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But as I draw closer, they turn as one and stare at me. They’re waiting for me. Do they have my class schedule? How else would they know I’m in this class?
With them watching me, I’m suddenly hyper-focused on how I look approaching them. I’m wearing denim shorts and a baggy white tee. Nothing special, but at least my legs look good in these shorts. But am I walking funnier than I normally do?
Ugh. Why do I even care?
Probably because they all stand there like Greek gods. They’re each attractive in different ways, and I’m not the only one who notices. Other students check them out as they pass, and a few girls wave and giggle when Hunter winks at them.
Britney appears out of nowhere, Summer following her. Bitch. No way I’m gonna let that shit she said slide. I hate assholes, but I hate bullies more. And from what I have gathered. She is the mean girl and I won’t stand for that shit.
“Hey, Summer. I saw the video and comment. Take that shit down. You know it’s not true.” I cock my head to the side and purse my lips as her eyes widen at the sight of me. Like she didn’t expect to see me, or maybe didn’t expect me to speak up about it. She knew me before. I never tolerated bullies previously, I wasn’t about to change now.
But she straightens up, and her expression changes fast as she giggles. “No way. I have it straight from the source. It’s true. That right, boys?”
Jace leans back against the wall, and Britney plasters herself to him, her leg wrapping around his. That’s right, Britney. You better mark your property or someone will steal him. Won't be me, though.
“It’s true,” Jace replies casually.
I grit my teeth. Does he think this is going to…what? Hurt me? Make me go cry and disappear? I live next door to him, I know his parents, his brother. Hell, there would always be rumors about me and the boys. I’d lived with them already. But now that we were older, of course the rumors would be more sexual in nature.
I’m not even upset for myself. I’m upset for him. He wants to go to college and play football. That had always been his dream. Having this online wouldn’t look good for college recruiters.
“Jace, you’re just angry because you don't know who my first kiss is. I get it, but I was twelve, dumbass. You might want to be careful what you let spread around, because I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to be having sex at that age.”
I watch as his expression changes from one of smugness to realization that he fucked up. Yeah, boys are so dumb. I point at his school athletics T-shirt that says “Rebels of Ridgecrest High.”
“Yeah, don’t think your coach would like to know about you having sex with minors either. Might not get to play this season. But since you say it’s true and all, I guess it is. Maybe I should let him know it came straight from the source.”
Hunter straightens up, shaking his head, his hands up in defense. “Hey, wait up, Mila. It was a kiss. That's it. I’m telling you now, I had nothing to do with that.” Hunter points at Summer. “Take that shit down now. I can't have that on my record.”
He tries to take Summer’s phone out of her hand while Jace whispers in Britney’s ear, his eyes on me. Roman just stands there, not moving, though his eyes track me as I walk into the classroom.
“Emerson.” I smile, my chest feeling lighter at the sight of him. He’s sitting next to a guy I don’t know.
“Mila, hey, you're here.”Standing, he looks around and then down at the guy who’s clearly on the football team.
“Hey, Leo, can you sit somewhere else so Mila can sit with me?”
I put my hand out. “No, you don’t have to do that.” I don’t want him to move just because I’m here.
But Emerson isn’t having it. “I think it’s best you sit here. All of them are in this class, and they’re not happy with you.”
I laugh, because I’m more than aware of that fact.
Leo gets up. “Hey, I’m Leo. I was there on Saturday night, so I have no problem moving.” He grabs his books, and I thank him as he moves a few seats back.
I don’t waste any time sitting beside Em. “Fuck, Saturday night was crazy. I can’t wait for the next party.” Laughing, I bump my shoulder against his.
He chuckles and then freezes. Following his gaze, I see Jace and Britney stroll in, Roman and Hunter following. Hunter’s on his phone and talking to Roman, showing him something. Maybe looking for posts about me from Saturday night. I have no doubt if Hunter’s parents see that shit online, they’ll be pissed. They’d always been set on him getting into Harvard. Which does shock me they let him go here and not Lakeview Prep.
The teacher finally stands up and tells the class to quiet down. “For those of you who haven’t been in my class before, I assign seats based on a random draw. I have all your names in here. I will draw out two names, and that will be your partner. You will sit together and do all class assignments together. I won’t change, and if you ask, I’ll deduct a grade from your assignment each time.”
I realize then that he doesn’t have my name in there. As I walked in, I forgot to give him the slip from the office. Maybe this will spare me a partner. But when I quickly scan the room, I count an even number. Fuck. I hope whoever is last, isn’t one of them.
Mr. Rayne starts rattling off names. Hunter is partnered with a girl with braces and a hot pink hoodie. I wonder how she can wear that thing. The cooling isn’t the best in here, and I would melt in those clothes.
“Jace Montero and Emerson Henty.”
“Fuck,” Em whispers under his breath. I’m surprised. Based on their interactions Saturday night, I’d assumed they’re friends.
