Page 43 of Diem

Smiling through clenched teeth, I say, “Jaxon, we’re about to become best fucking friends.”

“Oh?” he asks, leaning forward.

“Yes, don’t fucking touch me without my permission, but prepare to show your little bitch that she wasn’t that fucking special.”

He laughs out loud and rests his hand on the back of my chair. “What did you have in mind?”

“Pay fucking back.”

And with that, Jaxon and I start dating. It’s all deception, and my skin crawls when he touches me, but it’s for the greater good.

I don’t bother to check for a reaction from the dick bag because that would ruin it all.

Say what you will about the mighty Diem, but you can’t top a woman when she’s been fucking scorned, and it’s about to get diabolical up in here.

∞∞∞

By the end of the day, we’re the sole topic of conversation. Although Hailey and Maxie cast me dirty glares, some of the other girls who hang around the football team are friendly.

The change is bewildering but I know better than to get used to it. This won’t last. It can’t but I’m down with playing it up as long as I can.

Unfortunately, I didn’t factor in my friends when I fell headfirst into revenge and the icy cold greeting from Matt stings.

“Hey,” I say with fake cheer, following him through the door to the parking lot.

He grunts and I slow before calling out, “Matt!”

His shoulders stiffen and he swings toward me with his bright eyes. “What?”

“I…are you mad at me?” I whisper, tears pushing at my lids.

He searches my expression before slumping. “No. Whatever. I gotta go.”

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I watch him go until Diem says behind me, “Loverboy upset? Don’t worry, baby. As soon as Jaxon dumps your ass, he’ll take you back.”

Without looking at him, I say stiffly, “What makes you think he’ll be dumping me?”

He snickers and I flinch because I know I’m not going to like what comes next. “Sloppy seconds.”

Gritting my teeth, I walk away before he gets a good look at what I can’t hide. My poker face is shit, and I’ll be damned if I ever let him see how he affects me again.

When I’m safely in my car, I send Matt a text that he never returns and with a painful burn in my hurt, I refocus on the revenge that feels more like a punishment when all is said and done.

∞∞∞

It doesn’t take long before I’m regretting my decision. At least, the dick bag and his ho have slowly disappeared from my sight, although they still make an appearance every day at lunch.

It eats at my skin, the thought of him fucking the bitch, but I hide it behind an icy smile and ignore their existence.

Jaxon and I are still hot and heavy, or at least that’s what we are portraying. We hold hands when he walks me to class, sit together at lunch and when I can’t put it off, make out in dark corners.

I’m not proud of myself, but I have a sneaking suspicion this won’t last for Hailey, and eventually, she’ll be crawling back to Jaxon, who’s been sucking face with me. And frankly, at least when it comes to her, I spy her glaring at us when she thinks no one is watching, jealous despite her place at Diem’s side, fickle bitch.

Unfortunately, this has earned me nothing but glacial stares from Matt who clearly doesn’t approve. I’d try to speak to him about it but based on how he blew me off before, I’m hesitant of receiving the same treatment. Besides, maybe this is a good way to let him down without flat out telling him I’m not interested. It’s shitty but whatever.

Harriet cornered me yesterday and I admitted the sordid tale sans Diem and my fucking. I could tell from her expression that she didn’t approve but I appreciate that she let me know she supports me either way.

I’ve been avoiding the topic of my dad which is the only bright side to this mess, but I know it’s coming for me, I’m just not ready to face the damn music.

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