Not the whole school. Just Nate.
The others have been wary of me, but not outright nasty to me. Not yet at least. I know it’s coming though.
“Oh look. It’s the trailer trash. How does it feel to know that your future will be staring at the ceiling while you get rammed for a quick buck?” Nate’s voice makes me cringe, but I school my expression.
Turning to face him, I’m about to respond when Steve, one of his followers, speaks up, “Come on, Nate. Sometimes she might be face down in the pillow while she gets corn holed in the ass.”
He bends over laughing at his comment, but Nate’s face tightens. If I didn’t already know he hated me, I’d say he might’ve been angry at his friend for saying that.
When his eyes meet mine, all I see is anger. Anger aimed at me.
I cross my arms, attempting to look strong, but I only feel defensive.
“Is that the best you’ve got?”
Nate’s eyebrow jumps up. “You want more? I always knew you were a greedy little slut.”
I scoff. “I don’t want a single thing from you, Nate. You’re nothing but an asshole playboy.”
He grips his package, smiling at me. “That’s right. Are you sure you don’t want a ride? You’re looking awfully thirsty.”
For a brief moment, I want to lash back. Then I remember that I don’t actually hate him. I don’t want to hurt him any more than I already have.
“You’re right, Nate. As always. Can you move along now?”
Turning my back on him, I take a deep breath in. I’m never going to make it if he keeps going at me like this. I’ll break long before I can figure anything out.
He steps in closer to my back, whispering in my ear, “Better watch out,Comet.” He spits out the nickname, tainting what I once found endearing. “I’d hate for you to go for a swim all by yourself.”
My body shivers at the threat. I never thought for a single millisecond that he would use that particular weakness against me. That he would openly threaten me with death. I wait until his heat is no longer at my back. Then I grab the book I need, slamming my locker shut. Before anyone can stop me, I run through the halls and into the bathroom. I didn’t miss the smirk on his face when I flew by him. Resting my back against the wall, I look to the ceiling, willing myself to hold the tears in.
This is my new reality. The consequence for the choice I made. It’s not too late. I could back out, but the damage has been done.
Not only is he hurt, but now he is hurting me. For the first time in my life, I’m not sure I’m strong enough to make it.
Even when my parents died, I was grieving, but I never once contemplated not surviving it. They would want me to move on and make the best of my life. They wouldn’t want me wallowing and wishing for death.
Yet a couple nasty words from Nate has rendered me useless. He has cut me so deep I’m not sure the wound will ever heal.
The worst part of it?
I deserve it.
The door opens, letting the chattering in the hall fill in. I glance over at the girl making her way to the sink.
She looks up, meeting my eyes. I don’t recognize her, but I’m not surprised. She looks like she’s a loner.
“You look like shit. Need a pick me up?”
I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”
She shrugs. “I have an oxy in my purse. I’d be willing to sell it to you if you wanted it. You can be blitzed out of your mind and forget all about whatever put that look on your face.”
I narrow my eyes. “Where did you get it?”
My suspicious side is surging forward. Maybe we have it all wrong. Maybe this girl can lead me to the dealer and I can get out. Maybe I can end this before any irreparable damage is done.
She chuckles. “No one here, if that’s what you’re asking. My mother is a pill junkie. She keeps her stash hidden, but I know where to find it. She’s so fucked up that she never notices. Like I said, I’d sell you one if you want.”
