Chapter 6
Cala - I’m a good girl
I wake up early, having dreamt of hair all night. My dreams are getting weirder and weirder. I shower and dress, skipping down the stairs. My parents are at the table, drinking coffee, looking haggard. I stop in the kitchen doorway, “I’m off.”
Mom just waves and Dad grunts in response, as is the usual. I haven’t felt like they’ve actually cared about me in years, but lately it feels like it’s gotten worse.
I start the drive down the street and see Belinda walking toward school. I could walk as well, but I like driving because it’s an escape for me. Pulling up slowly next to her, “Hey Belinda, do you need a ride?”
She shakes her head no, “Thanks for offering, but I just want to walk.”
I nod, “Okay, if you ever want a ride, anywhere, just let me know.”
“Thanks, see you at school.” She says, as she walks off in the direction of school.
I drive away and park in the back parking lot, I feel safer back here.
I make a beeline for the library, shuffling through the doors and heading to my corner.
There, like clockwork, on the table is a muffin and coffee.
But the guys sitting at the table are new.
I mean they’re not new, I do think they’ve been following me—not in a creepy way.
“Hunter, Daze, Peck,” I try to find my voice but it comes out as a whisper. Hunter gestures to the seat and I sit like a good girl.
“We wanted to introduce ourselves to you,” he states and I can feel my cheeks heat.
“I know who you are,” I say, my voice getting stronger.
Peck leans forward, “Yeah, but we wanted you to know we got your back.” I figured there were times they stuck up for me, even though I didn’t have proof. I saw Daze leaving a muffin for me one time so I knew it was them at least doing that.
But to clarify, “It’s you leaving me the muffin and coffee, right?”
Daze snickers, “I’m the fed ex guy.”
We all turn to stare at him, “What?” I say as a look of confusion crosses my face.
He laughs, “I deliver.” I laugh at that as the guys just shake their heads.
“You're a weirdo,” Hunter says with a laugh. Daze doesn’t seem fazed at his statement.
I lower my head a little bit, “Thank you.”
Hunter strokes my hand and I find I like it, “Anything for you.” I don’t understand. Why me? Why do they want to do things for me?
Peck smirks as if he can read my thoughts, “You will eventually.”
And then just like that; as if it’s normal for us to be sitting here, they pull out their study materials so I do the same.
I thought it would be weird to be around them, though I fantasized about it before.
I mean they’re three ridiculously hot guys.
I can hardly focus on studying, I just keep looking up at them.
Hunter gives me a smile and I quickly start to read, trying to pretend that I wasn’t just staring at them. And even with everything that's been going on, I find myself relaxing in their company.
After breakfast with the guys, I head to class, I have a history test but I’m prepared and I know I will ace it.
What I’m not prepared for though, is the spectacle in the hallway.
Carly and Heidi, two girls who are notorious for being mean, are being laughed at.
Laughed at because they are bald. There’s hair on the floor, I’m assuming it’s theirs or it’s a wig.
It’s weird to see the tables turned on two bullies.
And for some reason, I walk right up to them, “How’s it feel to be the one on the receiving end?” I feel powerful. Even the other students are surprised at my boldness. I mean I am as well.
The girls just look at me and start sobbing. With a smile I walk away and then have to hold my head. The throbbing starts and I’m seeing what happened to them. Four figures, masks, razor, laughing. Wait. Did I do this? If that’s me, who are…
The three guys that bring me muffins in the morning. It has to be them.
What is happening to me?
I mean I never confront bullies, except one time when I stuck up for Briar Hartley, but that was a one time thing. But today? That wasn’t me, no, that was someone else. It felt good though.
I slide into my desk, nodding at Briar who gives me a small smile. Lately even she seems more sure of herself.
The teacher passes out the test and I smile because this is one of the last steps I need to complete before I get to leave town forever.