Page 22 of Spiteful Lies

They both stare at me as if my body has been taken over by some weird alien entity. Come on, guys; don’t leave me hanging when I need you now. Let’s show the adults how people should act in public.

Pierce smiles. “I’m really impressed that Rawlins put this together so quickly, but that’s Stonehaven rising to the challenge.”

Bryce nods in quick agreement. “You’re right, Astrid. And it’s kind of you to help Rawlins today and miss track.”

I stand up to leave. “I’m going to continue helping out, but I’ll be back later.” I smile sweetly, but there’s venom in my words. “It’s important that we all be our best today.”

Bryce looks smugly at his father. “I agree. The focus is on Stonehaven and not on small-minded comments. The academy needs us.”

I hurry off before anyone suggests that I stay. What a horrible group of people. No wonder I don’t fit in here. I could never be that nasty to a person I just met. I try to remember back to when I first came here and all the shit that was pulled on me. I glance back at Bryce and Pierce. The tips of Pierce’s ears are red as he speaks angrily to his father, but Bryce watches me as I head for the door. His expression guts me, his eyes soft with regret. What happened was hurtful not only to me but also to him. And I’m not sure if I can deal with his parents again.

I step outside, and the cold air gives me a jolt that I need to think straight. I did handle that well. No matter what they might think of me. I’ve changed. I didn’t curse anyone out or hit something in anger. I used my voice to express my disapproval without cursing. I refuse to interact with a group of people that think I’m less-than. Well, if I’m so bad, why do their sons want me?

My heart sinks when I spot Wyatt walking through the stone gate, and our eyes meet. He’s seen me, and there’s no way I can take off, pretending I didn’t see him. He waves, and the woman standing next to him looks over at me.

It’s the woman from the picture in his room. She has to be his mother.

They both have the same dark hair and intense eyes, though facially, they don’t look alike. She stares at me for a moment, and then Wyatt says something. She smiles at him and then turns back to look at me. My body stiffens as I wait to see a scowl alter her pretty features, but the smile never leaves her face. Instead, she smiles even wider.

They walk toward me, and I approach them cautiously. “Hello, my name is Astrid.” I hold my hand out to the lady.

She grasps it in hers. “Hello, Astrid. I’ve heard good things about you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Astor.”

She laughs. “That’s too formal and makes me feel ancient. My name is Annalisa. But call me Lia.”

“Thank you, Lia.” I look at Wyatt and grin. “The other parents are inside, sitting in front.” I wait to see if he gets my meaning, and he laughs.

“Mama, she’s trying to warn us,” he replies, taking her hand.

Lia places a hand on my shoulder. “You appreciate the sweet more when you have to taste the bitter. Let’s go see ourfriends.”

Lia walks ahead of us, admiring the decorations by the door. Haystacks and pumpkins were placed by the entrance overnight. It looks amazing, and I’m sure the money spent could’ve paid someone’s tuition. I sigh, and Wyatt slips his hand in mine.

“They’re not nice,” I tell him, “but I can’t say what I really think of them. Or Rawlins will get me.”

“Is she giving you a hard time?” His expression hardens.

“Oddly enough, she’s actually being nicer to me,” I reply, “Maybe because she knows what was coming and feels bad.”

It gets worse. Pierce and Bryce catch sight of Wyatt holding my hand as we walk in the door. We let go as if he’s suddenly positive and I’m negative. But it wasn’t quick enough for Mrs. Shelton not to notice. She frowns, and then when she sees Lia, she whispers something to her husband, and they both laugh.

“Hold onto your seats,” whispers Lia, “We’re about to hit turbulence.”

I sit by Bryce again but not for long. His father stares me down as I sit close to his son. His mind begins to process what’s obvious to a blind man as he watches us closely. Pierce defends me, Bryce sits beside me, and Wyatt holds my hand. Thank God Justin is safely tucked away, working in his studio.

“Astrid?” Mr. Shelton asks as if he can’t read my name. “Does coffee have legs around here?”

I shake my head. “I’ll see if I can get you a cup.”

“No sugar, just cream.” Mrs. Shelton doesn’t even bother to look at me. I look at Lia, but she shakes her head.

I look at Mr. Pierce, and he smiles like he’s waiting for a punch line. “Black. No sugar, no cream.” He continues as I walk away. “She’s trainable, and that has to count for something.”

They laugh as I walk faster toward the kitchen. I give their order to a member of the waitstaff, but I don’t hurry back. I can feel someone’s eyes on me, but I’m not sure who. I bide my time and help other parents to tables. People who don’t know me well enough to judge me. Parents that aren’t overprotective of their sons.

Dr. Rawlins appears and starts making the rounds, stopping by each table and speaking to every parent present. She extends her hand and smiles, putting on the best show, and I don’t dare spoil it. I stay put, standing near a wall, and jump when Bryce touches my elbow.

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