Page 149 of Rebellious

“There’s nothing I can say that will make you feel better. Talk to your father. Trust me on this.”

CJ considered Easton for a minute. “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Girlfriends weren’t wise to have around at the American Scorpions.”

“Just another reason not to trust them and wish for a different outcome. I didn’t agree with that peace agreement.”

“A lot of people didn’t, but it’s done.”

“And can’t be undone without something fucked up happening. I understand that, Easton.” CJ grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, then scowled and said, “Would you like to meet Ember? You might like her. She’s on the quiet side and crochets as a hobby. But she’s really pretty.”

Easton sure as shit wanted to meet the fucking teacher who sucked off a high school kid, so he nodded.

“Wait, the bell’s about to ring.”

As soon as the words were out, the bell pealed and indistinguishable chatter floated on the warm breeze.

“Do you like it here?”

“I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, CJ.”

The kid snickered. “How about I give you my schedule? You can at least meet my teachers.”

“Are they all as confrontational as Wilhemhein?”

“Not Ms.—”

“Flotsam,” Easton interjected. “I met her yesterday. She’s a stick in the mud.”

“Fuck, she’s worse. You can ask Miz Clara to print all our schedules. You will meet a lot of the fucking teachers with as many of my brothers, sister, and cousins who are enrolled.”

“I need a list,” Easton admitted. “I’m not acquainted with all the kids.”

CJ held out his cell phone. “Put in your contact information. I’ll text you the list later on.”

After doing as instructed and handing CJ his phone back, Easton had a question of his own. “You and Ryan are in the same grade?”

“Yeah.”

“How many classes do you two have together?”

“One, and football practice. Why?”

“I just think security is easier if all the Dweller kids in the same grade are in class together.”

“That’s fine with me, although it’ll probably work best for next school year, since this one is almost over. I don’t know how well Rebel will adapt to having Devon and Rory around all day, but Mattie won’t protest.”

“How is Mattie in the same grade as Devon, Rory, Harley, and Rebel when she’s younger?”

“It has to do with Wallace Bart,” CJ said with distaste. “She also took tests so they skipped her.”

“What about if we test her again, along with some of the other kids to see if they can move up a grade?”

“Talk to Dad, Uncle Val, and Aunt Kendall. It sounds like a good idea to me, though.” CJ stood. “I guess I better get to my next class.”

“I’ll give you an excuse. I want to meet Ember.”

The walk to Ember’s classroom didn’t take long. When Easton laid eyes on her, his first thought was that Ember LeBan was as pretty as CJ described. She blushed when he introduced her to Easton. She wore a high-necked cotton dress paired with loafers and understated jewelry. The tight bun in her hair was a turn-off, though.