Silent Possession (2)

Jessica opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. The hustle and bustle of the body-filled hall made her feel slightly nervous. Two girls in neon shirts crossed in front of her, laughing and talking. They had in their wake a small group of boys in baggy jeans and dark t-shirts. Jessica shifted the weight of her bag on her shoulders and moved forward into the insanity.1

“Excuse me,” she murmured, reaching behind a tall, lanky boy to get to her new locker.2

“Oh, sorry,” the boy said, moving over to give her better access. “Hey, you’re new, right?” Jessica nodded and looked up, keenly aware of his startling blue eyes wandering over her face.3

“I’m Jessica,” she replied with a small grin. The small dimple next to his perfect mouth made her want to smile wider, but she chose to try not make a fool of herself this early in the game.4

“Matthias,” he countered with a happy smile. The bell rang overhead and several students began to make their ways to their respective classes. “Do you know your way around well enough to get to class?” he asked.5

“Not really,” Jessica laughed, her eyes cast downward. She felt the glaring heat of the stares of the girls in his company weighing her down.6

“Well then,” Matthias said, his eyes shimmering, “allow me to assist you, Miss…?”7

“Mars,” Jessica said. “Jessica Mars.”8

“Sweet name,” he replied. With a swift move of his arm, Matthias had half of her books in one hand and her arm in the other. “See you later, Courtney,” he nodded to his blonde companion. She glared at the newcomer.9

“Lunch, Matthias.”10

“Yeah.” Matthias and Jessica walked down the hall, dodging careless students who had yet to move on to class.11

“So where’s your first hour?” Matthias asked, quickly sliding his arm around Jessica’s waist to direct her to the left of a guy who wasn’t looking where he was going.12

“European History, I think,” she replied, pulling a pink schedule from her pocket. “Yeah, European History, room 275A; Helsworth.” Matthias nodded.13

“Cool,” he said. “Mine too.” Jessica smiled to herself, noticing that he had yet to remove his hand from her waist.14

“Jessica!” Matthias called from the mass of students gathered in the cafeteria. Jessica looked around, spotting her caller ahead of her in line, waiting for today’s mystery slop. Jessica smiled and waved, careful to avoid the foolhardiness of the small group of boys around her. One of them stumbled and knocked into her, causing the girl to nearly lose the small stack of books she held in her arm. Matthias motioned for her to cut ahead and join him in line.15

“How was second hour?” he asked as they took a seat at an open table.16

“It was alright,” Jessica answered, thumbing absently through one of her books. “I’m not too stoked about sitting through a semester of Analytic Geometry with a woman who sounds like a blender, but oh well.”17

“Oh, Miss Mareton?”18

“That’s the one.”19

“Ah, lo siento.” The boy gave one of what Jessica figured was his token grin and opened his drink.20

“Matthias!” a shrill voice cried. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”21

“Courtney,” Matthias said, his entire expression melting into solemnity. “What’s going on?”22

“You tell me, Mr. Helpful.”23

“Don’t start, Courtney. I mean it.” Courtney glared and walked away. Several students at a nearby table hid behind milk cartons in an attempt to stifle laughter.24

“God, possessive much?” Jessica asked with a grimace on her face.25

“More than what’s healthy,” he replied, shoving a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.26

“Girlfriend?” Jessica’s expression dissolved slightly, awaiting Matthias’s response. He shook his head no, swallowing another bite of potatoes.27

“She wishes,” he said. Jessica laughed, trying to cover her relief. She felt ridiculously comfortable with Matthias, which was surprising considering the two only met a mere three hours ago. Jessica wondered if Matthias felt the same way.28