CHAPTER SEVEN
This school is massive. Our public schools are huge, but this? Just, wow. I’m so going to get lost. I unpack my backpack, organizing my notebooks according to my schedule. Isla walks over and snickers.
“You’re such a nerd.”
“Well, yeah. That’s not new,” I reply with a laugh.
“No pictures of your crushes?” she questions.
“I figured books and notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, clothes, shoes, and calculator was enough to deal with on day one. Tomorrow, I’ll start some decoration, but you know it’s not going to be anything like that,” I say, pointing across the hall at a locker filled with everything—including glitter. So much glitter.
“I hope not. That’s beyond excessive,” Isla replies. “I’m going to check on Audrey. Then we can head to first period. I love that we have this class together.”
She walks away, and my mind drifts off. Me too. I’m glad I don’t have to go to the first class in this strange place by myself. Though, honestly, if I had to, I’d deal. I always do. New schools, new kids. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last—even though I wish it would be.
I can’t see Audrey and Isla through this crowd of people and there isn’t much time to go find our class. I grab my stuff, close my locker, and start off to search. I have to weave through the people. It’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic.
I’m about to turn right, down another hall, when Audrey yells out, “Jillie! Wait!”
I turn back to look, waiting for them. That’s when I see him. He’s frozen in place, hands in his pockets, eyebrows raised as he meets my gaze. I gasp, my face on fire and blushing and, wouldn’t you know it, I break out in a sweat. Sweat and a white blouse. Absolutely perfect.
His surprise turns to a pissed off scowl and I narrow my eyes. What’s his deal?
Audrey and Isla catch up to me just as it happens. Ellen drapes herself over Jack, kissing him on the cheek, laughing and wrapping her arms around one of his.
“Oh, fuck my life,” I mutter, my stomach falling to the floor. I think I might be sick. Why? Dear Lord, have mercy.
“What?” both Isla and Audrey ask at the same time.
“I’ll tell you later. Let’s go,” I rush out and start walking away—fast. But I don’t know where I’m going. I have no clue. And really, what good is running away going to do?
“What is going on?” Audrey loud whispers.
I groan, finally finding a spot to stop with at least a bit of privacy.
“What?” Isla asks.
“Jack.”
“What?” Audrey asks.
“Jack. He’s here,” I inform them.
They both gape, then peek around the corner.
“Where? Who?” Isla asks, not being the least bit quiet.
“Would you shush up, please?” I lean back against the wall, closing my eyes, taking deep, steadying breaths.
“Tell me,” Audrey demands.
“Jack. The guy with Ellen. The guy who cheated on Ellen with me.”
“Holy shit! You mean, Becks is Jack?” Audrey says loudly—too loudly, because people turn and stare.
I peer around the corner and he’s looking this way, obviously he heard her as well. He’s angry and Ellen—shit. “This is so bad. So, so bad,” I mutter.
“What is she talking about, Leo?” Ellen asks Jack.
