Page 72 of Collided

“He wouldn’t look at you.” The tall blonde girl, Shian, walks to the mirror and adjusts her hair. “I bet he’s waiting for me.”

“They’re so delusional,” Marie whispers, then she says to them. “he’sdefinitelynot waiting for you.”

Shian spares a condescending glance at Marie. “Who the fuck are you?”

“I’m Marie Anderson, his best friend.” Marie folds her arms in a confident manner and doesn’t back down.

Shian laughs and looks back at her friends. “Yeah sure, weirdo.”

Marie takes a step forward, I pull her back. “We should go.”

Taking our bags we exit as they whisper behind us. I’ve watched these girls being mean to others, but after a group of famous girls, just like them were expelled, people stopped bullying. There are strict repercussions if a single complaint is filed.

Heath straightens when he sees us. Like every day he’s wearing all black and brooding like he hates the world.

His blue eyes fall on me and his face hardens. “I need to talk to you.”

I look over at Marie and she’s not there. I search the hallway, but she’s gone.How did she get away so fast?

I check the time. “Class is about to start.”

“You don’t even listen to Miss Sheila,” Heath deadpans.

“That’s not true!”How does he know that?

A satisfied smirk curls on his lips. “I saw you doodling in your notebook.”

I assault my lip to come up with a reply.

“C’mon.” He takes me to his car outside. We pass the sycamore tree. I remember it was right here where I saw him that day. We’ve come so far now.

Opening the door for me, he gestures to me to get inside and then joins me.

“The whole night my phone was buzzing with notifications.” His face turns cold.

I wince. “I’m sorry for that. I’ll download Instagram and then you—”

“I’ll put it on silent next time.”

I purse my lips and fidget with my fingers. “Did you get any sleep?”

Heath pauses. “I don’t sleep much.”

That’s all he’s going to tell me.

As someone who’s been struggling with sleep lately, I understand how hard it is when your mind is running a thousand miles per hour. There are so many directions your thoughts take you. I always end up with anxiety and fear. Two emotions that I hate feeling.

“You got some orders.” He hands me the phone. I see messages from two people.

“That was fast.” My spirits lift. I admit I didn’t think this would work, but it looks like there’s a chance. There’s a little hope.

Not my name being a literal feeling. Arghhh.

“Your account is new. It’ll be best to post daily if you want it to grow.”

“I had no idea.” I know so little about social media. My whole world revolves around books, books, and books. Sometimes music.

“I own a few accounts, so I know.” He briefs in a monotone voice.

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