Bully stepbrother

8. Bell pepper

The next day wasn't any better. In fact, it was worse. I nearly missed my second class, and I had to enter an ongoing lecture looking disheveled. Fortunately, Professor Graham wasn't as troublesome as the other professors.

I had to find another empty seat next to a pretty girl with long caramel hair who smelled amazing, since Avery Elliot had taken my usual spot in the front row, between my stepbrother and friend.

I mean, isn't she an economics student? Why is she in a psychology class?

She was twirling Caden's long hair with her fingers, and her demeanor seemed as if she had accomplished the greatest quest in life. I'm sure she's taking notes for him. I could've found it pathetic, but hey, who am I to judge? It's not like I didn't write Caden's notes. The only difference is that, at the end of the day, I get to share them with Caden. But for Avery, it's just perplexing. She's an economist, for goodness sake.

Asher's eyes met mine, and he flashed me an apologetic smile before turning back to the professor. I know he's trying to make me feel better, but it didn't work.

My attention wasn't on the professor or the class at all. I don't know why I feel so exposed sitting alone without Caden and his bullying beside me. I suppose I should feel free, but I don't. I want to yank Avery's hair and throw her out of my class.

"We all tend to have our own personal biases and see the world from our own perspectives, with our own way of thinking and making judgments. It's a measure of human behavior. For instance, what do beauty and disgust mean to all of us in this room? Each of you has your own opinion and preferences for certain subjects, different from your neighbor's. So remember, while bias can harm research, not every bias is harmful or destructive. For example, I prefer Diet Coke, but it doesn't mean I have anything against other beverages. So the question is, how biased are you?" Professor Graham asked.

The discussion continued while I tried to listen, although my eyes were fixed on the two people sitting in the front row.

Though Asher, like Caden, kept glancing back, I'm sure he isn't happy with the seating arrangements. The Caden we all know wants nothing more than to intimidate me.

"Hey," I offered a friendly smile to the girl next to me.

She glanced at me, batting her long, healthy lashes softly. She had a deep shade of green irises surrounded by an extremely white sclera.

She didn't say anything, just held my gaze.

So much for trying to make friends. I believe Caden's curse can never be reversed. I'm doomed to be alone.

"I'm Madison Thaddeus," I tried again.

"Oh..." she stammered.

Okay, that's odd.

"You in the back, can you tell us how biased you are?" Professor Graham pointed to the cute yet weird girl next to me.

"I hardly have any preconceived notions," she answered, her eyes on the sleeves she was fiddling with.

She must be nervous. I understand. Not everyone lives the Caden Thaddeus lifestyle. I bet I'd feel like her if I didn't have a bully pushing me to the edge all the time.

"I believe she's biased against certain individuals, if you ask me." And there he is, the usual arrogant Caden, always meddling in matters that don't concern him.

"That's not what I meant," she mumbled. I'm sure I'm the only one who heard her.

"Nobody asked you, Caden. Not everyone has preconceived notions. That's why Professor Graham talked about personal perspectives. Some people just see the negative side of everything because they think with their ass-eyes." Shit, I almost cursed in a lecture hall.