Page 51 of Betraying Bexley

“Miss Lewis. Miss Astley,” the PE teacher called out. “Problems?”

“No, ma’am.” Bronx grabbed Valerie’s arm and pulled her up. “She lost her footing and fell. Doesn’t look major or anything.”

Bex cast her gaze over the gymnasium floor and saw all four of the guys staring at them. Alé appeared ready to throw down again, so did Jacolbi, Alex, and Eito. She returned her gaze to Bronx who sat beside her once more. The girl vibrated with energy. Her hands trembled and she took slow deep breaths. Bex didn’t like involving her new friends in the petty shit she had to deal with day in and day out.

“Y-You okay?”

Bronx grinned. “More than okay.”

“G-G-Good.” Bex glanced over her shoulder to the perch where The Bitches were sitting. “I-I c-can’t b-believe I-I d-did it.”

“I’m so fucking proud of you,” Bronx said. “You’re a fucking rock star. You held your own and I’m fucking proud of you.”

“W-Well you helped.”

“A little bit. You had it though.” Bronx side hugged her.

“Look at the lesbos,” Sasha cackled. “Looks like someone enjoys being with a reject like Bexley.”

Bronx flipped her off. “Keep running your mouth and you won’t have one by the end of the day.”

“Is that a threat?”

Bronx turned and faced The Bitches. “No, ladies, it’s not. It’s a promise. You’re at your limit for insults for one day. Take my advice and shut up. Now.”

The day passed with relative ease. During lunch Bex hadn't seen hide nor hair of Kenner, Dawson, or Matthew, she figured it probably had to do with the fight on Friday, but even if it wasn't, it'd been nice to enjoy her lunch with Eito, this time being able to sample the bento box he made for her. It contained a variety of things, from California rolls to faux sushi—a combo of rice and fruit presented to look like fish. She devoured it without hesitation, loving each portion, but also hated herself for not saving some of it for later.

Things needed to change. Drastically. Soon. If they didn't, she didn't know what she was going to do. As it was, she received a notice from the power company that the payment was past due by two months. She also had a note taped to her door about the rent coming due and no one paying. Because of how her father dealt with everything, no one ever bothered Bex, she kind of drifted on a cloud of indifference and oblivion. She’d been so used to the meager life she’d led, she hadn’t given a second thought to, what if?

Her father was ruthless. She figured out a couple of years ago he used fear and threats of violence to get his way, that was why no one would help her. She understood it, but never accepted it, because how could people walk away? Now, she wondered if people weren't growing tired of him and that's why he'd stayed away or if he figured she'd die if he stopped doing everything. It made sense, in her twisted mind. Her bodyguards were gone. Her father closed up the dry cleaners. Her rent nor utilities had been paid. Maybe he was done with her.

A sense of relief fell over her, even though she should have been scared shitless. If he abandoned her now, she was free. She could go anywhere and do anything she wanted without fear of him retaliating against her. Sure, there’d been those men who’d tried to snatch her off the street, but since then, nothing. It was like her life wasn’t important anymore. Which, it never had been, otherwise all the things she’d been through wouldn’t have happened, however, a part of her wondered if it was all bad. She had to have some good memories. She had to have some happy times. She must have blocked it because of the pain. Yet, none of her recollections, that she could remember, were good.

Bex took her seat in history class and pulled the essay from her bag. When Alé dropped her off down the street from her apartment on Saturday afternoon, it’d given her time to brainstorm Mr. Aquino’s theme and how to approach it. She knew the assignment was due to what happened to her, and she hated the attention it put on her. Moreover, she hated the fact more people would talk about her.

“Did you finish the paper?” Eito sat beside her.

“O-Of course. Y-You?”

He nodded, slumping into his seat. “I’m not sure what he believes will come from this, but I have a feeling it will backfire.”

Was that the sinking feeling she had, the minute she walked into class? Sure, she’d been concerned about what was happening at home, but this was different. It started at the back of her neck with the fine hairs standing on end and stopped at the pit of her stomach, turning it icy with dread. “W-Why?”

“Too much influence and power here,” he answered. “You see it too, don’t you Bexley?”

Of all her new friends, he’d been the only one to call her by her full name. In a way, it was endearing. It validated her. “Y-Yes. Always.”

“Thought so. You don’t gossip either, do you?”

She shook her head. She saw everything though. It was one of the perks of not having friends, per se. “W-Why?”

Eito narrowed his eyes. “What if I asked for your help on a little project. Completely off the books.”

“W-What kind?”

“I’m glad you asked. I’ll give you the details after school. You’re coming over for dinner, right?” She stared at Eito. “Won’t do any good to back out now, you’re committed to helping me.”

She glanced down at her report then back over to Eito. “I-I w-wasn’t going to. You surprised me”

“Excellent. That’s good to hear. Now, knock our socks off with your report. I want to see those stupid bitches twisting in the wind.” He winked at her and gave Mr. Aquino his full attention when he stepped around his desk.

“Afternoon students. Let’s begin. Miss Iniguez, how about you go first.”

Bex took her time walking up to the head of the class. She hated public speaking, and had she known they were going to give an oral report, she wouldn’t have come to school. Some things were worth taking the unexcused absence for.

“Mr. Wantanabe, why don’t you join her. I know it would be easier for Bex to have someone speak for her in this type of situation.”

Eito stood, grabbed his report as well, and made his way to the front of the class. "Told you we're going to make those bi—girls twist in the wind. I've got your back, Bexley, we all do."

Bex grinned. “T-Thank y-you.”

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