Page 19 of The Pact

MILA

I’d expected Jace to storm over, demanding to know who my first kiss was, after I heard everyone at the party leave shortly after me. But nothing.

Sunday was uneventful too. I didn't see Jace or the guys at all. Dad took me out for school supplies, and we picked up pizza and ice cream for dinner. It was a great day. I loved being back with Dad.

Monday morning came too fast, and now I have to face them. I’m beginning to rethink my choice of school. It wouldn’t be a problem if the truth about that kiss—those kisses—hadn’t risen to the surface so fast. I had found out they had this pact together weeks before I left. I had overheard them talking about it when they thought I was in the bathroom. I was upset at first, I thought they had left me out because I was a girl. But then I understood it enough to understand that even if they like liked me, they wouldn’t act on their feelings. That’s why I wasn’t part of their pact.

I didn't think something like my first kiss would blow up in my face so quickly. I knew it would come up…eventually. It wasn’t like I forgot about it. I remembered that day very well. I had just hoped we were all friends again when it came out and I could approach them about it before it got to what it did on Saturday.

After dropping by the office to pick up my schedule, I’m off to class. The map the secretary gave me isn’t the best. I couldn't understand where my locker was when she pointed it out, so she offered to ask a student to give me a tour. But I didn't want that either. Instead, I stuff my phone in my back pocket and wander the busy halls until I find my first class—English with Mrs. Becker.

I’m the last one to class, and when I walk in, all eyes are on me. But my gaze focuses on two students in this class. “You have to be kidding me,” I mutter under my breath. How many students go here? And how the heck did I end up with double trouble in my first class of the day?

“Find a seat, there are two spares.” Mrs. Becker waves to a seat beside Roman, and the other is beside a girl with red hair.

Roman and Jace glare at me.

It’s a difficult choice. If I pick the girl, the safe spot, will Roman think I’m scared of him. That I’m not willing to fight for his friendship? But if I sit next to Roman, how much worse will my day get?

When Roman slams his backpack down on the desk beside him, I get the message loud and clear. I’m not welcome there. There’s no place for me in our group. Their group.

I sit beside the girl and open my bag, grabbing my books.

“Hi, Mila, I’m Eva. Do you remember me?”

I face the girl and immediately recognize her. “Oh, wow, Eva. I remember you.” She used to have frizzy red hair, and her mother braided it every day when we were in elementary school. I used to look at her hair with envy. I wished my dad could braid like that. It’s straight now and hangs over her shoulder, still the most beautiful color.

“I heard you were back and that there was a fight at Jace’s party over you.”

Wow, I expected something to be mentioned, but I’m not even five minutes into class and it’s happening.

“That’s not what happened. Were you there?”

I didn’t see her there, but then I was kinda focused on three boys. She shakes her head and pulls out her phone, scrolling until she finds a dark, grainy video. It’s of me standing there with Jace, Hunter and Roman looking down at me. You can’t hear too much until Roman’s deep voice demands, “Which one of us was your first?”

I snatch her phone and look at who had posted it. Summer Waters. Yeah, stupid name. Her parents were probably hoping for her to be a news anchor with that name, but it was more of a porn star name.

Mila Hart is breaking hearts again. We always wanted to know which one she was fucking. Guess we don’t have to wonder anymore. She was fucking them all. She lied to them. They all thought they were her first. #whore

My blood boils. This is why I hate social media. It’s like no one is concerned about the truth anymore. People twist the facts to suit their own purposes, not caring who’s hurt in the process. I’m not hurt, let them think what they want about me. Water off a duck’s back, I have thick skin. Hell, I needed it. I lived with my mom for four years. But others, they don’t need this shit. Online bullying is out of hand.

I still have social media accounts, of course. But, at my old school, I did my best to keep my name out of any scandals. I wanted no part of the gossip and bullying. Still don’t.

When I pass Eva’s phone back to her, she’s watching me with a gleam in her eye. “So, is it true? Did you have sex with them all and tell each one you were a virgin?”

Is she serious? It’s like she wants it to be true.

“What the fuck? No. That's not it at all.” Heat rises to my cheeks. Not from embarrassment. From anger. “For god’s sake, I was only twelve when I last saw them. I wasn’t having sex with them.”

In spite of myself, I turn to find Roman with his arms crossed over his chest. It’s when I first notice his tattoos. Holy fuck. They’re amazing. So colorful, and even from here, I can tell the artwork was well done. A professional artist had done those, not some random guy with a tattoo gun.

Jace rocks back in his chair, watching me. As soon as my eyes meet his, he stops and crosses his arms. A devilish grin spreads across his gorgeous face. Clearly, he knows about the video and comment. Summer Waters was Britney Montlake’s best friend the last time I was here. I have a feeling they’re still besties.

When class ends, I can’t help but notice the stares and whispers. My fellow students are pointing and staring at me. Everyone knows. Fan-fucking-tastic.

“Move.” Jace shoves me to the side with his body as he exits the room. I step aside to let the rest of the students out and reach into my bag for the map. Chemistry.

I’m a few steps from the classroom when I stop in my tracks. This has to be a joke. I look down at my schedule and up again to see the three of them standing outside the classroom. Maybe they’re just talking and they aren’t in my class. Yeah right, why else would they be here?

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