Page 49 of Toxic Kiss

“Yeah, and whose fault is that?”

“Stop, we are moving on from that. I told you, I’m calling a truce,” I say, working my magic. Sherry rolls her eyes but doesn’t argue. “Sherry, I was just telling Haven about the senior challenge. Now, I think if we let her do it with us tonight, then it will fix all of her…image issues.”

I give Sherry a wink and hope she picks up on what I’m trying to say.

Haven splays her fingers on her chest.

“My image issues? I didn’t have an image issue until you. And what the hell are you doing a senior challenge for anyway? You graduated last year.”

I brush off the comment like I do everything else she says.

“Why not, it’s fun. Look, If your image was stronger to begin with, I wouldn’t have been able to ruin it.”

Her mouth falls open, eyes full of fire. I love it. The angrier she is, the happier I am.

“Anyway, as I was saying. I think it will go a long way, and I recognize that I’ve played some part in your fall from grace. So, let me help fix it. What do you think, Sherry?”

“I don’t know,” Sherry says.

“Schools almost over, I don’t care about my so-called image. I’m leaving.” Haven whirls around, and I make a face at Sherry to fix it.

“Haven, the senior challenge is always epic,” Sherry says.

Haven stops and looks over her shoulder.

“Only those who are brave enough are willing to do it. It’s why I’m doing it,” Sherry says, and I nod in agreement. “It’s not just about school. Think about it Haven…no more being the outsider. Invited to parties. Guys actually wanting to date you.”

Haven slowly turns and crosses her arms.

“But you’re the head cheerleader. Why would you do it?”

“That attitude explains why you’ve lost all your popularity, and I’ve gained so much. You don’t get this popular by luck. It needs to be nurtured.” Sherry cocks her hip out to the side. “You’ve never had that ‘it’ factor. Honestly, I’m not sure why Cyrus asked you to do it in the first place. You’re not the type to actually do something about being so pathetic.”

Haven’s nose flares as she presses her lips together, and I know that look. She hates being told she can’t do something. I’ve never met someone more determined in my life, other than myself.

“I have what it takes. I’m just choosing not to.”

Sherry laughs.

“What’s wrong? Are you scared?”

The rest of the cheerleaders begin to wander over as if smelling the blood in the water.

“I’m not scared,” Haven growls.

Sherry steps in close to Haven and peers down her nose at her.

“From where I’m standing, that’s all I see. The same tragic Haven who wants so desperately to hang on to her friends, while we all move on.” She leans in close, their noses almost touching. “If you really are different…then be different.”

“Fine. I’ll do it with you. What do I have to do?”

“Can you explain the Daniel challenge to Haven? I’ll gather the guys,” I say.

“Sure.” Sherry smiles, catching on to the code.

This is almost the same thing we did to a guy last year. It worked to get rid of him. He ended up transferring schools.

Sherry hooks her arm with Haven’s, and they walk away. Haven looks back, and I smile. It’s the same one I use to get laid. But in her case, I’m fucking her over. Her cheeks pink.