“Sorry for leaving without saying goodbye last night,” I told her. “But you ran off.”
She didn’t acknowledge me.
“Hey, Will,” she added curtly.
William left and I watched Ari pull up her flowing dark hair into a ponytail. She seemed colder than usual, but I didn’t say anything to her. Maybe she’d fought with Brian.
“Poppy’s indisposed,” I heard her tell the teacher. Poppy was sitting on a bench organizing papers in a folder.
“I don’t know if I have any sympathy for Poppy Wilson. She’s the only human being on the face of the earth to get her period three times a month. Soon I’ll want to talk to one of her parents,” the teacher thundered threateningly.
“My favorite subject, Marvin,” James blurted, echoing throughout the gym.
I closed my eyes and counted to three. My morning had now officially gone to hell.
James paraded in front of Ari without deigning to acknowledge her at all.
“First thing in the morning, nothing better,” he continued as he stared at a line of girls in tight leggings.
Taylor came in ready to participate in roll call, covering up the view. “I imagine there’s nothing you haven’t seen without underwear, right?”
He snickered presumptuously then looked at me. “Maybe.”
I turned away. “June, let’s crush them.”
Amelia walked in the door like a bolt of lightning and gave me a glowing smile that fell as soon as she saw James.
I furtively watched them. I was curious how she looked at him after what I’d heard at Poppy’s house. But what exactly did I hear? I didn’t understand any of it.
“What the fuck are you looking at?” he snapped when he caught me staring.
“Your dickface, which I’m hoping will be bombarded with balls.” I bit my tongue, but it was too late now.
He came closer with his hands on his hips. “Careful, princess. I’ll give you three seconds to wipe that cocky look off your face.” He showed me a ball with an irritating sneer. “And I’m not talking about these.”
Impulsively, I ripped it from his hands and threw it at his stomach.
“Oh fuck!” He growled, doubling over.
The teacher got up from the bench. “I don’t have time to deal with you today, play volleyball. Go on, pick your team captains. I don’t want to see anyone hit in the face, or any kicking or punching. We’re not fighting in the UFC, understood?”
James snorted.
“I’m feeling particularly sadistic today. Men vs. women. Get a move on,” he added, before going back to his business.
“Let’s see what you can do. I’m team captain today,” I said fearlessly.
“Careful now, Snow White. Who said—” James tried to talk, but I shut him down.
“We’ll let you have the ball first. We’ll take this side. Get a move on, Hunter, you’ve already talked a lot, put your money where your mouth is,” I declared before turning around. The gym teacher gave me a thumbs-up without looking up.
“Finally someone shut that dickhead up,” someone said.
“That’s verbal assault, teach!” replied James, offended.
“Start playing or I’ll send you to the principal’s office to talk about the verbal assault, Hunter.”
I smiled, satisfied. James shot me a surly look.
