Page 2 of Left In The Dark

My face drops and Jimmy narrows in on me. “Don’t worry, my dad showed me this section that hardly anyone knows about, and I doubt they’d step foot in a private area where other people are unable to see how fabulous they are.”

My shoulders relax and I chuckle, grabbing the napkins Lydia hands me.

“I know it’s not much.” She sighs. “You can probably wash more of it off in the bathroom.”

“I have an extra set of clothes in my locker that I keep there for track,” Jimmy says. “I won’t need them today. We can go grab them on the way to the restroom.”

“Yeah, that’d be great. Thanks, man.” Food falls from my body as I slowly stand up, and my friends tell everyone off who laughs as we rush toward the trash cans to dump our trays. Lydia and Reese head for the vending machines while we go in the opposite direction to get Jimmy’s spare clothes. The bell rings just as we reach the bathroom, and I tell him to go on while I hurry out of my dirty clothes. Not wanting to get food all over the inside of my backpack, I toss them in the trash and head for class.

Social studies is a breeze, but I can’t say the same for my last two classes. In one, I have to deal with Blake tossing notes my way with barnyard jokes, and in the other, I suffer through his boyfriend tapping the back of my neck the whole hour.

I rush out into the hallway as soon as the bell rings, not bothering to stop at my locker and going straight to the parking lot. I pause at the back of my car, anger burning through me at the words “Pig Boy” spray painted on my back window.

I look around me, opening my trunk and tossing my backpack inside. When I don’t see the people I’m more than sure were responsible, I slip into my car and drive home.

A text comes in as I’m pulling up to our front gate, and when I look down at my phone, Jimmy’s name flashes on the screen.

Jimmy: Movie night at my house at 7 tonight. Stephen is going to be there and says he’s looking forward to seeing you. You better show. I’m not tolerating all his theater talk for nothing.

My heart jumps into my throat. I’ve had the biggest crush on Stephen Fuller since freshman year, but our talks have never gone past being friendly. Maybe the fact we’ll be leaving soon will change that. Or maybe I really am the loser Blake says I am and no one will ever want me in that way. But hey, a guy can always hope, right?

Smiling, I text my friend back.

Me: I’ll be there.

Jimmy: Good. Make sure to wash that food out of your hair real good too. I swear I saw a pea hanging out by your ear last hour.

I bark out a laugh, getting out of my car to open the gate. Once on the other side, I jump out and close it before the goats try to escape. Wouldn’t be the first time.

Slipping back into the driver’s side, I send Jimmy another message.

Me: Don’t worry. I’ll be taking three showers before coming over, and I’ll even wear jeans without dirt or grass stains.

Jimmy: I wasn’t aware such a pair exists. I see how it is, saving them for people you deem more worthy. You’re lucky I already accepted you just the way you are a while back.

Me: Yeah, and you’re lucky I’ve accepted your ass.

Smiling, I pocket my phone and head toward the house, hauling ass down our long dirt driveway. Dad is outside working on a fence, and pays me no mind as I enter the house, too busy focusing on his task with his headphones in his ears.

A savory smell leads me to the kitchen where Mom is singing to a Dolly Parton song in her floral apron. Her eyes widen when she sees me and she wipes her hands on a nearby towel. “Hey, hun. How was school?”

“Eh. It was alright. Always better to be home, though.” I reach for a biscuit and she swats at my hand.

“Go wash those hands of yours first.” She gives me a once-over, brows pulling tightly together. “And what in the world is in your hair?”

I tug at my short strands, shaking out two kernels of corn. “Must have missed my mouth during lunchtime.” I force a smile, but it’s obvious by the downturn of her lips that she can see right through it.

With a worried expression, she turns back to her food cooking on the stove top. “I wish that principle of yours would do something about those boys.”

“I think we’re way past that, Mom. I won’t have to worry about it for too much longer, though.”

She ruffles my hair, lips turning up in a slight smile. “No, I guess you won’t. You’ll be off getting your education and on your way to becoming a successful adult while those boys stay exactly where they are.”

Doubtful. At least when it comes to Blake. Guys like him always win in life no matter what. His dad owns four successful restaurants, and they live in one of the biggest houses in town with all their fancy luxuries. He doesn’t need to go to college like me. Not when his dad pretty much already has him set for life. Being an only child helps too. Well, it helps in his case. Not so much in mine. My dad keeps begging me to stay home and help with the farm.

I hate the disappointment in his eyes every time I say no. This life may work for him but it’s not for me. I’ve wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was six and played courthouse with my cousins. I won’t be giving up on my dream anytime soon, not when it seems so close I can almost reach it. I’m getting out of here the first chance I get. Away from the pig smell, away from Blake Mitchell, and away from being stuck following in my dad’s footsteps like he did.

“Yeah,” I finally say. “I’m gonna go wash up.” I turn around and then crane my neck halfway to the living room. “Oh, and I’m going over to Jimmy’s after dinner if that’s okay.”