Page 24 of White Hole

The man hung up. That was weird. As I started to slide my phone back into my pocket, it vibrated again. Another unknown number. Now, I was very curious.

“Yes?”

“Hey, I’d like to make an offer on your truck for sale.”

“I don’t have a truck for sale.”

“That’s not your black truck with the license plate that says Jedi Knight?”

“Where did you see it was for sale?”

“The sign on it. In Northview’s parking lot, right?”

What. The. Fuck. My body moved like a meteor. Fuck physics class.Serenityneeded me. “She’s not for sale.” I hung up and sprinted the rest of the way to find a group of guys hanging around my girl.

“Hey, man. This is your truck, right? Did you put her up for sale? That’s a steal.”

There was indeed a large for sale sign with my number listed on it and a $3k price tag. I ripped it out from under the windshield wiper. “Show’s over. Not for sale.” When I flipped over the sign, it read:

From: your favorite princess

That bitch would get what was coming to her…andher white hole.

CHAPTERSEVEN

KINSLEY

I ran.The marathon was approaching, and I was ready. I was prepared for anything George threw my way, too. The troll didn’t understand... I never backed down. If he wanted to start a war with me, try to bully me, I’d give it back to him tenfold.

It was early evening, not yet dark. I ran the commonly traveled paved main trail. The leaves on the trees boasted all the colors of autumn, and the smell of rain hung in the air. I passed a few couples, hikers, and some people with dogs. I was alone but felt safe with others around me. Since the incident, I quit listening to audiobooks or music, opting for the security of my hearing. And didn’t forget my mace.

Making it to the final stretch, I pushed my legs to go faster. Around a thick cluster of Junipers, one long U-turn was left before reaching the parking lot. As I sprinted, I heard footsteps behind me. I stopped and whipped around, but no one was there. Maybe I was too paranoid now.

Mad that I had to quit suddenly, I turned and raced off again. Almost near the small stone wall of the lot, a large rock was thrown into the path from the thicket, and I had to leap over it at the last second. My legs could not handle the quick change of movements. The jarring caused my knees to wobble. I fell to the ground, scraping my shins and palms on the asphalt.

“Ouch!” I looked around, but couldn’t see anyone. “George, you motherfucker! Is thatyou?” No one answered. Gingerly rising to a stand, I hobbled over to my car and got in. I’d need ice, but couldn’t wait too long. My MCAT practice test was that evening. It was the last before the actual exam.

Pissed that George would follow me and try to hurt me, I gunned the engine and headed home. After shoveling dinner into my mouth, I quickly showered and changed. At least I wasn’t too badly injured aside from the cuts.

When I emerged, prepared to jog over to the science building for my test, Marissa entered the apartment with her boyfriend, Xavier.

“Oh, hey, Kins!”

“Hey! I gotta head out.”

“Okay, wait.” Marissa eyed Xavier, who kissed her on the cheek, then headed into their room. “Their” room because they had practically moved in together. She was at the Theta Rho Zeta manor if he wasn't at our place. I didn’t mind. Xavier was cool. I just didn’t want him to share anything about my personal life with his friend, George.

“What’s up?”

“Are you okay?” Marissa asked.

“Yes, why?”

“Today at lunch, you seemed upset. You left after George…” She scrunched her face as if she didn’t want to continue.

“I’m fine. The ogre never talks, so when anyone speaks, he thinks they talk too much. Meathead’s a total douchenozzle.”

Marissa gave a slight nod as if she didn’t believe me. “Are you two involved?”

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