Page 70 of Unbidden

It’s one week and two days later before I find out what Reed is talking about. It’s a normal Wednesday afternoon for me. I went through my routine of riding to school with Victoria, going to class, and eating lunch with Tinsley, Victoria, and surprisingly the rest of the guys. Sterling’s still cold and distant around me, but the others have warmed up.

Ingram has even backed off some, but I think that has more to do with the fact that I’m rarely alone anymore. One of the group always ends up finding me and walking me to and from class. Even Sterling has made an appearance a time or two.

So it’s surprising when I leave my last class of the day and find no one in the hall waiting for me. Part of me feels slight disappointment, as I’d gotten used to their company, but the other part reminds me that I was once independent. It reminds me that I’m becoming codependent on the people in my life. It’s going to make it that much harder to leave.

Don’t lie to yourself. You haven’t even thought about leaving in weeks.

My inner voice tells the truth. It’s been weeks since I’ve gone over my plan to leave. I even unpacked my go bag at the house. I made plans that go beyond my birthday. I’ve become complacent.

Do I even want to leave anymore?

I open my locker, lost in my thoughts, but a single black rose falls to the ground, catching my attention. There’s nothing else, just a lone black rose. I look around, but no one else seems to be paying attention. I slip the rose in my bag, figuring I’ll worry about it later.

Shoving my books into the locker, I keep the ones I need to study. Turning to leave, I run smack-dab into Ingram.

“Watch where you’re going, mega-slut.” She pushes me away from her, causing me to fall on her minion’s outstretched foot.

My hands sting from breaking my fall, but I refuse to let her see me in pain. Holding back a wince, I stand to face her. “What’s your problem today? Besides not being original.”

“You’re my problem. Walking around as if you aren’t just some skank who rolled in here. Everyone else might’ve forgotten who you are, but you can’t fool me. They’ll see you for who you are. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Same threats, different day. Are you all bark and no bite?” A couple of weeks ago, she promised me war but went silent. I don’t think she has it in her.

“Oh, I have bite. Want to see?” Before I have a chance to reply, she grabs my shirt, pulling it apart and causing the buttons to pop and fly all over the place.

My arms instinctively rise to cover my body.

“What the fuck?” a voice roars.

The crowd of students around us parts as Reed storms into the middle of the circle. He takes one look at me, then whips his jersey off his body, handing it to me.

“Ingram, I thought I told you that Sage is off-limits,” he seethes at her as I hastily drop my bag and pull his shirt over my head.

“Come on, Reed. She’s not one of us. I don’t understand why you’re protecting her. You used to hold power in this school, but seeing you bow to this whore has taken that power away. We can’t respect you if you don’t even respect yourself.”

The hall is so silent you could hear a pin drop. Not a student dares to breathe. Then Reed starts laughing. Not a “ha ha, that’s funny” laugh but a sinister one that makes the hair on my body stand on end.

“Oh, Ingram, do you think I care what any of you here inside these walls think? I don’t need power in this school because I have real power. I have the power to make any one of you poor with the snap of a finger. Oh, Granddaddy’s business is doing well? Keeping you clothed in designer duds? I wonder what would happen if my company stopped trading with Granddaddy? Do you think you would still have those clothes? Especially when he found out it was all because his little granddaughter wanted to be a spoiled brat. Don’t test me, Ingram. I can destroy you.”

“You wouldn’t.” Her eyes narrow as she glares at him.

“Try me.”

She turns her glare to me. “This isn’t over. You might think he’s protecting you now, but he’ll turn his back on you one day, and when he does, I will have my revenge.”

I chuckle. “Honey, I grew up in poverty. Nothing you can do would be worse than that.”

I’m exaggerating some, since Mom always made sure we had food and clothing, but she doesn’t know that. They think of me as the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Might as well play it up.

Ingram chooses not to respond, instead walking away. I know this isn’t over. She appeased Reed, but I know she’ll find a way. You don’t mess with the queen bitch without getting burned. I only hope I can spot her fire before it burns me.

Once she’s gone, Reed grabs my arm, leading me out the door of the school. I hear whispers and think they’re about what happened back in the hall until we make it to Victoria and Tinsley.

“Damn, Reed. Nice abs. Can I lick them?” Victoria calls out.

“Ew, that’s my brother.” Tinsley pretends to gag.

“And my best friend,” Sterling growls.

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