The Ache For Freedom(Book 1)

Chapter 2

Iris's POV

As I sit through third period I can't help but think about Nick. He didn't even know I existed until this morning despite us going to the same school for 2 years now. Yet, even though we had just officially met this morning he had made multiple attempts to talk to me during first period and even followed me through the halls after second period.

I've never been more confused, why would a guy with such a perfect life like Nick even want to talk to me? Especially after what he saw this morning, which I'm absolutely mortified about. Deep down I think it's pity, yet I can only hope that he won't tell anyone about my bruises. If word were to get around the school to Ryan things would just get even worse for me.

I know that it's dangerous, but I feel a great need to get closer to Nick. I haven't been able to make friends since moving here at the demand of Ryan and Jackson, and Ryan monitors my compliance to that demand like a hawk. I'm aware of the consequences of my disobedience, yet every time I see Nick I can't help but wonder if it would be worth it.

I jump as the bell rings signaling that it's time for lunch-the worst time of the day. I start making my way towards the cafeteria when all of a sudden I feel a tug on my backpack, forcing me to fall backwards as I hear the same words as every other day, "Hello Sis, no friends today right?" I hear the amusement in Ryan's voice, as I respond with my usual "Yes Sir," while he continues on with a disturbing yet pleased, "Good Girl."

When I finally think Ryan is going to let me go I hear a sentence that makes my blood run cold, "Hey Iris, I was wondering if you were going to come over later for the project? You kind of disappeared earlier." I couldn't find my voice to respond as Ryan's grip got tighter on my arm. "Oh, t-that's because I don't think I'll be able to, sorry Nick." I say. As Ryan's grip gets painfully tight I hear him announce, "Really Sis? I think we could work it out so you go over to your friends house."

Nick smiles, and I can't decide whether to be petrified for the punishment that will follow later tonight or to be excited to go to Nick's house. "Perfect! I'm going to lunch, care to join me Iris?" I hear Nick say, but Ryan responds for me. "Sorry, Iris and I need to have a little chat first. But, she'll meet you there in a few minutes." And, Nick gives a simple "okay" as he starts his way to the cafeteria.

Ryan drags me through the halls to an empty hall closet where he goes on a vicious rant about what will follow later tonight and how I will regret my disobedience. Yet, ever though normally I'd be petrified of his many threats-this time I'm not. Because now Ryan knows that I have a friend who will notice if I show up with serious injuries.

For the first time in my life-the ball is in my court, and I'm determined to keep it that way.

Nick's POV

I feel myself grin as Iris makes her way over to me and sits down after getting her food. I was surprised she actually showed up, yet what shocks me is the smile she wears as she makes her way.

"Hey Nick," I'm shocked at how clear her voice is as she continues, "Sorry that took a while, Ryan can be rather annoying sometimes." I laugh at how annoyed she sounds, yet notice the slight undertones of discomfort in her voice.

"That's fine Angel, so are you and Ryan actually siblings? I'm not trying to offend you, but you guys look nothing alike, Hun." Iris looks down and hugs herself as she gives a simple, "No, he's been my foster brother for two years though."

We sit in a silence for a long time after that, yet I finally bring up the courage to ask her the question that's been burning in my mind for hours, "So Iris, can we talk about what happened to your arm now?"

She pales and freezes, "Nick can we please not talk about it? It's nothing, I promise." Yet, even though she says it's nothing I can hear her say under her breath, "And, even if it was-there's nothing anyone could do."

"Got it Angel, I'll drop it. So, what's your next period?" I guess that was a good subject change because her magical smile is suddenly back as she responds with a, "The same as yours, Mr. Chadwell."

"Oh? Do I have a stalker on my hands, Little Miss Iris?" She giggles as she tells me about how the principal already gave her my schedule with the hopes of her being my first friend.

We both jump as the bell rings, too lost in conversation to have noticed anything done before then. "Okay Iris, come on. You are now my guide for the rest of the day!" I can't help but laugh as she jumps up and runs off, slightly yelling-"Only if you can manage to keep up! You lost me twice already!"

Iris's POV

The rest of the day is basically uneventful, Nick and I had the rest of our classes together and luckily were able to sit next to each other in all of them.

Although, in 7th period we did get in trouble for talking "An Exceeding Amount," according to Mr. Charles at least. We were also assigned another partner project for English this time, and luckily we were also partners for this one.

I'm extremely nervous to go Nick's house after school. I've never been over to a friends house, let alone a boy's. Nick doesn't seem bothered by it though. So, maybe I shouldn't make a big deal about it?

As Mr. Charles announces that it's time to pack up, Nick immediately is right in front of me. Effectively petrifying me as he laughs and asks, "Okay Iris, ready to go? My mom will be home but she shouldn't really bother us."

I take a deep breath, "Okay, let's go."