Chapter 9

9

Ryeson

“ D ude, where’d you go?” Brennon asks as I take my seat. I told him I was running to the bathroom, but I never came back.

“Had to take a dump.”

“You missed a fucking showdown man.” He whistles. “Cassie pulled some shit in the cafeteria, and now she’s done for. Kyler’s fucking pissed and told her she’s not allowed to sit at the table with us anymore. He gave the girls a warning that bullying won’t be tolerated.”

It sure as fuck won’t. Dang. I was gone for all of ten minutes. “So, what happened?”

“I didn’t hear what Cassie said. But she ended up shoving Ruby to the ground, and the poor girl got covered in her food.” Ruby? The recluse? What did that girl ever do to anyone? She sits in the corner with her nose tucked into a book. I don’t think I’ve ever even heard her speak before.

“Why’d she mess with Ruby?” There’s nothing Cassie should be jealous of when it comes to that girl. Ruby dresses in big baggy sweatshirts and is known as the biggest loser in our grade. She’s not a threat to Cassie, who up until today was the most popular girl at our school. But it looks like that will no longer be the case. As soon as Kyler throws down the gauntlet, it’s done. I’ll be more than happy to ice the girl out. I can’t stand her anyway. Wanted to give Chase a standing ovation when he broke up with her the other day.

“Who the fuck knows. I’m sure we’ll get the details at the party tonight.”

This is exactly why I’m not interested in dating any of the girls at our school. They’re all bitches.

“Well, good fucking riddance to her,” I tell him. Now, if we can just get rid of the rest of them. Give Taya and Mindy the boot too. Then I’ll be able to enjoy my lunch in peace. Seeing Taya rubbing all over Baylor was killing my appetite. My hunger was replaced with jealousy. Then look where that got me. I was whipping out my phone and sending him a damn text. And then… I shake the thought and open my textbook. I can’t go back down that rabbit hole again. I need to forget it ever happened.

“So, are you excited about hanging with Tierney tonight?”

“Yeah.” I nod. Fucking thrilled. I’ve got to clear this shit out of my mind, and that girl looks like she might do the trick. She’s gorgeous, and according to Bren, she’s up for a good time, so I’m hoping she’ll be the cure I need. And that after tonight, everything will go back to normal. Fingers fucking crossed.