Destined... | Anthony 'Ant' Vaugn

016 Don't be sarcastic Miss

Bird Psycho 
Part 1 

Missy pulls into the school parking lot in her red car, the engine rumbling softly as she maneuvers into a spot. I'm slouched in the back seat, wearing an oversized pink jersey and baggy jeans. As we roll in, my attention is drawn to a group near the entrance—Amerie, Darren, Quinni, and Harper. My eyes flick between Amerie and Malakai as they lock in some serious, tension-filled eye contact.

I roll my eyes and giggle quietly to myself. Malakai glances my way, catching me in the act, and shakes his head with a faint smile. Missy parks the car, cutting the engine, and we exchange a quick look before stepping out. I grab Missy's red bag from the back seat and hand it to her before heading toward the boot of the car, where Malakai is already waiting.

Across the lot, Darren waves enthusiastically, standing next to Amerie. I wave back, grinning slightly, then Miss joins us at the back. The moment Amerie turns and spots Malakai, she tugs Darren away, practically dragging him across the parking lot.

Missy lets out an exaggerated, shocked exhale. "Brutal," she says, eyebrows raised. I nod, glancing at Malakai, who stammers, clearly trying to brush it off.

"She probably just didn't see me," he says, though his tone isn't exactly convincing.

I can't help but laugh a little, shaking my head.

"Do you care?" Missy asks, her brows furrowing. "Given what we yarned about over the holidays?"

"Yeah, about that... can we just keep that between us three?" Malakai replies, his tone almost pleading.

I smile and place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I gotcha, Kai. No stress."

"Thanks," he mutters. "I don't really need any more drama in my life."

Missy snorts, crossing her arms. "You want a drama-free life? Stay clear from Amerie. That bitch is like Eris—chaos and strife just follow her everywhere."

Malakai chuckles, though there's a tinge of curiosity in his expression. "Who's... Eris?"

I immediately laugh, shaking my head. "You shouldn't have asked her that, Kai," I say, my voice low as I try to suppress a grin.

Missy shoves my shoulder playfully before launching into an explanation. "Goddess of Disaster," she says with a grin. "I'm really into mythology at the moment. It's sick."

Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself smiling as we start walking toward the school, leaving the chaos of the parking lot behind. We walk into the quad, the chatter and laughter of students buzzing all around us. My eyes immediately land on Amerie, Darren, Harper, and Quinni standing with Spider and Ant. And, of course, my gaze lingers on the latter longer than it should. It's like I can't help myself.

Malakai notices, obviously, but before he can say anything, Missy cuts in, her voice cutting through my thoughts.

"What the fuck happened to Ant? He looks like Dusty from Wish," she says, loud enough to turn a few heads. I laugh nervously, hoping to play it off.

"Yeah, my brother told me he said, and I quote, 'Someone has to be the hot guy at Hartley now,'" I murmur. My voice is quieter than I intended. My brother had said that over the holidays, and it had stuck with me, a weight in the back of my mind. My heart had sunk when I heard it. Was Ant doing this because of what I said? Was his whole new persona my fault? No. He's doing this on his own, I tell myself. It's not my fault. It can't be.

"Oh god, poor guy," Malakai says, shaking his head, and I nod absently.

We find a bench, and whether by coincidence or my subconscious at work, I end up sitting in a spot where I have a clear view of Ant. Missy and Malakai take the other side, chatting animatedly. I try to listen, really, I do, but my eyes keep drifting back to him. He hasn't noticed me yet. Or maybe he has and just doesn't care. I don't even know if that's a good thing or not.