Page 72 of Ivy's Venom

“What’s up, Veronica?” I drop my bag, “not enough attention from me since I’ve been back?”

“My sister got enough of that.” She huffs, “you ruined her.”

“Veronica,” Tanya tries to grab her arm, “don’t.”

“Ruined her? How?” I ask this time getting right up in her face.

“You turned her into something like you.” Her spit flies with the force of her words.

“Like me?”

“Stop!” Tanya yanks Veronica back, “you can’t say shit like that.”

“My parents hate her now!” Veronica screams.

“Because she dated a girl?” I tsk.

“It’s your fault!” Veronica screams at me and I laugh.

“Girl, homosexuality isn’t contagious,” my eyes land on Tanya, “ask her.”

Tanya’s mouth falls open and her face turns a bright red.

“What?” Veronica looks at her.

“She kissed me the first year of high school and went on to datetonsof boys.” I clap, “she’s normal.”

I pick up my backpack and look back at the three of them, Tanya looks like she might faint and the other two are staring at her like she may very well be contagious. Stupid assholes.

The day drags on and when it comes to math, I see we have a new teacher. Not a substitute, an actual new teacher and she’s here for the rest of the semester.

When the bell rings, I’m out of there just as quickly as the others, and anxious to ask Aunt Adri about the situation.

Aunt Adri’s office is huge with large floor to ceiling oak bookcases and it’s eerily similar to Dean’s. That’s why I tend not to go in there and usually have her secretary go get her.

“Hey Ivy,” Aunt Adri’s voice is sweet and soothing, “great to have you back.”

“Thank you for bringing me my work all week.” I smile.

“No biggie. What’s up?”

“Mr. O’Connor has been replaced?” I drop my voice so the secretary can’t hear.

“Yes, he resigned last week.” She tells me. “Something about finding better opportunities.”

I guess that’s good, right? One less thing I have to stress over, and this way he’s not trying to corner me into threesomes. I just can’t shake the lingering tendrils of doubt and I wonder if there isn’t more to it. I brush it off because honestly, I have enough shit on my fucking plate and this is a gift.

“Okay.” I grin. “Thanks!”

“Have a good night, sweetie.” She blows me a kiss and heads back into her office.

Good riddance, Mr. O’Connor, wherever the hell you are.

ME: Your favourite subject at school?

Yesterday I asked her about drugs and when she said Oxy, my stomach landed at my feet.

Mom has had severe back pain for twelve years now due to a severe car accident. She even had surgery but she is prescribed Oxycodone for days when her pain is unbearable.

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