Woke up with a lump in the middle of my forehead
Everyone continued on their way, and the talking resumed. The guy scurried away in search of the small pack who had abandoned him. Evan released the freshman, and the seniors began to part. “What’s going on here?” an authoritative voice questioned from behind the crowd. “Don’t bother walking down the senior halls again,” Evan seethed. “That’s what I thought,” another senior threatened. The freshman stared back in complete panic, sweat beading along his forehead. Joel Rederick leaned in closer as Evan kept the guy immobilized. Several other seniors were surrounding the guy, who by the size of him, must have been a freshman. “What did you say?” But it wasn’t Evan asking the question. I looked on in complete shock, and everyone in the hallway froze. Evan spun around and pinned a guy against a locker with his forearm across his chest. Evidently not everyone had gotten over it.Įvan stiffened as the jeering words found us. “Good to see you survived over vacation,” a voice cut through the crowd. Every so often, someone would acknowledge us with a "hi" or "good morning." It was freaking me out. As we continued down the hall, I realized the stares were gone, and no one was whispering as I passed them. Evan wore an "I told you so" smile on his face, and I smirked at the sight of it.
Jill and Sara continued talking about the party while Evan and I followed behind. Michaela is so screwed.”Īnd just like that, the past seven months never happened. But the worst part was when they found Nick and Tara having sex on their bed. “How was your New Year?” Before any of us could respond, or shake off the stupefied looks on our faces, she continued, “Did you hear about the party at Michaela’s? Her parents came home in the middle of it, and of course everyone was drunk. I turned my head to find Jill standing next to us. The sound of my laughter had the strangest effect, like waking a sleepy village from a curse. “No,” Evan countered quickly before Sara could utter the truthful words on the tip of her tongue. Sara was waiting for us by the back door, smiling brightly as usual, and greeting just about everyone passing her by. Evan took my hand, its warmth comforting me. I pulled my backpack over my shoulder, preparing myself for the scrutiny. I stared at the brick building and took a deep breath before closing the car door. Sara and Evan eventually gave up trying to encourage me, promising that it wasn't as bad as I thought. I refused to participate other than to complete the assignments. When I started the school year, I kept my head bowed, trying to retract further into my shell―not only in the halls but in the classroom as well. After everything that had happened, my safe place had become the place I dreaded most.
I used to look forward to coming to school―not for the social benefits, but to escape the oppression at home. “But I'm convinced it’ll be different.” I didn’t say anything and got out of the car. “I know you don’t want to be here,” Evan acknowledged, reading my thoughts. A wave of dread consumed me as I watched the students getting out of their cars. I didn't realize we had pulled into the school parking lot until the car stopped. "I think you could just let her do all the talking," Evan advised comically. I don't know what to talk to her about," I confessed. "How was it after I left last night? You two were pretty funny at dinner―she talks when she's nervous, and you don't say anything." "She’s not sure what I eat, so she wants me to go with her."
“I’m going grocery shopping with my mother,” I explained. “Sure,” I answered automatically, and then quickly countered with, “I can’t.” “What are you doing after practice tonight? Do you want to come over?” This house is super creaky.” Considering my weariness, I was glad he'd offered to pick me up on our first day back from break. “Sorry,” I offered when he closed his door. I smirked before kissing him briefly on the lips and ducking into the car. “You have something against mornings, don’t you?” Evan teased, opening the passenger door. “Hi,” I replied flatly, adjusting my backpack over my shoulder as I took calculated steps toward his car. I closed the door behind me, leaving my mother in the shower getting ready for work. “Good morning,” Evan greeted from the slick walkway.