“I guess,” she muses.
I grab her wrist to stop her and meet her eyes. “Don’t be. Nice won’t help you survive.”
Her eyes are wide, but she gives me a small nod.
I release her wrist.
She continues to lightly apply the foundation, not meeting my eyes. I take her face in.
Hailee is a pretty girl. Long blonde hair. Blue doe eyes. On the taller side, with curves in all the right places. Her makeup is applied lightly. More of a natural feel. All except the bright red lipstick painting her lips. She wears lipstick like a weapon. Daring the men to stare, but telling them they have no hope of touching.
“There,” she finishes.
“Thanks.”
“No biggie.” She settles back into her spot on the bench as she puts her mirror and makeup away.
I tense, waiting for her to ask more, but she doesn’t. Instead, she opens her book back up and starts reading.
I don’t speak either, settling next to her. It’s almost nice to sit with someone and not be on the defensive.
Twenty minutes later, the other kids flood the bus stop. I can hear them talking, but I ignore them. They won’t talk to me. They never do. They only talk about me.
Honestly, I think everyone is slightly afraid of me.
It’s not their fault, really. I’m just sorta known for throwing punches before asking questions. I don’t like to be bothered and I won’t put up with anyone’s shit.
They don’t leave Hailee alone, though.
“Hey nerd. What’s your mom making for dinner tonight? Oh, that’s right. You don’t have a mom.”
The boy laughs with his friends as Hailee tenses next to me. I give her credit, though. She doesn’t say anything to them. Other than the slight tensing of her hands, I wouldn’t know she even heard them.
“Have you seen those lips of hers, Henry? You can’t help but wonder what that color would look like on your cock. I bet she gives some killer head. What do you say, Hailee? You want to give it a whirl?”
He goes to move closer to her, but I slide over, forcing his eyes to meet mine.
I give him a glare that must work because he stops his movement, deciding to turn back to his friends.
Hailee doesn’t move, but I see her relax a little.
When the bus finally rolls up, I hover behind for everyone else to get on before I stand and get on myself.
Instead of choosing an empty seat like I normally would, I slide in beside Hailee.
She startles, gazing up at me.
“Mind if I sit here?” I ask.
She shakes her head no, looking confused. We don’t talk the entire bus ride, but I say something as soon as we get off the bus. “You should stand up for yourself. They only do it because you let them.”
She shrugs. “Not everyone has the confidence you do, Willow. I’ll see you later.”
She walks away, leaving me standing there considering her words.
I make my way into the building, keeping my head down.
It isn’t until I’m at my locker that Nate catches up with me.
