Page 12 of Swamp Princess
“Are you from South Warren?” I ask him.
His face blanks for a moment before his expression blanks. “I know of it.” Dodgy much? I really want to say to him.
Not one to push others, I nod and smile. “Thank you for the help.”
“Anytime, Brinley.” The smile is back on his face, and I nod and start walking out the door. I have two more classes before lunch.
I have advanced algebra and then science. I am not a fan of either, but I still make sure to excel in both, I can’t afford to have anything but perfection when it comes to my grades. Blaise usually helps me with math and in turn, I help him with his other work.
I don’t have as much trouble finding this classroom and when entering, I see this one is set up differently. This one has all individual desks scattered in rows. I chose to take a back row because I don’t like my back being exposed. I find one even against the wall which will help me not stand out.
While the class starts to filter in, I take the time to pull my laptop out and my math book. I flip through the book while waiting for my screen to take me to the course hub. This school is so advanced with everything.
As I am finishing laying everything out, I feel eyes burning into my skull and instead of whipping my head up to find the source, I finish and slowly sit straight and look around. A few students glance at me before whispering but I don’t find the source of the intensity until my head turns. Remington’s two friends are here, and they are glaring at me like they wish I would drop dead right here.
I don’t know what the fuck is their problem that I am here, but the shit needs to stop. I glare at them until the teacher yells at everyone to sit and that they need to bring up their hub.
Math frustrates me and I take a moment to glance at the teacher making sure I am well hidden before I slip my phone out and send Blaise a message.
Me: Help me study tonight?
Blaise: Of course, though I thought we were going dancing.
I groan, of course he would remember this, and I don’t really want to go to Amir’s club but I know he will keep hounding me if I don’t go. Checking the teacher, I make sure she is still talking. She calls on a few students which is how I learn the other two dick bags names. Kingston and Loyal. I sigh and know that I, even though I don’t want to go, I will because Blaise wants to.
Me: Fine, but dinner first and you take me to Greasy B’s and we study there.
Blaise: Absolutely, babe. I will buy you your favorite mushroom burger, double the shrooms and then we dance. Xo
The little xo at the end of his message sends flutters to my stomach. I smile. A Greasy B’s burger sounds so good right now. I usually order the mushroom burger with extra mushrooms and fries and Blaise gets the triple bacon burger. It works. I can study with him and be back in the swamps where for whatever the reason the mood feels right.
I smile again, feeling my heart flutter before feeling the intense stare. I turn my head and see the eyes of the heirs of the school glaring at me. Fuck them.
* * *
The rest of the day went by pretty fast, except now I am standing in front of the gym. We are having a ball at the end of the year to meet the alums of the school and social network. We will be talking to people who went to the colleges and about business partners.
I tried to go to the office when this was announced and tried to drop it and the receptionist barely even looked at me before I was told no and made to leave. I can dance but this scares me. Ballroom dancing. I have never done this, and this is something I don’t like.
Taking a deep breath, I walk in, keeping my eyes down. I know I am one of the last to come here but I was trying to avoid it. I stand at the end of the students, and it doesn’t take long for the chimes in the school to announce the start of class.
I have to snort at that. “What’s so funny?” My head whips up and I see Haven. I smile at her as she has been genuine.
“That you have chimes here. I am so used to loud alarms that would wake the dead at my school, while these twinkle.”
A smile spreads across her face and she leans over to me. “Want to know a secret. It will be the first test to see if we can be friends.”
I scrunch my face together. I don’t know if this is a normal girl thing to test friendships. I really only been close enough to Blaise. “Sure.” I hesitantly say but indulge her, so far, Haven has been the only one to be nice to me.
“I kinda always wished to go to school across the tracks.” I reel back from that. I didn’t expect that from her. I expected something like my shoes don’t really match my purse secret.
“Why?” Skystead Prep has everything and across the tracks we dream of coming here. Getting a diploma here opens so many doors.
“To be free.” Haven slams her mouth closed and I don’t push her on it. If she doesn’t want to talk about it I won’t force her.
I see a smaller woman walk in and know that is the teacher, and before I lose my nerve and miss the olive branch she is clearly extending, I lean in again. “Want to go dancing tonight?” Haven’s eyes meet mine, but she doesn’t seem thrilled until I whisper again, “in the swamps.”
Her eyes dance and she nods her head excitedly. “Yes.” Her head turns front, and she sucks in a breath. “Mr. Brooks?”
