Note to self: learn social skills

Chapter 7

I am SO SORRY about the long wait. School has been insane, and it probably won't get any better. So read slow because I have no idea when I'll be able to get another chapter up. But this one is 12 pages long, so that counts for something, right?

Chapter 7

I leave normal time that morning, huddling in my coat against the cold. I walk by the garage like I do every morning, but unlike other mornings, Hal is waiting in his car.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Waiting. Come on."

"No way. I'm taking the bus."

"You're my girlfriend. My girlfriend can't ride the bus."

"Well, I'm also an independent woman, so I'll ride whatever I want to." He smirks. "Shut up." I say.

"Well you're also an annoying girl. Come on, Kate. Let me drive you. At least you won't have to freeze."

"I'm not cold." I'm only freezing like I'm in Antarctica.

"Whatever." He says.

"Fine." I reply stubbornly.

I'm waiting at the bus stop, sort of wishing I'd taken Hal's offer. Lily comes bouncing out of her house at the last minute, still running a brush through her hair.

"Oh. My. Gosh!" she yells, "Have you seen the papers?" we board the bus. Lily is rummaging through her bag to pull out the papers. I look up to find us a seat and meet eyes with the suddenly silent bus. They all stare at me, the kids that normally don't pay me a second glance as I board, are just staring at me. And not even trying to hide it.

I take the first available seat and Lily plops beside me. "Look!" she squeals.

There, on the front page of some stupid magazine, is my picture. I am lying on the ground, Hal is on top of me, a stupid grin on his face, my face is red and sweaty, my hair is sticking everywhere, and I have sweat stains under my arms. Gross.

Lily nearly pushed me off the bus, which is okay of once because they still haven't stopped staring and they've started whispering as well. One girl grabs my arm while my foot is hanging half off the bus.

"Is it true? Are you dating Hal Monroe?"

"Uh... yea." I say trying not sound nauseas.

She turns around, eyeing me skeptically, to talk to her friends while Lily drags me toward the car park where Ruth is.

"Look!" she squeals. "It's just like an Abercrombie add."

Ruth surveys the picture and grimaces, probably noticing my sweat stains. "It's lovely, sure." She says. The then looks at me, "So do you know now?"

"Yea, go ahead, confirm it."

She sighs in relief. "Thanks. Now, come on. We have to face them sometime. Did you read any of the article?" she asks as we walk through the doors.

"No, I'm trying to avoid them. I admit it."

"Check it out." She shoves one under my nose.

I instantly see a rather lengthy interview with Chad.

"Yes, Katie Thames, that's her." He's quoted as saying, "She's my chemistry partner.... Oh yes, she's liked Hal for some time. In fact, she tried jumping him in class this past week."

"What the heck?" I yell, causing some people to glance at me.

"You didn't get to the best part where he told them about your sub-level intelligence and how you're only going out with Hal because you're too stupid to pass school and Hal will pay for your graduation."