"I was wondering if you're going to Kristen's service on Saturday. Kade bailed on me. We broke up. Again."
"Sorry."
She shrugs. "I'm sure we'll get back together. So can you go or not? It's at two."
"I can't show up there. Her dad named me as a suspect."
"Oh. Yeah. I can't believe he did that."
"You can't? You mean, you don't believe him?"
"No. Nobody does. You're too smart to do something that stupid."
"People are saying that? People here at school?"
"Yeah. I thought you knew."
"What else are they saying?"
"They think you should break up with Jackson. A lot of people here think he did it."
"He didn't."
"I hope not. I always liked Jackson." She looks at her phone. "Bell's about to ring. I need to go."
"Hey, have Peyton go to the funeral with you."
"I don't want to sit with her. She laughs at funerals."
"Laughs?" I shut my locker.
"I know, it's weird. Whenever she's at church or a funeral she can't stop laughing. I think it's some kind of disorder. Anyway, see ya at lunch."
When class starts, Mr. Piedmont begins with an announcement. "Principal Edwards wants everyone to know the annual Twisted Pine Open House for family and friends has been postponed to a later date due to Kristen's passing. A new date hasn't been decided on but will likely be later this fall. A note has already been sent to your parents."
A girl raises her hand. "What about the football game Friday? Are we still having it?"
"Yes," Mr. Piedmont says. "The football game will go on as usual. Principal Edwards thinks it will be a good break from the sadness we've all felt this week. I'm sure Braden will be giving us another win, which is sure to lift our spirits at least somewhat."
Even the teachers worship Braden. It's so disgusting. No wonder his ego is so huge.
At lunch I return to the football table and it's like nothing ever happened. Braden gives me the death stare when he sits down but he doesn't tell me to leave. I smile at that. It's a small victory, but big if you consider I'm the only person who has stood up to Braden and won.
"What time are you going to the game Friday?" Dante asks, looking at me across the table.
"I'm not sure if I'm going. I haven't decided."
The table goes silent. The guys look over at Braden.
"She's kidding," he says. "She wouldn't miss seeing me play. Isn't that right, Rumor?"
I meet his stare. "I said I haven't decided if I'm going."
"Shit," Miles mutters, looking down at his food. The other guys do the same.
"What was that?" Braden says to me.
"I said I might not go. I have things to do."
