This World That Divides Us

CHAPTER 16

Classes at Sinclair Prep are no joke, that's for sure. I may hold a 3.8 GPA, but that's not to say I'm not finding the workload challenging. I was up until 1 am writing an essay for History, and I could've kept going had my eyes not been closing.

"Stassie!" I hear Molly's voice call out to me in the hallway. I'm clutching my binders to my chest but turn around to see her skipping my way.

"Hey," I say when she gets to me.

"Does today not feel like the longest day ever or what?"

"Molly, it's only noon," I chuckle.

"Exactly my point. Why are you walking this way? The cafeteria is in the other direction."

"I have to stop by my locker first."

"Okay. I'll walk with you," she says before waving to some girl in the hallway. "You know? We never spoke about your Dartmouth tour with Henry."

"It went great. Josh was really nice."

I don't say more than that so she grabs ahold of her hips and then says, "That's all you're giving me? C'mon, I need more detail than that."

"Uh, we went to a frat party."

"Ooooh, I love college parties! And college men! Sucks that Henry was probably cockblocking you the whole time, though."

I stop in place and look at her in disbelief. "You know? You have this weird theory that Henry likes me."

"It's not a theory, Stassie. It's a scientific fact."

"A scientific fact? Really, Molly?"

"Yes. The release of hormones and neurotransmitters in our brain...," she begins to explain and I sarcastically nod, "...they influence who we are attracted to."

"He's just a friendly guy. That's all there is to it."

"Mhm. Keep believing that."

"I will. You should try it!"

We get to my locker and I start putting my books away only to realize that something is missing.

"Crap. I think I left my planner in Klein's class," I tell Molly.

"Okay. You'll get it after lunch."

"No. That planner is my life."

"Stassie, I'm hungry," Molly whines.

"I know, I know. Go ahead and I'll meet you there in a few minutes."

"Fine," she pouts.

Thankfully, when I enter the classroom, I spot my planner on the floor, underneath my desk.

"Oh, thank God," I mumble under my breath.

I pick it up, then come back to a stand, and my eyes happen to glance out the classroom window.

Jack is sitting outside in the school's backyard, on top of the round concrete table, talking to Johnny and Rafe. I'm about to look away when I notice his fingers grasping a joint.

Is he seriously smoking on school property?

He's not your responsibility, Anastasia, I tell myself when I contemplate approaching him, but for some reason, I find myself feeling the need to put a stop to the situation.

I push open the steel doors that lead to the back of the school and make my way for Jack.

"Are you trying to get yourself expelled?" I shout, causing all three boys to look my way.