Bastiana has a loving family, two amazing best friends, and a secret.
Over summer vacation, Bastiana and her besties do their best to focus on their bucket list in order to distract them from all the secrets they're keeping from one another. When a...
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As I try to right myself, I hear Brittany's high pitched laughter echoing through the cafeteria. Several other students join in her mocking.
I flip over, sitting on the ground now, and look up at her with a glare. Her arms are crossed over her chest as she pops a hip out and regards me with bright amusement flashing in her eyes.
I look down at myself and see that my white vintage Ramones shirt is soaked through with dark coffee, as well as a large spot on the front of my shorts.
"I would apologize, but I think I did you a favor by ruining that shirt." Brittany looks down at my shirt with distaste. "You're welcome!" She and all her friends behind her laugh at her insult.
Before I can form a comeback, I feel warmth spreading from my throbbing nose. When I reach up to touch it and pull my hand away, I look down and see blood start dripping onto my hand and shirt.
My face hit the ground so hard that my nose is now gushing blood. And most of the student body sitting in the cafeteria is looking at me.
Sitting on the floor.
Covered in coffee.
Bleeding.
Great.
I pinch my nose with one hand, trying to slow the flow of blood as I push myself up, trying to stand with the other. Before I can fully right myself, two pairs of hands reach out and help me up. I turn to see Asher and Ryker standing on either side of me.
"Come on, Doll." Asher says softly. "Let's get you to the nurse and get you cleaned up."
I nod and Asher wraps an arm around my waist and turns me towards the administration hall where all the offices are. I can feel the heat of eyes on me as we begin to walk through the crowd of students who have gathered to watch this humiliating scene.
"What the fuck are you losers looking at?" Ryker's voice booms a few steps behind me. "Fuck off." He growls. Chatter picks up around us again. "Fucking idiots." Ryker mutters as he falls into step beside me.
"Are you okay, B?" Ryker softens his voice as he looks down at me and we make our way out of the cafeteria.
"Not really." I mumble around the blood dripping down my face and filling my mouth. "I think my nose might be broken. And I'm pretty sure I bit my tongue, too." I groan.
"Come on, Doll." Asher rubs my back gently. "Let's get you checked out. I'm sure it's not as bad as you think." He guides me around the corner and past the main office.
"I'll kill her if she broke your nose." Ryker's voice is low and dangerous; threatening.
I look up at him as we pass the attendance office. His scowl is deep as his jaw clenches tightly. His eyebrows are forcefully furrowed as he walks beside me. His eyes are dark and filled with rage.
