Page 28 of Mayhem

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“I heardan interesting rumor about you this morning.” Hailee slides down the wall, sitting next to me.

“How did you find me?”

“Everyone knows you come out here after second period.” She rolls her eyes. “Do you want to know what I heard about you?”

I let out a sigh. “Not really.”

“You’re no fun. I’ll tell you anyway.” She pauses, smirking. “Apparently, you’re double-teaming the Rockford brothers. Or wait, I think they are double-teaming you. Doesn’t matter. Word on the street is you’re open for business.”

“I hate high school,” I say, bitterly.

She chuckles. “You’re telling me. These kids are idiots. It’s obvious to anyone with eyes that you’re only fucking one of the brothers.”

I go to tear into her, but see the twinkle in her eye. She’s joking.

“Whatever you say, Hails.” I stand to make my way to class.

She stands too, following me. “I mean, not that a Rockford sandwich wouldn’t be hot. I mean all them muscles and shit.”

I push her shoulder lightly. “Shut up. You wouldn’t.”

She sighs. “No, but a girl can dream. At least until Nate opens his filthy mouth.”

With a flick of the wrist, I tell her goodbye as I enter my next class.

As soon as I enter, I see the change.

Stupid Hailee for telling me about that damn rumor.

I probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise, but now I see the looks being cast my way.

I’m not surprised. Several students saw me get out of Chase’s truck in the morning and the way Nate has been shadowing me for the past couple of days.

Ignoring the negative terms being coughed under breaths, I take my seat.

“Willow, baby, what are you up to?” The annoying gnat, also known as Henry Caver, slides into the seat next to me.

He’s sat next to me all year, but has never once said a word to me. Come to think of it, he hasn’t said anything to me in the entire four years we have gone to school together.

Why would he? Most people here saw me as trailer trash. Beneath them.

The only reason they are paying attention to me now is because Chase showed me some attention. Maybe even Nate, too.

I ignore him, but it doesn’t deter him.

Instead, he leans closer. “Come on, baby. I can show you a good time too.”

“Not interested.” I don’t take my eyes off the design I’m drawing on my notebook.

“Sure you are.” His hand reaches out to touch me, but before he can make contact, the teacher walks in, ending all conversation.

For once, as soon as class is over, I jump out of my seat, attempting to make it out of class first. Not that I’m scared of them. I can handle their attempts to rattle me.

No, I left because I didn’t want to get suspended for breaking someone’s jaw.

“What’s the big hurry?” Nate asks as I make my way out the back doors.

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