Page 59 of Becoming Us
“I can’t be in a band with a dealer. My dad would kill me,” someone else added.
“Noah’s in junior year. Are you sure about that?” Jake asked.
“I’m sure. Hanna told me some of her friends bought pills from him for SAT prep.”
I took a step back.
“And are you seriously doubting it? Just look at the guy—he looks like he belongs in rehab.”
Another step.
A long breath out.
“That really crosses the line for me, Jake,” someone said.
“Me too,” another chimed in.
“Fine. I’ll text him we found someone. And you better fucking find them, because we’ve got a?—”
I didn’t hear the rest. I’d already started walking, their voices fading behind me.
Is that what everybody thinks of me? Is that why nobody wants me?
Who the hell would want someone like me if the whole school believes I sell drugs, apparently following my daddy’s shady footsteps?
I hadn’t touched a joint in months. I hadn’t had a drink. Didn’t matter. They all saw the same thing.
How do I stop that? Who do I have to talk to, what do I have to say, for someone to believe me?
Would they even care? It’s not like you haven’t done drugs before. Passed joints around.
But not in months.
And what did that get me? Treated the same. No—treated worse.
Fuck this.
Fuck them.
Fuck the stupid drums and this fucking school. I’m done.
Me
still on for that party tonight?
James
still on
I stared down at my phone, finger hovering over the screen.
Me
is River going to be there?
James
yeah
