Chapter 40
Bring It On
Scarlett
The weekend flew by, with Levi riding the high of his new love.
I’ve been pushing myself to run more miles as well as working out twice a day, and training damn hard with Spencer.
I thought it would be hard to continue training together after I told him I needed space.
Honestly, it’s been amazing; he’s patient with me, while also maintaining his lingering touches and constantly expressing his need to devour me.
I know, I feel it too, but my battle is not yet over.
I am getting stronger, wiser, and growing in the best way.
I feel strong, mentally and physically. The thought of burning has not once crossed my mind.
Anna will be pleased to know this at our Tuesday session.
Going back to school makes the weekend feel like a blur.
Honestly, I spent most of my time at the Collins’ house, because it just feels like home.
The space reminds me of everything I’ve been missing.
The love is overwhelming, and the tenderness, the soft loving touch of a hug, or the funny jokes, that remain funny.
The jokes at our house would start as jokes, then turn into ‘shouldn’t have laughed’ real quick.
Everything is different there, and it is a kind of excitement I knew but never once felt until now.
Levi is jumping into his car later than usual as I slam the last bit of a granola bar into my mouth and smile with a full mouth. “Morning, sleepy head.” He looks over and gives a cheerful grin.
“That it is.” Driving us to school, Levi blasts iconic love songs, and the smile that spreads across his face while he belts every lyric makes me laugh and feel nothing but joy for him.
Have you ever wanted someone to be happy, but know you, yourself, can never give the level of feels they need?
That’s me. I wanted him to find love, to be happy, and to smile genuinely.
Here he is, singing his heart out and feeling every word.
Maddie is sitting in the school parking lot, talking to Spencer, when we pull up.
Maddie runs over and throws her arms around my shoulders, hugging me.
“Thank you for the brownie cookie.” She kisses my cheek before moving on to plant a big, fat, juicy kiss smack dab on my brother's lips.
I turn away quickly, looking for any eyes that could be on them.
I turn back to them, using my best mom voice, “You two better knock it off, before you get caught out here sucking face.” Turning back to Spencer, he smirks at my scolding.
“Come on, Beauty Queen, let's all head to class.” He throws his arm around me and raises an eyebrow at Maddie, motioning to walk into the school.
I smile up at him as he pulls me into him. “Spence, what are you doing?” He smirks, biting his lip while pulling the front doors open. He needs to stop biting his lip so my thong stays dry, thanks.
“Claiming you for the world to see, so when you're ready to claim me back, it won’t be a shocker, and all the guys will keep their eyes and hands to themselves. You’re mine, Scar, ready or not. Mine.” I sink into him because, damn, he is hot when he is possessive.
Spencer plants a long kiss on my cheek when he drops me at my locker, whispering in my ear, “Have a good day, not-so-newbie.” I smile into his kiss, remembering the first time he called me that.
Watching him walk away, I remember how he felt inside me, the way I pulsed around him, and clenching my throbbing needs before I run after him and beg him to fuck me in his car.
Jesus, Scarlett, get it together. He winks at me and walks into his first period.
I head towards the overhead bridge, hoping I’m not late.
Making it just in time before the tardy bell, I slouch in my seat and get ready to create happy little trees and paint like the best Mrs. Ross I can.
Getting lost in the zone of colors and hues all blending together, creating something beautiful, I take a step back and take in how vibrant it is.
Most of my paintings are dark and mysterious.
This screams, I love rainbows and happy endings, something I never thought I’d feel.
Mrs. Smith walks over. “Scarlett, this is miraculous, a way to channel your inner feelings. I can feel your happiness, sweetie. Wonderful job. I like this new look.” I smile because shit, I do too.
The first two classes fly by. Making my way to the gym, I pass Ashley and Jessica standing by their locker.
As I walk by, Ashley says, “Man stealer.” I turn my head towards her, and Jessica pops in, “He’s only into you because you're a charity case. For the same reason, I was into your brother. Broken people fuck better.” My heart speeds up, rattling my chest like a damn stampede running through my body.
I turn around, clenching my fist as my nails dig into my palms. Trying to calm my emotions, I sauntered towards them, steadying my movements and taking a deep breath.
“Listen here, Adulterous Ashley, and Jumping Jessica.
Two things: one, based on the nicknames you both have, you have zero right to talk about anyone being a ‘man stealer’ because let's be honest with ourselves, you’ll steal anything that catches your attention.
Two, keep my brother's name out of your fucking mouth. Oh, and three.” I backed them up against the locker. “I do fuck better.”
Ashley chuckles. “When I catch Spencer’s attention, you better believe, I’ll be sure to tell you how good I take his cock.
” Jealousy and rage burn through me; my core is on fire; flames rage out of every orifice they can.
I push Ashley into the locker, hard, making a loud bang.
She lifts her hand and slaps me across the face.
I wasn’t going to throw hands, but fuck this bitch.
Everyone in the hallway stops and watches.
Jessica steps aside, and I give her an evil smile.
“If you want to keep your fake extensions and eyelashes, you'd better move, bitch, because Ashley is about to get a new makeover.” Her eyes widen into saucers, her chest rises and falls, and she steps away, slowing down. Coward, little does she understand I’m trying to protect Levi.
He should never have slept with her as a ‘student’, even if she is of age; he could get fired, and I can’t have that.
He’s better than this slut. I know I am strong; I have been working hard for this very reason —to show anyone who dares test me that I am.
Not. Weak. Fighting them, fighting her, will be easy.
Like taking candy from a kid, effortless.
Ashley looks up before moving away from her locker.
“Gonna beat my ass, you little charity case? Mad because you know he’ll want me more than you?
” She mocks me as I step closer. Lifting her hand, she tries to throw a punch, but I block it with ease.
Nice block. I take pride in my skills. Bringing my arm back, I launch my fist into her face, making her fall to the floor, as blood pours from her nose.
Nice shot. Getting down to her level, I lean over the top of her, pulling her hair as it wraps around my fist.
“I’m not going to beat your ass; I’m sending you a message.
To keep your fucking eyes off Spencer, he’s mine, and Levi, he’s too good for either of you.
The last thing they need is contracting whatever the fuck you have growing down there.
I might be a charity case, but thank fuck I’m not trash.
” I release her hair from my hold, just as the principal comes running over, yelling.
“That is enough! Break it up!” The bald Principal, Mr. Harden, rushes over, picking up Ashley off the floor. He looks around. “Everyone, back to your classes.” He turns to me and points. “You, office now.” I pass Jessica, still stunned, against the locker.
I wait in a small hallway as Mr. Harden tends to poor Ashley. Her nose is fine, I didn’t even break it, a little blood will do that preppy bitch some good.
Principal Harden finally opens his door as Ashley walks out, before he calls me in.
“Let’s go, we’re calling your father.” Fuck.
A sting of anxiety and desperation comes over me.
Taking a seat across from his chair, he sits, leans forward, and folds his hands.
“Want to tell me what happened out there? You have not once been a problem this year. You are a great student with exceptional grades and leadership skills. This surprises me.” It surprises me, too. Mr. I nod my head and roll my thumbs.
“I passed her, and she was saying not-so-nice things about my brother and me.” He leans back in his chair.
“So, you decided to throw her to the ground and bloody her nose?” I smirk a little, trying to hold it back.
“Actually, all I did was push her a little; she threw the first punch.” Meanwhile, inside, I’m screaming, listen here dickface, I get beat at home, the last thing I’m about to do is come to school and get beat up here, too. He nods, leaning forward on his forearms.
“We don’t take to fighting at this school, Miss, and we do not allow bullying.
You are both being suspended for the day.
If this happens again, I will suspend you for a longer period, possibly the rest of the year.
Do you understand?” No shit, I understand, I speak your language, baldass.
I nod in agreement while pressing my lips together, forming a line.
“Very well, I’m calling your father to come pick you up. ”
“Perfect,” I mumble. I won’t be returning tomorrow; that's a damn near fact. He allows me to wait in his office, since battered Ashley is in the hallway crying like the damn sissy she is. You’d think I beat her face in; it was one lousy punch.
I watch her mother come in and pull her in, embracing her in her arms and looking at her saddened face—a far cry from the reaction I will be receiving.