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I hated that.
I hated this whole situation.
His earlier concern was pointless, though. I knew for a fact that I would never go to the cops. I’d be on a bus straight to fucked and an unmarked grave if I did that.
Seeing Audrey’s name flash across my screen again, I shut my eyes for a second and rubbed my brow. I didn’t want to ignore my best friend.
Avoidance was a temporary salve for conflict—a sure way to make things worse. But what was I supposed to say after being radio silent for days? I couldn’t bring myself to speak to Brianna either. Although, she hadn’t exactly pushed the issue.
If anyone knew that there was a muddled mess inside my head and my life was dangerously close to coming apart at the seams, it would be her. She was a part of the damn wrecking ball.
The bell signaling class was over finally rang, cutting off Mrs. Harmon mid-lecture. I stood up and tugged at the hem of my burrowed uniform’s skirt, doing my best to make sure my ass didn’t fully emerge.
Everyone filed out of the room, students scampering off to their lockers and next class. My destination was the cafeteria. Bri didn’t wait for me like she normally had begun to do, which was all the better.
Her petite form disappeared in the throng of bodies now filling the halls. Audrey on the other hand appeared like a freaking apparition. One second, I was walking a clear-cut path and the next a pair of hazel eyes were shooting daggers into mine.
I stopped abruptly to avoid bowling her over which caused the kid behind me to nearly slam into my back. His hot breath blew way too close to my ear as he was forced to weave around us.
“Why are you ignoring me?”
“I’m not. I’ve been in class.”
“You’ve been in class all weekend? And don’t pull the studious card with me. We both know you don’t give a shit about British Literature or theology, Rhia.”
“I care a little bit.” I held up my thumb and index finger, leaving a small space between them.
Audrey rolled her eyes and grabbed hold of the offending wrist. “Let’s go.”
I readjusted my satchel and allowed her to lead me into the nearest girl’s bathroom, immediately finding my senses under attack from an overwhelming flowery fragrance.
Two pretty blondes turned their heads our way as we entered. By now it was common knowledge that Judas and I were a thing. I was going to keep it on the down-low to avoid situations exactly like this one, but he made sure it was known every chance he got. Today hadn’t been any different when he’d dropped me off at the front walkway.
My best friend seemingly joining his impenetrable crew only made the rumor mill swirl ten times more. So, it wasn’t at all surprising that when they saw us, petty judging commenced. This was typical for those who took high school way too seriously. I didn’t know these girls’ names and damn sure wouldn’t remember their faces once I escaped this hell of textbooks and lectures.
“Both of you get out. I promise you look the same as you did when you were sitting behind a desk less than five minutes ago.”
Blondie on the right capped her mascara and scowled. “Who gave you the right to decide if we can be in here or not?”
“Myself. If you need help, I can drag you out by that ponytail you’ve saturated with hairspray. I’d have something solid to grab onto,” Audrey replied sweetly.
The girls shared a look, and then made a noisy exit that consisted of loud sighs and a few expletives.
“Have a great day!” Audrey sang after them, undeterred by their attitudes. Once they were gone, she shut the bathroom door and locked it before turning back to face me.
I crossed my arms over my chest, semi-amused. When Audrey wanted something, no matter how big or small, she made sure she got it. Thus was the curse of a modern-day princess.
That didn’t bode well for me.
“Spill,” she demanded, pointing a flawlessly polished nail at the dark tiled floor.
“Spill?” I feigned confusion.
“Rhiannon,” she warned.
I turned away from her and sat my satchel beside one of the sinks. My brown-eyed gaze watched me in the mirror. I didn’t look anywhere near as tired as I felt right now—physically and emotionally. This was a good thing I guess since I needed to pretend as if everything was business as usual.
I had to.
For my parents and my best friend.
For the beautifully wicked boy, I couldn’t get away from and everyone else watching me with bated breath to see if I’d slip up. Pretending to be an ordinary high-school girl went with the M-O even if it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Truth.
That was something I could no longer give Audrey. It wasn’t as if I didn’t want to. I wished I could tell her every agonizing thought that had sown a seed inside my brain. Maybe that would soothe the mess of emotions clawing at my chest.
