Page 72 of Disobedient Pawn

I nibbled on my bottom lip and could feel Blake staring at me as he waited for a response. Twirling my pen nervously, I debated what to do. On the one hand, I’d already promised to go with Ivy and Chantry, and they would still be going. If it was terrible or Blake turned into a raving jerk, I could leave with them. But…I didn’t want to date, and he was Myles’s best friend. That was a huge downside.

At the thought of Myles, all I could picture was Pam’s angry face as she stood by our table. I didn’t like how she handled herself, but she was hurt and lashing out, which I did understand. If Myles could hurt Pam and be so callous about it, what would he do to me?

My body jerked as Blake’s warm hand wrapped around mine on the desk. I gently tugged my hand out from under his but looked at him and sighed. Saying yes was a horrible idea, but I circled, as friends, and slid the paper back.

Blake smiled wide. My stomach flipped, and I wondered what the hell I was doing.

NOVEMBER 11 – FRIDAY 4:50 PM

Ren

It was official. I was going to kill Vicky before the month was over. I would end up in jail and not be released until I was old and…well, I was already white-haired, so I had one part ready to go.

Fridays seemed to be the night she invited everyone over and got ready to go out or partied in our room all night. Two of the four girls in our room were sitting at my desk. They’d moved all my things out of the way and had their makeup all over it. I looked like a total bitch as I ordered them to sit at the small communal table with two chairs.

Then I had to stick around and make sure they didn’t move back while Vicky talked about how great Nash was like a broken record skipping and repeating the same line. I finally put on my headset and ignored them until they left. I’m sure insults were tossed my way. I then got changed and used the washroom…that was when I found all my bottles emptied. My shampoo, conditioner, soap, and perfume were all turned upside down in the sink.

Fucking childish. I glared at her bottles and was tempted to do the same, but I shook my head. She was trying to drag me into a fight, but I wouldn’t bite or lower myself to her level. I had small travel-size bottles of everything in my suitcase. I would use those until I could get more.

Instead of creating a huge scene, I decided to go over to the art room. Hopefully, I could get some painting done this time. The last time—due to my panic attack—was a bust. Pushing my way out the dorm doors, I took a deep breath and held it. The feel of fresh air hitting my lungs had a different meaning for me now. It seemed more precious, after my mums murder I savored every second.

Cars were coming and going from campus, and I found myself looking for Myles’ Ferrari, then kicked myself for doing it. My phone dinged, and I pulled it out to look at it.

I: Hey girl, what are you up to?

R: Heading to the art studio for a while. What are you up to?”

I: There is a small party happening with some of the girls from the drama club, and ZZ is going to be there ??

R: Sounds great, but I need a quiet night.

I: You sure?

R: I’m sure, but thank you for the invite. I hope that ZZ takes notice of how awesome you are.

I: I’m really sorry about switching spots in English class.

I shook my head.

R: Stop apologizing. I’m fine with it. You’re right behind me.

I: I know. I just feel bad that I totally dumped you to get a spot near ZZ. I’m a terrible friend.

R: I would’ve done it too.

I: I doubt that. Besides, you don’t need to. You have all the guys panting after you.

R: No I don’t.

I: Yes you do.

R: …

I: Why do you think Vicky hates you so much? I mean, other than the obvious. LOL! You’re a threat to her. She hasn’t had anyone challenge her for queen status ever, and you’re doing it without even trying.

R: You’re crazy. Go have fun. If you need me, I’ll be in the art room having a nice quiet night with me, myself, and my painting. I want all the details later.

I: Hopefully, he’ll ask me out. Not that my father would let me go, but that is problem number two. The first one is getting him to acknowledge me. Night girl.