We make a casserole for dinner and start on homework while it cooks. Zander joins us just a few minutes before the food is ready. “Hi everyone. How was today? Any issues?”
“Cara got a reality check, but Ben didn’t approach me.” I tell him as I dish up three plates of food.
“She threatened to sue Sunshine for a broken nose, but she and the guys explained the reality of the drugging and her compromised position. She swears she didn’t drug me. I don’t think she’ll be an issue,” Seb informs Zander as we sit at the table to eat.
“Let’s hope not. I’m glad Ben didn’t bother you. Did the guys stay with you today?” Zander asks me.
“Yup, and Holly and Jaxon are taking care of me during and after track. I’ll be safe.”
We enjoy dinner, then Seb and I finish our homework while Zander cleans up.
Seb leaves after homework, and Zander and I watch some tv until bed.
Chapter 38
“Sunshine, I hear we might have a guest with us for Easter,” Seb says as he greets me in the morning outside of school.
“Yeah, we invited Sue to fly down from Virginia. I’m excited to see her,” I smile. “I assume Bay, E, and Alex have family plans?” I ask, giving him a hug.
“Yeah, at least on Friday and Sunday. On Saturday, I’ll introduce you to our Easter tradition.”
“Okay…” He just smiles at me as we head to my locker. Hmm, mysterious. I greet the guys, then walk to class with Alex.
I notice Ben a few times in the hallway between classes, and he’s in the library during AP Seminar, but he stays away. I walk between Nick and Alex to lunch, as usual.
“What are the plans for this long weekend?” Seb asks everyone at lunch.
“Tea and church on Friday. Church and dinner Sunday with the grandparents,” E says.
“Family’s coming into town Friday. Church and dinner Sunday,” Bay offers.
“My father will be in town, so church and a dinner party at our house on Friday. Church and Sunday brunch with Reesa and her family.” Alex replies.
“So your place is out this year for Saturday?” Seb asks Alex.
“Yes, we will have to choose another location for…” Alex begins.
“Stop,” Seb shouts. “It’s going to be a surprise for Sunshine,” he smiles. The guys all smile and nod at that. “Nick, Troy, Gabs and I will be with Zander and Summer, as usual. Sunshine has some exciting news too.”
All the guys turn to look at me. “Oh, um, my foster Sue is flying down for the long weekend.”
“That’s great, Summer,” E smiles. Bay and Alex offer similar comments.
During last period, I join Jaxon on the track in gym, after Nick drops me at the locker room door. “He’s out on the pitch today,” he informs me.
“Good.” I won’t even have to see him working out today. I wave to the coach as I begin my jog.
“There’s a rumor going around that you two hooked up at the party. I heard one of his friends talking at lunch.”
“Just great.” I shake my head. “How does that explain his injuries?”
“Oh, he got into a fight Saturday night with someone.”
“He’s got an answer for it all, it seems. Honestly, I don’t care.”
“You don’t want to fight the rumor?” He questions, seeming surprised.
“No one will believe the new girl anyway,” I say. “It’s his word against mine.” I know how damaging rumors can be from Virginia, but explaining the truth didn’t help me back then, and I doubt it will now. Best to focus my energy on more important things.
