I check the time on my cell phone.
7:25
Damn, I’m cutting it close. Classes promptly start at eight and end at three-thirty. It’s a twenty-five-minute drive to school. I grab my laptop, bookbag, and purse, then rush out of the door. Mom and Michael already left for work since they need to arrive before students do.
My schedule and a map were emailed to me last week. In the mornings I have physics, AP Statistics, Spanish II, and AP Government. Lunch is twelve thirty to one, then AP English Literature, my favorite class, followed by physical education.
Michael’s class is in the east wing and all of mine are in the west, so it’s unlikely we’ll bump into each other. That’s a plus for me. He’s a great guy, but it’s preferable to keep my school and home life separate.
Joining the school newspaper, cheer tryouts, and work this afternoon are on today’s agenda.
I pull into the busy parking lot and find an available space. Kids crowd the grounds, engaged in lively conversation, as if the bell isn’t due to ring any minute now. The massive brick structure is impressive. There are three floors and four wings. The football field is at the back of the property. The gymnasium and swimming pool are in a separate building.
I leave my car and head to the entrance. No one acknowledges me or offers a friendly greeting.
Oh well. My cell dings and I dig in my purse to fetch it. I got the screen replaced the other day.
Saint: Have a great day.
I smile and quickly respond.
Cocoa: You too.
Maverick blocks my path. Dee and Nix flank him.
Here we go.
“I’m not in the mood for your BS.” Irritation flares through me. “So back the fuck off.”
“This bitch has a sassy mouth, Mav.” Dee licks his lips, eyes roaming over me appreciatively. “She needs a dick stuffed in it.”
“In your dreams,douchebag,” I snap, my temper sparking.
“You’re at the bottom of the food chain, mutt.” Maverick’s face twists into an ugly sneer. “Respect your betters and stay in your place.”
Why is Maverick’s voice so deep and sexy?
I laugh derisively. “Kiss. My. Motherfucking. Ass.”
I march around them and enter the building. A “Welcome Back” banner hanging on the stark white wall greets me. Beneath it is a huge case displaying the school’s notable accomplishments. Everything is so freaking clean. My reflection is visible on the immaculately waxed floor. Tall, bright green plants are stationed in every corner.Not too shabby. I wander the expansive hallways searching for my locker. My heart drops when I find it.Niggeris scrawled across the metal in red lipstick. Rage heats my blood.
Heads are going to roll. I bound to the bathroom and wet some paper towels, then stomp back to my locker. As I remove the offensive word, gleeful laughter reaches my ears. I swing around and see the blond bimbo from the pool party. Her dimwit friends linger at her side. Undoubtedly, they’re the culprits.
I immediately confront them.
“Listen, I will smack all of you hoes. Keep that in mind the next time you anorexic bitches fuck with me.” I roughly brush past them, knocking Victoria into the water fountain.
“Tramp! Your life is about to become a living hell!” Victoria squeals.
“Bring it on,” I retort, not in the least bit intimidated by her threat.
They’re not accustomed to their victims fighting back, but they’re in for a rude awakening. I stop in my tracks, finding Maverick watching me, an amused expression on his face. He witnessed the whole thing and probably put them up to it.Rat bastard!I make a beeline for him.
“This is all your doing, isn’t it?” I accuse.
“Maybe.” He shrugs nonchalantly. “Maybe not.”
“Don’t let my size fool you, pussy boy.” I cross my arms. “Big surprises come in small packages.”
