Page 10 of Happenstance
From the time we were in diapers, it was Harper and I against the world. She was my best friend. My confidant. The girl who knew all my secrets. And now, the person I dreaded seeing every day. I couldn’t talk to her, couldn’t even look at her, because there were only two people she had in this world, and if she found out what happened, she’d lose them both. I’d never felt more alone in my life.
I wove my way through the rows of desks to take my seat, trying to ignore all the sideways glances. Was it wrong that I was relieved to be in a class without my best friend? That for an hour, I didn’t have to see her face, or tell her everything was okay, when it wasn’t. Nothing would ever be okay again.
“Slut,” someone in the room coughed, making me wish that Riley wasn’t stuck in the office waiting for reprimand.
These people would like nothing more than to see me run out of the room in tears. As far as they were concerned, I didn’t belong. I didn’t have a trust fund, or powerful parents, and I was proud of that. I could hold my head high knowing that everything I had, I earned. How many of them could say that?
So, no, I wasn’t going to run out of the room. I’d never give them the satisfaction. A few rumors weren’t going to chase me away. I belonged here, just as much as they did, and I wasn’t about to be bullied out of a spot I rightfully earned.
Speaking of bullied…
Mason Kessler strutted in and loudly announced, “I know you all missed me, but you don’t need to cry anymore. I’m back.”
Was I surprised by Mason Kessler’s grand entrance? No. Quiet wasn’t his style. Hence Harper’s hyper terrified state. The only time I wished I had influence was when Mason Kessler was around. I’d like nothing more than to wipe that stupid smile off his face. Of course, influence in this town didn’t matter much when it came to the Kesslers. You couldn’t out-power someone who had it all.
“Hey, Lana banana.” Mason dropped down into the desk next to me and shot me a grin. “Miss me?”
“Hardly,” I muttered, while pulling my books out of my bag.
I’d come to the conclusion long ago that arrogance must be a Kessler trait. Even their father walked around like his shit didn’t stink. If I had to guess, I’d say Louis Kessler had more skeletons in his closet than anyone else. It was nice to see him humbled, even if I was just a little. Shelby’s mom insisted on things like family dinners. I knew this, because Micha was constantly complaining about it. And no, he didn’t go to any of her required family functions. Not unless Riley made him.
The teacher came in and started class. Not that that mattered much to Mason. While I was trying to pay attention, he kept poking me. Quietly calling my name, and flicking little balls of paper my way.
As much as I tried to ignore him, my frustration built up until I finally snapped, “What!” in a growled whisper.
“What’d Parker do to piss you off?”
I glanced down at the book open on my desk.The Scarlet Letter. Fate sure had a sense of humor. Studying a book about a woman being dubbed a whore, when that’s exactly how Parker made me feel. Throwing money at me the next morning!
“None of your business.”
“That bad, huh?” Mason sat back and hummed.
I’d seen that look before. The dark glint in his bright eyes was unmistakable. Whatever he was thinking, it wasn’t good.
“Well, whatever it is, you better get over it quick.”
He had no idea what I had to get over. Was I mad at Parker, yes. I hated him for how he treated me. But that wasn’t what weighed me down everyday.
“You belong to him now.”
My glare snapped his way. “Says who?”
“Says that.” He tipped his chin to the bump I was trying to hide, making me blink back the tears threatening to burst forth.
This baby didn’t prove anything, because I didn’t know who put this baby in me. The man who filled my dreams with tender words and gentle kisses. Or the one who haunted my nightmares. I hated Mason for reminding me of that. For making me once again wonder if I could love the child I was carrying. Would I hate it for being a living reminder of the worst night of my life?
“I’m curious, Mason, why didn’t daddy cover up your stint in rehab?” I twisted my neck and gave a small frown. “Has he finally given up on his youngest son? It’s got to be hard, living in your brother’s shadow.”
The tick in his jaw brought a satisfied grin to my lips. Unfortunately, I forgot the number one rule when it came to dealing with Mason Kessler. Never underestimate him.
“Lana,” he pronounced loudly, “That is so inappropriate.”
Suddenly everyone’s eyes were on me.
“Mr. Kessler,” our teacher, Mr. Hanes, said, “Is there a reason you’re interrupting my class?”
“I’m sorry sir, it’s really hard to concentrate when someone keeps propositioning me.” Mason paused to slide his gaze my way. “I keep telling her I’m not interested, but she won’t leave me alone.”
