The Whisper Seekers

Cheater

The next morning, I find Derek waiting for me at my locker. He goes in for a kiss, but I turn so he ends up kissing my cheek. I catch his confusion and he quickly tries again, but this time, I put my hand up.

"Sorry, but I think I'm catching a cold or something. I don't want to get you sick." It's football season, so I know he'll avoid me like the plague if it means possibly catching something.

"Oh...well, we better not hold hands then either," he says as he stuffs his hands in his letter jacket pockets, "I stopped by your house last night and your mom said you were at a friend's." He doesn't say it like a question, but I know he expects an explanation.

"Yeah... I uh, was at Liam's. We had to memorize that sonnet for English that's due today, so we had to get together." I shut my locker and see his sky blue eyes glaring at me. I start walking to Biology, trying to ignore his stares.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He demands.

"I knew you'd freak out, it was for homework, there was nothing I could do," I say honestly, but he's still fuming.

We round the corner into the science hall, and that's when I see Ian. He's leaning against the wall near the classroom door, talking with three others—two guys I've only seen in passing and a girl from my French class. They're huddled close, laughing at something she just said. Could these be the others helping Ian?

I don't get a chance to linger or figure it out with Derek still at my side, ranting about who knows what.

"Have you heard anything I just said?" He snaps and I stand there, puzzled. 

"Um..." I mumble, and from the way Derek's jaw tightens, I know I've only made things worse. His thoughts are sharp, annoyed, and impatient. Without another word, he shakes his head and storms into the classroom.

I barely have time to exhale before I hear my name echoing down the hall. I turn to find Harper walking toward me, with Liam trailing beside her. He gives a small wave, and just like that, the butterflies are back. I want to run to him, grab his hand, and pull him away from Harper, but my feet stay frozen in place.

I wish I could kiss you right now, I think, watching him. His eyes flick to me and a soft smile tugs at his lips. There's the faintest pink in his cheeks as I wave toward Harper.

Derek knows I was at your house last night, I warn him silently. So best to stay away from him.

Liam gives the smallest nod, subtle enough to go unnoticed. We all slip into our seats like nothing's changed, but everything has.

My new spot is next to Ian and Derek always sits beside me, regardless of his current feelings toward me. Harper and Liam still sit across the room from us. 

We have a pop quiz in class today and Derek unknowingly feeds me every answer. The quiz is on reproduction and genetics, and I can't help the blush that creeps up my neck thinking about last night. I feel a surprising wave of relief knowing Liam still has his virginity too. No mysterious girl to compare myself to and there's no unspoken pressure. 

My train of thought derails the second I hear Ian.

I still need to get the bullets. That's going to be tricky—but we need enough for three.

My pen stills.

My head snaps in his direction before I can stop myself. His eyes casually scan his paper like he didn't just say something terrifying inside his head. But he feels me staring because his gaze flicks up and meets mine. I rip my eyes away and force them onto my quiz. My heart pounds in my ears. Three? Three what? Three people? Three targets? Three bullets?