The Center

Chapter 26 - feet that are swift

I returned to Virginia a few days later. Bailey met me at the airport to apologize. 

Hug. 

Kiss. 

Whatever. 

I was too busy to worry about her. For two weeks, I smiled and nodded at everyone while hurrying through my plans to buy Oxy online. Hatred for Daniel fueled me. The rumors had blown over thanks to my ability to hold my head up high. No one at school had seen the accident. Nicole wasn't talking. In fact, she didn't go to school. After she was released from the hospital, she remained confined to bed with severe headaches. Other kids brought her science and math homework, but few actually stayed and helped her like I did.

Nicole's family had grown to trust me, they knew when I arrived we'd make progress. No big. I had to do the work anyway. I hated that Nicole was in pain. I hated that I was connected to that pain. Mostly, I hated Daniel. My original plan for the Oxy shifted as I got to know my former enemy. The girl was nice. She deserved someone better than Daniel.

To be honest, there wasn't a female on the planet who deserved the punishment of being with Daniel. Taking him down became my single mission. With the neon laces of my BIOM running shoes tightened, today would complete my last errand to destroy the world's biggest troll. I hurried from my bedroom and down the stairs. The douchebag wouldn't know what hit him.

Nanny Bella stood at the door. "It's cold outside, mi hija."

"Jogging will warm me up." I hugged her. Ever since the accident, I'd learned to appreciate her and Uncle John more. They were there for me when the rest of the world didn't care. As soon as I demolished Daniel, I would focus on school and earn their pride.

Nanny Bella handed me a pair of gloves. I kissed her cheek.

"I'm parking my car at the King Street Metro station and starting my run there." I'd texted Bailey the same alibi. I furthered the cover up saying, "I'll probably stop for coffee when I'm done."

Nanny Bella smiled back.

I hugged her again and hurried outside before she could find something else to fix. Outside, I tossed the gloves in the backseat with my costume change. From the Metro station, I had one hour to get to the library in Crystal City and back to Alexandria. My car wouldn't be anywhere near the location where I finally ordered the drugs. I'd never felt so certain that what I was about to do was right. Justice would finally be served. Daniel would be punished and life could move forward.

Saturday morning traffic was non-existent on the Parkway. In Alexandria, the metro lot was almost empty. I parked on the far end near Duke Street. Behind the shelter of my tinted windows, I took off my expensive jogging suit and slipped into an old pair of jeans and a Virginia Tech Sweatshirt. The cheap watch on my arm ticked off the time as I changed into some Target tennis shoes as fast as I could. My heart thumped hard even though I hadn't run yet. I tucked my blonde ponytail into a net and pulled on a brown wig. Cosmetic contact lens turned my blue eyes brown. A pair of square, prescription-like glasses and a baseball cap finished the disguise.

I licked my unglossed lips, as nervous energy rushed across my skin. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. The last few weeks had only been prep. My actions had all been fairly legal. Today, I would cross the line. Today, I'd commit a crime. I shook my head to relieve some nerves. I needed to calm down.

I could do this, I had to.

This wasn't just for me.

I shook out my arms like an athlete before a sprint.

This was for Nicole.

I adjust the wig and tighten the cap over it.

This was for any other girl Daniel used.