The Truce

Chapter 29

I was the talk of school again. This time, however, no one was laughing at me.

Aiden's friend, James posted his video to social media, so by Monday morning, basically everyone had seen it. He didn't tag me or anything, but everyone at school knew it was me and Scott. Plenty of people had some complimentary remark, which was an interesting change, I thought.

Scott was now expelled and banned from school property. I had a restraining order, and the lawsuit was upgraded to add assault. Since there was video evidence, the lawyer anticipated that Scott would be looking to make a deal as quickly and quietly as possible.

I was a little embarrassed that everyone had seen me so helpless and trapped, but that part was only a few seconds of the video. Enough that made clear what was happening and explained why I suddenly attacked Scott. The attack was really the highlight for most people. The guys appreciated the violence and the girls liked that I'd put Scott in his place.

Well, some of the guys appreciated the violence. I noticed that a lot of those guys who were impossible to deter before from their idiotic comments were keeping quiet. I guess seeing that I would actually fight back made them not willing to risk it.

Most of them, however, couldn't seem to keep from rehashing the details and offering tips. It was nice in theory, but if one more guy told me how to correct my stance or that I should follow through with my shoulder, I was going to test it out on him.

I'd just gotten the umpteenth tip for the day as I was coming out of the lunch line, so I was not a happy camper as I walked with Sebastian to the table. With a huff, I set my tray down before sitting on the bench.

Sebastian settled beside me, wearing an amused smile. "How's your hand?"

I glanced at the knuckles of my right hand - the one I hit Scott with - noting that the bruises were starting to turn a mixture of pale purple, green, and yellow. It didn't hurt much, so I wouldn't care, but seeing the bruising is what usually inspired those tips.

"Still colorful," I said with a sigh. "Maybe I'll put some makeup on it tomorrow so they stop trying to help." I rolled my eyes.

"At least it's almost break," Emma said, twisting the cap off her water bottle.

"True," I agreed. Hopefully the time away would give everyone the chance to forget all about my pitiful punching skills.

"It's nice that they want to help though," Olivia said. "And it's an improvement."

"I know." I nodded. "It's just getting old. And it's not like I'm planning to punch anyone else."

"Yes, but if you need to, now you know what to do," Sebastian teased, making me frown at him.

"Go easy on them." He grinned. "They're in love."

Sure he was kidding, I raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, as long as they don't try to get too friendly..."

"What are you talking about?"

"They think it's hot. Not that I can really blame them."

Weirded out by that idea, I blinked at him. "You're kidding, right?"

He snickered. "Nope."

I exchanged a disbelieving glance with Natalie and a few of the other girls at the table.

"It's true," Aiden said. "Seeing it in person was even better. If you weren't with Sebastian, I'd have asked you out."

"Watching me knee Scott in the crotch was a turn on?" I asked, incredulous, making them laugh.