Sheep In Wolf's Clothing
Fandom: Twilight
Rating: M, for language and eventual sexual situations
Pairings: Canon
Comments: Unedited. Never been to O'Hare, had to look up terminals, so pardon me if I'm wrong about it. Lots of cursing. Edward just speaks to me in volumes that way.
[ Read the Prologue]
Chapter One
When I walked out of Terminal 1 of O'Hare, a wave of independence struck me. Here I was, in an unknown city, without anyone else, yet with near-unlimited wealth at my fingertips... and all I wanted to do was rest my head on some sort of comfortable surface.
It took some convincing to Charlie that he shouldn't come with me to Chicago to get settled in. Though the argument was strong on both our parts, I prevailed. I may have looked like a spoiled brat to an outsider, what with my demanding autonomy from a father who was only looking out for his daughter. However, it was for the best, because at this point, I had yet to tell him that I was attending an all-boys'-academy. Instead, I told him all about the school, yet fibbed about the fact that it wasn't co-ed. Knowing his respect for my privacy, he would know to only call my cell phone and not so much as glance at the school website. I trusted in that fact very well. I also trusted that the two boys in-the-know wouldn't go tattling to Charlie.
However, he and the two did escort me to the departure gate, where my goodbyes were long-winded and emotional. Except, of course, with Jacob, who left me with only an awkward pat on the back and a deep frown. But that was a given, after our awkward summer together. Seth, on the other hand, was all kinds of ecstatic as we hugged farewell till Christmas. I almost felt bad when my father shakily whispered how my mother would have been so proud of me for getting this opportunity.
But I'd done all my regretting already, and I was just gonna take his compliments.
Soon, I found myself hailing a cab to look for a motel to stay for the night. After quick inventory and a night's rest, my morning was in full preparation. I already carefully planned out my schedule. At 8 AM Central, which would be 6 AM in Washington, I would head out for a quick ten minute breakfast before getting my hair properly cut, but not before chopping off eleven inches to donate the strands. Afterwards, I'd go shopping for last minute men's supplies, stuff I'd overlooked with Seth or thought too tedious to get back in Forks. Last, I'd get myself together: bandage wrap around my small chest, ruffle the hair, make clothes extra baggy. If anything were to go wrong, I had given myself an hour buffer time before arriving at the school for check-in.
And this is where I found myself early Sunday afternoon. I brushed the bangs out of my face trying to absorb the sight of the dignified looking entrance of Volturi Hill. Here I couldn't even properly take it all in because the stupid reason that I hadn't had bangs since the age of seven... Who was I kidding, getting into this? If I couldn't even be happy due to my fussing with my hair, who's to say I was going to succeed at all?
Stop it, Bella, Billy, whatever, I mentally chastised. Remember what Seth told you. You're doing this to live your life. You're going to run with the big leagues. Mom would be so proud of how far you'd come.
With a last breath, I headed in to the front gate, where I dropped off my belongings with The Hulk himself (minus the coloring and torn shorts) to be put in my room. He led me to the main office to one Mrs. Cope, the school secretary. Her face immediately lit up in recognition when I told her my check-in information.
"Billy Swan, of course, I was wondering when you'd arrive," she happily chattered. "There's been a bit of buzz about you with the staff here. Seems you've got a spectacular resume on your hands, even for V.H. standards."
I didn't know how successful I was in stopping my blush, but I was sure to respond with a polite, but gruff, "Thank you, ma'am."
I gave a silent thank you to whoever was listening when she gave me an understanding smile. So far, so good. Mrs. Cope proceeded to explain that she would give me a quick tour of the grounds and then show me to my room; most other students wouldn't get the all-out treatment because they wouldn't be brand new to the academy as I was. These blue blooded kids were here since they moved from the next door's lower and middle prepatory schools. I was going to be the odd one out, being new, and I wondered how keeping to my lay-low plan was going to work if there was already talk about me.
These thoughts were all but pushed in the back of my mind as she led me through the main building, which was where the administrative and teacher's offices were located. For the next hour, I fell more in love with the campus that housed my idols. It wasn't too big of a school, but there were all the amenities needed and then some, for the children of rich folk. I may have been a Higginbotham by blood, but I wasn't one of these kids. It was a good thing I got the scholarship to cover room and board. I got to see that scholarship money put to good use as we entered the dorming area.
"That would be the dining hall, next to Arts Residence," Mrs. Cope pointed out to a couple buildings a ways away. "Next to us is the Academic Residence building, where the majority of our students live and where the student lounge area is. Here we'll be entering where you'll live, the Athletics Residence."
As we approached the building and started up the stairs, I took note of the apparent arrival of other students. No one paid me any real attention, except a few curious glances, and I was reminded how much easier it is working with guys. They weren't nosy like girls. It'd make my experience hassle-free, now that I can keep to myself, especially without a roommate. Just as according to plan. We continued down the hallway until she uncermoniously turned around, making me almost run into her.
"And... I know I should have mentioned this too you already, Billy, but I wanted you to see the school first, so that you can see how lovely the campus is," Mrs. Cope rubbed my shoulder as she began what she said next. "We couldn't get you a single room as you requested. There have been an influx of freshmen this year, many the school just couldn't turn away. So we took the questionaire you took over the summer and matched you up as best we could to a boy with similar answers. Hopefully you and your roommate will get along well."
No, not possible. I requested a single room because I would undoubtedly have to change in my room; as a girl trying to pass off as a boy, this makes things much more difficult. In fact, for a brief moment I considered backing out completely. However, I knew I had to go through. I made it this far already.
She warily took me in, which she had every right, I suppose, considering guys did act on their tempers more often than girls. In light of that, I let out a frustrated sigh, which wasn't all that untruthful, because having a roommate, well, it complicates things in my case. However, she just looked so apologetic, and I knew I didn't have the heart in me to even act agitated.
"It's okay, I'll live," I told her with a small smile.
At this, she beamed and led me all the way down to the other side of the hallway, seemingly the farthest from the rest of all the other rooms, considering there was a janitor's closet that separated our room and the rest of the hall. The door was open already, revealing two groups of luggage at each side of the room next to a desk. Stepping into the bedroom, there was a bunk bed straight ahead, and closet area directly to the left. In the far right corner of the room was a door, where I presumed the private bathroom was. At least there's that.
Mrs. Cope broke down all of what I already observed, completing it with, "And finally, you could choose which bunk you're getting, considering your roommate hasn't arrived yet." Just as I was thinking I definitely call top bunk, we heard quick steps on this end of the hallway. "Oh! That should be your roomie. Remember I'm in the office, so come in at any time for anything you need. Have a good day, Billy."
I muttered my thanks and returned sentiments as I awkwardly stood in the middle of the room... to meet my new roommate, my new male roommate.
And when he walked in, my breath was immediately taken away.
That reddish-brown hair. The tall, muscled frame. That jaw, oh Jesus, that jaw. The piercing green eyes, which were squinted at me in a glare. And yet I couldn't even dwell on his first impression of me, because I could only think of one thing:
Edward Cullen was my roommate.
Edward Cullen, my track idol, who I've been dying for the chance to just stand next to, much less run with, was my roommate.
Well that threw a wrench in my plans.
--
God-fucking-dammit.
Of all the things I was to hear upon my arrival back to school, the seven that did come out of Demetri's mouth was not what I expected.
"They couldn't get you a single room."
Sure, he had tried to brush it off with the stupid fucking apologies, explanations how there were too many freshmen, too many enrollees for the athletics department, too many excuses. For the last two years, I had been rightfully given my solitary space; for the last two years, I had earned it, acting as the "spokesperson" for the school. I knew I sounded like a spoiled brat, but if there was anything I valued more than all else, it was privacy. It wasn't like I was asking for much. I was the perfect student: I portrayed myself as their "star athlete", with a GPA over 4-0, part-time volunteer, on the best fucking behavior. A bedroom's seclusion is all I can ask for.
Hence the irony that I found solace in bitching to my friend and RA, Emmett McCarty. As the Resident Assistant of the floor, for he was finally eighteen-years-old in his Senior year, he was required to listen to any complaints from the students regarding their housing. However, I knew at this moment he was acting as a friend - or as best as a friend anyone could be when they were around me.
I acknowledged my difficult nature. It was a part of me, and quite honestly, I'd rather keep to myself than deal with other people. It was a miracle that I could have some semblance to friendship when it came to Emmett, and by extension, his best friend and my team captain, Jasper. It was astonishing that they would even hear me out in my most frustrating of moments: right now, seething over my bedroom situation.
"And Felix has the fucking nerve to come up to Demetri and me, announcing he's carrying the crap of my new roommate," I continued on. "It's like he didn't know that this shit is unacceptable."
Emmett was obviously fighting a grin, giving a mock serious nod, while Jasper at least had the decency to ignore him and talk me through my thoughts.
"It may not be so bad, Edward," he said. "He may be just as solitary as you, and leave you be. I mean, my roommate has been cool the last two years. I'm generally given freedom."
Easy for him to say, Jasper had Peter as a roommate, and he was always with his girlfriend Charlotte at the sister school. The same thing could be said about Jasper himself, with Alice. I had nothing in response, so I decided it was best to keep silent. I knew I was brooding, but I had no energy to do anything but bitch.
"Now you know to make sure you apply for RA next year so you can have a guaranteed jerk-off spot," Emmett supplied, complete with the eyebrow waggling. "As much as this bitch fest is helping rid the boner I had after checking out Mrs. Goff, I'm gonna need you two to leave. RA duties and all that."
Once we were kicked out so that Emmett could return to helping out the stupid freshmen who caused my predicament (there was no way I'd stop being bitter about it), I was finally left to go into my new room... As it was so late in the afternoon, I knew my roommate would already be there. I scowled deeply at the thought, bringing out a squeak from Mrs. Cope once I passed her down the hall. My stomach dropped when I neared my familiar room - only this time, there would be someone else to interrupt my thoughts. Instinctively, I felt a menacing look creep on my face when I entered.
And my look grew more hateful when I actually got to see the kid.
There he was... my new roommate, standing in the middle of the room like the clueless cluster fuck he was. But that wasn't what upset me, no. It wasn't the fact that he was going to live with me that bothered me either, though that played a part. It wasn't even the idiotic fish-like expression he had, as well.
No, it was the goddamn fact that my cock stirred a little when I took in his face, his body, his fucking everything. For some fucking reason, I was so turned on by what I saw, that I thought he was a girl at first. But no, he wasn't, and I tried my best to tear away from his heart-shaped face, that tiny nose, and goddamn big, brown eyes which seemed to increase in size by every second. Christ, was this really happening to me? When did this ever happen? Was I really attracted to a dude?
Hell no.
My scowl deepened as I turned to my luggage and started unpacking over the bottom bunk. This was just a fluke. I was only caught off guard is all. The fact that he looked so girlish just made me react like that; obviously I was in control now. Still, I didn't like to risk looking at him again. There was no way he'd be getting along with this roommate, ever.
"Excuse me, I'm B-Billy Swan," he introduced from behind me. I chanced a glance at him, only to hate him even more for his face being as red as a firetruck. Why couldn't he be normal and just not give a shit? "I guess you're claiming the bottom bed then. That's fine, I was hoping to get top anyway."
He paused, seeming to get his stuff and start unpacking as well. I thought his annoying slightly-too-high voice was done talking now, but I was proven wrong. "This is my first year here, so I'm not too sure what protocol is like. I know we don't have dinner in the dining hall tonight, so I brought some take-out. I have some extra, if you'd like. I'll... leave it in the mini-fridge."
Was this kid serious? Here I was blatantly ignoring him, and he was still trying to be cordial. I scoffed to myself. Un-fucking-real. We had to set some ground rules stat.
"Cool and all for you to do that," I began, frustrated, "But you keep to your stuff and I'll keep to mine. We don't need to talk unless we absolutely have to, and I'd much prefer it if we see as little of each other as possible."
Finally, I turned to Billy, who looked crossed between shocked and furious. Fine, whatever. I didn't have to deal with him, as I said. We made eye contact for a beat, before he opened his mouth.
"I thought for sure my favorite runner was gonna be chill," he said, anger clear as the bright blue day. "Turns out in real life he's just a bitter asshole who won't even have the decency to be nice to someone he's gonna live with."
I shrugged, unfazed by his comments. "That's life, kid. Get used to it."
"I know very well how life is," he bit back. "And don't fucking call me 'kid.' I'm only a few months younger than you."
Goddammit, he's a groupie - only, not of the nicer, female variety. Knowing that he knew my birthday unsettled me, and I wondered how much else he knew about me. It was a good thing he was pissed and disappointed with me now, as opposed to later. It would do him no good to expect me to befriend him amidst his fawning. Not that I'd befriend him anyway. There was just something way too odd about the boy.
"Yeah, whatever," I muttered to myself. Turning to him, I decided to give him another glare. "Like I said, it's not like we'll be talking much to each other, kid, so fuck off."
His face contorted into some strange, angry expression. It gave me an odd sense of satisfaction looking at how flaming his skin became at my comment. Though it looked as if comical steam was about to come out of his ears, I kept my humor at the situation at bay. I was, after all, deciding to follow my own advice and not deal with him.
That night, after a silent, tense co-existence with Billy, I thought to myself how on earth was I going to make it the whole year with this crap.
[ Read Chapter 2]
Rating: M, for language and eventual sexual situations
Pairings: Canon
Comments: Unedited. Never been to O'Hare, had to look up terminals, so pardon me if I'm wrong about it. Lots of cursing. Edward just speaks to me in volumes that way.
[ Read the Prologue]
Chapter One
When I walked out of Terminal 1 of O'Hare, a wave of independence struck me. Here I was, in an unknown city, without anyone else, yet with near-unlimited wealth at my fingertips... and all I wanted to do was rest my head on some sort of comfortable surface.
It took some convincing to Charlie that he shouldn't come with me to Chicago to get settled in. Though the argument was strong on both our parts, I prevailed. I may have looked like a spoiled brat to an outsider, what with my demanding autonomy from a father who was only looking out for his daughter. However, it was for the best, because at this point, I had yet to tell him that I was attending an all-boys'-academy. Instead, I told him all about the school, yet fibbed about the fact that it wasn't co-ed. Knowing his respect for my privacy, he would know to only call my cell phone and not so much as glance at the school website. I trusted in that fact very well. I also trusted that the two boys in-the-know wouldn't go tattling to Charlie.
However, he and the two did escort me to the departure gate, where my goodbyes were long-winded and emotional. Except, of course, with Jacob, who left me with only an awkward pat on the back and a deep frown. But that was a given, after our awkward summer together. Seth, on the other hand, was all kinds of ecstatic as we hugged farewell till Christmas. I almost felt bad when my father shakily whispered how my mother would have been so proud of me for getting this opportunity.
But I'd done all my regretting already, and I was just gonna take his compliments.
Soon, I found myself hailing a cab to look for a motel to stay for the night. After quick inventory and a night's rest, my morning was in full preparation. I already carefully planned out my schedule. At 8 AM Central, which would be 6 AM in Washington, I would head out for a quick ten minute breakfast before getting my hair properly cut, but not before chopping off eleven inches to donate the strands. Afterwards, I'd go shopping for last minute men's supplies, stuff I'd overlooked with Seth or thought too tedious to get back in Forks. Last, I'd get myself together: bandage wrap around my small chest, ruffle the hair, make clothes extra baggy. If anything were to go wrong, I had given myself an hour buffer time before arriving at the school for check-in.
And this is where I found myself early Sunday afternoon. I brushed the bangs out of my face trying to absorb the sight of the dignified looking entrance of Volturi Hill. Here I couldn't even properly take it all in because the stupid reason that I hadn't had bangs since the age of seven... Who was I kidding, getting into this? If I couldn't even be happy due to my fussing with my hair, who's to say I was going to succeed at all?
Stop it, Bella, Billy, whatever, I mentally chastised. Remember what Seth told you. You're doing this to live your life. You're going to run with the big leagues. Mom would be so proud of how far you'd come.
With a last breath, I headed in to the front gate, where I dropped off my belongings with The Hulk himself (minus the coloring and torn shorts) to be put in my room. He led me to the main office to one Mrs. Cope, the school secretary. Her face immediately lit up in recognition when I told her my check-in information.
"Billy Swan, of course, I was wondering when you'd arrive," she happily chattered. "There's been a bit of buzz about you with the staff here. Seems you've got a spectacular resume on your hands, even for V.H. standards."
I didn't know how successful I was in stopping my blush, but I was sure to respond with a polite, but gruff, "Thank you, ma'am."
I gave a silent thank you to whoever was listening when she gave me an understanding smile. So far, so good. Mrs. Cope proceeded to explain that she would give me a quick tour of the grounds and then show me to my room; most other students wouldn't get the all-out treatment because they wouldn't be brand new to the academy as I was. These blue blooded kids were here since they moved from the next door's lower and middle prepatory schools. I was going to be the odd one out, being new, and I wondered how keeping to my lay-low plan was going to work if there was already talk about me.
These thoughts were all but pushed in the back of my mind as she led me through the main building, which was where the administrative and teacher's offices were located. For the next hour, I fell more in love with the campus that housed my idols. It wasn't too big of a school, but there were all the amenities needed and then some, for the children of rich folk. I may have been a Higginbotham by blood, but I wasn't one of these kids. It was a good thing I got the scholarship to cover room and board. I got to see that scholarship money put to good use as we entered the dorming area.
"That would be the dining hall, next to Arts Residence," Mrs. Cope pointed out to a couple buildings a ways away. "Next to us is the Academic Residence building, where the majority of our students live and where the student lounge area is. Here we'll be entering where you'll live, the Athletics Residence."
As we approached the building and started up the stairs, I took note of the apparent arrival of other students. No one paid me any real attention, except a few curious glances, and I was reminded how much easier it is working with guys. They weren't nosy like girls. It'd make my experience hassle-free, now that I can keep to myself, especially without a roommate. Just as according to plan. We continued down the hallway until she uncermoniously turned around, making me almost run into her.
"And... I know I should have mentioned this too you already, Billy, but I wanted you to see the school first, so that you can see how lovely the campus is," Mrs. Cope rubbed my shoulder as she began what she said next. "We couldn't get you a single room as you requested. There have been an influx of freshmen this year, many the school just couldn't turn away. So we took the questionaire you took over the summer and matched you up as best we could to a boy with similar answers. Hopefully you and your roommate will get along well."
No, not possible. I requested a single room because I would undoubtedly have to change in my room; as a girl trying to pass off as a boy, this makes things much more difficult. In fact, for a brief moment I considered backing out completely. However, I knew I had to go through. I made it this far already.
She warily took me in, which she had every right, I suppose, considering guys did act on their tempers more often than girls. In light of that, I let out a frustrated sigh, which wasn't all that untruthful, because having a roommate, well, it complicates things in my case. However, she just looked so apologetic, and I knew I didn't have the heart in me to even act agitated.
"It's okay, I'll live," I told her with a small smile.
At this, she beamed and led me all the way down to the other side of the hallway, seemingly the farthest from the rest of all the other rooms, considering there was a janitor's closet that separated our room and the rest of the hall. The door was open already, revealing two groups of luggage at each side of the room next to a desk. Stepping into the bedroom, there was a bunk bed straight ahead, and closet area directly to the left. In the far right corner of the room was a door, where I presumed the private bathroom was. At least there's that.
Mrs. Cope broke down all of what I already observed, completing it with, "And finally, you could choose which bunk you're getting, considering your roommate hasn't arrived yet." Just as I was thinking I definitely call top bunk, we heard quick steps on this end of the hallway. "Oh! That should be your roomie. Remember I'm in the office, so come in at any time for anything you need. Have a good day, Billy."
I muttered my thanks and returned sentiments as I awkwardly stood in the middle of the room... to meet my new roommate, my new male roommate.
And when he walked in, my breath was immediately taken away.
That reddish-brown hair. The tall, muscled frame. That jaw, oh Jesus, that jaw. The piercing green eyes, which were squinted at me in a glare. And yet I couldn't even dwell on his first impression of me, because I could only think of one thing:
Edward Cullen was my roommate.
Edward Cullen, my track idol, who I've been dying for the chance to just stand next to, much less run with, was my roommate.
Well that threw a wrench in my plans.
--
God-fucking-dammit.
Of all the things I was to hear upon my arrival back to school, the seven that did come out of Demetri's mouth was not what I expected.
"They couldn't get you a single room."
Sure, he had tried to brush it off with the stupid fucking apologies, explanations how there were too many freshmen, too many enrollees for the athletics department, too many excuses. For the last two years, I had been rightfully given my solitary space; for the last two years, I had earned it, acting as the "spokesperson" for the school. I knew I sounded like a spoiled brat, but if there was anything I valued more than all else, it was privacy. It wasn't like I was asking for much. I was the perfect student: I portrayed myself as their "star athlete", with a GPA over 4-0, part-time volunteer, on the best fucking behavior. A bedroom's seclusion is all I can ask for.
Hence the irony that I found solace in bitching to my friend and RA, Emmett McCarty. As the Resident Assistant of the floor, for he was finally eighteen-years-old in his Senior year, he was required to listen to any complaints from the students regarding their housing. However, I knew at this moment he was acting as a friend - or as best as a friend anyone could be when they were around me.
I acknowledged my difficult nature. It was a part of me, and quite honestly, I'd rather keep to myself than deal with other people. It was a miracle that I could have some semblance to friendship when it came to Emmett, and by extension, his best friend and my team captain, Jasper. It was astonishing that they would even hear me out in my most frustrating of moments: right now, seething over my bedroom situation.
"And Felix has the fucking nerve to come up to Demetri and me, announcing he's carrying the crap of my new roommate," I continued on. "It's like he didn't know that this shit is unacceptable."
Emmett was obviously fighting a grin, giving a mock serious nod, while Jasper at least had the decency to ignore him and talk me through my thoughts.
"It may not be so bad, Edward," he said. "He may be just as solitary as you, and leave you be. I mean, my roommate has been cool the last two years. I'm generally given freedom."
Easy for him to say, Jasper had Peter as a roommate, and he was always with his girlfriend Charlotte at the sister school. The same thing could be said about Jasper himself, with Alice. I had nothing in response, so I decided it was best to keep silent. I knew I was brooding, but I had no energy to do anything but bitch.
"Now you know to make sure you apply for RA next year so you can have a guaranteed jerk-off spot," Emmett supplied, complete with the eyebrow waggling. "As much as this bitch fest is helping rid the boner I had after checking out Mrs. Goff, I'm gonna need you two to leave. RA duties and all that."
Once we were kicked out so that Emmett could return to helping out the stupid freshmen who caused my predicament (there was no way I'd stop being bitter about it), I was finally left to go into my new room... As it was so late in the afternoon, I knew my roommate would already be there. I scowled deeply at the thought, bringing out a squeak from Mrs. Cope once I passed her down the hall. My stomach dropped when I neared my familiar room - only this time, there would be someone else to interrupt my thoughts. Instinctively, I felt a menacing look creep on my face when I entered.
And my look grew more hateful when I actually got to see the kid.
There he was... my new roommate, standing in the middle of the room like the clueless cluster fuck he was. But that wasn't what upset me, no. It wasn't the fact that he was going to live with me that bothered me either, though that played a part. It wasn't even the idiotic fish-like expression he had, as well.
No, it was the goddamn fact that my cock stirred a little when I took in his face, his body, his fucking everything. For some fucking reason, I was so turned on by what I saw, that I thought he was a girl at first. But no, he wasn't, and I tried my best to tear away from his heart-shaped face, that tiny nose, and goddamn big, brown eyes which seemed to increase in size by every second. Christ, was this really happening to me? When did this ever happen? Was I really attracted to a dude?
Hell no.
My scowl deepened as I turned to my luggage and started unpacking over the bottom bunk. This was just a fluke. I was only caught off guard is all. The fact that he looked so girlish just made me react like that; obviously I was in control now. Still, I didn't like to risk looking at him again. There was no way he'd be getting along with this roommate, ever.
"Excuse me, I'm B-Billy Swan," he introduced from behind me. I chanced a glance at him, only to hate him even more for his face being as red as a firetruck. Why couldn't he be normal and just not give a shit? "I guess you're claiming the bottom bed then. That's fine, I was hoping to get top anyway."
He paused, seeming to get his stuff and start unpacking as well. I thought his annoying slightly-too-high voice was done talking now, but I was proven wrong. "This is my first year here, so I'm not too sure what protocol is like. I know we don't have dinner in the dining hall tonight, so I brought some take-out. I have some extra, if you'd like. I'll... leave it in the mini-fridge."
Was this kid serious? Here I was blatantly ignoring him, and he was still trying to be cordial. I scoffed to myself. Un-fucking-real. We had to set some ground rules stat.
"Cool and all for you to do that," I began, frustrated, "But you keep to your stuff and I'll keep to mine. We don't need to talk unless we absolutely have to, and I'd much prefer it if we see as little of each other as possible."
Finally, I turned to Billy, who looked crossed between shocked and furious. Fine, whatever. I didn't have to deal with him, as I said. We made eye contact for a beat, before he opened his mouth.
"I thought for sure my favorite runner was gonna be chill," he said, anger clear as the bright blue day. "Turns out in real life he's just a bitter asshole who won't even have the decency to be nice to someone he's gonna live with."
I shrugged, unfazed by his comments. "That's life, kid. Get used to it."
"I know very well how life is," he bit back. "And don't fucking call me 'kid.' I'm only a few months younger than you."
Goddammit, he's a groupie - only, not of the nicer, female variety. Knowing that he knew my birthday unsettled me, and I wondered how much else he knew about me. It was a good thing he was pissed and disappointed with me now, as opposed to later. It would do him no good to expect me to befriend him amidst his fawning. Not that I'd befriend him anyway. There was just something way too odd about the boy.
"Yeah, whatever," I muttered to myself. Turning to him, I decided to give him another glare. "Like I said, it's not like we'll be talking much to each other, kid, so fuck off."
His face contorted into some strange, angry expression. It gave me an odd sense of satisfaction looking at how flaming his skin became at my comment. Though it looked as if comical steam was about to come out of his ears, I kept my humor at the situation at bay. I was, after all, deciding to follow my own advice and not deal with him.
That night, after a silent, tense co-existence with Billy, I thought to myself how on earth was I going to make it the whole year with this crap.
[ Read Chapter 2]