Page 118 of The Monster I Am
“I just saw you hours ago,” he replies. “At least… I think it was you. Hard to tell in the dark while crossing paths in the hallway doing the bladder jiggle.”
“I hope it was you,” I laugh. “Otherwise I high-fived a poltergeist or your dad.”
Mr. Roberts was kind enough to let me stay with them until I’m able to sort out a semi-permanent place to live. He’s also put me in touch with one of his building contacts, who’s going to come out later this week to assess the damage so I have an idea of where to start.
They really should teach you the basics of life in school. Because if I had known to get homeowners insurance, I might have been able to avoid this headache. But it never crossed my mind and I doubt Mom’s either. Seriously—teach us things like how to file your taxes and all the boring, important stuff so I don’t have to wait until I’m perimenopausal to figure out how to adult properly.
The rest of the seniors from Willowbrook and Cedar Heights are piling in with us. Tai spots me in the crowd, waving us over.
I take my seat in between Tai and Rylan, giving the latter’s hand a quick squeeze. “How are you feeling?”
Ry smiles. “You’re awfully quirky this morning.”
At his statement, Hunter peeks around from Ry’s other side, inspecting me.
“Look at the size of her pupils. Someone is high on caffeine.”
I grin at Hunter. “Jealous I’ve had the bean today and you haven’t?”
Amused, his lips twitch but he just shakes his head with a chuckle. I notice someone has his attention, and when I follow his line of vision, Dean Lannister’s focus is locked on his son. Slowly, it turns to me, a sneer spreading across his face.
Straightening up, I wave at him, yelping quietly when I’m startled by a slap on the leg.
“Behave,” Tai laughs. “No more coffee for you.”
“Control your girlfriend,” Arch mutters from beside Tai.
Hunter snorts, surprisingly having heard him down the line. “As if we could.”
“That’s enough,” Dean Lannister’s voice booms out through the microphone, his hand mimicking alowermovement to silence the room. “I know you’re all excited to commence examinations this morning so we’ll make this hasty.”
I catch Hunter’s eye over Ry’s shoulder, throwing him a sneaky wink. “So exciting,” I mouth.
He rolls his eyes, motioning for me to pay attention. Probably just to make sure I don’t draw attention to myself. You know—for my benefit.
No chance of that. Fairly certain the Dean has me on his radar the majority of the time. I have no doubt we’re living rent-free in his head.
My actions do grab the attention of someone, though. Principal Samson’s wandering gaze lands on me, his head dipping in a short nod of acknowledgment.
At that, I do reel in my buzz and contain myself, but I pay minimal attention to the Dean’s bullshit speech. He drones on for several minutes, mentioning cliché statements that have been overdone time and time again.
Principal Samson takes over, offering his words of encouragement. I can’t help but notice he refers to overcoming adversity and challenges—rising to success against all odds. When he talks about strength and resilience, Dean Lannister breaks character briefly, clearly scoffing at the indirect reference to Cedar Heights having to deal with their crap.
He’s not wrong, though…
The two leaders formally excuse us and the room explodes into chatter as everyone starts heading toward the exits. It’s officially go time.
“Let’s do this, handsome,” I say, literally yanking Tai by the jersey and steering him away from the others.
“Whoa, Bex,” he smirks teasingly. “Right here, right now? We’re in the hallway. No, it’s fine actually. My locker or yours?”
“Don’t tempt me,” I laugh. “Also I still don’t have a locker, so, obviously yours. Did you re-read your History notes last night?”
Tai reaches for my hand, linking our fingers together. “I was trying. Soph started scheming so I got distracted.”
My head snaps toward him in alarm. “That’s concerning. Please tell me this scheming doesn’t involve me.” He doesn’t answer, confirming my worst fears. “Oh, no. What is she up to, Tai?”
He laughs. “You’ll see. Let’s just say you’re being dragged dress shopping on the weekend.”
