Page 42 of Mermaid's Song (Dark Sea Academy 1)

“That and the fact that you could become more popular than she is.”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t think Earwig has anything to worry about. But this just feels bigger than a popularity contest to me. Everyone seems to hate my dad here, and she even brought him up last night. Called him a murderer.”

Halen’s eyes widen. “I can’t guess what that psycho is thinking, but you’d better stop calling her Earwig. What if you accidentally call her that to her face?”

I snicker at the thought.

“It’s not funny. Look what she’s already done to you.”

“Next time, I’ll be ready for her. And besides, we’re going to make her pay, remember? She won’t mess with me after that.”

“Who are we making pay?” comes a male voice from behind.

I spin around and come face to face with Bash.

He grins, and my insides melt. “Paybacks are my specialty. Especially if we’re talking about Earwyn and her two dogfish.”

“Dogfish?” I ask.

Bash gives a little nod. “Those two are worse than the real thing. So, what’s the plan?”

Halen is giving me a funny look.

My face flames. “We haven’t decided yet. I have to get to class.”

I grab Halen and race away.

---