Dad takes his time, finally knocking when he’s finished his search. “Probably the wind coming in from the attic vents, or maybe bats. Just keep the attic door locked until I can get up there and exterminate.”

  “No problem,” I yell through the door. “I won’t go near it.” It’s a promise. Bats. Spirits. That’s a hard pass. The urn will have to wait. Sorry Mom.

  It doesn’t take me long to settle into bed. I’m not tired. I’m more irritated. It’s pointless to dwell, so I try to focus on something to occupy my boredom.

  With all that I’d endured throughout the day, my mind keeps going back to Garver. He was trouble. I could feel it in my bones. He wanted a piece of the new girl, and I wondered if a part of me was dangling it like a treat when I accepted his offer to walk with him in the woods. Sometimes, I’d like to slap the stupid out of myself. Guys like Garver have ulterior motives for their actions. He wasn’t being kind to me because I was new. He wanted the first crack at the new girl. Tomorrow I’d make sure he knew it was never going to happen.

  A relationship would screw with my head. I’ve been assaulted by enough regret. From now on it’s me against the world.

  Chapter 5

  Day two of school hell. At least I was prepared for the bus to arrive this time. Instead of worrying about my outfit, I paired a graphic T-shirt with an olive-green sleeveless jacket and some jean capris that are ripped up in the front. Nothing fancy, just a basic grouping anyone would be comfortable in.

  Since knowing when to expect the bus, I took my time primping in the mirror. In order to feel confident about turning Garver down, I needed to have my insecurities shadowed by a mask of makeup, otherwise he would see right through the transparency and know the decision would be regrettable. I don’t know much about him, but he’s perceptive.

  In all honesty, I would love to have someone by my side. I’m about to turn eighteen, and unfortunately, I’ll be celebrating this year alone. Pity parties aren’t my thing. I’ll treat it like any other day and keep moving forward. It can’t always be this terrible.

  This time when I step on the bus I’m prepared for the entourage of haters. What I’m not expecting when I go to take my front seat, is Garver in the very back calling out my name. “Sophie, I saved you a seat.”

  How the hell is he on the bus? He’d been walking home just like me. Had he missed it yesterday, or been stalking me the whole day? I feel violated, and because of what I suspect, I take the first seat and ignore his invitation.

  The ride to school feels like it took forever, and with each stop I expect he would find his way forward until he is sitting next to me. It’s a good thing that never happened.

  Garver doesn’t catch up to me until I’m almost at the school doors. He places his hand on my shoulder and halts my stride. “Hold up.”

  I half cock my gaze until I’m looking into his copper-toned eyes. “Can I help you?”

  “Guess you made it home last night.”

  I’m just as flippant. “Guess so. You’re observant.”

  He lets out a groan. “You’re in a foul mood.”

  “Well, you’ve been stalking me since yesterday. Don’t you have anything better to do? Is this what you do with all the new girls?”

  He leans in and speaks into my ear. I can feel his breath tickling it, sending a shiver all the way to my fingertips. “Hate to break it to you, but you’re the first new girl in years. People don’t usually move here, they run away.”

  “Yeah, trust me, I know.” Steadily backing away to prevent falling prey to his natural charm, I accidentally bump into someone behind me. Unfortunately for me, it’s a cheerleader. She basically snarls as she rights herself and passes by me.

  “Watch where you’re going, freak!”

  I flip her the middle finger. “Screw you!”

  She mumbles something to the chick next to her and they both give me the stink eye.

  Garver is back in my face. “You really know how to make friends. I don’t blame you. This place is lame.”

  We’re in the hallway by the time I finally stop and face him again. “What do you want from me? If it’s a piece of ass, I’m sorry to say it’s not going to happen. I’m only here to get my diploma and get the hell out of town.”

  He snickers and shakes his head, as if my words are humorous instead of meant in a threatening, matter-of-fact way. “Okay, then.” His arms go up in the air. “Sorry for taking up your time.”

  He gets at least ten steps in before I feel bad, or maybe it’s just loneliness sinking in. I’ve had a few seconds to scan the hall and realize I’m alone in a pond full of piranhas. I need at least one ally. “Garver, hold up!”

  He stops, but instead of seeming offended, he’s gloating. “Yeah, I figured you’d change your mind. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt and assumed it wouldn’t happen until lunch. Guess you’re pretty hard up if you’re giving me the time of day.”

  “Sorry. I know I’m being a bitch. I’m really not a terrible person.” Staring down at the floor as we walk, I’m having a hard time deciding how I feel about him. He’s a stranger and I promised myself last night that I wouldn’t let him in. Now I’m doing it anyway. What is wrong with me? Am I this desperate? “I’m just not good with change. I’ve been in the same school district my whole life until now. This starting over crap is overrated. All I want to do is graduate and run for the hills.”

  “Same.” He nudges me with his elbow and flashes a bright smile. “I used to hate every single person at this school.”

  “What changed?”

  “Well, this hot chick showed up yesterday and I haven’t left her alone since.”

  My cheeks get hot when I hear it. I’m not shy, but it catches me off guard. I thought he’d be telling me more about himself, but he’s turned it back on me. “You’re funny.”

  “At least you think so.” He motions to the room beside him with his hitchhiker's thumb. “This is my first class. Try not to kill anyone before lunch.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Catch you later, Sophie. Don’t miss me too much.”

  I smirk and shake off his sarcasm as I saunter on toward my first class. Maybe having one friend will help pass the time. It’s better than being alone, that’s for certain.

  AP Biology. It’s what I get for being fascinated with science as a kid. Mom used to take me to parks and museums. At first, I wanted to be a marine biologist. Then I was obsessed with bugs. She didn’t like that phase. Not one bit.

  I remember being in middle school and getting to dissect a frog. Now I’m staring at a dead baby pig wondering what the hell is wrong with people in this hick town. Seven baby pigs are arranged around the room. This being my second day in class, I know I’ll have to be partnered up with someone else. We don’t have a large class, maybe fifteen kids at the most, some from the town next to this one.

  Cassidy. Bus Bitch. Neanderthal. Yep. Karma can suck my ass.

  We don’t speak, just get right to the task. It’s obvious she’s grossed out so I take charge. Moving between Cassidy and a guy I’ve yet to be introduced to, I take the scalpel and get right to it. There’s a lot of gagging and students bitching about doing this. Some are refusing to participate, but I need this grade.

  It only takes Cassidy a couple of minutes to annoy me. “Look Joey, I told you she’s a freak. She probably keeps dead animals as pets.”

  “Sick!” That’s all he says. I’m not trying to be stereotypical, but he’s a total jock, semi-good looking, muscular arms, high and tight haircut, football T-shirt. It’s evident he’s into Cassidy, the head cheerleader and from the pictures framed near the office, the current prom queen. They keep touching each other and smiling. For all I know, they’re planning on sabotaging me before the hour is over. If they were smarter, they would avoid pissing me off since I’m the one holding the knife.

  It pleases me to know I’ve managed to ignore them and their slanderous lies about me. When the bell rings I’m fully aware Cassidy will be in my next class. It’s excruciating to know I’ll have to deal with this for the next couple of months. I could turn the tables and make nice with her, but what fun would that be? I’ve already started with a bang; I’m going to go out that same way.

  English and Psychology class are a bit easier. I manage to snag a seat in the very back of each classroom. Garver happens to be in my next period, but he’s seated up front. While listening to the lecture about Freudian Theory, I keep my head down. A few times when I need to take notes from the chalkboard, I catch him staring back at me. If he wasn’t so hot, I’d label him as creepy, but it’s still too soon for me to make that determination.

  He catches up to me on my way to the cafeteria. “Tell me that wasn’t the most boring shit you’ve ever had to listen to.”

  “I can’t get rid of you, can I?” I tease.

  Today he’s wearing a shirt that says, Do you like my pussy? It has a picture of a giant cat. I can’t believe he hasn’t gotten in trouble for wearing it. The rebel in him interests me.

  Without permission, he puts his arm around me and pulls me closer as we walk. “My little protégé, you have much to learn.”

  I shove his arm away, but remain beside him. “I’m afraid to ask.”

  Once in the lunchroom, we’re seated at the same table as yesterday. He reaches in his book bag and pulls out a twelve-inch cold cut sub. I’m starving, but don’t want to admit I have nothing to eat.

  “Forget your lunch?” He asks.

  I shrug. “I’m good.”

  He pulls the plastic from the sandwich and slides half in front of me. “Consider this our first date.” A wink follows the statement.

  I’m speechless. My brows raise for multiple reasons. It’s like he knew I didn’t have anything to eat. How would he know that?

  Since I’m a little embarrassed and uncomfortable, I give him a hard time. “I don’t eat meat.” He reaches his hand over to take the sub away. I place mine on top of his to stop him. “Just kidding.”

  With a mouth full of food, and no regard for manners, he replies. “It’s got extra mayonnaise. If you don’t like the lettuce and tomato just toss it.” Then he reaches in his book bag and pulls out a small package of kettle-cooked chips. I’ve died and gone to lunch heaven.

  I’m in utter disbelief when he opens his sub and lines it with the chips, before closing it and taking a huge bite. He offers me the bag and I do the same thing. A sandwich isn’t complete without chips or fries.

  I take my first bite. It’s delicious. Is it wrong to hate that I love this so much? “Oh my God.”

  “Good right? I knew I liked you.” He shoves the sub in his face and devours another bite. “Any luck finding a job?”

  “No. You were right. This town sucks.”

  “How long did it take you to get home?”

  “Not too long. A lady stopped and gave me a ride.”

  He seems surprised. “Lucky you. I wouldn’t have pegged you as a hitchhiker. A woman who likes to live on the wild side. I’m digging it.”

  I’m blushing again. Damn him and his cocky charm.

  “I didn’t hitchhike. She pulled over and insisted it wasn’t safe. I didn’t know there were killers in Bumfuck. She was a nice old lady. Maybe you know her, Miss Maggie?”

  He just about chokes when I say her name. “Maggie? Gold-ish car?”

  “Yeah, why? Don’t tell me she’s a coo-coo, or collects cats.” When I ask, I look down at his shirt and giggle to myself.

  “I don’t know about all that, but she is Cassidy’s grandmother.”

  I may need the Heimlich maneuver performed on me because I can’t seem to swallow my last bite. It’s stuck in my throat as my eyes dart over to Cassidy’s lunch table. I begin hitting my own chest and choking until I’m able to breathe again. “You’re kidding, right?”

  He’s still laughing. “Nope. Everyone knows Miss Maggie. She’s the judge’s wife.”

  The sub sits in front of me, and as much as I like it, my appetite disappears. “Holy shit.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you; you have horrible luck?”

  I’m rubbing my temples to relieve the rush of pain to my head. “Isn’t it obvious? This sucks. She’s going to talk to Cassidy about the girl she picked up and ask her if she’s met me. Cassidy will have a field day when she finds out I got a handout from her grandmother. God, this day needs to be over with already. I just want to go home and forget it ever happened.”

  He tries to reassure me in his own harsh way. “Screw Cassidy and her merry band of hoes. She’s a conceited little bitch. If you knew half of what I did about her, you’d rethink walking away. She’s fake as shit. Trust me.”

  “How would you know? It’s not like you associate with her, at least from what I can tell.”

  “Let’s just say appearances aren’t everything when it comes to this town and the people in it. Not everything you see is true. She’s not a princess and she sure as hell doesn’t belong on the pedestal she thinks she’s entitled to. Once graduation comes, she’ll be the first one to run and never come back. There’s certain things she’ll never be able to hide from, no matter how far she gets.”

  “Do tell.”

  He pulls a soda from his bag and takes a few gulps before passing it over to me. “I don’t know you well enough to arm you with that load. In due time.”

  “Fair enough.” I usually don’t drink after people. Mom always said it was gross, but I’m thirsty from almost choking, so I take a swig and swallow. “Thanks again for sharing your lunch.” It’s quiet for a second while I watch him finish his half. “Who do you normally sit with?”

  “Whoever I want. Depends on the day. I get around,” he starkly announces.

  “I prefer being a wallflower for the next couple months. Drama free.”

  Garver snaps his fingers in front of me and sways his body, speaking louder than he was before. “Girl, you’re the talk of the town. You can’t avoid it.”

  “Don’t remind me. I wish we never moved here. If Dad doesn’t find work soon I might be living out of a cardboard box.” I hate admitting that. “It really sucks. My old life was perfect. Popularity. Hot boyfriend. Nice home. Loving family. It’s all gone.”

  He’s quiet for a minute, while playing with the tab on the top of the soda can. Once he has it off, he sits it in front of him, aims, and flicks it toward the table full of cheerleaders. It doesn’t make it that far, though I appreciate his effort. “I know what it’s like to lose everything. It sucks. I meant to tell you I might know of a job you could apply for.”

  “Really?” Excitement fills my voice. “Where?” Please don’t let this be some kind of joke.

  “The old bowling alley lost its food counter person last night.”

  “Bowling alley? Where is there a bowling alley?”

  “Behind the firehouse. It’s a small building with six lanes.”

  I’m used to huge bowling alleys. Ours had two entire levels of lanes. “Six lanes?”

  “Yep. It’s probably not the best job, but it’s something.”

  “How did you come to learn of the availability of this job?”

  “Oh, I work there. Did I forget to mention that?”

  I suck in a heavy breath of musty school air, probably so full of germs I’ll have something viral by evening. Benefits of a school environment. “I’ll go there after school. I found a bike next to one of our sheds, so I’ll go home first and ride back. Thank you, Garver, and for being nice to me.”

  He winks. “I told you before, you’re hot. I’d like to tap that ass, but I’ll settle for a friendship for now.”

  “You’re incorrigible.”

  “I do my best, Sophie. Patience is my middle name.” I’m jealous of his confidence. I suppose from living in this small town he’s gotten to know everyone. It gives someone power to be in the know, unlike me who is a stranger to everyone around me. I’m elated about the possibility of finding a job. It doesn’t even bother me that Garver works there. It’s a little exciting to know I’ll have a friend there, even if his sole motive is to get into my pants. If he plays his cards right, I might actually consider it.

  Chapter 6

  Garver rides the bus with me after school, and forces me to sit in the back with him. He introduces me to a few people he usually associates with. Three guys, Brian, Chris, and Marcus. All three are wearing camouflage boots and John Deere hats. They talk with southern accents and plan on going four-wheeling over the weekend. They ask a few questions about me, seem nice, but not very interested in anything more. Garver keeps his attention on me, though sometimes I notice him making weird eye contact with the guys, like they know something I don’t. Shaking it off, I focus on not sitting alone in front. Since I’m one of the last to get on the bus in the morning, I learn Garver gets off at a stop close to town. It’s good to know I have options, but I’d still need to rely on a ride home if I got the job, so I may be better off just riding a bike to and from. He brings his lips close to my ear before getting up to exit. “I hope I see you later, beautiful.”

  A wide smile spreads across my face. I’m flustered and his friends see it. Once he’s gone and we’re driving again, I decide to ask about him. “So, how long have you guys known Garver?”

  Brian answers. “Our whole lives. Not much to tell. He’s a dickhead and everyone knows it.”

  Matt interjects. “We’re all dickheads. Garver, though, well he’s in a league of his own.”

  Chris adds, “Well if you went through what he did you’d act that way too.”

  I open my mouth to ask what they’re referring to when the bus stops again and they all stand up. “Catch you later, Sophie,” Chris says while walking toward the front of the bus.