Spellbound - Cara Lynn Shultz [89]
I pressed my forehead against the cool white tiles on the wall and tried to blink back the tears. The laughter faded as they left the bathroom. When I was sure the coast was clear, I slowly exited the stall. I splashed some water on my face, hoping the cool water would extinguish the red-hot embarrassment that colored my face.
I walked to class, forcing myself to hold my head up high even though I wanted to stare at my shoes, letting my hair fall in my face to shield me from my classmates. I’d dealt with worse in my life. I wouldn’t let them get to me. Or at least, see that they were getting to me. I just hoped that my brave act would hold until English class, when I’d finally be with Brendan—my oasis in the nearly friendless desert Vince A had become. Through some miracle, I managed to avoid being called on in my first two classes. If I had to speak aloud, I was sure my voice would crack and crumble.
“Hey, Emma, just so you know, I don’t believe any of the rumors,” Jenn said quietly as we walked to English.
“Thanks,” I replied, flashing her a grateful smile. “And thanks for, well, I guess for being seen with me,” I said with a hard laugh.
“Kristin and I used to be close,” she whispered, glancing around to make sure no one heard. “She’s changed a lot—she used to be a really fun person. She’s just gotten so mean. And she’s like, obsessive about Anthony. I think he was her first or something.
“Anyway,” Jenn continued. “Try not to let it get to you. Most people know she’s full of it because they’ve been the subject of one of her rumors at one point or another.”
“Why is she so popular, then, if she’s been mean to everyone?” I asked, frustrated.
“She throws these crazy parties and people want to be invited, her family is really powerful, and she’s just one of those people,” Jenn explained. “And I think everyone is happy she has a new target—and that it’s not them.”
I made a face. “I hate to say it, but it makes sense.”
We got to English and instead of feeling excited or relieved to see Brendan, I just felt exhausted. I slid into my desk and fought the urge to put my head down, opening my notebook and pretending to review my notes instead. For the first time since I’d started at Vince A, my head didn’t automatically turn when he came into the room—and I didn’t realize he had entered the classroom until he was sitting in front of me.
“Hey, Emma, are you okay?” Brendan folded his arms on the back of his seat, his green eyes full of worry. “You look…bothered.”
“It’s nothing. Long morning,” I mumbled unconvincingly. Brendan just pursed his lips.
“We’ll talk at lunch,” he said, then turned around since Mr. Emerson had shuffled into the classroom, loudly blowing his nose. Seriously, this guy needed vitamin C, or a vacation, because it was now plain gross.
We were barely out of the school before Brendan asked what was wrong.
“It’s just…there’s a lot of rumors flying around about me. And you. And Anthony,” I admitted, not wanting to go into specifics. “It’s frustrating to hear it. And to have people staring and talking about me. Again.”
“You did nothing wrong. What could anyone possibly be saying about you?” Brendan asked. He kept his voice calm but I noticed the hard edge of anger creeping in.
“It’s nothing,” I said dismissively. “Forget I said anything.” The last thing I wanted to do was bring up the rumor of us sleeping together. I wasn’t sure about Brendan’s mental state, but mine sure couldn’t handle the topic of us having sex on top of everything.
“Come on,” Brendan wheedled, taking my hand as we walked toward Central Park. “We’re finally past secrets, remember?” Damn. He has a point.
“Fine,” I pouted, leaning against the nearest building and taking a deep breath before the words tumbled out. “Apparently, everyone at school thinks that I was sleeping with Anthony. And, um, now they think I’m sleeping with you, too. And that