Page 110 of Driftwood Daffodil

“I think we should accept that we are not fighters.”

Memphis’s face alone was proof of that. He looked worse than he did when he had the mumps. Meanwhile Atlee was on the other side of the room without so much as a scratch. And I wouldn’t even think about how Gio was acting like nothing happened and he wasn’t some weirdo that went around kissing people for no reason.

Not that it was on my mind because the room didn’t exist. It was gone with yesterday. I wasn’t sneaking peeks of Gio’s full lips, or rolling my tongue over the lingering taste in my mouth.

Damnit. I should’ve kicked him the balls.

I dropped my attention back to the crate of erasers and muttered, “Pricks.”

“Don’t even waste your time,” Memphis said loud enough for them to hear. “They aren’t worth it.”

Atlee instantly perked up and held his arms out, “You want some more little man?”

And what did Memphis do, he puffed his chest out, Anytime asshole.”

That was all Atlee needed. He jumped up and stepped over one of the desks before I could blink. I barely had time to step in front of Memphis.

“Go back to your corner,” I told Atlee, then looked back at Memphis, “and you stop egging him on.”

Memphis glared past me, “I can take him.”

I was about to be the filling in a kick ass sandwich and all I had for weapons was a couple of erasers.Fantastic.I suppose I could smash one in their faces. Maybe they’d choke to death on chalk.

“Atlee,” Gio barked when Atlee jarred forward. “Not now.”

Not now? What did not now mean, and how did Memphis get an arch nemesis before me? That wasn’t fair. Gio didn’t count. That was more of a family feud thing. I really needed to put more time into finding Bush Girl.

Atlee shot Memphis a dirty look then turned around to walk back across the room.

“That’s right lackey, head back to your boss.”

I gave Memphis a deadpan stare, “Really?”

“What?” he shrugged.

“Did you not learn enough last time?”

“I’m fine,” he insisted.

“You’re one strong fart away from passing out.” I tipped my chin at the crate. “Now shut up and bang some erasers.”

He folded his arms, “Don’t tell me what to do.”

“Technically Sister Mary of the Hallway told you what to do.” I pointed out.

Memphis’s brow rose, “Sister Mary of the what?”

“The Hallway.” Duh.

“Okay,” he shook his head. “I’m not even going to attempt to touch that one.”

“Well, are you going to attempt to do some actual work, or am I the only one who’s going to leave covered in chalk?”

“Since when do you have a good work ethic?”

I had a good work ethic… sometimes. Maybe. Okay fine I had no work ethic. But I did have self-preservation, and… “Maw Maw’s about to come walking in that door.” With her new pair of slippers.

We were all waiting in here for our prospective parents to come and pick us up. I didn’t know about the asshole twins, but Memphis and I had valid reasons for concern.

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