“He’s a fucking potato, and you know what? He can suck a dick. Don’t let some asshole make you think you’re less than who you are. If he can’t see your worth, then he can fuck off.”
My lips turn up into a smile, but I still feel depressed over it. I don’t know why he’s mad at me or what I did to anger him.
Brittney places a hand on my shoulder, drawing me from my thoughts. “Men are finicky creatures, don’t let him bring you down. You’re beautiful and kind, and if he doesn’t see your worth, that’s on him. Don’t settle for someone like that.”
Would it really be settling when there was never a relationship to begin with? It’s not like we were exclusive or even dating. He saved me, but according to him, just because he owed me. He fucked me and controlled every move I made. I was just a pawn, and still, I feel empty at the loss of him from my life.
“I know. I’ll get over it. It’s just going to take some time.” I try not to sound as depressed as I feel.
We eat together, and then she tells me about the new books she brought me. She gushes about this book called Pretty Little Savage by Lucy Smoke, and I can’t hide my excitement. There is nothing like diving into the pages of a new book while wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. It’s the best feeling in the world, and I don’t care what anyone says about it.
“Anyway, the heroine is kickass, and I want you to read the book. It’ll make you feel better.” Brittney nudges my shoulder.
“I’ll for sure read it. I need a new book. I feel like I’m devouring every single one you give me.”
“That’s because you are.”
I laugh and shake my head. “I’m going to drop out of school and become a professional book reader.”
“You mean librarian?” Brittney adds.
We both break out into a fit of laughter, and after a few seconds, we catch our breaths, and Brittney says, “My lunch break is up, but as always, if you need anything, let me know.”
I frown, my eyes lingering on the cast. “I can’t wait to get this stupid thing off.”
I’m like a kid pouting because her mom won’t get her a candy bar at the grocery store, and yes, I know it could’ve been worse. I could’ve lost my entire leg or died, but I don’t care to be reminded of those things.
“It’s going to be okay. You’ll get over this hurdle, I promise.”
“I know. Thanks for the lunch and books. I appreciate you coming to hang out with me even if I’m being a big baby right now.”
“We all have days where we mope, cry, and whine. What matters are the days when you get back up and continue pushing on.”
As much as I don’t want Brittney to leave, I know she has to. After she is gone, I’m left with her parting words swirling around inside my head. I’m tempted to crawl back under the sheets and go to sleep, but I grab my laptop instead. I need to check my email and make sure none of my teachers have marked my assignments as missing.
I’ve been doing everything I can to get work done, but a lot of it is hands on, so if I’m not in class to do it, then I’m basically failing.
As soon as the screen loads, I want to slam the laptop closed and pretend like I never saw the email from Lucas, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I move my cursor over the email and click on it. The email opens on a new screen.
My eyes scan the screen as I devour all the words in the email. Bile rises in my throat, burning the sensitive tissue as I read. He wants me to come to his office. He needs to talk to me.
To do that, I would have to leave this room, but if I don’t go, then he’ll come here anyway, and he’ll definitely be pissed about it. It’s better if I go to him because if he has to come to me… I’ve got enough trouble going on without pissing off the headmaster.
Regardless of how anxious I am about leaving this room, I’ll do it. First thing in the morning.
Turns out, I was right to worry because the asshole people in this school are even less considerate of me than they were before. I’ve been shoved so many times since I left my dorm, I stopped counting. The bruises on my arms hurt like hell, and the muscles in my leg ache from the way I have to balance on it.
What should take me only fifteen minutes ends up taking me thirty, and by the time I get to the administration office, I’m sweaty and have a permanent scowl on my face.