ANIMA

10. A couple of things

Mason

This is not at all going how I thought it would go. I never meant for Kenzie to get hurt, she was only supposed to be a means to an end.

Now I realize that was stupid of me, people always blame the girl. Even more so when she is black and not as well off. Dammit I should have thought that through.

Now everyone thinks Cassie is the victim, I am the poor bastard who lost his perfect girlfriend because he was too drunk to resist Kenzie who is the sister-hating boyfriend-stealing villain who orchestrated the whole thing.

No part of that is true.

The moment Kenzie entered the cafeteria, a hush fell over the room and then everyone started talking all at once.

It was all about Kenzie, how shameless she is for showing her face and how shameful it is that she continues to rely on the King’s kindness while backstabbing them.

When she sat down to eat, some people from the basketball and volleyball teams started throwing bits of their food at her. I give their ringleader a look and he got them to stop.

That settled, I continue picking at my food.

I see the new kid join the line with lacrosse team’s goffer. I think his name is Trent.

I remember the look on his face when he found out I was the guy in the picture. Before then everything was simple and I thought I might even make a new friend. But seeing that look of disappointment stopped that in its tracks.

Strangely it filled me with a sense of shame for what I did. But I was also irrationally angry at him for judging me without knowing the whole story or me.

After a short back and forth with Trent, he sits with Kenzie.

How can he be okay sitting with her while barely being able to look me in the eye?

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of notifications going off. Now what?

"Oh my, what do we have here? Our favorite homewrecker sure does move on fast. Spotted with Tom, the newest addition to Wellington. All the best to the new couple! – ANIMA"

In the picture Tom is hugging Kenzie.

What the hell?

Before I know what I am doing I have walked over to their table.

“Tom, can I talk to you?”

“I will be right back” he says to Kenzie and follows me.

“Going after my leftovers is not a good look. And it’s definitely not going to do you any favors fitting in.”

It’s an asshole thing to say but I can’t seem to help being an asshole these days. I don’t take it back.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Kenzie’s life is being turned upside down because of whatever game you are playing. Don’t you feel at all sorry for her?”

The truth is I do feel sorry for using her like this but to admit it is to lose. I never lose.

“So you are pity dating her?”

“Not that it’s any of your business but we are not dating. I was just comforting her something you don’t seem to be capable of.” he replies.

“Aiden said you are one of the good ones and I almost believed him. I can’t believe I almost fell it.” he finishes with a sigh and heads back inside.

Through the glass I see Cassie’s friends and some other bystanders say something, I assume it’s more verbal abuse, to Kenzie. They laugh as Cassie watches on smugly.

They quiet down when Tom walks back to the table.I shouldn’t have let this go on for as long as it has.

“There are some things I need to clear up. First thing, Cassie and I broke up during break. Cassie refused to accept it which is why I made the rash decision to kiss Kenzie. At the time I thought that would finally get her to accept the breakup. Secondly what that picture doesn’t show is the slap that I got for my stupidity. I fully deserved it. Kenzie I am so sorry for dragging you into this mess. Thirdly, I really hope I don’t have to repeat myself again Cassandra. We are over.”

Confused murmurs can be heard all around us and the color has drained from Cassie’s face.

I walk over to Kenzie’s table.

“May I sit?”

“Sure”

“I know I have put you through a lot and you don’t have to forgive me but I just wanted to apologize. I am sorry for using you and not realizing sooner how much you were hurting because of it.” I say.

“And Tom, I am sorry for taking out my frustrations on you. You didn’t deserve any of that.” I continue.

Tom looks over at Kenzie who shrugs.

“We are cool, for now. But I will be thinking of an appropriate punishment to be disclosed at a later date. For now let’s eat.” Kenzie says with a gleam in her eye.

“Same…well except for the punishment part. Let’s call it a favor.” Tom says shrugging and digging in.

“That sounds scary but I'll take it” I say.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

A/N

Thanks for reading reading!

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- Oli 💌