She’s still giving you crap?
Like it’s her life’s mission.
Winter break is this weekend. Want me to come kick her ass?
OMG that would rock. But really just to see you. I can handle Brianna.
You sure? I wouldn’t mind meeting Blake too.
Do it. Having Sophia come to visit would be amazing. Not that I need help with the Snow Bunnies, but not seeing her every day makes me feel like there’s a piece of me missing. A long weekend together might be enough to get me through the rest of the semester, when Dad’s promised I can go back for a longer visit.
:( I wish I could. Summer is too far away.
My phone dings with a text from Blake. I swipe to the other screen.
You write your paper yet?
I glance at my laptop on the bed next to me. I know I’m writing about moving to Colorado but I’ve been stuck on where to start. Sort of. You?
Almost done.
Show off.
What can I say, I like to write.
For real?
English is my favorite class.
I tilt my head in surprise. I assumed Blake wasn’t into school since he was late my first couple days, but I guess that wasn’t fair. I totally judged him instead of getting to know him first. I silently tuck that away with everything else I’m learning about him.
Actually...
??
I kinda want to be a teacher some day.
You would be an amazing teacher. And you already have groupies.
;)
Sophia dings. Go write your paper.
You have a camera on me?
I know you...
sigh.
xoxo.
I swipe back to Blake. Help me, oh wise one.
What’s the problem?
I don’t know where to start.
Write down what’s in your head, then fix it later.
Tell me more.
LOL.
I’m serious.
Do you know what you’re writing about?
Moving here.
That’s your worst day??
No! Simpson’s letting me do them out of order.
His text bubble bounces, indicating he’s typing, and my mind wanders to my paper. I need to go deeper than just ‘moving changed my life.’
What if you compare what you expected with what it’s really been like? I know you were freaked out to move—
It occurs to me that he knows that from when we were texting right after Thanksgiving.
—and Bri’s been a bitch, but there’s been good stuff too, right?
My pulse quickens. Are you suggesting I write about you?
No! I meant... the text bubble bounces, then stops, then bounces again. New school, new friends. There has to be something worth writing about.
Thanks. This helps.
:)
See you tomorrow.
Sleep tight.
It’s not an xoxo but it’s got me thinking of his bed and that’s not going to get my paper written. Two hours later, I turn off my computer, still wrapping my head around the idea that while I may not have wanted to move here, now I couldn’t imagine ever leaving.
***
The happy glow lasts until I spot the Bitches at their usual table in the cafeteria. Let it go, let it go, I sing in my head as I carry my tray to where Mike’s already waiting.
But I can’t. I thought speaking up on Saturday would have some kind of effect, but they’re still laughing down their noses at everyone beneath them, oblivious to the torment they wreak on the little people. And frankly, I’m pissed they’ve killed my good mood.
I drop my tray next to Mike’s. “Be right back.”
“What are you—”
I shake my head. “I’ve had enough.” I spin on my heel and march over to Bitch Headquarters. Evan catches my eye when he sees me coming but doesn’t warn the girls, whose backs are to me. I stop near Kenzie’s shoulder and cross my arms. “You owe me an apology.”
Kenzie and Bri’s heads swivel toward me in unison.
“Excuse me?” Kenzie says as Bri’s mouth falls open.
My pulse pounds in my ears but it’s too late to back down now. “You heard me.”
Kenzie turns so she’s facing me. “And what, exactly, do you think I did that requires an apology?”
“I’d say you should apologize for that pathetic attempt at a jump, but I’m being selfish. An apology for making me crash will do.”
She turns to Brianna. “Do you believe this crap?”
A low voice behind me makes me jump. “What’s going on?” Blake touches my waist and meets my determined gaze with curiosity.
Brianna pushes her chair back and stands. “You think you can just waltz in here and be one of us.” She sneers at Blake. “You don’t even have good taste in men.”
I lean toward Blake and whisper, “I dunno. I think you taste pretty good.”
He laughs, which only infuriates Brianna more.
“Why would you choose him over Evan? You’re hopeless.”
I glare at Kenzie, who’s only too happy to have Brianna battling for her, then scowl at Brianna. “Maybe I’m interested in more than just a bank account. But that’s something you’ll never understand.” I step closer and take a breath. I won’t be able to take back my next words. Once they’re out there, especially in the middle of the cafeteria, there’s no going back. “I know you stole my dad’s recipe book.”
Kenzie gasps.
Brianna’s composure breaks, just for a second. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It makes sense. As soon as you found out my dad owns a brewery, you never left my side, even when it was obvious—and I can’t stress this enough—that we have nothing in common. And the party.” I shake my head, feeling stupid for playing into her hands. “That was just a way to get inside my house.”
Brianna crosses her arms. “Why would I need to steal anything? In case you haven’t noticed, money’s his problem, not mine.” She points at Blake, who bristles beside me.
Anger and frustration and disbelief war inside me. I’m vaguely aware of people staring at us so I take a deep breath, refusing to take the bait she’s dangling in front of me, and dangle a bit of my own. “Except that’s not true. Mischief isn’t doing very well. In fact, your dad’s close to filing for bankruptcy. You thought stealing the book would help his business.”
Several people gasp and Kenzie stares at Brianna, eyes wide.
Brianna dismisses me with a wave of her hand. “You’re going to listen to this... this... nobody?” She whirls around, facing the crowd that’s gathered, then turns back to me. “I should have kicked your ass when I had the chance.”
I look down at myself, then back at her. “I don’t seem to be running away.”
She moves toward me, fists clenched at her sides.
“Careful, Bri.” I lower my voice. “Don’t want to get suspended again. What will your minions think?”
A flicker of fear darkens her eyes.
“But that’s not who you’re worried about, is it?” I pause, making a guess. “This is all for your dad. To make him proud of you.” When she doesn’t disagree, I keep going. “Manipulating people isn’t the way to earn their respect—that just pisses them off. I’d rather be friends with people who genuinely like me, not people who are so afraid to speak up that they do whatever I say.”
“You’re just jealous.”
“I’m not the one everyone hates.” I slip my hand into Blake’s and lead him to our table, where Mike’s jaw is practically detached. I sit next to her and tuck my shaking hands beneath my legs.
“I can’t believe you did that.”
“Somebody had to.”
“Yeah, but holy shit.”
Blake rubs my back. “You alright?”
“The adrenaline is fleeing my body.”
Mike laughs. “Food. Stat.”
Blake pushes my tray of now-cold food closer to me. “Eat.”
I reach for my sandwich, then glare across the room. “Hey, I never got my apology!”
But I get something better: another date with Blake. Winter break is four days long which means more days to ski and more days to hang out without commentary from the Super Bitches.