I shuffle in the library, where sir Whitlock and I agreed to meet up.

I'm nervous. 

I don't want to think like that, but a part of me is still suspicious of this. I mean, he knows me not even a day and he wants to teach me in an one-on-one session?

I sit down at a table, laying my notes on it. I think I have a little over ten minutes spare, but I wanted to be on time. I can't afford to be late.

I look around a little. I walk through the long rows, wondering over all the books. Each book is a different story with different characters and a different plotline...

"Well, well. Miss Huxley." I stiffen at that. Gosh, not again.

I slowly turn around and see the jerks from this morning. I was lucky to be able to avoid them the rest of the day, but they're in pretty much all my lectures. And now they're here.

I don't know what to say, so I give a jerky nod and turn around again, attempting to run. But before I can set a step, a hand is on my should. I knit my brows together.

God, why are they here? They're jerks and I'd rather avoid them all school year. I've seen the way they act today. It's like they think they're too good for this school. All I've seen them do is being cocky or laughing at other students.

As I said. Jerks. 

"Where you going? We're not done here," the voice comes behind me. I pull my arm free from his grip and turn back around. "I don't know you and am not required to talk to you."

His eyebrows raise with surprise. "Mouthy. I like it," he chuckles and the three others behind him join him. I sigh.

One of the others steps up behind him. "You don't know us? Darling, we're the Hockey Four. Everyone knows us. Have you not been paying attention?"

I scoff. "Why would I be paying attention to you? I've get better things to do." One mouth corner lifts in a smirk. "Oh, I think that'll change."

I frown in confusion as the other two stand next to these two. I roll my eyes. Great. I'll be late anyway.

"It's her first day. Maybe we've got to tell her," one suggests, his eyes roaming over my body. I cross my arms over my chest, uncomfortable. I don't like these guys and they don't seem to like me either. 

Oh no. What did I get myself into?

"Hockey Four, nice to meet ya." I look down. That's just one-sided. 

"She's one of the shy kind," he chuckles. I feel the heat rising to my cheeks and wish I could die on the spot.

"I'm Jake," he follows. Ugh. Of course he's a Jake.

The one on his left speaks up. "I'm Mason." They introduce themselves one for one.

"Leo."

"Adam."

I stay silent, but I actually want to ask, "Who asked?" Only, they're very intimidated and they're already picking on me. Great start of college!

"And your name is?" The question lingers between us. I keep my mouth shut, silently praying they'll see someone else and decide to leave me alone.

"Miss Huxley? I don't like late students, especially not if I'm spending my free time on them!" I hear sir Whitlock's voice boom through the library. My eyes widen and I step forward to run to my table.

But Adam's the closest—I hate that I remember their names—and pins me between him and the book rack, covering my mouth with a hand. I let out a breath, eyes closing when the realization dawn on me. 

I'm stuck with four muscular guys, in the back of a library. Great situation.

"You're gonna keep your mouth shut," he whispers in my ear. I nod, eyes opening again. I'm met with his green ones, which are glaring down at me. He keeps his hand on my mouth while he looks over his shoulders at the rest.

My eyes fall on my backpack, a few meters from the two of us. Shit, my name's on that.

Leo—gosh, why do I remember that name?— follows my gaze and smirks. He picks up my backpack and looks inside of it. I try to protest, but Adam is damn strong and keeps my screams muffled well.

"Sophia Huxley," Leo smirks. My shoulders slumps. Damnit. Now they can track my dorms. Oh my God. What if they do?

"Pretty name for a pretty girl," Mason grins. I look away. I don't think he means that.

The large doors of the library slam shut, making me flinch under Adam's hand. Jake peeks through the racks, then nods at the other three. "He's gone."

Adam releases me. I quickly untangle me from his body and run away from them. I see my notes on the table, but no sign of sir Whitlock. My shoulders slump.

Now he thinks I don't take him serious. I wasted his time.

"Hey, Sophia!" Mason's voice booms through the library. I flinch again. Why are they so loud? You're supposed to be silent in a library!

I look over my shoulder while gathering my stuff. Maybe if I'm fast, I can esc— shit. I look down at my arms. No bag.

I look bag at them. Yup. There's my backpack. In Leo's hands. 

Well, I have a lot more bags at the dorm. Fuck that one.

I start to run, terrified they might get me again. Maybe if I'm fast, I can still catch sir Whitlock in the hallways?

But an arm around my waist stop me, my legs running in the air. I open my mouth to yell at them, but another hand covers my mouth again. Gosh, these guys are such jerks.

"I think you forgot something," Adam whispers in my ear. I sigh and slump my body in his arms. It's not like I can do anything...

And what is it with this guy and keeping me trapped? You'd think he likes it.

"Here you go. You can thank us," Jake grins and puts the bag on the table. I stay silent, but if looks could kill... oh. He'd be dead dead.

"Leave me alone," I grit out. Leo smirks at me. "Nope. That's not how you thank someone, princess."

"I. Know. Now let me go!" I wiggle in Adam's arms, but he doesn't release me. Instead, he sighs. "She's gonna need to learn it the hard way, guys."

My eyes widen in fear. Hard way? Oh my God, are they gonna slap me? Rape me? 

Fear shuts my throat tight and I decide to get out of this the easy way. I might not be proud of it, but safety first.

"Thank you for bringing my bag. It was really nice," I say, my voice trembling. I feel the tears sting in my eyes. I'm so scared I could pee my pants right now.

Something changes in their posture. They stand up straighter. Adam releases me, Leo gives me my bag. I look down while collecting my stuff as fast as possible.

I run to the doors, this time not being followed. When I'm in the corridor, I sob and wipe the tears from my cheeks. But they keep streaming.

I can't believe that just happened. I thought first day of college would be fantastic, but here I am, scared to death.

I can't see where I'm going and desperately try to wipe my tears away in order to. I sob again, but try to control my breathing.

While stumbling through the hallway, I hear another voice. Softer, calming.

"Oh my God, are you okay?"