The World Beyond Us

t h i r t e e n

The not so subtle looks I get are unbearable. I'm totally aware that not everyone is staring at me as I make my way down the hall, but it sure feels that way.

I spy a few girls huddled over a phone; when I pass by the briefly glance at me, sending these dirty looks.

My face heats up. I feel like shit.

I find Jace's hand and squeeze it. "What am I even doing here?" I whisper, looking ahead.

"Showing these dipshits that a stupid picture isn't going to break you." He tells me.

I glance up at him. "But what if it is breaking me, Jace? What if I physically can't take this?"

"Well act like it." He says sternly. "The party is next Friday, so just keep acting until then." Jace turns towards me, hands on my shoulders. "I swear on the moon, you can do this."

I lean my head against his chest. "I hope so."

The day sluggishly persist. It's finally last period, and until now I've been able to avoid both Hudson and Keegan.

But now I'm awkwardly sitting here with Hudson next to me. We haven't said a word, but the air between us is dark and heavy.

As Mandy is talking about the Rio Grande, Hudson quietly clears his throat.

"So you guys dating now?" He whispers. "You and your little boytoy?"

I don't say anything, yet Hudson takes it as a cue to go on.

"Keegan told me you're only boffing him to piss off your parents, which is pretty pathetic-"

And that's when I feel something snap inside. He's already exposed me to the entire school, but he has the fucking audacity to sit here and distort what Jace and I have? The party may be next Friday, when we planned to seek revenge on this jackass, but I will not tolerate this bullshit.

I stand up out of my seat so fast that the chair falls back behind me. The class is staring at me, but I'm quite accustomed to it by now.

"I'm pathetic?" I scoff. "Hudson, it's our senior year, and you still can't get an acceptance letter from anyone. People only hang around you because your parents are filthy rich. Not to mention that you humiliated your girlfriend when she didn't want you anymore and found someone way better than you. But I'm pathetic."

"Excuse Ms. Rose?" Mandy squeaks.

"Right, in Spanish." I roll my eyes, looking back at Hudson. "Vete a la mierda."

Fuck you.

I'm probably in big trouble, but I feel a lot lighter.

"Well, I'm going to go, but I'll see you in detention." I smile sardonically at Mandy before walking out the classroom.

I lean against the lockers a few classes down, trying to relax my heartbeat. The head rush is almost euphoric in a strange sense.

I slide down until I'm sitting on the floor, and I pull out my phone.

What class are you in? -Wynter

I only have to wait about 30 seconds before he responds.

Economic. I'm bored asf -Jace

I just cursed Hudson out then walked out of the class. I think I might get expelled. lol -Wynter

You're the mayor's daughter. You have privileges ;) -Jace

I almost hate that you're right about that -Wynter

So is this a rescue mission. I still have an hour left of this class -Jace

Hold on :) -Wynter

I shove my phone back in my pocket and make my way to the economics classroom. I knock on the door. A round guy with coarse hair on his arms answers the door.

"May I help you?" He smells like baby food.

"Mrs. Mills, the principal, asked for Jace Bryer." I lie.

"Why didn't she just call?" The guy narrows his eyes skeptically.

"I'm not exactly sure, but I do work this period in her office, and she just asked me to come get him, is he here?" I explain in my most adult voice.

I glance over the man's shoulder and find Jace. He's grinning at me. I give him a quick smile.

"What's your name?" The teacher questions.

"Wynter Rose." When this doesn't seem to convince him I decide to play the dreaded do you know who I am card. "I'm the mayor's daughter, Bennett Rose. I don't think he or Mrs. Mills would be too pleased to hear that you're slowing the flow of my voluntary work-"

"Okay, okay. You're right." He says nervously. "Jace Bryer take your things down to the principal's office."

Jace swiftly stands. "With pleasure." He smiles at the teacher.

"The flow of my voluntary work?" Jace snickers as we stroll down the hall.

I go in for a punch on his side. "It worked didn't it?"

Jace catches my fist and pulls me into him. "It did."

I kiss him. I take my hands out of his and bring them to his cheeks. Jace's hands find my hips.

Jace pulls away, and I open my eyes.

"What are we doing Wynter?"

"Well whatever we were doing we were exceptional at it." I joke around, kissing him again.

"No." He tucks my hair behind my ears. "I mean why are we not together yet. Hudson's clearly out of the picture and we're pretty damn right for each other..." He drifts off.

I looks him in his eyes; they're taking on a silvery tone. I sigh, hoping to ultimately avoid this conversation.

"Jace you have to admit you are pretty terrifying in the sense that you walk into peoples lives and just as quickly you walk out." I confess.

"I don't plan on it, I just do what feels right to me, and this is just right, Wynnie." Jace cups my face.

"We feel right?" I smile.

"The highlight of this crappy town."

My smile just grows wider. "Then let's be a thing together."

Jace kisses my lips.

* * *

A/n:

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry for such a late update. I'll have to change the publishing dates because...school. Ew.

Love you...and again sorry ♡