341Chapter Two: Physics
Two weeks later, the school continued to find Kennedy Hunter to be an interesting gossip topic. New stories and rumors about her continued to appear, but she had remained strong. She refused to approach anyone and no one approached her. Despite her resentment towards the loneliness, she preferred it that way. She didn't want to directly deal with the questions and harassment.
Kennedy would eat her meals alone and spent all her time in the silent library. Emma kept her distance, and no one would have ever guessed that they were roommates. On the bright side, Kennedy found herself reading more than ever, a beloved hobby that had steadily faded out of her life before now.
"Alright class, we have our first big project due next month. I have your partners listed here," Mr. Sales announced.
The girls in class automatically giggled and snuck glances at Spencer. It was obvious who they all wanted to have as their partner. Kennedy rolled her eyes at the grinning Spencer. As far as she was concerned, those girls were idiots.
Since arriving at Anderson Prep, she had made many observations. So far, Spencer and his friends had done nothing to impress her. She couldn't understand why everyone seemed to adore them. Based on her observations, they were arrogant, careless, womanizing, and foolish. She chalked it up to their good looks and wealth.
Physics was Kennedy's least favorite class. Mr. Sales was rather dull but very difficult, a horrible mix. She was dreading all of these group projects that Mr. Sales was infamous for.
"Mackenzie and Simon, Kennedy and Spencer, Emma and Dale," Mr. Sales listed, sounding bored.
Kennedy's eyes darted around the room. Sure enough, the handsome blue-eyed boy caught her eye. He gave her a slight smile as he made his way towards her.
"You're my lab partner?" she nearly stammered, feeling her jaw go slightly slack. It was just her luck. She thought him an irritating, annoying jerk who thought he was a god to the absurdly stupid students at Anderson Prep, just like his ridiculous little buddies, so of course she'd be forced to work with him.
He chuckled, "Well, I know I'm the only Spencer at Anderson, and if you're Kennedy, and I'm pretty positive that you are, then I think we're set. Now try not to act so disappointed, Ken."
She gave him a blank look, despite the irritation she felt within. Did this guy think he was funny? Was he trying to be cute with the nickname? She knew this was going to be ugly.
"By the way, it's nice to finally meet you, Kennedy Hunter. So tell me," he said, setting his things down beside her and sliding into his new seat, "Are you any good at this science thing? Because I hate science."
He watched her as she bit her lip in irritation. He couldn't help but think that she looked bit unhealthy. If she would just put some weight on her fragile frame and maybe spend some time outdoors, she would be rather attractive. In his mind, he could see her being quite gorgeous, with those enticing blue eyes and long wavy hair. He shook his head at his random thoughts.
"So, are you always this conversational, Ken?" he chuckled, finally breaking their silence. He was deeply amused by her irritation and silence. This was the first time he'd ever been in her company, and her first impression was not very sweet and charming.
She snapped her eyes up to his face, and glared fiercely, "Don't call me Ken."
"Feisty, are we? I like that better than the lovely silence," he tried to joked, only receiving a bitter glare in return.
"Screw you. I can't believe I am stuck with you, one of the idiot kings of this stupid school," she sneered, "Let's just work on the project and get it over with."
Surprised by her snapping response, Spencer threw his hands up innocently, "I'm sorry, it was just a joke. You do know what a joke is, don't you?"
"You're an idiot," she muttered.
Spencer was rather blown away by her anger. No one ever snapped at him. Some people may snap at Max and Harrison, or even Dylan, but he was always considered the nicest of his friends. "I'm sorry, honestly. I didn't mean any harm."
Kennedy glared at him, "I'm so sure. You don't need to apologize; it doesn't mean anything to me anyway. We've only just met, and besides, I thought – scratch that – I'm sure being a jerk is a way of life here."
"Whoa, Kennedy," he stammered, "Ok, relax."
"Don't tell me to relax!" The fire in her eyes blazed, making Spencer feel even more taken aback. "The less we do and say in each other's company, the better."
"I'm really sorry. I'm just trying to be nice now." He was genuinely trying to apologize, but she seemed just as determined not to accept it.
All eyes were on the pair. Even Mr. Sales was gaping at them both.
"I find it hard to believe that anyone at this school can be nice to me," she scoffed, giving him a suspicious glare, "Especially someone like you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, frowning.
Kennedy eyed him up and down, "You definitely seem the type to follow the crowd, not deviate from it. You and your buddies are attractive and popular, and you're all very aware of it. You're made to be a heartbreaker, and you definitely aren't worthy of being a friend of mine."
Mr. Sales finally seemed to find his voice and struggled to make it stern, "Ms. Hunter, perhaps you should step outside and collect yourself!"
"Yes Mr. Sales," Kennedy replied, leaping out of her seat, "I'm sorry."
With a final glare at Spencer, she left the room. Unfortunately for her, Spencer was not going to allow it to end that way. Before Mr. Sales could say a word about it, Spencer disappeared.
They both stood in the hallway, Kennedy pointedly ignoring him. Spencer now felt confused. He was definitely angry, though it wasn't necessarily at her. The anger was more focused on the idea that she had just spewed off, one he had heard before.
"You're wrong, you know," Spencer said in a low tone, after several minutes of silence, "I'm not a bad guy and I am a worthwhile friend. You don't know me well enough to judge me."
Kennedy glanced up at him. He was staring at her with a dead serious expression that made her stomach flip with uncertainty.
"Whatever. It really doesn't matter. You can just leave me alone and I'll leave you alone, ok?"
Spencer nodded, somewhat fearful of another outburst, "If that's what you want."
The news of Spencer and Kennedy spread like wildfire through Anderson Prep. No one could believe it. It was too absurd to them all that a virtually unknown and penniless transfer had blown up at the wealthy and handsome school sweetheart.
Spencer shrugged it all off, refusing to answer anyone's questions about the debacle. He had left her alone, as she had wished. No one even dared to try asking Kennedy anything. Everyone watched her carefully, waiting to see if she'd snap again.
Kennedy sat in her English class waiting for Mr. Beckman to begin class.
Harrison Chase rushed in, muttering an apology to Mr. Beckman, and took the only available seat in the class.
Glancing at him as he sat down beside her, Kennedy couldn't help but roll her eyes. Sure, he was handsome, but she felt an immediate dislike towards him.
As if he could sense her observing him, he turned his head to look at her.
"Hunter, right?" he suddenly asked. This was the girl who had troubled his friend. Spencer hadn't spoken about the occurrence, but everyone knew what had been said.
"My name is Kennedy," she snapped spitefully.
"Right," he said, amusement sparkling in his dark eyes. Yes, there was that bite he had heard about. Such a bitter girl she was to so quickly despise them all. "You should be nicer to Spencer. He's one of my best friends."
Feeling greatly agitated, she glared at him and scoffed. His gaze settled on her and she had to admit that his intense green eyes unsettled her. It took her a lot of nerve to return his deep gaze. His eyes were dark and intimidating and had a chilling effect. She wondered what he looked like when he was angry.
Deciding to ignore him, she focused her attention to the English lecture.
"We need to work on our project," Kennedy said to Spencer tersely, spotting him alone in the cafeteria. The other students were staring at her like she was from outer space. The whispers began with a sudden wave.
It had been two weeks since they were given the assignment.
Spencer glanced up at her. He was rather surprised to see her before him, "Ok."
"Look, I don't get you people," she finally sighed, looking away from him. She was tired of the mutters and whispers, and yet, they seemed to increase every day. After finishing her project, she wouldn't have to worry about the boy before her, and maybe that would get some of the gossip to cease.
After a few moments of silence, Kennedy could still see the confusion in his eyes. "Well, I don't get you," he said simply.
"Well then, I guess we're even."
"You know, we're really not that bad here, you just have to prove yourself somehow," he said softly, "Show them that you belong. We're good and loyal people once you get through. I promise."
She looked at him, examining his face. He was very striking. Locks of his curly brown hair fell over his blue eyes. He was about half a foot taller than her, much like his friends. His lips looked full and soft, and he had a nice tan. She suddenly understood why all the girls swooned over him and his friends, without bothering to get to know them first. Under different circumstances, she may have swooned as well.
"But I don't belong," she replied curtly, "We'll start working in class on Monday."
Without a second glance, she left him alone again.
"I'm glad we're done with that!" Spencer sighed, pushing away his physics notes.
"I must admit that I agree with you there," Kennedy replied, shoving her things back into her backpack.
"Glad that you're done with the project or glad that you're done with me?" Spencer asked in a low tone.
"Why does it matter to you, anyway?" This was the first time they'd talked about things unrelated to physics since their conversation in the cafeteria.
He had to admit that he hadn't cared about the transfer before this project, but now he found her to be a mystery he was dying to solve. There was no reason for her personal dislike towards him and he felt determined to show her so. Tilting his head to get a better look at her, he couldn't help but wonder what was really going through her mind. She was so mysterious and different from anyone else he had ever encountered.
"I do care, you know. I'm not this heartless beast you think I am. Honestly, I don't even know where you got the idea. Everyone's always told me that I'm a nice guy. I wished you'd give me a chance to be your friend."
"Well thanks, but no thanks," Kennedy said, starting to walk away.
"Fine then," he said, watching her hastily throw her used library books into the cart, "Let me walk you back to your dorm."
"No," she replied coolly.
"Why not?"
She finally looked at him, "No."
"You're very stubborn," he sighed, quickly adding, "No offense."
"And you are so great at getting your way, aren't you?" she shot back sarcastically, "Go away."
"Come on, just let me," he pleaded, sticking out his lower lip and pouting.
"You're seriously not going to let it drop, are you?" she sighed, rolling her eyes at him and turning away. He was grinning in a way that told her what she dreaded. "Why do I even bother?"
"I'm just that kind of guy," he chuckled playfully.
"So you're serious about walking me to my dorm?" she asked, not bothering to look at him as they exited the library.
"Why wouldn't I be serious?" he asked, grabbing her books from her arms.
"I don't know," she replied, reaching for her books in his hand, "It's not like I need an escort or anything."
"Consider it an act of kindness?" he chuckled, pulling the books out of her reach.
"Can I have my books? I can carry them myself, you know," she sighed, putting her hand on her hip and frowning.
"Can't I be a gentleman and carry the lady's books?" he replied, stubbornly, prodding her to move along.
"I though chivalry was dead," she remarked, rolling her eyes, as she continued to walk.
"Only because you hadn't met me," he laughed, falling into step beside her.
She gave him a mocking glance and didn't respond, allowing silence to take over.
He flashed her a brilliant smile and acted as though he were perfectly content in her silent company. He didn't even seem to notice the strange stares they were receiving from the students they passed.
"I don't need you to walk me around and to be my friend, you know," she finally said as they approached the front door of the girls' dormitory.
"Just like I don't need to do it," he replied, shrugging his shoulders, "But I want to, so I believe I will."
"You're a strange person," she stated simply.
"I know it. I don't really find you normal either, you know," he replied.
"Oh really?" she replied.
"Yes, normal girls would be all over me, not treating me like the devil incarnate," he teased, playfully, "Don't you find me attractive at all?"
Kennedy rolled her eyes and refused to reply, pulling out her room key instead.
"You won't get rid of me too easily," he said, suddenly.
Kennedy was a bit taken aback by his easy statement, "I guess I'll see you in class tomorrow."
"Hey," he said, grabbing her arm before she stepped through her doorway, "You want to come and hang out with me right now? I'm meeting my friends at the old diner in town. Come with me."
She gently pulled her hand away, "It's alright. I'd rather not."
Without another word, she shut the door, but it didn't stop her from hearing Spencer's parting words.
"Well, just for the record, I think you do belong."
She felt herself blush at his words, but otherwise chose to ignore his words. Hearing his fading footsteps, she wondered what Spencer Emery could possibly want from her.
"Hey, there you are Spencer!" Dylan called out, as Spencer entered the small, ritzy diner, "We were starting to wonder what had happened to you."
The Diner had been around for nearly 50 years but was never given any other name. It was in mint condition, owned by a very wealthy family, and had quality food. It was unlike any other diner and had instantly become a favorite town spot for Anderson Prep students, and had stayed that way for all these years.
"Hey," he replied, taking a seat in the red, plush chair, "Sorry I'm late."
"What were you up to?" Maxwell asked, after winking and smiling at an attractive new waitress. The owner had a knack for hiring pretty, young girls.
It was obvious that the girls in town were hoping to be noticed by an Anderson Prep boy. The diner was packed with students, but only a small fraction of them attended Anderson Prep. It was typical for a weekday.
"I finished my physics project."
"Pushing it a bit late, aren't you?" Harrison said, quirking an eyebrow and waving away the unknown girl nestled on his lap. Shock and surprise filled her features as she gaped at him for his actions. He chuckled and kissed her lightly on her lips, obviously placating her enough to do as told.
"Poor girl," Dylan chuckled, though it was obvious that his pity didn't run too deep.
Spencer shook his head, though he had on a look of slight disapproval, "Well, it took Kennedy two weeks to come to me and start working on it. At least it's done on time, right?"
"Well, at least you're done with the ice cold bitch, right?" Max was still distracted by that waitress. She would be his next conquest.
Dylan groaned as he followed Max's gaze. He knew exactly what his friend was thinking. "Why do you insist on pursuing our waitresses? After you dump them, we all end up fearing the food we eat here. Aren't you afraid that one day, the girl will poison you or something as she serves us?"
Max frowned and looked slightly deflated, "You cynic."
Harrison laughed at the exchange before turning his attention back to Spencer, who did not have his usual grin. He looked as though he were deep in thought and was completely unaware of the others around him.
"What's wrong with you, Spence?"
The other two turned to look and waited for Spencer's reply. A waitress came by and gave them all their usual orders.
"She's not that bad," he finally said in a low tone, staring at his food.
"Who? The transfer?" Dylan asked, curiously.
"Are you two friends now or something?" Max further inquired, feeling rather confused, "I thought she hated you."
"She does," Spencer sighed, "And no, we're not friends. But still, she's not that bad."
The others exchanged confused and skeptical glances. Were they missing something here? They knew Spencer was a good guy, but he wasn't one to defend someone who blatantly despised him.
"Do you have a thing for her or something?" Harrison asked, frowning slightly.
"No guys, I don't, but that doesn't mean she's not that bad," he tried to clarify, "If she's give me the chance, I wouldn't mind being her friend."
"If she gave you a chance?" Max repeated, aghast.
"That's what I said," Spencer answered, in a hard and final tone.
The others took the hint and left the subject alone for now.
A/N: So, I didn't really get any response from my first chapter, but I guess my story is just as much for me as it is for other people, therefore, here is chapter two.
I don't know. I hope people like it so far.