Tegan |ongoing|

Chapter Eight

I lazily tap my mechanical pencil on my notebook when I begin to feel vibrations coming from my back pocket.

I pull my phone out, switching off my alarm to change my tampon before I disturb anyone.

I excuse myself from my last period of the day, my study hall with Mr. Harold. He graciously allowed me to use the restroom, giving me a soft smile that didn't reach his eyes.

I knew he and his wife were having financial troubles recently—the school was hosting a fundraiser for his family in the spring.

As I strode toward the door I felt a pair of eyes following my movements. As I nudge the door open with my shoulder, I looked around to find... Mason.

I could bet on my life I hadn't seen this kid in study hall. Given it was a big class, but I'd never even heard Mr. Harold call his name for attendance. Weird.

As I set my path in the direction of the women's restroom, I try to contain my blood boiling. There wasn't a need to let Mason get to me.

After doing my business, I walk back down the soft cream hallways lined with green and gold lockers. Heading back into the cafeteria while wiping my damp hands on my jeans.

I stare down at the bump in my stomach I've never been able to get rid of. It's definitely gotten small, but it's still there.

And then there are my thighs. My thighs are just ugly.

Plus, I'm about one wrong breath away from developing a heap ton of stretch marks. God, I just hate everything about my body. And the worst part? I'd never thought this way until the boys at school started being mean about my body. Pointing out things I'd never noticed before.

Quickly abandoning my train of thought, a smile overtakes my face as I walk by Mr. Harold. It's small and not at all genuine, but I get a smile in return from him. So I'd consider it an worthwhile attempt.

I settle back onto the cafeteria stool, shifting my body around while looking down at my thighs. Shaking my head to rid my negative thoughts, I return to my calculus homework.

After a few more minutes of working on homework, I see an extra shadow begin to creep up on my page. I turn to see Mason walking up toward me with a smirk on his face.

I give him a tentative smile before returning my attention to the equations.

Through my periphery, I see him saddle up on the stool next to mine. I shoot him a quick side glance.

My mind is starting to race with thoughts. What is he doing here? Why did he just come sit next to me? Why is he smirking like that? Why the hell isn't he saying anything?

I clear my throat, trying to prompt him to speak.

All I get is a gruff, "hey."

"Um, hi," I wave the tip of my pencil in his direction.

"Did you have a reason for coming over here?" Maybe he actually does want to apologize or talk to me.

"Well, my friends dared me to come over and talk to you," oh. Of course they did. Why did I think he'd actually want to talk to me?

"Well you guys can just get your little thing over with, I'm kinda all over it today." My tone just sounded harsh to my own ears. But guess what? I. Don't. Care. Anymore.