Page 5 of On Broken Wings

“Says you.” She shook her head.

“I don’t care what people think of me. Let them talk. In nine months, I’ll be out of here. I’ll go to college where no one cares if I’m having sex or not.” She rolled her eyes as we turned and began walking to our first class. She had American history, and I had calculus. They were across the hall from each other, and we usually walked together in the mornings.

“You’re probably right.” I sighed. “I’m just mad at him and myself. Ignore me.” I blew out a breath. “I’ll be fine.” I waved my hand in the air as we approached the spot where we usually turned in different directions.

“Damn right you will be. We’re gonna move on, and find someone who likes you for you, and doesn’t wanna be a douche.” She laughed lightly as she waved and turned to go into her class.

“Thanks, Kenz. I needed a laugh this morning.” I attempted a smile as I turned into calc class.

oooooooo

I tossed my bag on the floor by my usual desk before slipping into the chair. As I was digging in my bag for my calculus book, and my homework, I could hear the telltale laughter of a few of the guys from the football team. They were always coming in at the last minute, and boasting about their latest conquests. Nathan Carter was the leader of the pack, and most days it was all I could do to stomach being around him.

“S’up, Jenni?” Nate flopped into the chair of the desk beside mine. He flashed a megawatt smile my way as he leaned back in the purposeful relaxed way that guys do.

“What do you want, Nate?” I sighed as I glanced at him. He never talked to me unless he needed something, like copying my homework. I’ve never been friends with him, but Darrin was. I knew him by association.

“Just thought I’d see how you were doing.” He sat up a little, and leaned in my direction. “I heard you and Darrin aren’t together anymore.”

“Why do you care?” I crossed my arms over my chest as my head swung towards him. Nate Carter was the guy who every girl wanted, every girl except me. He seemed to know this, and it made him push that much harder.

“You’re a nice girl. Too nice for him. I just wanted to check on you.” He shrugged. “Sorry I asked. I won’t bother you again.” He flipped open his notebook and started copying down the day’s assignment on a clean page.

I closed my eyes and groaned. I was probably gonna regret this, but I turned toward him and attempted to apologize. “Sorry,” I muttered. “I’m not in the best mood today. You didn’t deserve my bitchiness.”

“Eh, I’m used to girls hating me. Comes with being the football captain.” He grinned. “They all want me. I’m a hot commodity.” I laughed, causing him to laugh. “See.” He pointed at my face. “It worked. You smiled.”

“I smile all the time.” I shrugged.

“Not lately. Darrin’s been an ass to you.” He set his pencil down. “You deserve better.”

“Like you?” I leaned back and stared him down.

“That’d be a start.” He chuckled. “Wanna go out after the game Friday?”

“Um, no.” I shook my head. “I’m not dating you.” I began to look around the room. I needed to stop looking at him because I had this feeling that he wasn’t used to hearing no. My suspicions were confirmed when I heard his chair scrape the ground.

He slid closer to me. “You’ll say yes soon enough.” He leaned in, causing me to feel his breath on the side of my face. When he slid back, he tried again. “You should come over to Justin’s after the game. We usually just sit around talk, but it’s nice to relax.”

“Won’t all the team be there?” I tipped my head to the side.

“Nope. Just the seniors. My brother gets us booze, and we just watch TV, play video games, you know… hang.” I shrugged. “Just think about it. Girls come too if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Right at that moment, Mrs. Sanderson came in. She set her things down and closed the door, signaling that class was starting. “I’ll think about it,” I whispered. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Bring a friend if you want.” He grinned. “The more the merrier.”

“Mr. Carter, do you plan to pay attention today?” Mrs. Sanderson cleared her throat and looked right at the two of us. I’m sure she called Nate out because he disrupted class a few times a week whereas I never did.

“Yes ma’am.” He winked as he turned his attention to the front of the room.

oooooooo

My day wasn’t going as badly as I thought it would today. I hadn’t run into Darrin, and ever since calc class all I seemed to be thinking about was Nate’s invite. I’d known Nathan Carter since grade school. His brother, Brad, was one of my brother’s best friends. Mason and Brad had played football together growing up, and whenever I tagged along Nate was usually there too. I was never interested in him because he was ‘that guy’, the one who girls chase, and he loved it.

As we got older, I found my own circle of friends and Nate followed in his brother’s footsteps of being a football god. Until this year, I’d never even had any classes with him. Today’s the first time we’ve even really had a conversation.

“Hey, let’s eat outside today.” Kenzie brought me out of my daydream as I began approaching the cafeteria.

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