Be My Mascot

Chapter 20

Bailey's POV

I step out of the classroom, eagerly. It was my favorite time of the day; lunch. I had exactly one hour to eat before leaving for physics.

December has the crappiest weather. I need to take a vacation. Yeah right, though. Like I have money for that.

My disappointment of a tropical island paradise trip is replaced by a slight bit of happiness. Seeing the food court in sight makes my stomach groan. I speed walk faster towards my destination. Other students are coming in as I stand in line to purchase my food. I spot the girls on the volleyball team sit down at our usual table. Never once do I dare glance over to the football table.

You don't care less if Niall is there or not, I repeat in my head, trying to assure myself.

One of these days I have to accept the fact that I'm not fully over him. Maybe I'll never be. But I know that somewhere out there, my soulmate is waiting for me, no matter how corny or cliché that sounds. A perfect match is exactly what every girl deserves, including me.

"Thank you," I mumble to the cashier when she hands me my change.

I carry my newly purchased food over to my friends. Aubrey says a hello to me and we chat about this morning's classes. Kyle comes over after a couple minutes to kiss her cheek, and say hi before going back to the football table. I silently look away and pick at my food as they interact. Once Kyle leaves, Aubrey turns back to me.

"There's a party coming up," she smiles excitedly.

"Are you going?" I ask.

"Of course. Kyle will be there with me."

I can tell by the way that Aubrey speaks of Kyle, that she is completely smitten by him. They are very cute. I always see them holding hands, and giving each other sweet kisses.

Niall and I used to do that..

God, stop thinking about him!

"You should bring your boyfriend along," one girl named Liz mutters under her breath. She doesn't even look up, but I know it's directed towards me.

"He's not my boyfriend anymore," I coldly reply.

"Really? Couldn't handle the fact that he only dates cheerleaders?"

Now the whole table is listening.

"Or that he really didn't like you."

My fist tightens and I glare straight into her eyes. I grab my bag and sling it over my shoulder.

"Where are you going?" Liz smirks. "To go sign up to be a cheerleader? Honey, you don't really have to. You're already a whore."

I'm forcing back the tears and turn around to her.

"Go to hell," I spit across the table.

No more words are shot at me as I hurriedly leave the food court. Thankfully, no one besides our team over-heard our conversation. Each person is minding their own business. Something Liz should do.

I make my way outside and sit down on an unoccupied bench. I'm not a whore. I've only had two boyfriends in my life. I have never had sex and I don't regularly make out with someone.

As I sit here, I think of all the things I could do in my free time. I could just go back to the dorm room and sleep. Then I remember I had a question for our music assignment. The music department is a short walk away, so I decide to do that. I tug my heavy bag down the street for a couple blocks.