Page 2 of Mayhem

Resting my head on the window, I tune out the rest of the bus as we make our way to school.

Just another day in paradise.

* * *

All dayI go through the motions. One class after another. Biting my tongue every time someone looks at me the wrong way. Even with all the bullshit I put up with here, it’s better than being at home.

No matter how sick I am or how much I don’t want to be here, I never skip.

“That’s it for today’s class. Don’t forget to write down your assignment. I expect the chapters to be read,” Mr. Kendall calls out as the bell rings, signaling the end of the day.

I shove the book he handed out into my bag. I’ll read the entire thing tonight, but he doesn’t know that I have nothing better to do. It’s why my grades are so good.

Mr. Kendall and the school counselor are pushing me to apply to colleges on an academic scholarship, but I’m skeptical. Even if I get a scholarship, I’d still need to find a way to get to the college, and then there are living expenses. They say with the right one, they will pay for everything, but I’m not one to get my hopes up.

Why would I? A poor kid from the wrong side of the trailer park? There’s no way my luck would pan out that I could actually get a scholarship. Things like that only happen in books and movies, not real life.

“Willow, can you hold back for a second, please?” Mr. Kendall asks as he shuffles papers on his desk.

“I have to catch the bus,” I tell him as students rush out.

“I wonder if she’s blowing him,” someone whispers, making their friend giggle.

“Never know,” someone singsongs under their breath as they pass by me. “Like mother, like daughter.”

I clench my fists and bite my tongue.

Fucking bitches.

We all know if anyone’s spending time on their knees or on their backs, it’s not me.

Mr. Kendall raises his brows as he walks to the front of his desk.

“Relax, Willow. If you miss the bus, I’ll take you home myself,” he says as he leans against his desk, crossing his arms and ankles.

As the last classmate shuffles out, I walk over to the desk in front of him and lean against it.

“What’s up?” I ask as I copy his stance.

Mr. Kendall’s gaze slides up my body slowly, making me dig my nails into my palms.

“Sorry,” he says, clearing his throat. He rubs the back of his neck. “I wanted to ask if you’ve thought any more about those scholarships.”

“I told you I would think about it,” I sigh.

“Now’s the time. I can put in a word for you at State if you want. It’s a good school and it will get you out of here. Your work, Willow,” he sighs, looking out the window gathering his thoughts before turning back to me. “I know you can do it. If anyone here deserves to get out of here, it’s you. Don’t let your fear hold you back.”

I gaze at the clock and stand. “I’ve got to go before I miss the bus.”

As I walk toward the door, Mr. Kendall calls from behind me, “If you ever need anything, Willow, just remember I’m here, okay? I’m on your side.”

I nod, throwing a peace sign over my shoulder.

Walking out of the classroom, I make a beeline for the front door, not wanting to hang around any longer. While I dread the end of the school day because it means I need to go back home, it doesn’t mean I want to fraternize with my peers. Superficial assholes.

They are more likely to gossip about you than actually be helpful. Not that anyone actually wants to be friends with me, anyway. I’m a harlot, just like my mother, or so they say.

I make it down the front steps before someone steps into my path.

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