• I sat watching from across the room, feeling a little sick, as people immediately swarmed in, surrounding her in seconds. One moment she was sat alone, in a dark usually unoccupied corner of the lunchroom, and then likes flies drawn to food, they were upon her. She was Darby Retward; the storm that had took our school by force. Scowling, I look away, unable to take the sight of adoring fans a second longer. A low whistle, barely audible over the lunch time chatter sounds beside me, seconds before its owner throws their tray onto the table and sits down beside me.
    ‘That thing sure is fine,’ Ashleigh Stonsome, my four years best friend drawls. I look in the direction his gaze is lingering, although I already know what he is looking at. Sure enough, his attention is aimed right at Darby. This seems to be a common thing with guys today. I reply with an unemotional ‘HUMPHH’ to show my lack of interest in the subject. Laughing, Ash turns towards me and winks.
    ‘Someone get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning Riley boy?’ he asks me, clearly amused by my seemingly bad mood. Deciding it best that I don’t answer, I reach toward the lone object placed dead centre of my tray. A large, cold, beautiful can of red bull. Raising the can so it is next to my ear, I open it up, and sigh with extreme fulfilment at the smooth whoosh. Then, bringing it down to my lips, I take several large, drawn out swigs. The pure, simple bliss that overwhelms me as the liquid crashes down my oesophagus is breath taking. Nothing, NOTHING, could ruin this moment. It’s undintable, ever living, indestructive, invin....
    ‘Riley, can I sit with you please?’ I small, timid voice asks from behind me. I start, choking on the liquid.
    ‘NO!’ I splutter, at exactly the same moment Ash blurts YES! Openly furious, Ashley turns towards me and punches me hard in the leg. I cry out in pain, and a confused Darby leaps back in alarm. Unaware of the assault that has just been carried out beneath the table; her eyes were wide with shock.
    ‘NOT without shaking my hand first!’ I recover, nodding frantically and sweeping my hand towards the seat opposite mine in a grand gesture. Unsure, Darby uneasily makes her way toward the inoffensive chair.
    ‘Maybe I’ll just go...’ she begins, turning around and starting to head in an opposite direction. Shooting from my chair, I fix the most threatening face I can manage onto my face, and utter one word.
    ‘SIT,’ I hiss. I did not just get punched in the leg for her to escape. In fear for her life more than anything else she sits. Looking around she seems to notice Ash for the first time. Throwing a quick ,anxious glance towards me first, she extends her hand towards him and introduces herself.
    ‘Hey, I’m Darby. It’s nice to meet you...Ash is it?’ she says, fixing Ash with one of her best smiles. Almost ripping his arm from its socket, Ash THROWS his hand towards her, his eyes alight with the excitement of a puppy.
    ‘The pleasure is all mine, the please is. All. Mine!’ Sighing, I pull him off her. What a fool. Looking both grateful and devasted at the interruption, Ash regains his composure.
    ‘How do you know our good sir, Riley here then?’ he asks, openly astonished that the new beauty chose to sit with us. Actually I can’t deny I’m a little shocked myself.
    ‘He hasn’t told you? I’m his....’ Darby begins, puzzlement creasing her brows.
    ‘Dog walker. I walk her dogs,’ I interrupt. Pausing for a moment, Darby regains herself and quickly affirms my statement. Guiltily I peek from the corner of my eye at her. Sadness shines clear in her eyes. Excusing herself, Darby rises quickly from the table and without another word hurries away. Before she turns the corner I notice her wipe a tear away. Hanging my head, I also excuse myself and rush after her.