Page 17 of Relentless Queen
As soon as we walk into social studies, I notice that Mr. Carter wrote we would be working in teams today and to sign up. I glance around the room, looking to see if I see Lux. When I notice she’s not in class yet, I go over to the sign-up sheet and write her name by mine.
This is the perfect opportunity to get the answers I need. Walking over to her usual seat, I sit down in Lux’s spot and await her arrival. The bell rings just as Jo makes her way into class. She hasn’t noticed me yet as she comes over and flops into her seat, finishing up her conversation with one of the girls from their home. As she turns to face the class, I see the moment she notices I’m here. The color drains from her face, and she goes stiff.
“What the fuck? I thought I already told you gu-” I cut her off from finishing the rest of her statement.
“We are working in teams today and you were the only option left.” I say, making sure I sound uninterested.
“Uh, fine. I still won’t tell you shit.” she huffs, turning to angle her body away from me.
“That’s fine. Why would I care about your little bestie?” She turns to eye me with her brow raised. I know she doesn’t believe a word I’m saying.
“Seems like your little friends care.” Looking over her shoulder towards Cade and the guys and then back to me.
I just look at her, showing nothing on my face. She growls, turning back to face the front of the class. I know she won’t just let it go. She likes to talk and I know she is curious about what caused the drama between us and her bestie.
I can’t and won’t give her that reason. I remember hearing all the details about what was set into motion, and I fully understand. They were my family too. Even though I want to blame her, I know she had no say in anything.
The sound of snapping gets my attention. Turning in the direction of the sound, I see Jo trying to gain my attention.
“Whoa, buddy. What are you over there daydreaming about?” With a huge grin on her face, she leans closer. “I want all the details. I need something good to tell my bestie later.”
“Nothing.” Taking out my notebook and pen.
“C’mon. I know it's not nothing.” Giving her only my silence. She huffs,“Fine. Keep your secrets.”
“How about an exchange?” I look over to her.
“An exchange? What kind of exchange?” I knew she would take the bait.
“Tell me where your bestie is and I’ll tell you why we hate her.” Staring at her while she processes what I’ve said.
“How do I know you aren’t going to take my info and give me nothing in return?” she quirks an eyebrow.
“If I give you nothing, you can tell Cade I told you about the waterfall thing.” Chuckling when I notice I got her now.
“Okay, deal. She is meeting with her new foster parents.” The smile on her face lets me know there's more to the story.
“Foster parents? When is she leaving?” So that’s why she isn’t here. Interesting.
“We are set to leave in- Wait. Where is my part of the deal, why do you guys hate her?” Knowing she won’t let this go.
“She owes us her life.” Getting up to head over to the guys.
“Wait. What does that mean?” She says, with a confused look on her face.
I give her my most sinister smile, walking back over to the guys to fill them in on everything. I continue to ignore her as she shouts my name.
“Stone!” She yells my name in a pissed off shout.
Chapter Nine
ALUXIS
Always be dressed for success and prepared for any scenario.
Mom’s words played in my ears as I got ready this morning for meeting my potential new foster parents. I’m so nervous, my leg is bouncing up and down rapidly as I chew on my cuticles. When Ms. Gina told me I had my meeting today, it felt like time stopped.
We went over a few things so that I knew what to expect from everything and the process that would follow afterwards. As long as everything goes great, I’ll be at my new place on Friday.
