She put her Geometry book away and pulled out her Biology book.
Taya, Kiri, and Michael spent the rest of the day together. He even came with them on their daily visit to Joe’s Coffee Shop. They all bought a drink, Michael getting a regular coffee.
“Where are you living now?” Taya ventured to ask.
“Out near Buckington Farms.”
“Me and Taya live out there!” Kiri said.
“The only available house out there is that old mansion…” Taya’s voice dropped as realization emerged. “You live there?”
Michael smiled, looking away.
“Wow. We never expected the old place to sell.” Kiri said looking to Taya.
“Kiri and I used to explore the old place as kids.”
“It’s really nice.” Michael said, taking a sip of his coffee.
Kiri turned to Taya, “Any news on Jake?”
“Jake?” Michael looked at them, curious.
“Her boyfriend, Jake Chandler.” Kiri said.
“I saw him last night, but he wasn’t himself.” Taya said, running her middle finger around the rim of her cup out of pure habit.
“What do you mean?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Taya fought over the choice of telling them or not. She could probably trust Kiri, but she had only just met Michael.
Kiri could obviously tell Taya wasn’t going to say much more, and backed off, looking at her friend with concern. Michael stared at Taya, as though he were trying to read her thoughts.
