I’m not telling anyone what happened between Maverick and me.
It’s Thursday morning, and Maverick hasn’t acknowledged me at all this week so far. We sit right beside each other in physics class, but he acts as if I don’t exist. I wonder what brought on this change – not that I care, but we have a project to work on together. He hasn’t been to the pizzeria either.
Mr. Barnes has his back turned to the class, writing on the blackboard. Now would be a good time to talk to Maverick.
“Maverick, we need to talk about our project.”
He doesn’t answer me.
“This isn’t a game. I need to maintain a high GPA for the opportunity to be accepted into a good college.”
“That sounds like a fucking personal problem to me.”
“You bastard, not everyone was born with a fucking silver spoon in their mouth. Some people have to really work to succeed in life.”
“Ms. Matthews. Am I boring you?”
“No, Mr. Barnes,” I grumble.
“Good, then mouth shut and eyes forward.”
The class laughs at me.
When the bell rings, signaling the end of physics class, Maverick shoots up from his seat to quickly leave the classroom. I jump up to follow, closely on his heels. The hallway is filled with students.
“Maverick,” I shout.
I don’t give a fuck who witnesses what happens between us. I’ve had enough of his bullshit. I’m so close to Maverick that, when he stops, I bump into him and stumble. He turns around with a look of fury on his face.
“Only speak when spoken to, gutter trash. You do not address your betters unless you are summoned first,” he says.
He turns around to continue walking. I follow right behind him again. This time, I grasp his shoulder, attempting to force him to turn around, but he doesn’t budge. The altercation between us is starting to gain the attention of our passing peers.
Maverick shrugs off my hand and swings around. He grabs me by my throat, maneuvering me to the right until he slams me against a locker. The force of the impact causes my teeth to clank together.
“Don’t you ever put your fucking hands on me again,” he shouts.
Why does he have so much hate in his heart?
He releases my throat then walks away. Students gawk, not even trying to pretend they weren’t actively watching the exchange between Maverick and me. I’m shaken and I’m fucking pissed. This isn’t over.
I find it hard to concentrate in my afternoon classes. By the time lunch comes around, I’m relieved. I need some time to unwind. When I sit down at the lunch table, Jamal, Kate, and Lucy don’t waste any time interrogating me regarding this morning’s incident between Maverick and me.
“Girl, what the fuck happened with Maverick this morning?” asks Jamal.
“Just a misunderstanding.” I’m really not in the mood to rehash what happened.
“Just a misunderstanding? The whole school is talking about it!” replies Lucy.
“What’s going on between Maverick and you?” asks Kate.
“Nothing,” I say quietly.
All three give me a yeah-right look.
I look each of them in the eye and firmly state, “nothing.”
“Oh no,” Jamal says, looking just over my head.
