“Shocking,” Cricket remarks sarcastically.
“What?”
“That a self-centered bitch like you remembers me.”
I also remember the hateful glares he threw my way whenever he saw me. “You never liked me, did you?”
He laughs humorlessly. “Not particularly.”
“Why?” I ask. “What did I ever do to you? We haven’t even spoken two words to each other until now.”
“Can the innocent act,” Cricket sneers, his lips twisting in contempt. “I know what you did. I was there that night.”
I recall someone coming into the classroom and helping Sandman, but the person’s face is a blur. Everything happened so fast.
I swipe at the lone tear rolling down my cheek. “I’m not proud of what I did.”
“You aren’t good enough for him,” he states with iron conviction. “You never were. Now you’re back to ruin his life again.”
“I don’t want to,” I argue back.
“This thing between you and him won’t end well. I’m willing to stake my life on it.” Cricket interlocks his fingers on the table and leans forward, looking me dead in the eyes. “Spare him and kill yourself before you both crash and burn.”
I believe him, but there’s nothing to be done. Sandman isn’t going to leave me alone, and I have nowhere to run. Taking my own life is a hell no. I have too much to live for.
I squeeze my hands into tight fists on my lap. “I’m not going to kill myself.”
“Then buckle up,” he states, settling back against the booth. “It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.”
Sandman reappears and nudges Cricket on the shoulder. “Move over.”
“I’m heading out.” He bounds to his feet instead. “Catch you later.”
“You’re not eating?” Sandman asks, reclaiming his seat.
“No.” Cricket’s reproachful gaze lands on me. “I lost my appetite.”
“Aight. Keep the rubber side down.”
“Always.” They fist bump, then he heads out the door.
Cricket hates my guts. I don’t blame him, though the kill yourself comment was way over the top.
“Eat your food,” Sandman demands, jabbing his fork at my plate.
I squeeze ketchup on my scrambled eggs and force down a few bites, not wanting to make him angry. “Can I ask you a question?”
My last question seemed unwelcome, so I figured I’d seek permission this time. Don’t want to poke the bear.
“Yeah,” he responds, though his focus remains on his breakfast.
“The video you took of me… What are you going to do with it?”
“Use it to jerk off when I can’t get to you.”
“Oh.” My cheeks heat.
I wasn’t expecting that answer. Actually, I wasn’t expecting an answer at all. I thought he was going to tell me to shut the fuck up.
