Nobody Said Life Was Going to be Easy. And I, Should Have Known Better

10: Crush?

I walked into Mrs. Juneon's classroom to see Todd with his head down on the table. I gathered up the supplies we needed and took my seat next to him. I took out my painting to examine it.

"Hey"

No response. I look over and put my hand on his arm.

"Todd?"

I gasp as he lifted his head up to look at me.

"Wow, I'm that ugly huh?"

"No, I never said that, what happened to your eye?"

He was sporting a black and blue bruise over his entire left eye which was swollen shut.

"Nothing."

I grabbed his elbow.

"I'm serious, who did that to you?"

I could hear snickering coming from the impish table, shooting a glare towards Craig.

"Nothing Annalise! God, leave me alone."

I took my hand away and looked back at the painting with bleary eyes. I exhaled and quickly made my way to the back of the room where the still life we were painting was located. I sighed, sitting down and continued where I left off. When I pain, I get into it and block out everything else so naturally I didn't notice anyone near me. That was before I felt something on my cheek. I snap out of my daze to see Todd looking at me with his thumb rubbing my cheek.

"Why are you crying?"

"I am?" I reach up and sure enough, my cheeks are damp.

"Oh, I didn't know...I was just painting."

"It's really good."

I smile weakly.

"Look, I just came over to apologize, I can't tell you right now, I'm not supposed to tell anybody. What are you doing after school?"

"Umm, nothing, I don't think."

"Alright, meet me by my truck then after school."

"Kay.."

The bell rang and Todd squeezed my knee before he stood up. I quickly put my things away and headed to math to sit next to McKenna. Not even 30 seconds I'm sitting when a note lands on my desk. I open it recognizing McKenna's handwriting immediately.

Hey so I know something more had to happen yesterday than what you told me last night on the phone so spill.

I rolled my eyes and started writing

I just realized that my real parents were abusive and drug addicts. So long story short, Todd took me bowling because I couldn't stand school anymore. Then we went out for ice cream and he took me home. That's all.

I toss the note over when Mr. Phelps turns to write a math problem on the board. 5 minutes later I get a response.

Oh my God Anna! Your parents were creeps I'm so glad you have the Jones's. Anyway, do you like him??

I look over at her and she raises her eyebrows. I sigh.

I'm not sure, definitely as a friend but I don't know.

"Ladies, what is 3x 4x-3=2x" Mr. Phelps is staring down at us.

"Uh..." We both say in unison.

"Please pay more attention in class."

He turns to walk away as I quietly slip McKenna my response. The rest of the class slipped by, along with the remaining periods before lunch. nothing eventful happened except for Jace and Vince harrassing me about Todd. We met as a group to sit at our usual table when I thought I heard commotion coming from the janitor's hall.