Chapter 13 Science 101
Connor
Professor Garth’s class is in the Liberty Science Center in a large multi-tiered room, big enough to house at least a hundred other students.
So far, Professor Garth has been living up to the reviews I read on the rating-professors site.
He keeps things interesting and doesn’t try to ding us with petty questions on tests.
As I look around the room, my eyes snag on Karsen a few rows over.
My mind wanders back to that day outside of practice.
What a tool. I can’t believe Maize is with him.
He doesn’t deserve her in the slightest, but I haven’t said or done anything because it would only hurt Maisie. And that’s the last thing I want.
“That’s it for today. Remember, your papers are due on the thirtieth of this month, and if you’re smart, you’ll start studying for the next exam. I won’t be grading on a curve. See you Friday.”
Professor Garth waves his hands in a shooing motion, encouraging us to exit class as quickly as possible. Can’t say I blame him. I wouldn’t want to linger for a class filled with a bunch of freshmen who are only there to cross off a requirement, either.
I gather up my book and supplies and make my way down the tiered steps and through the heavy double doors. I pause to hold the door for a few people behind me, and I hear Karsen’s voice echoing from down the hall. My spine stiffens as I home in on what he’s saying.
“Man, I ended it with my girlfriend last night. She was being a bitch just ’cause I was smoking a little weed in my dorm.
Like, damn, it’s college, babe. Plus, I was so sick of her hardly ever putting out.
I have plenty of cleat chasers interested—why waste all this on someone who doesn’t appreciate it, am I right? ”
I see red. I practically rip the door off its hinges as I turn. His friends are cackling and high-fiving in agreement like dipshits. My legs are moving toward him—it feels like I’m not in control of my own body.
When I’m a few paces away, Karsen turns to face me.
My arm is already wound up, and the crack of my fist meeting this asshole’s face echoes through the hall.
Karsen is forcibly knocked sideways. From his hunched position, he slowly looks up at me as he wipes a trickle of blood from his now-crooked nose, rage blowing out his pupils.
He moves fast, coming at me with his full force, letting loose a disgruntled battle cry.
I dodge. His body dips after missing mine.
He quickly catches his balance, and then we’re circling each other, the air smelling of sweat and iron from his still-bleeding nose.
“What’s your problem?!” he spits out.
“My problem is how you were talking about Maisie! You piece of shit!”
“She’s not worth it, man.” He claws a hand out, and I dodge. We continue in our standoff.
“You don’t deserve her. You never deserved her!”
“Oh, and you think you do?” He steps forward, fist cocked.
I shove him back. “Get out of my face before I end you.”
“I’d love to see you try,” he responds with an arrogant smirk.
I take a deep breath, channeling my ire. I’m gonna wipe that look right off his smug asshole face.
I drop my shoulder and lunge, catching him in the gut. He flies backward and slams into the ground. I scramble to keep him down with a bent leg pinning both of his. I loom over him, about to get another hit in, when suddenly I’m being pulled away. No, I’m not done with him.
“Don’t you ever come near her again, you hear me?” I shout as someone manhandles me down the hall.
When we round the corner, I realize I’m being dragged along by two campus police officers. That can’t be good.
“I hope it was worth it, son,” one of the men—Darius, according to his blurry nametag—says.
“We’re going to the dean’s office. Now,” the other interjects with a lot more hostility to his tone.
Shit. I shift, and the officers let me stand but don’t give me any more room than is strictly necessary. I lift my arms placatingly to show I will come with them willingly.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m calm, promise.”
They let go of me but stay less than an arm’s reach away, like I’m some kind of criminal. I know my fate is not looking good, but I can’t bring myself to regret what I did. I just hope Maisie is okay.