Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 24 (Edited)

I was losing my path again? What path? Seriously?

I never had a path to begin with. I wasn't even going with the flow; I was just existing. Maybe I had the reins of my life in my hands at some point, but now I didn't. I could change everything, but I was still a coward.

I was scared of what would happen if I told the truth about my past and why I did what I did. Maybe someone would understand my dilemma, but most people would probably blame me and hate me even more. They would resent me—not that they didn't already.

The difference was that I wanted them to resent me, so I did everything to foster hatred in everyone's heart. My past... well, that's another thing. I feared the resentment, the loathing, and the hating.

I could live with how things were if everyone else lived their lives. And it wasn't like anyone cared about me or my well-being, except Grams.

I walked out and met Mrs. Sarrow's stare with a glare as I left through her connected office. I didn't think I'd be mad, but I was.

It bugged me that I already had so much to do—stupid Henry, my stupid ex as my tutor, then joining F.T.A, and on top of that, now I had to visit the school counselor.

I hated the last school counselor—not the person, but because she didn't help me. If I hadn't told my truth to anyone close to me, why would I tell some stranger?

My last school counselor probably dreaded my visits as much as I did. The new counselor would be the same.

The only thing keeping me from throwing something was that graduating was my top priority.

Rounding the corner, I nearly bumped into someone. I let out a squeaky sound and flailed my hands theatrically.

I looked up and met Henry's green eyes.

"Hey," he said.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, confused.

He shrugged. "Thought I'd wait for you."

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Seriously? What if someone sees us together?"

"So?"

"I don't need more rumors or gossip than I already have," I said. He was the brightest student? He looked dense to me.

"Our next lesson is together."

I stopped and looked him dead in the eye. "But we don't go to our classes together. You literally don't talk to me and pretend I don't exist. Everyone might think I hypnotized you."

"Maybe you did," Henry said, winking. What the hell?

"Very funny."

"Well, that's what they say about me."

I snorted. "Who? By 'they,' you mean your girlfriend? Bet she can't say you're boring."

Henry glared at me but didn't respond. He continued to walk. I didn't want to go with him, so I had to find a distraction.

Of course, it wasn't a big deal... no, it was definitely a big deal. Us two together walking to class? A big deal.

When Henry noticed I wasn't following, he scowled at me. "Let's go."

I didn't move. "I... you go ahead. I need something from my locker."

I hurried away without waiting for his answer.

Two minutes later, I realized my mistake when I heard a voice next to me.

"Well, that was very eventful back there in Richardson's office."