The next day, I stretch out on my pool house floor next to the space heater…
And smooth a hand over Quinn’s latest article:
Quinn’s Qorner – August 24, 1996.
Quinn’s Qorner“Truth Serum Strikes Again!”
Quinn’s QornerThe truth serum continues to spread through Northside High’s student body.
Quinn’s QornerAnd this time, it’s hit the same victim twice.
Quinn’s QornerPoor girl…
Quinn’s QornerBut who’s behind the serum?
Quinn’s QornerWho would target Northside students?
Quinn’s QornerA disgruntled teacher? A rogue scientist gone mad?
Quinn’s QornerYour reporter investigates.
Quinn’s article about Vivi was a sensation.
Everyone’s talking about the mysterious truth serum…
That’s making people blurt out embarrassing secrets.
The students have all bought into Quinn’s theory.
But the teachers still think it’s just some dumb prank.
A smile stretches across my face as I look at my drawing…
It shows Vivi standing on top of the cafeteria table…
Teetering on her high heels…
Eating trash.
I felt slightly mean while drawing it…
But then I saw the coffee-stained dress hanging in my closet…
And I didn’t feel bad anymore.
My plan to take down Summer and her evil minions is going well…
Summer has completely abandoned Vivi and Briar.
She has no friends left.
But who should I target next?
Tap tap tap.
I look up, surprised.
There’s a knock on my window.
I get up, a smile on my face.
It’s Jay.
I slide the window open, and he pokes his head inside.
JayStill no boys allowed in the pool house?
I laugh.
This is how Jay used to sneak in when we were younger.
RainaDepends on the boy.
He slips through the window and hops down to the floor.
Warmth fills my body as I see him standing there.
He looks around the room, hands in his pockets.
I watch him…
Thinking of the last time he was here.
His whispered words in the dark.
The gentle way he laid me on the couch in the corner.
The look of awe and rapture on his face as he—
JayDid you enjoy the game last night?
I clear my throat.
Ridding my head of my wayward thoughts.
RainaI did.
RainaCongrats on the win!
JayThanks.
JayIt was a close one.
He grins his lopsided smile.
Then his eyes travel to the couch.
This time it’s his turn to clear his throat.
JaySo, you busy tonight?
My heart stops.
RainaNot really…why?
JayPeter’s throwing a party for his birthday.
JayI was wondering if you wanted to go with me.
RainaReally?
JayUnless you have something else going on.
RainaNo, but…
I’ve never been to a cool kids’ party before.
RainaPeter didn’t invite me.
JaySo what?
JayI’m inviting you.
His eyes sparkle, and he takes a folded piece of paper out of his pocket.
JayAnd…
JayThere’s gonna be an open mic!
JayI wrote a rhyme.
I squeal and reach for the paper.
RainaLet me see!
He teasingly flicks it away, out of my reach.
JayYou’ll have to come to the party if you wanna hear it.
I want to say yes…
But I’ve never even been to a high school party before.
What will I wear?
Not to mention…
RainaIs Summer going?
His face falls, then he shrugs.
JayI wouldn’t know…
I raise an eyebrow.
RainaOh?
JayWe’re not really talking right now.
I try to keep my voice casual.
RainaI’m sorry to hear that.
He plops down on my couch and sighs.
JayShe’s still ** at me because of Vivi…
JayLike it’s my fault she put those Polaroids in my locker!
JayI really did throw them out as soon as I saw them.
JayWhat else was I supposed to do?
I give him an understanding look.
RainaOf course it’s not your fault, Jay…
RainaIt’s Vivi’s!
JayExactly!
JaySummer wants some big apology.
JayShe wants me to grovel…like always.
JayBut I just don’t know anymore.
He shakes his head, looking tired.
RainaYou don’t know…what?
JayNothing, never mind.
A beat of silence.
He looks around my pool house.
JayIt’s nice being back in here.
JayThis used to be my favorite place to write rhymes.
I can’t help but grin.
RainaYou’re still welcome here anytime.
We smile at each other…
And the air between us sparks with heat.
My eyes go to his lips…
And I wish so badly that I could kiss him.
He runs a hand over his mouth…
As if he’s thinking the same thing.
But then he abruptly stands.
JaySo, you coming or what?
JayI’m leaving at nine.
That’s right.
The party.
I bite my lip, thinking.
Should I go?
Three years ago, Summer stole Jay from me…
And tonight could be my chance to steal him back.
They’re in a fight.
And he sounds like he’s finally getting tired of her bull****.
Plus…he invited me.
I smile up at Jay.
RainaI’ll be ready at nine.
At 9 p.m. on the dot…
The doorbell rings, and my pulse quickens.
I rush out of my room and skip down the stairs.
But my dad is already answering the door by the time I get there.
DadOh hello, Jay.
DadLong time, no see.
I catch Jay’s sparkling eyes as he steps inside my house.
JayHi Mr. Sen.
He smiles at me as I walk up.
JayI know, it’s been too long.
DadHow’s your father doing?
I cringe as I see Jay’s eyes darken.
I duck under my dad’s arm and start to shove Jay out the door.
RainaSee you later, Dad.
My dad eyes my dress.
DadWhere are you off to tonight?
Jay is about to respond, but I cut him off.
RainaJust a friend’s house.
My dad looks at me skeptically, but I don’t wait around to hear him protest.
I’ve never done anything like this before, so he can deal this one time.
I pull Jay out of my house and wave goodbye.
DadDon’t be out too late.
RainaI won’t.
JayNice seeing you Mr. Sen!
I shut the door and walk with Jay to his car.
He opens the door and smiles.
JayYou look great.
I beam.
RainaThanks, so do you.
Jay smiles back, then turns up the music and we drive off.
It’s going to be a good night.
When we arrive at the party…
Jay parks his car and we walk up to the gate of Peter’s house.
It’s a mansion.
Peter’s dad is filthy rich, and divorced…
So he basically lets Peter do whatever he wants.
I’ve heard of the legendary parties at “Peter’s Playhouse”…
But I never thought I’d actually be at one.
When Jay and I walk into the party…
Everyone stops to stare.
After being non-existent for three years…
I’m suddenly the center of attention…
And I feel like a deer caught in headlights.
I freeze in the doorway…
But Jay just smiles and throws an arm over my shoulder.
JayCome on, let’s get a drink.
And we walk into the party like that…
With Jay’s arm around my shoulder.
Heads turn as we work our way through the crowd.
People stop Jay to say hello as we pass by…
And they throw tentative smiles my way.
Some even talk to me.
I guess showing up to a party with Jay has its perks.
We finally make it outside to the drinks table.
JayIs beer okay?
RainaSure, sounds great.
He turns to fill my cup…
And gets caught up in a conversation with some friends.
I shiver—
It’s cold out here.
I start to look around, suddenly feeling out of place.
But then—
I hear a familiar voice behind me.
BriarKiller dress.
I’m ready to spit back an insult when—
BriarRed is a great color on you.
I immediately give her the stink eye.
Is she making fun of me?
Is this the start of some cruel prank?
She takes one look at my face and sighs.
BriarI meant it as a compliment, Raina.
RainaOh…
I look her up and down.
She still has the same plump lips…
The same ample chest…
But something about her seems different.
Her eyes are…softer somehow.
She smiles.
BriarIt’s cool to see you out!
I’m not sure what to make of Briar’s sudden change in attitude…
But I decide to go with it.
The cool kids have never been this friendly to me before.
It’s kind of nice.
I smile back.
RainaThanks…
RainaIt’s cool to be here.
She glances over at Jay, still talking to his friends.
BriarSo, you came with Jay?
RainaErm, yeah…
RainaHe invited me.
She smiles approvingly.
BriarYou’re SO much better for him than Summer.
BriarShe treats him like dirt.
RainaYeah, I know.
BriarNo, you don’t even know the half of it.
BriarTrust me.
I furrow my brows.
RainaWhat do you mean?
Just then — Jay reappears by my side and hands me a cup of beer.
The music turns up a notch…
And everyone’s favorite hip-hop song comes on.
Jay looks at me.
JayWanna dance?
Briar winks at me and shimmies away.
I look at the dance floor skeptically…
Then shake my head.
RainaNah…maybe later.
But Jay grabs my hand anyway and pulls me into the pulsating crowd.
JayCome on!
How can I say no to that?
For the next 20 minutes…
I dance my heart out.
Jay is with me the entire time.
Looking into my eyes…
Touching my hips…
Moving with me.
We bump and grind…
And it feels like heaven.
Dripping with sweat, we go to get another drink.
But then — the music stops, and Peter gets on the mic.
He’s clearly drunk.
PeterAlright fools…
PeterYou know what time it is…
A few whoops from the crowd.
PeterTime to make an *** of yourselves on…
PeterOpen mic!
PeterFirst up is my main man — Jay!
Jay looks at me with a gleam in his eyes.
JayThis one’s for you.
I watch with joy as Jay goes to the middle of the party…
And starts to rap his rhyme.
His friends beatbox to the rhythm…
And everyone claps along.
But Jay’s eyes are directed at me the entire time.
His rap is a hit!
Everyone claps and hollers when he’s done.
Peter takes back the mic, clapping as beer sloshes out of his cup.
PeterThat was sick, man!
Jay comes back to where I’m standing.
He’s beaming.
RainaThat was amazing!
JayYou inspired me…
JayIt’s great to be rhyming again.
I smile up at him.
RainaIt’s great to hear your rhymes again.
He leans in close…
And my pulse starts to race.
JayI’ve…missed you.
His hand sweeps my cheek.
RainaI’ve missed you too.
The energy between us surges…
And my body feels like it’s on fire.
I lick my lips, drawing his eyes there.
He brings his lips close to mine…
And we’re about to kiss…
When—
WHACK!
The backyard gate slams, and we jump apart.
We both look over at the same time…
And my eyes lock on the last person I want to see.
Summer Hart.
Summer walks into the party like a celebrity…
Marcus at her side.
Jay instantly steps away from me…
And my heart sinks.
Her eyes scan the crowd…
Then come to a stop on Jay and me.
She makes a beeline for us.
And after giving me a fake smile…
She puts a hand on Jay’s arm.
SummerHey baby.
SummerCan we talk?
JayThere’s nothing to talk about.
Summer pouts.
SummerPlease?
SummerI know what happened wasn’t your fault.
SummerIt was all that *, Vivi.
Jay lets out a breath…
Then looks to me.
SummerHi Raina.
SummerYou look…cute.
She’s smiling…
But her eyes are full of malice.
I roll my eyes in response.
She’s SO fake.
I know Jay will see right through—
JayOkay…
JayLet’s talk.
My mouth drops open.
Seriously?!
He gives me an apologetic look…
Then he lets her lead him to the deck.
What the ****?!
I sigh, watching them for a moment.
But then I remember…
Jay hinted earlier that he wanted to end things with Summer…
Maybe he’ll do it now?
I linger at the drinks table while I wait for him.
I look around awkwardly…
And shiver, wishing I’d brought a cardigan.
I try and get the keg to work…
But since I’ve never used one before…
I just fumble around like an idiot.
But then, someone takes the tap from my hand.
I look up and meet Marcus’ bemused eyes.
MarcusNeed some help?
RainaYeah, thanks.
He pours me a beer…
Then leans on the drinks table.
MarcusHeard you came here with Armstrong.
RainaYeah. So?
He points over to the deck.
MarcusLooks like you’re about to lose your date.
I stiffen, and follow his finger.
Summer is sitting with Jay on the deck…
Her arms wrapped around him…
Whispering something in his ear.
Desperate to hear what they’re saying…
I make my way carefully to the side of the deck…
And listen in on their conversation.
SummerI’m sorry I got mad at you.
SummerDo you forgive me?
JayI guess so. It’s just…
JayI’m tired of all the drama.
JayI have enough going on with football and my dad…
JaySo if it’s going to be like this between us then—
Summer— It won’t, you have my word.
SummerLet’s just forget any of this ever happened.
JayOkay. But—
SummerCome here baby, I’ve missed you.
Their words suddenly cut off…
There’s shuffling, and then I hear Summer moan.
I peer around the deck…
Just in time to see them…
Sucking face.
And then—
OOOF!
I get shoved in the back…
And go flying.
Right across the bottom of the deck…
And fall right at Summer’s feet.
I look up to see Peter’s drunken face smirking at me.
His hands held up in mock apology.
PeterMy bad.
PeterSaw you creepin’ on my man and his girl.
PeterThought you might want a closer look.
SummerGross, you were spying on us?!
SummerWhat a freak!
My eyes lock on Jay’s.
He looks surprised, and confused…
And my embarrassment triples.
I get up slowly, and brush off my dress…
A drunken crowd starts gathering around…
Everyone’s gaping, wondering what the commotion is about.
My face burns.
My chest starts to heave.
I feel the room closing in around me.
Tears fill my eyes.
I have to get out of here.
I push through the crowd…
And run…
Out of Peter’s mansion…
Away from the bumping music and flashing lights…
Out of sight of all the cool kids…
All the way back to the loneliness of my bedroom.
I fall on my bed…
And cry.
But after a few minutes of crying…
I hear my door open.
My mom’s head peeks around the corner.
MomRaina? What’s wrong?
I discreetly try to wipe my face.
RainaI’m just tired, Mom.
RainaIt’s been a long night.
I hope she’ll take the hint and leave…
But she sits down on my bed instead.
MomDid something happen with Jay?
Hearing his name makes me feel sick.
RainaNo, nothing happened.
RainaAnd…nothing ever will.
That last part slips out.
But my emotions are in overdrive…
And I can’t help it.
MomHm.
She then smooths a hand down my dress.
MomYou haven’t worn this dress in a long time.
MomIt looks nice.
MomAnd your hair looks pretty.
I snort.
I’m definitely not in the mood for compliments.
RainaI really just want to go to bed.
She sighs, then stands up.
But then puts a hand on my shoulder.
MomLook at me.
Reluctantly, I do.
MomYou are perfect exactly as you are.
MomYou don’t have to change for anyone.
MomBe true to yourself, Raina.
MomAnd happiness will find you, you’ll see.
She doesn’t wait for a response…
And I blow out a breath when the door closes behind her.
Perfect as I am?
A nerd?
A loser?
A laughingstock?
No.
She’s wrong.
A cold, familiar wind suddenly sweeps across my face…
And the feel of it makes me smile.
Because I may not be perfect…
But I have the locker now.
And with its magic, I can create my own destiny.
And become the girl I’ve always wanted to be.
I open my eyes…
And get up from my bed.
I walk coolly to my desk…
Open my drawer…
And wrap my fingers around my pen.
Monday morning, I step out of my house…
Pull the hood of my sweatshirt over my head…
And rush across my lawn.
JayRaina, wait!
I pretend not to hear him.
JayRaina!
JayHold up!
I sigh, then spin around.
Jay’s jogging toward me.
RainaWhat do you want?
He comes to an abrupt stop.
Clearly taken aback by my tone.
JayWhy’d you run off Saturday night?
RainaWhat did you want me to do?
RainaStay there and watch you and Summer suck face?
He runs a hand through his hair.
JayShe’s still my girlfriend, Raina.
I shake my head in disbelief.
I have no idea what to say.
So I go with what’s in my heart.
RainaWhy?
JayWhy what?
RainaWhy are you with her, Jay?
JayBecause…
RainaDo you love her?
He closes his eyes…
And blows out a deep breath.
JayI told you — she’s my girlfriend.
RainaThen why did you tell me you missed me?
RainaWas that a lie?
He purses his lips…
But stays silent.
And that silence makes me feel like a fool.
But I still have to know one thing.
RainaBefore Summer showed up to the party…
RainaDid you want to kiss me?
He tenses…
But he doesn’t respond.
I turn away, defeated.
And leave him standing there on my lawn.
I get to school…angry.
I pass by the cool kids’ lockers…
And glare at their laughing, beautiful faces.
Hatred seethes within me.
I walk straight to my locker…
And step inside.
The cool glow of the letters lights my face.
I‘m tired of being invisible…
Of playing second fiddle to *** like Summer.
Of being the butt of jokes for jerks like Peter.
It’s time to make them all pay.
I look at all the old names written on my locker wall…
And wonder what those fools did to deserve their fate.
I laugh as a cold wind sweeps my face.
Eleanor Buckley’s words glow bright, and I read them again:
When next your guilty eyes do lock with mine…
And loudly rings a bell throughout the halls…
Your secrets dark and dirty deep entwined…
Will seize your lips and be revealed to all.
With heart enclosed a heart’s desires tells.
A double-crosser crossed eliminates.
Liars, cheats, and tormentors pray tell, lest…
This magic locker’s walls secure your fate.
I see other names on the locker crossed out with X’s…
And I know exactly what to do.
I write out the name of my next victim.
Peter Powell.
And cross it out with an “X.”
Just then — a piece of paper hits me in the face.
What the?
Did someone just slide something into my locker?
I unfold the paper…
And frown.
It’s just one word:
“Yes.”
What the **** is this?
I have no idea what this is or who it’s from…
But I have more important things to worry about right now.
I stuff the note in my bag.
I have to go find Peter Powell.
The smile creeps back onto my face.
I can’t wait to hear his secret, whatever it is.
He’s such a sleaze.
I’m sure it’ll be something good.
I thrust my locker door open…
THUD!
What was that?
I step out gingerly…
Oops.
I just hit Smelly Shelly in the head.
She stares at me, blinking her creepy eyes.
ShellyHello, Raina.
Ugh. The smell.
RainaHey Shelly.
ShellyYour drawing is very accurate.
RainaWhat?
She holds up Quinn’s article and points at my drawing of Vivi.
ShellyQuite lifelike.
RainaThanks.
She blinks, looking at me curiously.
ShellyIt is rather strange, isn’t it?
RainaWhat?
ShellyAll the secrets that are being revealed.
ShellyWhat do you make of it?
I smile at her weakly…
I don’t have time for this.
RainaErm, sorry Sm—
RainaI mean, Shelly.
RainaI’m late for a meeting…
I turn and start to walk away.
RainaSee you in class.
Shelly waves at me.
ShellyI’ll save a seat for you!
I don’t wave back.
I look for Peter all day long…
He’s nowhere to be found.
But something weird happens throughout the day.
As I walk to and from class…
People actually notice me.
They smile…
And some even stop to say hello.
It’s almost as if just *being* at Peter’s party…
Has elevated my social status.
Even after I fell flat on my face.
The last period bell rings…
And I still haven’t seen Peter.
I head to my locker, disappointed…
And get a waft of Smelly Shelly as I walk up.
She stares at me, a notebook in her hands.
ShellyHello, Raina.
I hold my breath.
Not again.
RainaHey Shelly.
ShellyWould you like to do homework together this afternoon?
I shake my head, still holding my breath.
RainaCan’t. I’m busy.
She shrugs.
ShellyAlright. Perhaps tomorrow then.
She’s about to walk off, and then I see what’s in her notebook.
They’re drawings…
Of people in our school.
I rip the notebook from her hands.
RainaWhat the **** are these?
She beams.
ShellyThey’re for my art class.
ShellyDo you like them?
I flip through the pages, irritated.
The drawings are good.
RainaAre you copying me?
She frowns, confused.
Then takes her notebook back.
ShellyCopying? No, of course not…
Just then — I feel a tap on my shoulder.
BriarHey hot stuff!
I spin around, surprised.
RainaOh, hey Briar.
She hands me a jean jacket.
RainaWhat’s this for?
She eyes my sweatshirt.
BriarI noticed you’re always wearing a sweatshirt…
BriarAnd thought you could use an upgrade.
I take off my sweatshirt and put on the jean jacket.
BriarCute!
I smile.
RainaThanks.
RainaI didn’t think anyone would talk to me after what happened at the party…
Briar shrugs.
BriarHonestly, I think most people were too drunk to even remember.
BriarPeter was just being a dick.
I nod gratefully.
Briar looks at Smelly Shelly and lowers her voice.
BriarThese lockers are kind of gross…
I look back at my locker.
RainaErr, yeah…
BriarWant to share my mine?
I can’t believe my ears.
Did I just get invited to share Briar’s cool kids’ locker with her?
I take one look at Smelly Shelly…
And don’t even think twice.
RainaThat would be great!
BriarAwesome, bring your stuff over tomorrow morning!
BriarI gotta run…
BriarWe’re cheering at football practice today.
BriarScrimmage!
Football practice!
Peter will definitely be there.
BriarCome watch if you want!
RainaCool!
I walk with Briar over to the football field.
Leaving Smelly Shelly next to my old locker, staring after me.
The stadium is starting to fill up with a small crowd.
The football players are warming up on the field.
The cheerleaders are stretching on the sideline nearby.
I spot Peter trying to jump tires out on the field.
He looks like a wreck.
Guess that’s why he didn’t show for school today.
Still hungover from Saturday night.
I walk over to where the cheerleaders are standing…
And take a few steps onto the field.
A few guys stare at me, confused.
I’m so focused…
I don’t feel the familiar presence at my back.
JayRaina?
I spin around and am about to respond…
But just then—
Peter’s eyes lock with mine.
A cold wind sweeps by us.
His eyes grow wide.
His mouth contorts strangely and—
He yells so everyone can hear…
PeterI slept with Tamika so she’d convince Coach to put me on the team.
Tamika?
Who’s Tamika?
I rack my brain…
But then I remember.
She was introduced during one of the pep rallies.
Tamika is the coach’s wife.
For a moment, no one says anything.
But the shock in the crowd is palpable.
I hear a strangled growl…
And then a large figure comes charging toward Peter.
CoachWHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!
Peter’s face has gone ghost white.
PeterI…I…I…
CoachYou slept with Tammy?!
Peter just shakes his head, speechless.
CoachANSWER ME, **** YOU!
CoachDID YOU SCREW MY WIFE?!
Peter takes a few steps back…
His hands out in front of him.
PeterIt was her idea, sir!
PeterShe took advantage of me!
PeterShe—
Coach’s fist comes out of nowhere.
The punch takes Peter down like a sack of potatoes.
CoachI’LL KILL YOU!
Coach launches himself at Peter…
And everyone immediately jumps into action.
It’s pandemonium.
People try to separate them, but just end up pushing each other.
I nearly get a right hook to the face…
But Jay shoves me out of the way at the last second.
I duck out from the crowd…
And lean against the stadium wall, my chest heaving.
This is bad.
Really bad.
Mr. Armstrong and a few other teachers come running down from the stands.
Mr. ArmstrongWhat the **** is going on here?!
His eyes go to Coach…
Who is still on top of Peter.
Peter looks utterly helpless…
Blood gushing like a river from his nose and mouth.
Mr. ArmstrongMurphy!
Mr. ArmstrongGet your hands off him!
But Coach doesn’t listen.
Jay, his face bright red, tries to pull Peter up.
He gets a savage elbow to the jaw…
But eventually manages to free his friend.
Mr. ArmstrongI’m calling the police!
Mr. ArmstrongSomeone grab the nurse!
Mr. ArmstrongPeter, my office. NOW.
Mr. ArmstrongThe rest of you — go home!
Mr. ArmstrongThe scrimmage is canceled.
I watch on in horror.
So does the rest of the crowd.
MarcusWell, there goes the football season!
MarcusAll because Powell couldn’t keep it in his pants!
BriarWhat a freakin’ mess.
BriarWe’ll never make it to the championship now.
Ms. AkinsIt must be the truth serum…it’s real.
Mr. ParkerAre they spiking the athletes’ water now?
I glance at Jay…
He looks crushed.
A million feelings assault me at once.
Guilt.
Shock.
Disgust.
Jay slumps down on the ground, his head in his hands.
The rest of the team isn’t any better.
I hear the sirens…
Coach is hauled away by a couple of teachers, still throwing punches.
Peter is carried off by two teammates to the principal’s office…
Blood dripping from his face.
I follow a small crowd of students back into the school building…
My whole body shaking.
Instinctively, I go back to my locker…
Open the door…
And shut myself inside.
I stare at Peter’s name, with the “X” through it…
“A double-crosser crossed eliminates.”
Did “X” mean…
Elimination?
Peter will definitely get expelled from school for this.
Coach will get fired…
And Jay’s chances of winning a championship his senior year…
Eliminated.
I bury my head in my hands…
And sob.
Maybe Quinn was right after all…
Maybe this locker is cursed.
I look up at the glowing names on the wall…
Take the silver pen out of my pocket…
And place it back on the locker floor.
I step out of the locker and fill my backpack with all my things.
Preparing to move into Briar’s locker tomorrow.
Suddenly, I hear someone behind me.
QuinnThis ****'s gettin’ REAL.
I spin around, and Quinn steps back.
Quinn**** girl, you don’t look so good.
She eyes the tears streaming down my face.
QuinnYou alright?
I wipe my face and just nod.
QuinnYou wanna talk about something?
I just shake my head no.
QuinnDid you hear what happened back there?
RainaErm, yeah…
QuinnThe truth serum’s getting stronger!
I nod.
Just then, Mr. Armstrong’s office door opens…
And Peter walks out, his head wrapped in bandages.
He doesn’t make eye contact with anyone.
The students in the halls murmur and gape as he walks by.
Mr. Armstrong pokes his head out of his office and yells at everyone in the halls.
Mr. ArmstrongSchool is DISMISSED!
Mr. ArmstrongGo home, or I’ll expel you ALL!
I slam my locker door shut, angry…
At everyone.
And everything.
RainaHe’s such a jerk!
Quinn raises her eyebrows.
QuinnMr. A?
QuinnOh, he’s alright.
QuinnI think he’s just misunderstood.
I look at her like she’s crazy.
But she doesn’t notice.
We start filing out of the halls with the rest of the students.
Quinn whispers in my ear.
QuinnHow quick can you get me a drawing of Peter?
I hesitate.
RainaI don’t know if I want to keep doing these…
QuinnWhy not?
QuinnWe’re reporting TRUTH!
RainaMaybe some truths are better left unsaid…
QuinnGirl, you crazy.
QuinnI’m a journalist — revealing the truth is my job.
RainaBut revealing the truth can have…
RainaUnintended consequences.
RainaDidn’t you see what just happened back there?
QuinnSo? That’s the point.
QuinnReporting truth is a pillar of our democracy.
QuinnIt’s our duty.
We step outside of the building.
RainaYeah, I guess…
QuinnGet me that drawing by tomorrow morning.
I sigh, then nod.
I watch her as she walks away.
And I’m just about to leave…
When someone else comes around the corner.
Jay.
He walks over and stands in front of me.
JayI’m sorry.
JayAbout the party…
JayAnd about this morning.
There are a million different words on my lips…
But when I get a good look at him, I gasp.
RainaOh my god!
RainaYour face!
I reach up and rub the swelling around his mouth.
He winces, but doesn’t move away.
JayIt’s not that bad.
RainaYou need to put ice on that!
RainaIt’s turning purple!
He leans back against the brick wall.
JayIt doesn’t matter.
JayNothing does anymore.
I let out a sigh, then look down.
RainaI’m sorry, too.
RainaAbout Peter…
His hands clench at his sides.
JayI can’t believe he’d do this.
JayTo Coach — to the team!
JayI never thought he’d stoop this low.
I shake my head.
RainaWhy’d he do it?
Jay sighs.
JayTamika helps out at our practices.
JayAnd Coach will do anything she says.
JayPeter bombed at tryouts this summer…
JayHe showed up hungover every day…
JayAnd Coach wasn’t happy.
JayBut I guess Peter seduced Tamika…
JayAnd she got Coach to change his mind.
I shake my head, disgusted.
And any regret I had melts away.
I don’t feel bad for Peter.
I feel bad for Coach and the team.
And Jay.
Ugh.
He looks utterly defeated.
I reach out and put a hand on his arm.
RainaAre you okay?
He laughs without humor.
JayNo.
JayI’m really not.
JayAnd now I’ve got an interrogation from my dad to look forward to.
RainaTell him you’re not in the mood.
RainaTell him—
Jay— When it comes to him, it doesn’t matter how I feel.
JayIt never has.
My heart twists painfully.
RainaThat can’t be true.
He runs his hands over his face.
JayIt is though.
JayEver since Mom died, it’s like I just can’t do anything right.
JayNothing I do is good enough for him.
JayI try to be a perfect student…
JayA perfect football player.
JayBut somehow, I still disappoint him.
RainaJay…
JayThe only thing he approves of is…
RainaIs what?
Jay sighs.
JaySummer.
JayBeing with a girl like Summer is the only thing I’m doing right in his eyes.
I digest his words…
And I’m suddenly angry.
For him.
At him.
RainaSo that’s why you stay with her?!
He doesn’t say anything.
He just turns to me, his eyes full of sadness.
And then the truth hits me like a ton of bricks.
He’ll never break up with Summer.
He may want to…
But he won’t.
Not when it’s the only thing his father approves of.
Crushing sadness envelops me…
Tightening my throat.
JayI better go talk to him.
JayI’ll see you, Raina.
I feel awful, so I just nod and grab my backpack.
When I do, the folded piece of paper falls from the front pocket.
To my surprise, he gestures to it.
JayYou got my note.
I pick it up from the floor.
RainaThis is from you?
He nods sadly.
JayYou asked me a question this morning.
JayFigured you deserve an answer.
I watch him walk away…
My mind going over our conversation from this morning.
What question did I ask him?
And then I remember…
“Did you want to kiss me?”
I look down at the paper.
“Yes.”
I’m stunned.
He wanted to kiss me.
I should feel happy but…
What does it really matter?
It doesn’t change anything.
It just makes everything hurt more.
Would I have been better off not knowing the truth at all?
I contemplate this as I head to the parking lot.
It’s empty — the cops and students gone.
I decide to take the long way home.
I need to think.
I pass by a black SUV…
And I almost walk by…
But something stops me in my tracks.
It’s Summer.
She’s straddling someone in the front seat…
Her lips locked to his.
I’m confused…
I just saw Jay walk back into the school building.
How’d he get back here so fast?
But then I take a closer look.
Holy ****.
That’s not Jay…
It’s Marcus.