Page 52 of Hunted by the Fallen
Annie purses her lips, looking at me through the reflection. “Weird.
“But enough about that,” she changes the subject in a flash, “so… you like one of the studsdownstairs.”
Not trusting my voice, Inod.
My best friend’s grin widens. “I totally knew it,” she repeats her earlierresponse.
Despite myself, I chuckle. “Of course, youdid.”
“I mean it,” Annie spins around and leans against the counter. I place my back against the wall in front of her. “It’s obvious they’re both interested in you. And so was that Gabeguy.”
I don’t have it in me to try and denyit.
“Gosh, Ronnie, so many girls would kill to be in your shoes right now. Having three guys vying for your attention? That is socrazy!”
“Four,” I say withoutthinking.
Annie lifts an eyebrow. “What?”
“Four guys,” I tell her. “If you include Preston, it’s four.” I’d actually been talking about Joseph, but I cover mymistake.
“Oh… right.” Some of the excitement fades from her eyes. “What are you going to do aboutPreston?”
“What can I do?” I stare at myself in the mirror. “I have to endit.”
Annie bobs her head. Her voice is sympathetic. “I think that’s the right call. It’s better than leading himon.”
My thoughts exactly. I return my attention to my friend. “You’reright.”
Annie leans forward and drags me into a hug. Standing on my tiptoes, I rest my chin on her shoulder and wrap my arms around herback.
“This is why you’ve been acting so weird. Isn’tit?”
I murmur, “Yes.” Though, my complicated feelings are only part of the reason. Again, the time for confessing the truth willcome.
“Don’t worry. I know this whole situation sucks, but I will be here for you. Whatever you need, I’ve got yourback.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, hugging her tighter. “You have no idea how much I need a friend rightnow.”
Twenty-Two
KnowingI cannot hide from my problems all night, Annie and I leave the bathroom. I need to find Preston. The sooner I end things, thebetter.
A line has formed in the hallway. I feel guilty. I hadn’t realized we’d been in there for solong.
“About time,” Tina says with sass. “Took you long enough,Freak.”
Normally, I would just move on. I would tuck my chin to my chest and escape the laughs of Tina and her posse. But not today. I’ve had it with being bullied by Tina. We aren’t in school anymore. She’s no longer the head cheerleader. She’s just another eighteen-year-old, and I am not her punchingbag.
“You know what, Tina?” I stop and walk back until I’m standing in front of her. Her friends grow silent, and everyone in the line is watchingme.
To her credit, Tina doesn’t bat an eye. “What,Freak?”
“I may be a freak,” I tell her, “but that’s better than being an idiotic bitch.” Gasps bounce off thehallway.
Her eyes flash. “What did you just say tome?”
I step closer, invading her personal space. I refuse to be intimidated. Not anymore. Tina has no idea who, or what, she’s messing with. “You. Are. A. Total. Bitch.” I say each word slowly, sure to emphasize eachsyllable.
