Page 42 of Diem

Regardless of the consequences.

Her round, hurt eyes flash over my vision and with a sigh, I concede, if I don’t push her away for good, her hurt expression will be the least of my worries.

∞∞∞

Maeve

The following week he’s everywhere I turn with Hailey on his arm. I can’t step around a corner without being faced with his treachery and it’s with particularly bitter amusement that I watch the bitch who has been cruel to me glory in being wrapped around the guy I love to hate.

I’d be lying if I said it’s not torture, but what else can I expect from him? He clearly revels in the business of hurting others.

To make matters worse, I’m minding my own business in the bathroom stall, where I tend to hide before I have to confront Diem in History when the door slams open and none other than Hailey says, “I’m telling you. That’s what he said.”

“Really? That’s fucking pathetic,” Maxie giggles and I silently sigh.

I’m in no mood for either of them and I hope they do whatever and leave…quickly.

“I know. So, what do we do?” Hailey asks before the flow of water drowns out their words.

Glancing at my watch, I confirm, I have just under five minutes until the final bell rings. These bitches better hurry up.

“What a freak. Do you see the way she stares at him?”

Him? Looking up, I stare wide eyed at the door. Surely, fucking not.

“Yeah, so pathetic. Does he know?”

“I don’t know, he didn’t say, but when I mentioned it, he laughed, said something about a poem about his eyes or some shit. Can you imagine?” Hailey giggles.

Maxie joins in but I lose interest in their conversation and fold over into my lap. Did he tell her about the damn poem? Why?

To humiliate me? Why is he so damn bent on hurting me? What did I fucking do?

“Jaxon’s pissed,” Hailey says as the door opens with a whoosh. “He’s been texting me all day.”

“Who cares? What’s the plan with Gush?”

“Oh, it’s gonna be good.”

As soon as they’re gone, I slam out of the stall and stare at the door. That dick. Why her? Why?

If he thinks this will break me, he’s wrong. Am I disappointed? Fuck yes. Does my chest burn with betrayal and a good dose of hate?

Unfortunately, yes, but I’m no fucking quitter, and if I can’t get back at him now, I’ll settle for her.

Because I’m at the end of my rope and desperation circles the drain of my empty fucking soul, I march toward the table where Jaxon and his friends sit during lunch.

To my relief, Diem wasn’t in History because I silently cried through the whole damn lesson. Still, I emerge resolved.

I don’t fucking care anymore and Hailey is about to get what she asked for. Maybe she’s delusional enough to think Diem will go steady with her or some shit but eventually the shine will wear off.

This is where Jaxon comes in. I’ve always been an outsider to his group so I’m taking a risk but it’s worth it, if it means making Hailey pay.

Jaxon looks up with raised brows and smiles when I approach, his eyes lighting up at my appearance. I’ve always suspected that Jaxon wants in my pants, but he’s a fucking skeev ball, so up until now, I’ve avoided him as much as possible.

Although I’m not gonna lie, I half consider it just to get back at the dick sitting across the way, but for all I know, he wouldn’t care.

“Hey, Maeve,” he says, giving me a friendly wink.

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