Page 36 of Drifting

We walk in silence until Paige stops.“This is the senior hall. Each year gets its own hall. The lockers are organized alphabetically backward. Don’t ask, it’s weird, I know. Your locker is right here. The office will give you the code. Next stop is the cafeteria, then we can head back.”

We walk in silence to the cafeteria.

“The food is good here, unlike other school lunches,” Paige says. “I guess being rich does have some advantages.”

Chuckling, we stroll back toward the office.

“Are the rumors true?” She stomps her foot and plays with her hair again. “Damn, why can’t I keep my big mouth shut? Sorry, I spoke before thinking again.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I wave her apology away. “Ask what you want. If I don’t want to answer, I’ll tell you so. What rumors?”

I know who started the rumor and want to know how far-fetched they are.

She shakes her head. “Forget I even asked.”

I sigh in exasperation. “Believe me when I say nothing you ask will embarrass me. I’ve heard it all before many times. Now, what rumors?”

She lets out a big breath. “That your mother’s a prostitute. I’m so sorry. I should never have asked you.”

“You seriously need to learn to relax. My mother’s a lot of things, believe me, but a prostitute? No.” I tap my lip. “She did leave me with my aunt and uncle for five years, though. I guess it’s possible, during that time, but I wasn’t with her. There’s only one person who would be spreading that rumor.”

“Hannah,” we say together.

“She’s gunning for you. I don’t know why.” Paige’s brows pinch in confusion. “You seem nice.”

“Well, thank you. For some reason, I’m a threat to her. I don’t give a shit.”

“I have a feeling this year is going to be interesting. I can tell already.” Paige smirks. “Well, I’m sorry to say we’re back at the office.”

“Thanks for the tour.” I stop next to the frosted glass door. “And I hope to see you around. Maybe at lunch?”

“I’d like that.” She smiles at me and leaves.

I hobble back into the office and find Peter sitting in one of the chairs, searching his phone.

“Peter, I’m done.” I quietly say.

“Good. Here’s your schedule and school handbook.” He passes me a small book with a piece of paper on top. “Something came up, and I need to get back to the office. I’ll drop you off at home.”

In too much of a hurry to wait for my slow pace, Peter jogs to the car and comes to pick me up in front of the school. As soon as I’m buckled in, he peels out of the parking lot.

On the drive home, I check out my schedule.

Period One: English 10 - Mr. Davis

Period Two: Geometry - Mrs. Murphy

Period Three: Chemistry- Mr. Turner

Lunch

Period Four: Economics - Mr. Ross

Period Five: Gym - Ms. Bell

Period Six: Art - Mr. Harrison

Period Seven: Spanish 3 - Mr. Gonzalez

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