Junior Year

I hate it when Teachers decide to give a surprise quiz. Especially on Fridays. Just when you thought the week was finally over, 'Happy Friday! I've got a fun little surprise for you— sike! I hope you fail.'

The Chemistry quiz was positively horrendous! And the funny part is Sanchez kept trying to copy my answers even though I repeatedly told him not to. Now we're both probably failing. But at least I am on good terms with Ms. Sandler. I'm sure she'll find a way for me to earn extra credits if I need them.

"Don't sweat it. You'll do great in the finals." Steff tries to cheer me up.

"Ugh! Chemistry is the worst subject!" I groan, popping the cold fries in my mouth.

"Debatable." Jeremy says.

I glare at him.

"Indulge me, please. I'm having a bad day."

He shrugs nonchalantly.

"I totally agree." Steff says, shooting him a glare. "I hate Chemistry!"

"Thank you." I tell her.

I had planned to read a little last night. But sadly, Dad forgot to take the twins out. Again. And I hated seeing the disappointment on their faces, so I took them to the Themed Park. By the time we got back, I was too exhausted to lift a finger.

I let out a sigh, and I look up just as Elliot and Brittany walk into the Cafeteria hand in hand. I feel a sharp sting in my chest. It hurts every single time.

"Jess, don't look!" Steff scolds.

"Seriously, that's what she wants. Just ignore them." Jeremy looks at me sympathetically.

I wish I could just ignore them. But it's kind of hard to ignore when the girl who was supposed to be my best friend is now dating my ex after he cheated on me with her. And she loves to rub it in my face too. I trusted them both. They were the closest people I had. I hate that I never saw it coming. But then again, how could anyone?

"I hate them!" I say bitterly, gritting my teeth. But I can't help darting my eyes back to them.

I'm shocked to find Elliot already staring at me. We lock eyes, and even from across the room, I can feel the pull his blue eyes have on me. I wait for him to look away, but he doesn't. And I feel a blush creeping to my cheeks, but I snap myself out of it.

He cheated on me.

I feel anger spark in my chest all over again, and I turn my head away, letting my hair fall over my face.

I need to stop romanticizing him. He broke my heart!

***

I absentmindedly play with my water bottle, listening to Steff and Jermey talk.

"Hey, there!"

I snap my head up at the unexpected voice. Brittany is standing with her tray in her hands and a smile on her annoyingly proportional face.

"What do you want? There is no boyfriend for you to steal here." Steff says, shooting her glare.

"Stefani, as lovely as ever." Brittany rolls her eyes and turns to me. "I heard Ms. Sandler gave you guys a surprise quiz. How did it go?"

Steff and I look at each other just as Jeremy says, "You can't be serious!"

Why is she asking me this like we are friends when we are the exact opposite! She's done nothing but torment me all year. Now she wants to chit chat over lunch?

"It was fine," I answer with a shrug.

"That's good to hear. I hope you get a good result." She says, cheerfully.

"Could've fooled me." Steff huffs.

"Well, have a great day." She says with a smile, ignoring Steff, before spinning around and basically skipping across the room.

"Why do we hate her again? She is a warm ray of sunshine!" Jeremy rolls his eyes.

"How can someone be so fake? Seriously! There should be a treatment for people like her." Steff shakes her head.

I look over at their table and watch as she takes a seat next to Elliot. She leans in to kiss him, and it makes me wanna gag! I shove the soggy fries away. I can't believe I ever put my love and trust in these two. I can't believe I was ever friends with someone so vindictive. You think you know people and then BAM! You realize you never knew shit. Then you start to ask yourself, how was I so blind? How did I not see it coming? In my defense, their acting skills were Academy Award worthy.

When the bell rings, we stop by Steff's locker so she can get her things for class. We have Biology together.

"So did you ask your mom if you can sleepover tonight?" Steff asks. "We have to go to Chelsea's party."

I scrunch my face up and shake my head.

"I can't. Brittany and Elliot will be there."

"So?" She turns around with a raised brow. "Brandon will be there. He is really cute, and he likes you. This is the perfect opportunity to flirt."

Brandon is Chelsea's older brother and one of the very few people who are actually nice to me in school. And she's right he is cute. But still!

"He is a senior. He'll be graduating in a couple of months." I say.

"I didn't ask you to marry the guy. I said flirt." She rolls her eyes, closing her locker. "It's Friday. We need to go out and live a little. I don't care if I have to drag you there. We're going!"

I chuckle.

"Fine! As long as you don't try to dress me up again."

Steff gasps and clutches her chest in exaggerated hurt as we make our way to class.

"You do know I'm destined to be like the greatest Stylist the world has ever seen, right? I should be charging you for my services, darling."

I laugh.

When we round a corner, we see a bunch of students gathered as Cops swarm around searching lockers.

"What's happening?" I ask with a frown.

Steff turns to a couple of Sophomore girls that are eyeing the scene.

"Hey, Sarah. What is going on?" She asks the taller one of the two.

"I think the Cops found Cocaine in one of the lockers." The girl tells her. "Apparently, Principal Carter got an anonymous tip from a student."

"What?" I stare at her with shock.

Our school has never been rumored for drugs or anything illegal really.

I stand on my tippy toes to get a better look and spot one of the cops confiscating my things.

What the hell?

I push through the crowd and make it to my locker.

"Excuse me, what do you think you're doing?" I ask, glancing at the book he is placing inside a plastic bag. "That's mine."

The Officer locks eyes with me, and his features darken.

"Are you Jessica Grayson?"

"Obviously," I snarl contemptuously. "Sir." I add, immediately feeling bad.

I hear people whispering, and the chatter getting louder. The officer makes eye contact with another Cop that's standing close by and takes a step towards me. Before I can utter a word, he is handcuffing me.

"Jessica Grayson, you are under arrest for illegal possession of drugs and intent to distribute. You have the right to remain silent..." I stop listening as the whispers around me turn into a loud ringing in my head.

"Jessica, do you understand your rights?" The Cop says loudly, snapping me back.

"What!?" I gasp and shake my head in utter confusion and panic. "There must be some kind of mistake. I don't know anything about drugs."

My heart is racing and pulsating in my ears. Everything feels like it's happening in slow motion when in reality, it's all happening too fast.

Students are standing around with their phone cameras directed at me, taking pictures and videos. I feel like I am in a nightmare, but no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to wake up.

"Jess!" I hear Steff call, and it breaks me out of my daze.

Her eyes are wide with fright as she follows us outside.

"Call my mom!" I say, my legs shaking like leaves as we head to the car.

The Cop who cuffed me, helps me get inside, and he slams the door shut, making me flinch.

This can't be happening!

I try to breathe normally, but it's impossible. I'm having a full-blown panic attack in the back seat of a Police Car.

As the Car starts to pull out, I catch a glimpse of Brittany and Shannon. They both have a small smile playing on their lips. And when the car rounds a corner, Brittany waves and blows me a kiss.

***

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