Page 78 of Fought and Freed

“I didn’t want to believe my father when he said you were coming back,” Trisha said.

Maddy ignored them and walked past.

Trisha growled and grabbed one of Maddy’s arms, digging her nails in. “Don’t ignore me, bitch.”

“Let me go,” Maddy warned.

“You think you’re better than me, but you’re not.” Trisha dug her nails in harder. “You’re a nobody, trash, and a druggy. No one wants you here.”

Maddy broke out of her hold, bent Trisha’s arm back, and bent to whisper near her ear, “You have no idea who you’re fucking with.”

“Ms. Walsh, I know how irritating Ms. Porterfield can be,” Mrs. Main said from behind her, “but you just came back to school. I don’t think you want to get on anyone’s bad side.”

Maddy released Trisha. “Stay away from me.”

“Thank God you came around the corner, Mrs. Main. Who knows what she would do to me?” Trisha spewed while rubbing her shoulder.

Mrs. Main took a step forward. “I know you think I’m stupid or just an old biddy, but I see the real you, Trisha. One day, karma will come for you.”

Trisha gasped and stormed away, her cronies trailing after her.

Mrs. Main shook her head. “That child causes far too much trouble around here, I swear.”

Mrs. Main was not as uptight as Maddy thought.

As they walked back into the test room, Maddy said, “I’m sorry about that, Mrs. Main.”

“Child, don’t worry about it.” She eased back into a chair. “Are you ready? Or do you need another break after dealing with her? Either is fine.”

“No.” Maddy resumed her seat. “I’m ready to finish.”

She settled in and finished her tests.

When she was done, she handed them over to Mrs. Main, who told her she would pass them along to the teachers.

“School starts tomorrow.” Maddy fidgeted with her bag. “When will I find out if I’m continuing?”

“The teachers were told to grade your tests tonight. You should find out whether you passed later today or tomorrow.” Mrs. Main stacked the papers. “You picked your classes for the semester already, correct?”

“Yes. I did.” Maddy slung her backpack over her shoulder. “Sorry, you got picked to sit with me all day.”

“It wasn’t a problem at all, dear. I got a lot of work done.” Mrs. Main cracked a smile. “Good luck this semester.”

“Thank you.” Maddy waved as she headed out to the hall.

She texted Jace to tell him she was done and asked that he pick her up at the cafeteria.

She hurried across campus to the common area and opened the door to the cafeteria.

The cashier greeted her with a warm, “Hey, Maddy!”

“Hey.” Maddy stopped next to him. “Is Janet around?”

“I’ll let her know you’re here.” The cashier left the counter and headed into the back.

As Maddy moved to stand by the door that Janet should come out of, she took in the whole cafeteria. She’d had a good time working here, and she was going to miss it.

“Maddy?” Janet said from behind her.

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