"Not at all. I just like guys my own age."
She comes around in front of me. "What's it like doing it with a murderer?" she asks with excitement in her voice.
"He didn't murder anyone." I go around her. "We're going to be late to class."
She follows beside me. "Don't be mad. It's just a question, and he IS charged with murder."
"Innocent until proven guilty. So he's innocent."
Principal Edwards approaches us. "Good morning, girls."
He stops right in front of us, smiling more than he should be after the death of his stepdaughter.
"Good morning, Principal Edwards," Peyton says, in the same sweet tone she uses with her parents. "I'm so very sorry about Kristen."
"Thank you," he says, his smile turning to a frown. "It's been a very difficult time for her mother and me." His eyes wander to mine, like he's waiting for me to say something.
Peyton nudges me.
"Sorry," I say. "About Kristen."
I really am sorry she's dead but it's hard to express sympathy, or say anything nice, to the man who's trying to put my boyfriend in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
"We should be going," Peyton says. "We don't want to be late to class."
"Yes. Go ahead." Principal Edwards holds my gaze a second longer before continuing down the hall.
"What is wrong with you?" Peyton whispers.
"What? I told him I was sorry."
"Sarcastically. What did I teach you?"
"I'm not putting on a phony smile and acting all sweet to the guy who called Jackson a murderer and named me as his accomplice."
"He wouldn't say those things if you did what I taught you."
"I can't do it. I'm not sucking up to that asshole."
The bell rings again.
"Now we're late. I'm going." I hurry past her down the hall to Lit class.
At lunch, Alyssa actually talks to me, which she never does. Even the guys notice. They don't say anything but they keep giving each other looks like they're trying to figure out what's going on. I don't know why they're so surprised. Alyssa and I could be friends. She's way smarter than me and a rule follower, but that doesn't mean we can't be friends.
In the afternoon, during the last class of the day, Principal Edwards' voice booms from the speakers.
"Attention, students, this is your principal. As you all know, Kristen's service is tomorrow at eleven. While many of you will be attending, I know some of you are unable to. For that reason, we have decided to put the service online so you're able to view it from wherever you are. We hope this will give those who cannot attend in person closure and peace as you say goodbye to your friend and classmate. It will be a live broadcast but also recorded to view later. Details will be on the Twisted Pine website. Thank you, and I'll see you all at the game tonight."
He's going to the game? The night before Kristen's funeral?
The bell rings and I hurry out of class, wanting to get home and see Jackson before I have to leave for the game. But as usual, Trystan is the last to leave.
"What takes you so long?" I ask as we walk to the car.
"Why do you care? You in a hurry?"
"Yeah, actually I am."
