Doesn’t matter. What’s your answer?
Yes,I text back, my heart racing at the thought of meeting with him. Alone. I don’t think he’d do anything to me, but who knows? The rugby team has practice out there after school, so at least I’ll be somewhat protected. I wish I knew what this was about.
After class, I look back at Briggs. He nods toward the door, which I guess is his way of telling me to leave so he can talk to Mr. Walker about getting me out of detention. I gather up my things and go, hoping that jerk wasn’t lying and really is going to get me out of this. He has the power to do it, but knowing him, he’ll make it worse.
Music Theory is next, a class I’m required to take to get my arts and humanities credits. Charlotte’s taking it with me. She loves music and has played the cello for ten years, so I’m hoping she can help me out if I need it. I know nothing about music.
“I got detention,” I whisper to her as I sit down.
She gasps. “You’ve never had detention!”
“Yeah, well, now I do.” I slam my book down on my desk, still furious at Briggs for getting me in trouble.
“What’d you do?”
“Walked in late to class.”
“Why were you late?”
“A1,” I say, rolling my eyes. “He stopped by my locker after you left.”
“He couldn’t have. He was there when I got to class.”
I shake my head. “That’s the old A1. A2 is now A1. I get the feeling he’s going to be worse than the others this semester so I’m renaming him.”
“This is getting confusing. Maybe we should just use their initials,” she whispers as one of Briggs’ rugby teammates walks by.
He sits right behind us. I give Charlotte a look to keep quiet.
“Think we’ll have a lot of homework in this class?” I ask Charlotte, knowing the guy can hear us. He’s probably spying on me for Briggs. There’s something going on with Briggs, and until I know what, I need to be careful around his friends.
* * *
At lunch, I see Briggs on the other side of the cafeteria, sitting at the table reserved just for him. It’s not really reserved, but everyone knows not to sit there. On his left is Aubrey, inspecting her nails, a bottle of sparkling water in front of her. I don’t think she eats.
Across from Briggs are Finn and Parker. Scarlett slinks over in her tight, pink dress and leans down to kiss Parker on the cheek. He ignores her, his attention on whatever Briggs is saying. Briggs is the leader of the three, although Finn and Parker would never admit that.
I take a seat at my usual table, located right by the door so I can leave after lunch and go study in the library. I do most of my studying while I’m here, so I can help my dad after school. He pays me to work for him a few hours a week, mostly sweeping up the grass that collects on the driveways and sidewalks afterhe mows. Rich people don’t like the noise of a leaf blower so we have to quietly sweep the grass away. I don’t mind the job, but I refuse to do it at the houses of people from my school. Luckily, my dad only works for a few of them, and he goes there in the mornings, not after school.
A text pops up on my phone.Meet me at 3. Don’t be late.
I glance up at Briggs and see him staring at me. I look down at my phone and text him back.Can’t. I have detention. Thanks to you!
“Ella, I need to speak with you.” Mr. Walker is standing by my table, his hands on each side of his protruding waistline.
I set my sandwich down. “Go ahead.”
“In the hallway, please.” He motions me to the door.
We go out to the empty hallway. He folds his arms over his chest, which pushes his tie up. It’s an ugly tie, green with purple stripes.
“I’ve been thinking about this morning,” Mr. Walker says, “and perhaps I was a little too harsh on you, given that it’s a new semester and students are still getting used to having new classes and a new schedule.” He clears his throat. He seems reluctant, like he really doesn’t want to let me out of detention, but doesn’t have a choice. What did Briggs say to him?
“I’m sorry I was late,” I say, to make sure he doesn’t change his mind. “My locker was stuck and I—” I stop, wishing I hadn’t said that. I don’t know what Briggs told him to get me out of this, but I might’ve just messed it up.
Mr. Walker nods. “Yes, Briggs explained you were having issues with your locker. He said he stopped to help and that neither of you realized the time.” He stands up straighter and smooths his tie. “I’m willing to overlook today’s tardiness and excuse you from detention if you agree to be on time from here on out.”
“Yes, definitely. I won’t be late.”
