I stare at the ceiling for ages, replaying the scene in my head. Butterflies flutter around in my stomach and I roll over, laughing into the pillow. Curiosity is killing me and I can only tame it by replaying our conversation over and over. Her determination, the lack of fear, the audacity.
Wow.
Finally, a little entertainment in this backwards town. I watch the clock till it's six and then dash into the bathroom to shower. This is the first time I'm actually looking forward to school.
Naturally, I'm pissed. Angry that my disguised murder didn't work out, but this new development, this new girl searching for me, it's enough to almost make me happy. Almost.
I slip on my blazer, rushing out towards the yellow sports car. Adams slips into the driver's seat and we pull out of the mansion.
School as usual smells of kids and I grow bitter, plastering on a fake smile on the outside. I shove all my books into my bag, thinking of ways to approach that girl. I'm positive she goes to this school.
" Jasher! "
What now?
I turn to look at a glaring Colson. The moron looks shittier than before.
" Y-yes? "
" Bathroom. Now. "
I follow after them to the boys bathroom and they lock the door. Colson slips out a bat, I don't know where he gets those things.
" How much did you give Ryan yesterday? "
" $2000. " I look at my feet.
" And what did I ask for? "
" $5000. "
" Where's the remaining $3000? "
" I.... I don't have it. "
He shuts his eyes, opens them. " Wrong answer buddy. "
He drives the end of the bat into my stomach and I double over, nearly hurling out breakfast. His two goons hold me down and he drives it into my stomach again.
" Next time Jasher, don't disobey me. Do you think you're better, huh? "
He attacks my already bruised jaw and blood trickles down my neck. The bat drops heavily on my back and I drop to the cool tiles.
" Let him go. We've done enough. " He heads for the door. " I want my money tomorrow, Jash. "
The door closes shut.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I wake up to a sterile ceiling and a strong bleach smell, the nurse smiling down at me. I sit up straight, groaning as a stinging pain erupts through my back.
" Careful, Mr. Sloane. "
I caress my bandaged jaw. " Hmm. What happened? "
" You don't remember? We found you unconscious in the boys bathroom. I was hoping you'd tell us who's bullying you. "
" Bullying... " I laugh, brushing it off. " That's crazy. I'm Mr. Sloane's son, who's gonna bully me. "
She gives me a look. " Then what happened to you? "
I shrug. " I dunno. Maybe I slipped? "
" Uh-huh! Look, I need to attend to someone, in the meantime you rest, alright? Lizzie honey? Do me a favour and watch him. "
" What about the Tylenol? " The girl across from me asks. She looks awful.
" Don't worry. I'll be back. "
Ms. Linda leaves us alone and the room is tense. Awkward. I see her stealing glances at me behind strands of her beautiful hair. She probably doesn't know I know.
" What? " I ask softly, staring at an old scar on my arm.
" Nothing. "
I look up to see her staring at the doorway, biting her lips.
" I caught you staring. "
" I wasn't staring. "
" Lizzie Todd. Junior year, right? " She looks genuinely shocked, a little pleased.
" How do you - "
" I saw you. At the funeral. Plus you were Veronica's friend. "
She frowns. " What? Did she tell you I'm a bad person? "
" I don't judge people based on someone's else's opinion. I let them prove themselves. "
She smiles, gazing at her feet. Color rushes to her cheeks and my eyes bulge.
Woah! She likes me. I didn't see that coming. Who would like me? I'm awkward.
" So, what's your opinion of me? "
" Don't have one yet. But you seem nice and brave, losing two friends isn't easy. "
She goes silent.
I force myself to stand up, grabbing my bloody blazer from the headboard. Lizzie frowns.
" Ms. Linda said I should watch after you - "
I press an index finger to my mouth, wink and leave.