Page 10 of All I Ask
“Doesn’t working with animals do the same for you?”
“Yes, and I do it because people are horrible and animals love you no matter what.”
“I can’t argue with you there, but at the same time, you can’t defend me or worry about what people will say. Unfortunately, the man who gave me you is famous. He’s never going to fade away, and whether your father starts to suck at football or wins the Super Bowl, we’ll have to hear about it. I wish I could change things, but I can’t. You can’t. We have to suck it up.”
“I hate sucking it up.”
I nod. “Me too. So…” I grab my fork. “What’s this new girl’s name?”
Chastity leans back in her chair and crosses her arms. “Everly Hartz. As in Dr. Hartz’s granddaughter, so I can’t even avoid her in my happy place.”
And suddenly, I feel like I’m going to be sick.
Chapter Three
Teagan
Fifteen years old
“I need two volunteers for peer tutoring,” Mrs. Mathewson asks the class.
I really don’t want to do it. Between cheerleading, Keith, and my own homework, I don’t have any extra time. Then I remember how much I need more volunteering on my transcripts. Getting into college should not be this hard.
“Anyone?” she asks again.
Then her eyes meet mine, and the look says it all. I’m being voluntold. “Fine, Mrs. Mathewson, I’ll do it,” I say with reluctance.
Just one more thing on my plate.
Keith laughs and elbows one of his idiot friends. “She won’t do my homework for me, but she’ll help someone else.”
“Come on, Tea, you should help your man out.”
I roll my eyes. “I help him out plenty.”
Keith nods. “Yeah, you do, babe.”
“Thank you, Ms. Berkeley. Your student will be waiting for you today.”
She hands me a paper and I could cry. The peer tutoring happens during my study hall, but maybe I can still use some of the block for getting my own work done.
The bell rings and I head to the cafeteria, where during class hours it’s meant to look cozy for studying. It doesn’t. It looks—and smells—like the cafeteria.
Keith tosses his arm over my shoulder. “You coming over tonight?”
“Maybe.”
“I miss you.”
I let out a small giggle. “You can’t miss me if you’re with me right now.”
He stops, pulling me into his arms. “You know what I mean.”
And I do. He means he wants to fool around again. I’ve been trying to come up with reasons as to why I don’t really want to do it, but Keith is relentless.
Keith’s the most popular boy in school and a god on the football field. He’s funny, can be nice when he wants something, and everyone loves him.
The whole town basically falls at his feet.
