Whoever said ignoring a bully was the best course of action was either a fucking idiot or someone who never experienced true torment.
The fact we’re graduating in a month and they’re still making fun of me is honestly absurd.
Absurd and scary. I used to tell myself all this fat-shaming bullshit would end after high school, but now I’m beginning to think that asshole kids grow up to become even bigger asshole adults and society is doomed.
One thing’s for sure, though. I’m sick and tired of being their punching bag.
I spin around. Draven’s arm is slung around Sabrina’s slim shoulders, making it clear they’re back together again.
I might not be able to attack their looks, but I can still hit them where it hurts.
“Wow.” My smile is every bit as fake as Sabrina’s extensions as I recall the latest drama circulating around Hillcrest. “I thought after you caught Sabrina screwing Phoenix in the parking lot during prom, you’d be done with her for good.” I hike my purse up on my shoulder. “But look at you two…back together again. I guess true love really does exist.”
The group goes silent, but it’s clear by the anger illuminating Draven’s face and the daggers Sabrina’s glaring at me that my work here is done.
I’ve barely turned around when the happy couple starts yelling at each other.
Truth be told, it’s not like I can blame Sabrina for hooking up with Phoenix Walker.
He’s as gorgeous as he is mystifying.
He doesn’t hang with the popular crowd, but he’s definitely not in Loserville, either. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, you can’t help but listen because there’s something about his deep, raspy voice—about him—that puts you under a spell.
The second he walks into a room, he sucks all the oxygen out of it and commands your attention.
God must be a comedian listening in on my thoughts because goose bumps break out along my flesh and my temperature rises.
Don’t look.
But I can’t help myself. I’m a masochist.
My mouth goes dry, and the earth tilts on its axis when I turn and piercing blue eyes hold me hostage.
I bet even in the dark, he could look right through me.
Dressed in black from head to toe, he leans against his beat-up Toyota Camry, looking like he doesn’t have a care in the world. His dark-blond hair is long enough to fall into his eyes when he moves, making him appear even more enigmatic. A cigarette hangs from his full lips…affirming he doesn’t give a fuck about school policy or the possibility of getting into trouble.
We’ve never spoken, but I’ve watched him over the years.
I know he lives in the Bayview Estates trailer park.
I know there’s only one person at school that he considers a friend—Reese Storm.
I’ve seen the way he sizes people up when they approach…silently determining if they’re worth his time.
The cruel mask he wears when everyone is looking.
The torment in his eyes when they’re not.
We’ve never uttered a single word to one another…
But sometimes I feel like nobody knows him better than I do.
CHAPTER 2
LENNON
“I need to see you after class, Lennon.”
Twenty pairs of curious eyes look my way. My stomach twists because those are words you never want to hear from a teacher. Especially one month before graduation.
I scan my brain as Mrs. Herman turns back to the board and continues her lesson about Renaissance literature versus that of the Middle Ages. I’ve been an A student since the first grade. Heck, I would have been valedictorian if David Paul hadn’t scored a one hundred on our last math test, beating me by two points. The bastard.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but it has me on edge. So much so I barely concentrate during the remainder of class.
After everyone’s cleared the room, I approach her desk. “Is everything okay?”
She purses her lips, studying me intently before she smiles. “I just wanted to personally tell you how proud I am of you for getting into Dartmouth. You’ve always been a hard worker and I’m so happy you’re coming out of your shell and thriving.”
I’ve never been good at receiving compliments, and right now is no exception. “Oh…um. Thanks.”
To be honest, even though I had applied to a few Ivy League schools, my plan was to attend the local community college.
The thought of my dad being alone at home while I’m hours away doesn’t sit well with me. However, he assured me he would be fine, and as much as he would miss me, he’d be upset if I missed the opportunity of a lifetime just because I was scared to flee the nest.
He insisted it was time to spread my wings, but not to worry, because he’d always be there whenever I needed him.
As anxious as the thought of leaving makes me, deep down, I know he’s right. There’s more to the world than Hillcrest and I can’t wait to start exploring it.
I feel compelled to say something in return before I take off, so I utter, “You’re a great teacher.”
At that, she frowns. “I’m not so sure about that anymore.”
Well, this is awkward.
Arranging her pens in a straight line on her desk, she sighs. “There’s a student who’s been giving me a great deal of difficulty. I believe he’s motivated to do well, but no matter how many times I stay after school to give him extra help, I just can’t seem to get through to him. I’ve suggested that he would benefit from hiring a tutor so he can pass the upcoming final, but he can’t afford one.” Her brows knit together. “As of now, it’s highly unlikely he’ll graduate.”
I’m not sure why she’s telling me this, but my heart goes out to whoever it is.
Unless it’s Draven. That shithead can kick rocks.
“That really stink—”
“I’ve seen you help other students, Lennon. You’re patient and kind…even when they don’t deserve it, and you have a way of turning on the light bulb for them. I know I have no right to ask you to take on something like this—especially for free—but I really feel for the kid. His home life—” As if sensing she’s said too much, she clamps her mouth shut. “Him not graduating will do him far more harm than good. However, in order to avoid that, he needs to pass the final in addition to completing an extracurricular project to further boost his English grade.”
Oh, boy. This is a lot to think about. It’s not that I don’t want to help, but it sounds stressful. Not to mention… time-consuming.
Not that I have a social life or anything.
“Is it just English that he needs to pass, or are there more subjects he’s struggling with?”
“I’ve spoken to his other teachers and while his grades aren’t great, he’ll squeak by in those classes. It appears English is his weakest subject.”
Given English is my best, it seems I might be able to do some good.
Part of me wants to decline and not get involved, but I know if I don’t at least try to help, it will gnaw at me.
“I have some time after school and on the weekends.” I swipe my books off my desk. “I can’t promise my tutoring will make him pass, but I’m willing to give it a shot.”