Forbidden Love

6

Luna

I don't know how I got myself into this mess. One minute I'm in class and the next I'm getting called to help Jaxon Gray. I didn't even get a chance to say no. For starters, Jaxon isn't exactly a model student, teaching him will be next to impossible. Plus, I'm a busy person. I have things I need to do. Like take care of my mom. Also, I barely even know the guy. He's been gone for a year, what's to say he didn't turn into a serial killer over that time? I hear it happens, and Jaxon has been through a lot. Him becoming a serial killer wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. I have to watch my back. I can't help him.

In all honesty I think I'm just coming up with crazy ideas not to help Jaxon because of one person.

Corey.

If my brother found out I was helping the person he hates most, he would be furious. And I really don't want to have Corey mad at me. He's the absolute worst when he's mad. I broke his computer on accident a few years ago and he didn't talk to me for two whole weeks. That was the longest two weeks of my life. The guy can hold a grudge better than anyone. With everything going on at home, we need to support each other as siblings, not argue.

"Did the potato hurt you?" Sebastian takes me out of my worries long enough for me to realize what I'm doing and where I am. I glance down at the potato I've been stabbing with my fork. My eyes scan the lunchroom making sure no one's looking at me. It would be yet another thing added to the "Weird Things Stone's Do" list.

"Sorry, I'm distracted. Have you seen my siblings?"

He shakes his head. "No, but have you seen mine? I was looking for her, but I can't seem to find her anywhere."

"Julia's here?" My smile disappears from my face. He glances down to me and laughs. Julia De León isn't my favorite person in the world. My brother and I have something in common. We both dislike someone with a strong passion, and my maturity flies out the window when Julia walks in just like Corey's does with Jaxon. Which makes me wonder how I would feel if Corey were tutoring Julia—not that she needs it. Along with her stupid gorgeous looks, she has the brain too. I'm pretty sure it's genetics. Her and Sebastian's entire family are made up of doctors. And they're hot. And rich.

Did I mention how unfair it is for the rest of us mere mortals?

Seb glances around again. "Did you hear that Jaxon Gray was back from Canada?"

"Vaguely," I mutter. My nerves have set in again just thinking about Jaxon. I nearly jump when someone's hand lands on my shoulder.

"Chill out." Corey says. "Let's go,"

Joseph appears behind him. "It's not even a big deal. Just sit down."

Sebastian finally takes a seat across from me, seemingly giving up on finding Julia, and Joseph sits next to him.

"Corey's being grumpy." Joseph informs me.

"I'm not grumpy." He rolls his eyes. "I just hate people. And I can't eat while looking at something I hate."

"I still eat with you, don't I?" I tilt my head and he humors me with a small sarcastic smile.

He reluctantly takes a seat to my right. "I hate school."

"I love school." Sebastian smiles and then he looks over my shoulder. "Oh, Julia!" He calls out, but it's not even that loud. I'm surprised she hears.

"What are you doing?" I hiss. "Don't call her over here."

"It'll just take a second." He assures me and a moment later Julia shows up to my left. Maddi and Britney on each of her sides as per usual.

"Bet you wish you took my offer now." Corey mutters into my ear and I elbow his side.

"Did you read the note Mamá left this morning? You left earlier than me and haven't been answering your phone." Sebastian says. Julia's eyes dart to everyone, I don't get to place the emotion on her face because she changes almost immediately into her annoyingly friendly smile.

"Of course, I did. We'll talk at home."

"Are you sure? I can—"

"We'll talk at home." Her eyes bore into his. Some sort of family secret I'm guessing. We all have those. "Did you need anything else?" When he shakes his head, she continues, "Okay then. Do you want to come and sit with us? You can bring Joseph."

She's just being friendly, but our gazes turn to Joseph and his face turns red at the attention. He hates when the spotlight is on him.

"But I don't know if you can bring those two. They'll just bring the mood down." Julia casts a meaningful glance to me and Corey.

"We're okay here." Sebastian says. "I'll see you later."

"Wait a second." She sniffs, starts digging through her purse, takes out some perfume, and sprays the table—she makes sure to spray me more than anyone. We all cough at the strong scent of coconut now surrounding us. "There you go, perfect now."

I watch her walk away to the football table wondering how in the world someone as sweet as Sebastian could be related to someone as evil as Julia. Okay, evil's a bit too far. But she sucks.

When I take my eyes off of Julia, my eyes meet Jaxon's. He holds eye contact for a minute before rolling his eyes and looking away. He's rude for no reason whatsoever. I made up my mind. I won't help him. I just can't.