“Why is she so popular?”
We’re at school now, parked right next to the front door. The lot is nearly full, and yet this spot was open, like it was reserved for Braden.
He gets out of the car and says something to a guy walking by. He never answered my question. Is Kristen only popular because she’s richer than anyone else? Or is it some other reason?
If she’s that popular, what’s she doing hanging out with Jackson, a Legion guy? Isn’t spending time with him betrayingher school? Or is it somehow okay because he’s rich and used to go here?
“Hurry up,” Braden says, opening my door.
I grab my backpack and get out. I close the door, hear the lock click, and turn to follow Braden.
“Stay there,” he orders.
“Why?”
“You’re not going in with me.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re new. I don’t hang out with new people. They have to earn the right to be seen with me.”
“But you’re my cousin.”
“Doesn’t matter. The rules are the same for everyone.” He walks off. “Trystan will take you home.”
I watch as Braden and Wyatt walk down the brick pathway that leads to the school’s entrance. Some other guys, who are big like football players, meet up with them, and they all go through the double doors into the school.
“Excuse me,” a girl says with an annoyed sigh.
I step back, giving her room to pass on the sidewalk because apparently her shoes can’t touch the grass. She looks younger than me, maybe a sophomore? Her hair is strawberry blonde, and she has really fair skin that looks like it burns within minutes of being in the sun.
Another girl passes me. She looks like she might be my age, with dark hair and a very serious expression.
“Hey,” I say, going up to her. “I’m Rumor.”
She glances at me like she’s annoyed I interrupted whatever serious thoughts she was having, and continues walking.
“Mind if I go in with you?” I say, keeping pace with her. “I’m new here.”
“Do what you want,” she mutters, walking faster.
“I’m Braden’s cousin. You know Braden?”
She abruptly stops and turns to me, a fake smile appearing. “What was it you said you needed?”
Wow. Braden really does have power. I mention his name, and suddenly the girl is nice to me.
“I wondered if you could tell me where to go. I’ve never been inside the school. I don’t know my way around.”
“It’s your first day?”
“Yeah. They sent me something saying I need to go see my advisor first?”
“Ms. Hemlock?”
“Um, yeah, that sounds right.”
“She’s in the admin wing. I’ll show you her office.”
