Page 15 of Didn't See That Coming

“Of course, bro,” Jonas says. “We’re going to dominate the Silmerrov Gulch! I bought a new skin—that limited-edition Goldwater Dragon one.”

It feels as though my skin has gotten too tight for my body. Because Silmerrov Gulch is one of the battle arenas inWarfront Heroes.Ugh, Jonas playsWHtoo.

“I even paid to change my handle so it goes with the new skin. I’m now—”

I don’t quite catch what his handle is.

“Cool,” Jonas’s friend says. “Yeah, I’ll add your new character to my Friends list. Anyway, you wouldn’t believe what happened today. Miss Teen Indonesia is the new girl in our class. Crazy hot.”

Jonas says, “Dude, what? Seriously? Which one is she?” There’s a pause as—I assume—he and his buddies spy on some girl. There’s a low whistle, then he says, “Yeah, I’d hit that.” Gross. The other guys laugh in agreement. “Man, how is this fair? Your class gets Miss Teen Indonesia and mine gets the crazy feminazi from hell. Bro, you should’ve seen this girl when we were talking about our term project, she was, like, ‘Ew, like, this is so gross, you guys.’ ”

Something inside me breaks, and before I can stop myself, I turn around and march toward Jonas. He’s only a few steps away from me, and all of a sudden, I find myself standing face-to-face with him. His face is frozen in a half-laugh, his eyes wide with surprise, and I don’t think I’ve hated a guy quite as much as I do him in this moment. Next to him, two guys with popped collars and manicured faces—trimmed eyebrows, ultra-moisturized skin—are snickering and elbowing each other.

“Shit,” one of them whispers, barely containing his laughter.

I ignore them all and stab a finger in front of Jonas’s stupid face. “For the record, you’re a misogynistic asshat and a little squealer who only dares to talk shit behind people’s backs. Next time you want to call me names, say it to my face.”

“Oooh,” one of his friends says, obviously delighted bythis.

I shoot his friends a withering glare, and they both snaptheir mouths shut, looking cowed. I spin around and stalk off. Or try to, anyway. My legs are so trembly that walking is a real effort. I focus all my energy on moving my feet. Right foot, left foot, right foot. Keep going.

Behind me, I hear Jonas say, “See? What did I tell you? Crazy.”

More laughter. The students around me are either quietly staring or whispering behind their hands. Oh god, what have I done? Why did I do that? Krill can’t eat fish!

But you’re not krill,a small voice at the back of my mind pipes up.

No, you were a big fish in a small pond and now you’re suddenly in the ocean. You might as well be krill, and krill stay the hell away from the big fish. Don’t go right up to its mouth and announce their presence.

My breath releases in a shudder. This isn’t good. But I couldn’t just stand by as he called me a “crazy feminazi” to his friends. Except I’ve probably just proven him right. God, I really thought that my first day at school would’ve gone way better than this.

I end up spending the rest of recess in the bathroom, doing deep-breathing exercises in the cleanest cubicle I can find. I peel myself away from the bathroom only when the next bell rings. When I get to my seat, Liam leans over and says, “Hey, so I think you should—”

But the teacher strides in then, and it’s just as well, because I’ve had enough about what I should or shouldn’t be doing. I turn away from Liam pointedly and keep my gaze on mybooks.

The rest of the day isn’t much better, but at least I manage not to make any more of a spectacle of myself. I keep my head down and focus on writing everything my teachers say in my notebook. Two more classes, and finally, the day comes to an end. I stuff everything into my bag and keep my eyes down as I trudge out along with everyone else. Am I imagining it or are people glancing at me and then looking away as soon as our eyes meet? Whatever. I look down at my hands and realize I’m white-knuckling the shoulder strap. I force them to release their grip. I’m okay. I survived my first day. I’ll be fine.

CHAPTER 5

I can’t get my hands on my phone fast enough. As soon as I retrieve it, I swipe up and check my notifications. There are almost 100 messages in the Bad Betches WhatsApp group between Cassie and Sharlot. A mess of emotions swirls through me. I’m torn between feeling happy that my two besties are getting along so well, but also ARGH! that I’ve missed out on so much conversation. I locate my car in the lineup of idling cars, get in, say a quick hi to Pak Run, and scroll all the way to the top of the messages.

Cassie:Kiki, look how buff Axle got over summer

Image sent of previously scrawny Axle looking like a mini Hulk

Sharlot:Holy…

Cassie:Right?

Sharlot:He’s kind of rly hot? Lol, sorry George

Cassie:Eh, only if you’re into that whole broad-shouldered, chiseled-jawline look, I guess. I heard that he went to LA and worked out on Muscle Beach the whole summer. I bet he was chugging protein shakes and taking steroids

Sharlot:Welp, they clearly worked on him!

Cassie:Yeah, but they’ll also make his penis smaller

Sharlot:What? Srsly? No, you’re messing with me

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