Page 59 of Royal Havoc

I notice Mr. Brickman watching everyone take their seats, and he begins as soon as the bell rings. “Today, I’m going to give you time to split into your groups and work on your creative writing project. Miss Sterling, since groups were established a few weeks ago, I’ll be your partner,” he announces, releasing everyone to gather into their groups.

I’ve barely processed what he’s said before he motions me to the front of the room. Of course, Carney’s eyes are glued to my ass.

“Rough night?” he asks once I’m sitting beside him.

“Seems to be the question of the day,” I answer exhaustedly. “So, what are we doing?” I ask, resting my chin on my fist.

His stormy eyes rake over my face slowly, causing chills to erupt on my skin. Getting caught in his manly-woodsy smell as I watch him lick his plump lips.

“Does that make sense?” he asks, brows dipped, watching me.

“Huh?” I grunt stupidly, straightening in my chair.

“Right. Let’s start over. They’ve been working on this project for a couple of weeks now. The assignment is to interview two people and make them into characters for a short story.”

“Following,” I throw out as I start to take notes.

“I’ll give you a break because of time and your late arrival. You’ll be allowed to use yourself as one of the characters,” he explains.

“And you.” I deduce.

“And me,” he confirms.

Laying down my pen. “What’s the story’s topic?” I ask nervously.

He smiles. “Anything you want. It’s your short story. But, the characters must have clear personalities. Thirty thousand wordsand a clear storyline,” he finishes, waiting while I make a few more notes.

“Mr. B,” Carney’s nasally voice slices at my ears. “We need some help.”

“I’ll be right back,” he apologizes.

I flip the page in my notebook, starting to jot down some ideas. Writing yourself as a character is a task I’ve never been given. I’m mostly private, so writing thousands of words about me is going to be a challenge.

Before he can return, the bell rings, surprising me. “Onyx, a second,” he calls when I stand. After grabbing my stuff, I meet him at his desk. “Do you have any free time after school?”

“Um…not today,” I answer, too tired to think that far ahead.

“What about tomorrow?” he asks, glancing at his calendar.

“Tomorrow should be —”

“Actually, sorry, I have a meeting. Would the evening work?”

His words barely register. “Yeah, sure,” I agree.

“We’ll talk more tomorrow,” he tells me, and I wonder if he notices my tired eyes glazing over.

“Cool,” I call over my shoulder on my way out.

Today’s been a clusterfuck from hell. I dozed off in the rest of my classes after lunch. I can seriously feel the drool turning crusty on my arm from my last class as I stop at mylocker. Thank goodness Zoey sits beside me and woke me up. Immediately, offering to take me home.

“Where are you going?” Vex asks, grabbing my arm as I pass his locker.

“Nowhere with you,” I answer, slapping his hand away. I’m too tired to deal with his bullshit right now.

He moves in front of me, blocking the hall. “I asked you a question.”

“Pretty sure I didn’t stutter when I answered.”

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