With Me | Chris Sturniolo

10.

The only thing on my mind when I hit the gym before school is the look on Eddie's face from yesterday. Ever since what happened led us to being here, I've been keeping up my workouts because I can't be caught off guard again.

I take extra care on my makeup and give myself ample time to get ready to get to school early once I'm finished.

Last night, I packed the most slutty yet appropriate school outfit I own. It's a tight skirt and a black low cut shirt. I gave myself one last approving look in the gym mirror before I leave for school.

I'm early and the humour hallway is quiet. I'm trying not to look suspicious standing by the hallway closet. When the janitor goes in and leaves, I wedge my foot to stop the door closing. Taking a look around, I pull out some paper and jam it into the lock so it won't activate when the door closes. I closed the door to test it, making sure it doesn't lock.

Now the hard part was out of the way, I just have to wait. It takes a while, but I spot Eddie walking with one of his friends. I note which locker is his and leave the hallway, hoping the jam holds throughout the day.

During my morning class, I was spaced out, thinking about how that video Eddie posted has been online for a whole day now. I haven't even told my Mom, I can't risk her calling in a favour and deciding this was the last straw.

Matt waved his hand in front of my face to get my attention. "Sabrina!"

"Sorry, what?"

"We asked how you did on your calculus test. The one we just got back" Matt said. Everyone was at the table, except Chris.

"How do you think I did?" I snapped at him.

They all looked at me shocked and surprised that I snapped at Matt for asking an innocent question.

I sighed. "I'm sorry, Matt. I'm really stressed"

"Is this about yesterday?" Callie asked

"I guess"

"About Eddie?" Madison asked

They're not stupid. They know I acted crazy because of the video, they just don't know why. "I asked him to take it down nicely. He said no. I threatened him and he reminded me there were witnesses in the room. He didn't take it down"

"This is really bothering you?" Nate asked and I nodded, picking at my lunch. "I'll take to him. He'll listen to me. If not, I'll meet him somewhere there's no witnesses"

"I got it covered" I smiled at Nate, looking into his eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"It's fine. Thank you, though" I'm ready to change the subject. "Who else failed the calculus test?"

~

It was the end of the day and I was waiting for the final bell to ring. I was sat beside Nate in class, fidgeting in my seat and staring at the clock like if I focused hard enough, time would speed up. When the bell rang, I jumped out of my seat, barely saying goodbye to the guys. I rushed down the hall before I feel someone walk beside me.

"I need to talk to you" Chris said, his expression giving nothing away.

"Later"

Escaping Chris, I was swallowed up by the crowded hallway. Eddie was almost at his locker. Just in time. He spun the lock and entered his combination. I learn the sequence to make sure I remember it. He opened his locker and put his computer in, making room for his books.

"Hey, Eddie"

He paused and looked at me. "Oh, it's you again"

"Listen, we got off on the wrong foot. See, I don't care about the video. I was...nervous"