“Wait, Spence, send in Levi. I don’t want you getting sick. Can you wait outside?” I bite my lip, digging into this cover story.
“Aw, is my Beauty Queen worried about losing her title? Yeah, no problem, I’ll send Levi up, get well soon, Scar,” he says in an angelic voice. I snort out a laugh.
“I’ll have you know the tissues shoved up my nose really enhance my cheekbones. It's an entirely selfish motive on my part; I can’t have my driver to the D&D bailing because he is shitting his guts out. Now bring me my tacos, and I’ll think about forgiving you for making me the laughingstock of the school.” Then I hang up.
About thirty-five minutes later, there is a soft knock on the door, and Levi walks in with two tacos that smell incredible, making my mouth water instantly. “Here you go, how ya feeling?” He looks over his shoulder.
“I’m good, thanks for lunch, could you toss me another floor water, please?” He laughs, looking down at the waters that hadrolled across the hardwood from my attempt at nudging them into my room.
“Your face looks better today.” His eyes scan my face, taking in every minute detail.
“Yeah, that wasn't the worst of it. It's my ribs that are on fire. But by tomorrow, I should be able to walk, at least without wincing. I don’t think I can stay here another day. I am sooooooo bored.” His lip lifts, giving me a small smile.
“Right, I gotta shoot. We’re gonna be so late for Spencer's third block. I’ll see you later tonight. Text me if anything happens or you need anything; I mean it, Letty. I am letting you fight for you now, but that doesn't mean I am going to sit back and let him win.”
He goes to walk out, and I stop him, “Levi, thanks for the food and snacks.”
“No problem.” He laughs, closing my door, and I hear him fly down the stairs, shutting the front door.
School is out, and I am still in the same spot I was when Levi left, four hours ago. I have napped, watched five shows, eaten snacks, drank nearly all my water, and peed seventeen times. I don’t think I have drunk this much water in my lifetime, but boredom will make you do wild things. I scroll through Instagram, relieved that the video has been taken down, and dive back into the world of fake captions and posed photos. Going to Ashley’s page, I scroll down to the most recent picture. “School Year In Full *swig*” The first picture is her in a mini skirt and crop top on the lake, with sand in her toes and a hue in her eyes. Swiping to the left, the second picture shows agroup of girls posing as if they are part of a sorority, and the third and final picture features Jessica, Spencer, my brother, and her.What in the actual fuck is this?Looking closer at the photo, I realize it was taken on the night of the party, with Levi in his signature 'make me throw up' shirt, and Spencer in a shirt that hugged his biceps, making my mouth water and my lower stomach warm. Quickly, I exit out of her profile before I comment something like,How *Cunt* I mean Cute, Jumping Jessica and Adulterous Ashley.
Making my way downstairs, I reach into the fridge to grab out three more waters when the front door opens. The beast has arrived. Knowing I am not quick enough to run back upstairs, I simply sit on the barstool.Can’t be thrown onto the floor if I'm already sitting, right?
He walks closer, making his way into the kitchen around the island. “Take your broken ass upstairs. I have someone coming over, and I don't need you making the place look untidy.” Thank God, I feel sorry for the poor bastard who has to come to like this man.
I nod, grab water, and slowly walk upstairs, keeping my eyes peeled and my body tense, waiting to be blindsided by a swift punch.
Slowly, my body heals, thanks to an abundance of ibuprofen, water, a heating pad, and an ice pack. Over the years, I’ve learned how to heal my body, getting to know exactly what it needs and how to speed up the process.
I have never wanted to run to school, but I do, here. There was that one setback with the video, which Spencer told me wasn’t an issue anymore… I want to trust him, but I am not getting my hopes up. Whenever something is on the rise, it falls, and if school is going this well, something was bound to happen, and it did.
Heading into the bathroom, I look in the elongated mirror. My long chestnut hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, and I’m still rocking my pajamas, a long t-shirt, and sweatpants. My cheek is no longer red, and the swelling has gone; you wouldn't know unless I pointed out that it was puffier on one side. Grant knows all the places to avoid when delivering his beatings; he knows precisely how much power to put behind his punches so as not to raise suspicion.
My phone rings, pulling my attention away from my reflection, and Spencer's name pops up. I answer, “Hey, Scarlett.”
“Hello, Spence,” I say in a curious tone.
“I know your brother's coaching, and I was just checking in. Are you feeling better?” I sit by the windowsill in Levi’s room, watching Grant pull out of the driveway.
“Yeah, I think so, I’ll be back tomorrow. Are you good?” I hear him chuckle.
“I’m good, Beauty Queen. I just was wondering, if you weren't shitting and puking your guts out, you’d want some company? I stopped by your classes today and got your missing assignments. Thought I’d help you catch up before you come back tomorrow.” A smile tugs hard on my cheeks.
“I’d like that.”
“On my way.” I end the call, rushing as best I can manage, and I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and check my face.He won’t know. It doesn’t look concerning; it has been worse.
Giddiness zooms through me like a race car rounding the last lap. I am about to hang out with Spencer Collins, captain of the baseball team, Mr. Popular, who could literally hang out with anyone he wanted right now, alone.Relax, breathe in, breathe out. He does not like you like that. He is a friend and yourbrother's best friend. Nothing can happen.I wouldn’t know anyway, I’ve never even been kissed. Spencer has; I have seen Spencer make out with numerous girls since I've known him. One behind the shed at school, in his truck, one kissed him in the hallway. It’s like a new girl every other week, but that’s what being popular will do, everyone wants him… maybe even me.
Chapter 12
Breaking Rules
Spencer
Age 18
Pulling into my driveway, my heart is crashing against my chest, as if I’ve just downed four Red Bulls, on the verge of getting my wings and about to take flight. I don’t understand why my body is reacting this way. I hang out with Scarlett and Levi every single day. There have only been a handful of days when we haven't spent time together.
