Justin ran his hand through his black hair. “Sure you can. She works for the police. They’ll believe you.”
The thought of humiliating myself more didn’t sit well. I wanted my boys and some peace of mind. The look on Justin’s face was clear how he thought about it and to get him to chill I said, “I’ll think about it. For real.”
He relented and stood up. “I’m going to heat up the lasagna. You pick out a movie, okay?”
“Yep,” I said and he mussed my hair. Just like that, things were back to normal. I had my friend. I had the Allendale Four. Things were finally looking up.
Chapter 16
“Awkward” was the best word I could use to describe my return to school a few days later. Even after his declaration at the hospital, I dreaded seeing Anderson. In fact, I would have skipped the entire day if that stupid project wasn’t due. Which, by the way, was the only reason I was able to talk my mom out of changing my schedule. No reason to blow my grade now that things were under control, or at least that was my excuse.
There was a subtle shift after the hospital though. Jackson and Hayden arrived at my house, arranged by my mother, to pick me up for school. In the hallway Jax remained close, if not closer, asking me too many times about my head and if it hurt.
“I’m fine.”
“Just checking, babe.” He touched my head gently and kissed me on the temple. Okay, I didn’t mind a little extra TLC.
After stopping at my locker and ignoring the glares of Mallory and the other girls (get over it already?) I braced myself to see Anderson waiting, like always, in the hallway.
He wasn’t there.
“Where is he?” I asked as we neared their usual spot.
“Not sure, he was in Spanish.”
“Hm.”
“Your project is due today, right?” he said. He looked a little concerned. Anderson had become unpredictably predictable. Jackson stopped walking and narrowed his eyes. “I’m going to kill him if he bailed.”
“He’s still okay with everything, right?” The swelling on Jackson’s eye had gone down a little but the bruise was still dark purple.
“Yeah.” His eyes darted down the hallway. “I better run. You let me know if he doesn’t show.”
“I will.”
He kissed me on the lips, much to Mr. Baxter’s disapproving frown in the doorway, and disappeared down the hall.
“Yeah, well, I’m sure he’s just late or something,” I muttered under my breath, as I walked into the room. He wasn’t late, though. He was already at our lab table. I eyed him from the doorway. White t-shirt, navy blue hoodie and hair that looked like it just came out from under a cap of some kind. The corner of his mouth was still red from the fight with Jackson.
I took a deep breath and walked to my seat. I sat down and opened my bag, rummaging for my papers.
“Hey.”
“Hi.”
I’d never been so nervous.
I handed my papers to him and we waited as Mr. Baker walked up and down the aisle, collecting the projects from each table. Once he retrieved ours and moved down the row, Anderson turned to face me. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Just a slight headache.”
He grimaced. “You sure you’re ready to be back at school.”
“I’m ready to not be trapped at home anymore.”
“Gotcha, well if you feel sick or woozy or anything, let me know.”
“Thanks, Anderson.” He flashed me a lopsided grin.