Chapter 74
Yeah,” I nummut, not meeting his eyes. “Maybe.”
I gather my things just in time for the bell to ring. “I should get to class”
He nods, his gaze lingering on me with an unreadable expression and miles. “See you around, Arla
I give him a small smile and step out of the library.
I drag my backpack over my shoulder, slipping back into the classroom.
“Aria! Where have you been?” Maya whispers as I slide into a scat beside her.
“I was in the library,” I mutter, adjusting my blazer.
“You look… red,” Maya teases. “I know you, and you know how much I love going to the library with you, do you have a secret boyfriend you’re hiding?”
I snort. “Close enough.” I pull out my notebook and try to focus on Mr. Halden’s lecture about chemical reactions, but my mind is buzzing. I’m so tired. The only piece I have with my past is the usual flashback of dirty looking teenage girls.
“Aria? What are your thoughts on combustion, photosynthesis, rusting and acid base reactions?”
I jolt, realizing the entire class is looking at me. Mr. Halden peers over his glasses.
“I… um…” I scramble, my mind blank, “I think the…um… Combustion is the burning of fuels like wood or gasoline, releasing heat and light… rusting is iron reacting with oxygen to form iron oxide. Photosynthesis is plants converting CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen, and Acid–base reactions is the neutralization of acids and bases to form salts and water.
“That’s correct, but pay attention please.”
He nods and moves on.
*****
The bell rings and I hurriedly grab my books.
“Hey Maya, can I see you for a minute?” I look up to see Myles talking to Maya
“Ok.” She nodded, “I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She muttered to me before leaving with him.
I pack my remaining books and hers, hurrying to my locker.
“Ouch” I groaned as I fell to the ground. “Who dropped a banana peel on the ground?” I grumble, standing
- up.
“Did you use the rest of your remaining senses to create those horrible looking designs that you have none to
Sal, Jall 10
Chapter 74
see?” I looked up to see Chloe smirking at me while leaning against the doorframe. Two girls stood beside her.
I take a slow breath, steeling myself. “What do you want, Chloe?”
She glances around; almost all the students are out, except a few whom I recognize some as her minions. “You’ve been getting a lot more attention today. It’s cute, really. But don’t let it go to your head. I saw your little collection. The construction on that pantsuit was a bit… amateur, don’t you think? And the ‘Echo‘ dress?” She lets out a light, mocking laugh. “It looked like something a ghost would wear to a pity party. It’s a pity to the original designs as what you created are ugly versions of already created designs, which means you’re a thief.”
I blink, tilting my head. “Oh, is that what this is about? You must have an evidence of me being a thief or I’ll take it that you are trying to slander the Morale’s as a thief with no evidence”
“Are you threatening me?” She hissed
“Tsk, do you see it as a threat?” I smiled
“Stupid imbecile, I really want you to get back to the hole you crawled out of. A friendly advice,” she grunt, stepping closer.
“You know, Chloe, it’s funny you would say that,” I chuckled, “a friendly advice Chloe? I don’t care about what you want.” I tilted my head, letting my gaze sweep over her expensive, label–covered outfit. “I guess it’s easier to critique someone else’s creativity when your only personal design statement is… wearing a third grade price tag.”
Her face flushes into an ugly, blotchy red, her mouth opening and closing with no sound coming out.
“So, keep the feedback while shoving your jealousy up your ass,” I continued sweetly, grabbing my backpack. I walk past her, not waiting for a response.
*****
I’m almost at the parking lot, when a voice screeches behind me.
“ARIA MORALES, YOU BEAUTIFUL, SAVAGE GODDESS!”
I groaned as Maya comes barreling into me, wrapping me in a bone–crushing hug. “I heard! I heard everything girl! You called Chloe a walking third grade price tag! That’s going into my favorite yearbook quotes, I swear!”
“How do you even hear these things so fast? No one except her minions were there.” I laughed
“I have my sources. Now, get your ass in the car.” She points to my Mercedes. “We are going out to celebrate your success this evening. No arguments.”
“Maya, I’m kind of tired, I just want to go home and eat and cuddle with Ella.”
“Nope. Not an option. Get in. Hey Eric” She greets my driver, opening the passenger door and pushes me toward it. “We’re not going home straight away. I’ll give you directions.” She smiled at him.
17:57 Sat, Jan 10
Chapter 74
“Miss?” He turned to me
“Ugh fine.” Froaned, entering my car.
Just as I’m buckling up, a familiar camera flash goes off. I squint through the windshield to see Jamal, leaning against his pink sedan parked right next to mine, camera in hand.
“Hello queen!” he calls out, a wide grin on his face.
Maya rolls down the window. “Are you stalking us, Williams?”
“Hello bully” he replies, getting out of his car and sauntering over. “Where are we headed?”
“We? Me and Aria are heading to Smoothie King,” Maya announces. “You can’t follow us.”
“Even if I bribe you?” He smirked knowingly. Maya loves bribes
“Fine but you’re also paying for everything we take. You can change your mind now.”
“A small price to pay for front–row seats with the queen,” he says, winking at me before jogging back to his car.
“Ugh, is he flirting with you?” Maya frowned.
“Why would he? That’s how he’s always been with me.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
