Page 53 of Twisted Heathens

Hudson doesn’t want my help? Fine.

Let’s see how he likes it when I steal his girl.

Then he’ll know how it feels to be disregarded.

Nineteen

Brooklyn

Higher by Sleep Token

Thursday morning, I walk into the classroom and avoid dozens of eyes that immediately lock onto me. For the last few days, everyone’s been all up in my business. As I’ve gradually returned to class, it seems I’m now somewhat of a celebrity.

Everyone looks at me with equal parts fear and fascination. I barely survived my first day of English class, sat alone at the back as others whispered and gossiped around me. Yesterday, I stomped around in a cloud of rage, refusing to speak to anyone to avoid exploding spectacularly. Even the guys seem determined to get in my head.

They’ll give up eventually and leave me alone. I can’t afford distractions, not now that Lazlo has me on tight lockdown. Getting the hell out of here before next month is all I can think about. I’ve listed all the potential methods in my journal, ink stained pages filled with hatred and regret.

My options are limited at best. When I ran back to the fence to investigate further, hoping that would provide some opportunity, I found it had been repaired and electrified. Nobody’s getting out for a stroll now.

Entering the packed classroom, I walk past tables filled with interested onlookers. “Crazy bitch,” someone coughs, sparing no thought for subtlety.

I have to stifle the urge to smile. You got that right. If anyone deserves to be stabbed with a blunt dinner knife, it’s Hudson. My only regret is that I didn’t have anything sharper on hand.

I pass the assholes with my head held high. Phoenix and Eli are sitting in our usual place waiting for me. I can’t tear my eyes away from Eli’s messy ringlets and blushing cheeks as he avoids looking at me. Does the memory of fucking me keep him awake at night as well? The way he looked at me as the knife dragged across my skin was pure fucking magic.

Schooling my blank expression back into place, I take my seat at the end of the table, ignoring Phoenix’s gaze as I slide in next to him. “Hi guys.”

Phoenix does a dramatic double take. “Well, look who decided to join us.”

I can feel his attention acutely as I slip the gifted beanie off my head, revealing my still slightly damp hair. There’s a smile tugging at his lips and it’s driving me insane.

“You’re looking better,” he compliments, shamelessly checking me out. “Finally decided to walk among us living folks again?”

“Whatever.”

This winds him up further, just like I intended. “When are you going to actually talk to us? Come on, Brooke. It’s been days, I’m so over this stupid silent treatment thing you’ve got going on. Whatever happened between you and Hud, it’s got nothing to do with me.”

I can’t help but melt a little at the sight of his bottom lip jutted out for dramatic effect. Damn, I’d like to bite that lip.

“Look, I couldn’t care less. He’s your friend and that’s enough reason for me to stay away,” I explain simply. “As soon as I can request a seat change, I’m getting the hell away from all of you. I don’t need any more hassle in my life than I already have.”

I relish the flash of pain in his eyes. It feels good to be in control here. No matter what happens, I’m the one calling the shots.

“You’re being a stubborn bitch,” Phoenix whines.

“Get over it and leave me alone.”

We lapse into silence as the history teacher walks in, immediately clapping his hands for everyone’s attention. Crawley is tall, spindly and beyond creepy, but he’s decent enough. After two weeks’ absence, I’m on his shit list. As the others get on with their assignments, he dumps a shed load of work on my desk, demanding that I catch up before the midterms next week. Next fucking week. I don’t bother trying to argue back, just nod and glare daggers at his back as he turns to leave.

“Need a hand?” Phoenix offers.

I’m shaking my head before he even finishes. “Nope, I’m good.”

With a frustrated growl, his hand swipes through his spiky blue hair. “You know what? Screw you. Do what you fucking want, it’s your choice.”

“Damn right, it is.”

Phoenix’s glare burns into the side of my head, but I don’t bother to look as he lashes out. “Keep this up and you’ll end up alone for the next three years. That’s all I’m saying.”