Chapter 3
The weight of the notes felt like lead in my hands. By the end of the day, I was certain I’d lose circulation in my fingers. You’d think they’d ease up on us new students, but no. I scanned the hallway, searching for my locker. I’d finished the assigned homework already, so hauling my backpack home was unnecessary. Finally, I found it, spun the combination, and pulled it open. Stuffing textbooks on the top shelf, my backpack below, I slammed the door shut—and met hazel eyes.
“Hey new girl! I swear I haven’t seen you since first period.” He feigned a pout.
“What difference does it make?” I turned on my heel, dismissing his greeting.
“Well, that stings.” He gasped dramatically. I rolled my eyes. I wasn’t remotely affected by his theatrics.
“Look, thank you for being kind. But I’m not interested in a relationship, or friends, frankly. I prefer solitude. It keeps me out of trouble, away from the drama.” I rattled off my feelings, a practiced response.
“Well, you’ll be happy to know I’m a great listener, drama-free, and definitely *not* trying to get into your pants—although, you are beautiful.” He looked at me with sincerity. I almost felt bad for assuming he’d be aiming for my bedroom.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude—”
“Walker! Come on, man! We gotta go, or the boss will kill us!” A tall, tanned boy shouted, interrupting us. He stood with two others: one pale, with blonde hair and golden-brown eyes, and another a couple inches shorter than me, built like a brick wall. I glanced back at Brandon, realizing he towered over me by at least six inches, his arms bulging under the tight fabric of his band t-shirt. He was clenching his fists.
“Guys, give me a second. She’ll be fine, I promise!” He shouted at the trio.
“Uh, you should go. Sounds important.” I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked the time.
“You sure, friend?” He chuckled softly, a genuinely nice sound.
“Yeah, I gotta get home and do homework.” I lied. “You go do your thing. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Hey, can I have your number?” He blushed slightly. I laughed, handing him my phone and watching him tap in his digits.
“See you tomorrow, gorgeous!” He turned away, walking off with his friends.
A blush crept onto my cheeks. Okay, maybe having a friend wouldn’t be so bad.
I turned and walked in the opposite direction, straight toward the principal’s office. As I approached, I heard voices—a group of them. I cringed. Do I really want to know what’s being said?
I decided against it. It wasn’t a long walk home. As I stepped outside, the sky opened up, unleashing a torrent of rain.
I glanced at the street, then decided it wasn’t worth it. Instead, I stayed under the awning, settling at one of the picnic tables and waited for my mom. My phone vibrated. I pulled it out. Four messages.
Mom: *Honey, I’ll be another hour. I have two parents screaming at me over your little stunt this morning. Please call an Uber unless you want to wait.*
I sighed, not wanting to pay for an Uber. I scrolled through the other texts.
Dad: *I hope you’re having a good day at school, sweetheart. Just know I love you, and I hope to see you this weekend.*
I ignored his message. I wouldn’t be seeing him. I wasn’t ready to see him living with the woman he’d cheated on my mom with. I moved on to the last two messages.
Marcus: *Hey can we talk?*
Unknown: *Hello beautiful ????*
I ignored Marcus’s attempts to rekindle things, and replied to the unknown number.
Me: *Who is this?*
Unknown: *Your beastie!*
Me: *Huh?*
Unknown: *Bestie*
Me: *That doesn’t tell me much.*
Unknown: *You talked to me like 30 min ago Sweetheart.*
Me: *Brandon?*
Unknown: *Took you long enough cream puff.*
Me: *Are you calling me fat and fluffy?*
Brandon: *Why on earth would you think that?*
Me: *You called me cream puff, they are fat and fluffy.*
Brandon: *Not what I meant. I like cream puffs. They’re soft, sweet, and I love licking the cream out of the center ????*
Me: *I’m blocking you.*
Brandon: *No, please don’t! I’m just joking ????*
Me: *lol I kinda figured, but I wanted to see you sweat haha.*
Brandon: *I know another way you can do that ????*
Me: *Stop.*
Brandon: *I was talking about going to the gym with you, you pervert. I now feel violated.*
Me: *Whatever.*
I looked up just as a car pulled up to the curb—a dark blue Toyota Camry. The driver rolled down the window and looked over at me.
“Miss, is your name Ashton?” I nodded skeptically, eyeing the man.
“I was sent to take you home. Your friend Brandon already paid.” I chuckled lightly, believing him. I got into the back and gave him directions to my house.
Before I could shut the door, my phone vibrated.
Brandon: *I called you an Uber because I saw you sitting outside, and I figured you’d turn me down if I tried to give you a ride. ????*
I laughed at his message and sent a quick thanks before climbing into my room. Once there, I flopped onto my bed, as gracefully as an elephant. I pulled my soft blankets over me, and was about to drift off when my phone blared the song I hate, “Everything About You” by Three Days Grace.
Well, shit.