AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After class, I ran into Lexi outside the library. “Hey, I’m so glad to see you.”
“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” She crossed her arms and looked at me like I was the last person on earth she wanted to see.
My head dropped seeing how disappointed she was in me. “You heard, huh?”
“Of course I heard. She’s my best friend.”
“There’s more to it, you know. I feel so bad, Lexi. I was awful.” I chewed the inside and stared down at the zigzag pattern on the carpet.
“I know why you got transferred.”
My head popped up. “You do? How? Whaddya mean?” I stammered.
“I heard about what happened months ago. My cousin was one of the freshmen soccer players who got hazed—only I didn’t know it was you. He said it was a bunch of seniors, and you’re a junior, so—”
“So, I was still there.” I sighed. “It was awful. The guys and I—you know the ones who showed up yesterday? We couldn’t stop any of it. Those poor kids all blacked out and barfed everywhere.”
“Lucky they got sick. Might’ve died from alcohol poisoning.” She scoffed. “Stupid boys. And those seniors at Brixton have been bullies since we were in grade school.”
“It all got so outta control, Lex. I just had to end it to get on with the season. Those guys weren’t gonna come clean, and my stupid friends weren’t gonna snitch.”
“So, you took the fall for the whole team?” Lexi asked. “Then got transferred here?”
“Yep, that’s pretty much how it went.” I nodded. “Think Grace will understand?”
“She’s hurt, for sure. Maybe she’d listen to the soccer thing, but I don’t think she’s gonna forgive you for treating her the way you did in front of her mom. Grace is pretty sensitive when it comes to her.”
“Where is she?” I looked around, hoping Grace was somewhere close.
“Already on the train home, my friend.” Lexi pointed out the double doors.
“Damn.” I kicked the carpet with my loafer. “Think I should call her?”
“I think you need to let her get home and cool off. Maybe call in a couple weeks?”
“Okay, you’re probably right.” I leaned over and hugged Lexi. “Have a great holiday.”
“You, too.” Lexi turned to walk away but stopped. “Henry?”
“Yeah?”
“If Grace loves you, like I think she does, she’ll listen—eventually.” Lexi smiles.
My heart sank.
Love?
That was it, wasn’t it?
I’d fallen in love with Tutor Girl.
6
Winners
Grace
Campus looks like a Christmas card with frost on all the windows and icy paths sparkling under the muted yellow lights from the lamps lining the sidewalks.
