Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“Then too bad. Your grades aren’t changing.” The tardy bell rings but Mark doesn’t notice. I resume my path toward AP Trig, a class that I can do in my sleep. Mark hops beside me.
“I’ve got connections. I can get you lots of things. Chicks, weed. You name it, I can get it for you.”
“A half million.”
“Fucking listen to me.” Mark grabs my shoulder and tries to swing me around.
Maybe it’s because I had a bad morning or maybe it’s because I’m late for class but something inside me snaps. My arm comes up and my fist lands square against Mark’s jaw. His head cracks to the side and blood and saliva come streaming out of his mouth as a tooth gets knocked loose. He sways for a second, surprise all over his face, and then he crumples to the ground--out like a doused candle.
The door to the AP Stats room swings open. Leaning against the threshold is Carter. Behind him, the entire class is lined up. He peers down at the fallen Mark and shakes his head. “I told you not to mess with Brad.”
Chapter 2
Melody
“You okay?” Ally asks as she takes a seat next to me in AP Anatomy and Physiology. We partnered up earlier in the year. She’s saved my ass a few times. I sucked at anatomy and physiology but I worked hard to try and keep up. Nothing less than an A would appease my parents, who want me to get As for two different reasons. My mom, so that I can grow up and be a strong successful woman and own some giant company that makes all the money in the world. She wants me to be independent. My father, on the other hand, wants me to make the grades because appearance is everything to him. He wants to be able to say that his daughter was valedictorian. I just want the hell out of this place. But what I want doesn’t matter.
“Just bored,” I admit. She nudges my shoulder.
“You totally miss football season, don’t you?”
“I don’t like football,” I tell her for the hundredth time. She made me go with her to all the games before her boyfriend was the star receiver. It isn’t the sport so much that fascinates me but watching them play is almost like an art. I’m not sure Carter or Ally’s boyfriend, Owen, would call it an art but it is. The two of them played so well on the field together. It is fascinating to watch. I’m not sure they even know how in tune they are with each other but every Friday night they have a dance of their own. They dance their butts down the field to victory.
“Suure.” She drags out the word. It doesn't matter. I don’t care if people think I do or don’t like the game. I go to support my friend. Ally is different from everyone around here and I am grateful that she got transferred in. I’ve been stuck at FU High since my freshman year. At first I tried to fit in but I knew that was never going to happen. I don’t actually feel as though I fit in anywhere. Not at school and definitely not at home.
My phone vibrates on the desk table. I pick it up to see a picture my mom sent me. It’s of my dad with another woman who looks like she could be about my age. I don’t recognize her. She’s either a one-night stand or a new mistress. I’m embarrassed to say that these pictures get forwarded to me by my mom on a regular basis.
Mom: This is why you have to be independent or you’ll be stuck with an asshole. Don’t end up in the same situation that I did.
Her text is filled with anger but I’d bet anything that she’s crying right now. I know she shouldn't be sharing this shit with me but she does and I can’t help but be mad with her. I hate him. She needs someone to talk to. She has kind of played a part in me hating my father but he’s earned some of the hatred on his own without her having to help.
“Is that your dad?” Ally glares at my phone. It’s not like everyone around here doesn't know my father's face. Most of them also know about his infidelity too. As if high school wasn’t hard enough, I have extra for people to gossip about.
“One would think a senator would be more discreet.” He really doesn’t give a shit anymore. He thinks he’s untouchable and he’s lost touch with reality. His wife and kid are an inconvenience to him now. The wife that stuck by his side when he was a nobody. Now that he is someone, he’s conveniently forgotten about the woman that helped put him there. My mom doesn’t have to worry about me depending on a man. I’ve already sworn them off.