Page 77 of The Surprise Play
“Don’t be so emotional.” She crosses her arms, her nostrils flaring. “I just had to get your attention somehow. You really need to understand this, Libs, and I don’t think you’re getting it.”
“Oh, I get it.” My voice is so soft and shaky I’m not sure they can hear me. “You’re worried I’ll tell Wily the truth.”
“Like he’s going to believe you,” Kelsey sneers.
Jade steps forward, stamping her heeled boot right next to my foot, her seething anger making me shrink back. “If you eventryto say something to him, you’ll regret it, you understand me?Stay awayfrom Wily Wilson.” Her eyes flash, and I shuffle back out of slapping range. Tucking my chin down, I cross my arms around myself and pray they’ll let me walk past.
They do, and I pick up my pace as soon as I’m clear of them.
“Stay away, hippo!” Viper Girl calls after me.
I hunch my shoulders and mumble, “Shut the fuck up,” before scampering to the library.
I’m not even sure I want to go anymore.
My face hurts.
My skin is no doubt red if the sting is anything to go by.
Rubbing my tender cheek, I contemplate bailing and heading back to my room. But what if they’re still standing there, waiting to pounce on me again?
It’s so unlike Jade to slap me that way. Her assaults are always verbal or prank-like, something that can be laughed off.
I really must haven’t gotten to her.
She’s probably not used to me arguing back. I usually just stand there and take it. And she must have told her new posse that, because they were dishing it out like I’m a zero threat.
Because you are.
Aw, man. How much has she told them? Probably everything. I can just picture them huddled together in her dorm room, laughing their heads off while Jade regales them with stories about all the cruel pranks Team Evil played on me in high school.
I never once stood up for myself then. Touching my cheek again, I remind myselfwhyI quietly take it.
But…
It did feel a little bit good arguing back.
I got under Jade’s skin for once.
Me.
Insignificant, unimportant me.
Walking through the library doors, I grip my bag straps and head to the stairs. It’s always so quiet and peaceful in here. It’s one of my favorite places to hang out.
It’s why I tend to hold my tutoring sessions here. It’s usually a haven.
Climbing the stairs, I pause at the top and scan the tables and shelves around me. They’re littered with various students working on assignments or having whispered conversations.
Wily’s no doubt waiting for me around the corner.
Should I go?
I’m late now, thanks to Team Evil 2.0.
Their warnings flicker through me again, and I hesitate.
Maybe I shouldn’t go.
