IN WHICH , Jane Hopper accidentally hits Maxine Mayfield, the popular captain of the lacrosse team, with her car. Jane thinks she's off the hook when Maxine doesn't press charges, but she's wrong. After Maxine's girlfriend breaks up with her for a c...
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It's been about two weeks since I accidentally ran over Max, and Mike broke up with me. I haven't received any calls from a prosecutor, so I assumed I was in the clear. I've been avoiding Mike pretty well, all while still making time for my friends without seeing him. School was starting in about two hours, and I was face-planted into my bed, my alarm echoing throughout the room. I had ignored it three times already, and now I was just thinking about whether I should actually get up.
As the alarm went off for the fourth time, I finally got to my feet, getting ready for the first day of my junior year. I wasn't excited, mostly because I hadn't done anything noteworthy in my first two years of high school, unlike all my friends. I just didn't really know where I fit in.
I got dressed in my outfit: a pair of overalls with a pink shirt underneath and a white pair of Converse. I styled my hair into a half-up, half-down look, securing it with a baby blue ribbon. As I got ready to leave the house, I noticed Dad was already gone for his shift, so I couldn't say goodbye. The house felt eerily quiet without him.
I decided to ride my bike to school since I didn't really trust myself in parking lots anymore. The morning air was crisp, and the streets were still relatively empty. As I pedaled, I tried to push away the thoughts of the accident and Mike, focusing instead on the rhythm of my bike wheels turning and the sound of birds chirping. It was a small comfort, but it helped me feel a bit more grounded as I approached the school.
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I parked my bike at the rack and chained it up. I knew it was unlikely anyone would steal a bike, but better safe than sorry. I watched as other students walked into the building, while some lingered near the entrance, chatting and laughing. I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation, and made my way towards the entrance. I walked down the halls, bumping shoulders with other students. The crowd smelled like some people had forgotten what deodorant was over the summer. As the small crowd began to fade, I caught Mike out of the corner of my eye, giving me an awkward wave. I ignored it, feeling a bit guilty afterward.
I then bumped into someone, causing me to mentally curse at myself. "Watch where you're going," said the annoying voice of Angela. Great. "Ew, it's you," she said, giving me a once-over. I forced a smile. "Overalls? You dress like a grandma," she laughed, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I felt someone wrap their arm around my shoulders; it was Will. "At least she can actually pull them off, unlike you with the color green," he shot back, glaring at her. I bit back my smile, feeling a surge of gratitude. Angela rolled her eyes and strutted away, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. "Thanks for the save," I said, turning to Will. "No problem," he replied with a grin.
"So, you're still avoiding Mike, I'm assuming," Will spoke up, leaning against the locker next to mine. "You know it," I replied, shoving my things into my locker with a bit more force than necessary. "Why? Don't you think you guys should talk things out?" he questioned, his brow furrowing in concern.
