Page 42 of One Little Kiss
“But—” Celia starts.
I pretend I don’t hear her as I grab my bag and shoot to my feet. “I’ve gotta run. I’m falling behind in biology and I want to get there early to ask Mr. Carmichael some questions.”
“Oh. Okay,” Celia says.
Mara’s brows knit together in a frown.
I know I’ve been acting weird lately. They know it. I know it. Elijah cannot have missed how weird I’ve been lately.
But, since it’s kinda all his fault with that whole almost-kiss-that-has-never-been-mentioned, I refuse to worry about him right now.
Mara and Celia on the other hand…
I pause a few feet away from our cafeteria table, feeling like I just kicked two puppies, so I turn back with a wince. “I’m sorry, you guys, I just…I have a lot going on.”
They both nod and then give me understanding smiles.
“If you want to talk…” Mara starts.
“I know where to find you,” I finish with a wink.
They look a little less worried this time when I turn away. And in my defense, I wasn’t lying about being behind in biology. I’m falling behind in all of my classes and if I get through this semester without an F it’ll be a miracle.
I failed my driver’s test.
I wince at the memory as I reach my locker to grab some stuff for my next class.
Why did I tell Elijah that? I mean, I know why. It’d seemed better that he know that humiliating fact rather than believe something even more humiliating.
I sigh, letting my head fall forward until it rests against the locker. So this is what it’s come to? I’m debating which of the humiliating truths to spill to my best friend?
Sweet.
If there was ever any doubt that I’m a moron, now he knows I can’t even pass my driver’s test.
But at least he doesn’t think I’m following in my mom’s footsteps, right? He doesn’t honestly believe I’m…what did he say? Smiling and batting my eyelashes?
I frown down at the contents of my bag before tossing it over my shoulder.
His words still sting even though I know I need to get over it.
He wasn’t trying to be hurtful. He probably was just having a bad day. That’s the only explanation because I’ve never seen him like that.
Well, I mean, aside from when he flew off the handle with Brad.
But that was warranted. Sorta.
I shake my head and turn away from the lockers, but find myself cornered by bright pink lipstick and a whole lot of blonde hair.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she snarls.
Yes,snarls.
“Hello, Pamela.” I don’t try to sound pleased to see her. It’s pretty clear she’s not here to compliment my new lip gloss.
“Why did you kiss Dominic?”
I lean back against the lockers with a sigh. Ah, so that’s what this is about.
