Who Corey Was

21

Dylan and I followed Xander to the staircase, holding hands and grinning like children. On the landing, Xander stopped, rounding on me. "Go get the girls and meet in our room," he commanded, adding, "Oh, and bring some homework or something so it looks like we're studying."

I cocked an eyebrow but didn't comment on his usage of the plural. Apparently, Xander was staying for this meeting after all.

Dylan surprised me with a swift kiss on the cheek and then we went our separate ways.

At the top of the stairs, I ran headfirst into Ms. Doe.

"Oh!" she gasped. "Miss Cochiti!"

"Sorry Ms. Doe!" I replied upon catching my balance.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" she questioned.

I didn't even hesitate. "I was on my way to see if the girls wanted to watch a movie or study or something."

She looked at me like I'd grown two heads. I didn't really blame her. My behaviour the past couple weeks had gone from total bitch to total kiss ass to complete psycho and now I was talking about studying.

"Alice and I have an exam on The Great Gatsby this week," I explained, trying to rush and get her off my back. The boys were waiting.

"Oh! The Great Gatsby was one of my favourites!" she exclaimed. I groaned internally. Of course, it was. "How are you enjoying it so far?"

"I'm not gonna lie to you here, Jane. I haven't even started it," I lied. "Hence why I need to find Alice."

"Oh. Well then, I'd better let you go. Do try to keep up with your classes from now on please, Miss Cochiti," she responded in her professional form. "And it's Ms. Doe to you." She stepped out of my way.

"Yes, Ms. Doe," I said with a sugary smile as I passed her and headed to my room. Once she couldn't see my face anymore, I released the massive eye roll I'd been withholding.

Sarah and Alice weren't in my room. I wasn't surprised. Our room was sweltering. It was more likely they'd be in Sarah's room. I gathered some papers and my copy of Gatsby then ran to the room three doors down. I knocked quickly before entering.

"Hey," I called in quietly. "I need you guys to come with me. Grab some schoolwork and hurry."

I glanced down the hall to Ms. Doe's door to make sure she hadn't heard us. Once I was sure we were safe, I looked back in the room. Neither girl had moved. They were both giving me a dirty look.

I sighed and stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. "Look. You guys. This'll all make sense if you just come with me."

They glanced at each other but still didn't say anything. I sighed again. "Fine. Alice, I'm sorry I've been such a shitty friend, but if you come, I swear you'll understand. And Sarah...well, Dylan's waiting for us."

They glanced at each other again then Alice got to her feet, gathering her papers. Sarah followed suit. Alice came up to me. "Let's not keep Dylan waiting then."

I processed that a moment then nodded. The three of us went into the hall and down the stairs. When I started up the opposing staircase, the other two stopped. "Where are we going?" Sarah asked. "I thought we were going to study in the library."

"I told Dylan we'd meet him in his room." It wasn't exactly a lie, and it got them following me again. It made me realize that I'd lost the fear element, and now I'd have to get them to listen to me some other way.

At the boys' room, I knocked sharply then hustled the other two girls inside. Both boys jumped to their feet.

"Finally! What took you so long?" Xander complained, while Dylan asked, "Where have you been?" He came over and pulled me into a hug. "I was worried."