Page 22 of Diem

“I heard Skull spoke to you at the party,” Harriet says.

We’re seated at our usual table for lunch. Matt is absent, so it’s just the two of us.

Curious, I ask, while I peel apart my mushy sandwich, “What’s the deal with him, anyway?”

“He’s bad news, Maeve. What did he want?”

“Nothing really. Bad news, how?”

“Like he beats the shit out of people for looking at him wrong. You do not want to be on his radar,’ she says, through a mouthful of hamburger.

“Hm,” I say, shriveling a little. Too late for that, I can only hope he doesn’t care enough about me to bother, or Diem gives him what he wants.

I’m now more curious than ever what Diem’s gotten into, but I’m surely not going to know without asking and I don’t think he’s in a sharing mood these days.

For the rest of the week, I’m left in peace and with the reprieve, I do my best to concentrate on anything but Diem and Hailey.

I haven’t heard from Skull which leads me to believe his threats were empty. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised considering the shit Diem gets up to. He’s a badass fucker in his own right and I’d be afraid to pick a fight with him.

On Friday, Matt greets me with a smile, and I sit beside him at lunch.

“What’s up?” I ask and he hands me half his candy bar.

“Nothing. Wanna come over tonight?”

I’m not sure I’m up for more campy horror flicks while Matt dissects the plot. Usually, I enjoy being around him while his eyes shine with his passion but not tonight.

Besides, I already agreed to go with Harriet to a party.She insisted it doesn’t include Park High students and I admit I could use a break.

“Oh, sorry. I’m hanging out with Harriet,” I say and add when his mouth curves down in a frown, “You should come.”

He shakes his head and drops his gaze to his chocolate milk before taking a drink out of the carton.

“Matt?” I say softly and he sets his garbage on his tray before standing.

“It’s all good. My momasked me to clean out the garage, anyway. See you Monday.”

I’m given no time to respond before he stalks away, and I stare at the candy bar with a frown. Something’s got to give but I don’t want to hurt my friend. I was hoping someone else would come along but I see, I have a painful discussion in my future.

Matt’s lackluster smile follows me home later before I set it aside in preparation for the party.

When Harriet texts that she’s arrived, I grab my bag only to pause when my phone buzzes again.

Hey, it’s Penny. I think this guy Dixie was talking some guy named Kenny. Sound familiar?

As far as I knew, Dixie wasn’t dating anyone and with a sigh, I tap out a response:I’ve never heard of him.

Harriet greets me with a wide smile, and I laugh before sliding inside. I’m ready to relax and just be, which is why I frown when Penny texts again. I know I should be concerned about Dixie, and I am, but the constant weight of this shit presses at my chest all the time. I wanted a night free of the drama.

Hmm…I also found some dude she was talking to online

Once we arrive, Harriet grabs my hand and we head into another room, filled with enough alcohol and drugs to create a massive high. I’ve never been much into the stuff but after everything that’s gone down, I admit, I’m curious.

Maybe facing death has a way of changing your perspective but I feel like I’ve spent my life playing it safe. Now I want to experience it all.

This is why when Bone approaches with a smile, I take the pill from his hand and chase it with a beer. “Let me know when you want more,” he shouts over the din and I nod as he walks away, no doubt to do business before having fun.

Harriet stops to chat with a group of students, and I step around them, spying Matt in the corner.

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