The class went on as normal when the bell rang and Mr. Smith released us. Everyone started filing out while I stuck back and let the crowd clear. I grabbed my bag and pulled out my schedule after the last student left and started to read for my next class. I wasn't paying any attention as I walked down the hall and accidentally ran into someone, knocking their books from their hands.

“My bad, sorry bud" I apologized as I knelt down and picked everything up and handed them to a male timber wolf.

“No problem mate" He replied as he took his books back.

“Should probably pay more attention to where I'm going".

“Like I said no problem" he smiled and raised his hand. “Ryan Douglas".

“Eli Jones, but everyone just calls me Buck." I returned the gesture.

He took on a thoughtful expression, “Don't think I've ever seen a human here before, are you new here?"

“Yeah, this is actually my first day," I replied while scratching the back of my neck.

“Cool, how's it been so far?" I smiled at his curiosity. He showed legitimate interest and helped prove that my nervousness was very much misplaced.

“Alright so far, but the days just getting started, so I guess we'll see how the rest of it goes".

“Don't worry, I think you'll do just fine, so what's your next class?"

“Biology with Steven Voan" I read.

“Hey me to, follow me, I'll show you where it is." He seemed to like the fact that we had the same class and I was glad he was willing to show me the way. I stayed right behind him as he walked past me and showed that I was going the wrong way.

I glanced over at my new acquaintance and could tell that he was a naturally friendly guy, judging by our earlier conversation. He stood at about 5'8", just a bit shorter then my 5'11", with dark brown fur covering every inch of his body that was visible. I could see kindness in his forest green eyes and an infectious smile to go with them. I could feel happiness flowing from his spirit as he led me to our second class.

The walk itself was quick and we soon reached Voan's class. I walked in after Ryan and he gestured for me to sit next to him in one of the small clusters of desks that littered the room. I did son and we were soon joined by an Australian Shepherd that took the seat in front of Ryan.

“Hey Ryan…who's the new guy," He asked as his hazel examined me.

“Hey Matt, this is Eli. Eli, this is Matt Dean." Ryan told me as he motioned towards the Shepherd.

“Pleasure to meet ya' Matt, Eli's the name but you can just call me Buck." I raised my hand and he eagerly took and held it with a firm grip.

“The pleasure's all mine mate".

I was happy with what I saw in his eyes, a passionate and caring soul. I also saw something that bugged me because I couldn't quite place it.

I could tell that he took great care of himself. Charcoal black fur covered his head while it took on a pristine white that formed a sort of line from between his eyes and covered his muzzle and neck with tan colored splotches around his eyes and sides of his face. He was very well groomed and his fur actually had a shine to it.

The seat in front of me was soon occupied as well by a male white tiger that introduced himself as Zack Masters. I knew instantly that this was a guy I could get along with.

Strength and loyalty reflected in those golden irises. I could tell that his friends could trust him to have their back, no matter what. His fur was pure white with dark black lines that identified all tigers.

“So how long have y'all been friends?" I asked.

“Six years," Ryan sounded unsure about his answer.

“No, seven years" Matt corrected.

“Seven years, that's pretty good…so how'd y'all meet up."

“We actually met up just like this. We all walked into the same class together and formed a little group, then some things happened, and here we are."

'Short, simple, and to the point…I knew i'd like this tiger.' I hated long winded stories and this guy basically told me everything I needed to know without taking all day.

We made small talk with each other until the bell rang again and a male deer walked in.

“Good morning class".

“Good morning Mr. Voan." Everyone replied in a monotone voice. This must be a routine.

The class went a lot like the first one, the teacher asks me to come up' I introduce myself, answer any questions, then go and sit back down. The difference was that I wasn't nervous this time. I finally realized that I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was either friendly or ignored me like they would anyone else. The only downside was Mr. Voan's teaching.

The guy was droning on and on about something that no one would ever even need to know. I spotted some duck tape on his desk…is it bad that I was tempted to use it to tape his mouth shut?

I heard the saints calling to me in the form of the release bell that let me out of this hell.

“Hey Buck?"

“Yeah Ryan" I looked over to the timber wolf and smiled at what he asked next.

“Want to sit with us at lunch?"

“Sure thing, thanks for the offer bud." I was glad that he actually wanted me to stick around a little longer, and hopefully I just found myself a few new friends.

'Let's see how lunch goes shall we' I thought as we all left and made our way to the cafeteria.

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   I hoped this chapter was as good as the first one because I know I ain't that good of a writer. My post might also be at different times since so if I don't update in a while, it's because I just can't get to a computer and add to it.