ncement ended. Mr. Williams nodded, then

You're a bit late for the class, so

th a joking salute bef

ten, can I be on your team?" my classmate C

a thumbs-up. "I got you,

gaze to the floor. He looked normal to me, but something about him nagged at my mind. Maybe my brain was just playing tricks on me, trying to convince m

assmates-and even asking Natalie out on a

nd snickers filled the room. Slowly, I looked up and saw Nathan raising an eyebrow at me. My

smirk before sitting down. The guys started cheer

others like nothing happened. He probably heard what I said earlier, which was why he scared me li

dismi

of the room like lightning. I had no intention of get

cked my tongue. People these days-always chasing alc

more. He was only with me in my first subject, Ethics. But

s, geeks, fake angels, party freaks, club nerds, and worst of all... cheerleaders. I'm not being dramati

shuddered at the memory of them pouring juice over my head. Since then, I'd made it

h where yo

ight-I was supposed to be heading to the top floor, where I always at

self-destructive much-but it was worth it for a peaceful break. After what felt like forever, I reached the top and almost cried with re

nd calming. I breathed in deeply. This was the life I wanted-quiet, distant from everyo

y first bite, I

ought I was alone up here.

off and took

hh

est as my heart began to pound. That s

hhh! God, yes, hon

ain screamed at me to leave, but my

Nata

unding in and out of my classmate Natalie, who was moaning s

n and ran, tears

oom, and cried. I couldn't unsee it. I barely slept

lent, as always. My parents were gone, and I'd been living alo

nity to a man who didn't love me. It sounded silly, but I held on to that. Sometimes, I

shower. Tuition was expensive;

in, relaxing me-until Nathan's image flashed in my head. His ass.

quiet spot? Or me-for staying and watchi

, but comfortable. I wasn't old-fashioned; I just didn't get the hype of dre

, I'm

behind me. Someone yelled from the hallway-probably complaining about the noise-but I just yelled

luckiest perso

dy, Mrs. Johnson, sitting on

n," I said, standing up an

there. Maybe a killer will chase you-or a truck will r

t it." I rolled my eye

t. The hallways were empty-everyone was already in class. I

ang. Students poured out like a wave, and I cu

tch up la

oice.

th

ls giggling behind him. I ducked my hea

ude! Let's hit Tyler

walking away, I sighed in relief. Thank God he didn't see me. I didn'

quietly to my next class, prete