4. Maddison

Maddison

I have one class today, and Noah happens to be in it.

When I enter the massive miniature-like stadium-style classroom, my gaze lands on him, probably because he’s sitting in the farthest back corner with his hood over his head, looking like a total creeper. I feel sorry for the guy. Clearly, he’s an outcast, and even though River and Finn have their reason as to why they’ve shunned him, I don’t agree with it. People lie sometimes to protect themselves—I know this. Maybe there’s more of a reason as to why Noah did what he did. The fact that he’s dealing steroids suggests he has a far bigger story than merely being a wealthy royal.

I also told him I would try to help him with getting a supplier. I’m not about to get directly involved in that, but I have some contact numbers I dug up and am planning on giving him those, as long as he doesn’t out my location.

I start up the stairs to sit by him, and I can tell he doesn’t want me to by the glare he throws at me. I keep ascending, smiling to myself at how irritated he looks.

“Hey, grumpy pants,” I greet him as I let the handle of my bag slide down my arm. As my bag hits the floor with a soft thump , I plop down in the chair. “What’s got you looking so pissy?”

His face remains set in a scowl. “Why are you sitting by me?”

“Um, because there was a seat available. Unless Casper the friendly ghost was sitting in it. But, since you’ve got the grumpiest look on your face ever, I’m going to guess friendly old Casper wouldn’t want to sit by you.” I smile sweetly at him. “You can stop glaring at me. It’s not gonna scare me off.”

He shakes his head and blows out a sigh. “Whatever.” He stares straight ahead, crossing then uncrossing his arms. “But just an FYI, being seen with me will ruin your reputation.”

I choke on a laugh. “ My reputation ? Like I even have one.” I pat his arm. “You’re funny.”

He jolts from my touch, as if he hasn’t been touched in an eternity. I understand that concept well.

“Dude, chill,” I whisper under my breath. “I came here to give you some phone numbers about that thing that happened the other day.”

His gaze slides to me. “Really?”

I nod. “But there are stipulations, one being that you can’t tell anyone where I’m, even if they ask. You’ll just have to lie.”

“Okay.” He studies me. “Why, though?”

I hesitate. “Let’s just say I have issues vaguely similar to yours.”

“You deal?” he whispers in shock.

“No,” I hiss back. “No more questions. I didn’t make you explain everything to me, so respect the equal evasiveness.”

He gives a nod. “What’re the other stipulations?”

“That as soon as you get your debt taken care of with those guys who tried to beat you up, you leave the business.” I scratch my arm, feeling exposed at what I say next. “My father was in this type of business and, trust me; it ruined his life, like in the worst, locked-up-for-a-long-time sort of way, if you get my meaning.”

His eyes search mine. “I get what you’re saying, but … why are you helping me?” He shifts in the chair and stretches his legs out.

I shrug, crossing my legs. “Because you kind of remind me of myself.”

His brows raise. “What?”

I shrug again. “I don’t know. You just do.”

“You’re so weird,” he mumbles with a crease between his brow.

My own brows dip. “Thanks, I think …”

Amusement flashes across his face. “You’re welcome, I guess.” He stares at me for a beat. “Does River and Finn know you’re helping me?”

“Nah, I figure this is your business.”

“But you hang with River all the time.”

“Not all the time. Just some. But, what does that even matter?”

“It matters because if he finds out about this, he’ll feel betrayed.”

“Why?” I question. “I know you guys are fighting, but this thing between us doesn’t involve him.”

He gives me this insinuating look. “River hasn’t spent time with a girl, like, ever, so the fact that he’s hanging out with you means something. What that is is for you two to figure out. But trust me; if he finds out you’re helping me, he’ll feel betrayed—that’s how he is.” Bitterness creeps into his tone.

I realize he’s comparing my situation to his. River did tell me the reason why his and Noah’s friendship ended was because Noah kept the affair between his mother and River and Finn’s father a secret.

“You want me to tell him about this?” I question, because I doubt he’ll want River to know he’s dealing drugs.

“No, but since you’re doing me a favor, I’ll do you one.” He tugs the hood off of his head. “If you want to remain friends with him, you might not want to keep secrets.”

Again, it’s such a strange concept to me. Where I come from, a ton of people lie and cheat each other without batting an eye.

“Thanks for the warning,” I tell him as I recline back in the chair. “Give me your number, and I’ll send you the contacts.”

“Okay….” He tells me his number then fiddles with the zipper of his hoodie. “If I can’t tell them you’re here, where am I supposed to say we met?”

“Just say we work together at a café in the city.” There are a lot of cafés, so if word gets out about it, Drew will spend a lot of time running around, looking for me.

That thought makes me smile, something I seem to be doing a lot of lately.

I wish I could believe it would stay that way, but I have a feeling it won’t last. Call me a skeptic, but I have difficulty grasping the concept that my life will change because I’m in a glitzy building.

No, I can change my surroundings to no longer look like northside, but northside blood will always run through my veins.