The Infinity Trilogy

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I was sandwiched between Arin and Variel in the middle seat of Owen’s Escalade on our way to school the next.  I didn’t think I was ever this nervous to go to school in my entire life. 

The girls had put me in a white sundress and ballet flats.  They had also done my hair and makeup.  Variel said that no one could think of me as crazy when I looked so good.  I had a hard time believing that.

I was also nervous about seeing Caleb, Michelle, Ally, and all of my other friends.  Arin said that no one knew that I was coming back today.  So when we pulled into the parking lot and into a space, my head was spinning and my stomach was in knots. 

Arin reached over and grabbed my hand.  “Everything’s going to be okay,” she said. 

“It doesn’t seem like it right now,” I said.

“Just keep your head up high,” Variel said, running a hand through her now bright pink hair.  “And I say again, it’s fun to freak some people out once in a while.”

“Hell yeah, it is,” Talon said from the backseat.  I looked behind me to see his sharpened teeth and black eyes staring at me.  I was still going to have to get used to the twins doing that randomly.

I rolled my eyes and looked back out the windshield where I could see everyone standing around outside.  There, right where I usually stood, was Caleb with his arm draped over the shoulder of a girl from the year below us.  She was on the dance team and was hanging out with my friends like she replaced me or something.

“Again, it’s going to be okay,” Arin said quietly.  She undoubtedly read my mind and what I was thinking. 

I clenched my teeth as Owen caught my attention in the rearview mirror.  I hadn’t said a word to him since the night before.  But even though I was mad at him – okay, maybe only a little – he still sent my heart pounding with just a look. 

He broke his stare as all of us started getting out.  I made sure to stay in the Escalade until all of them were out.  Arin held open the door for me as they gathered around it. 

“Come on,” she said. 

“Yeah, it’s not going to be that bad,” Maverick said.

“They’re not even looking this way,” Talen said, looking toward the school.

I sighed and scooted to the edge of the seat with my bag.  “Why can’t I just be home schooled?” I asked, stepping out of the Escalade. 

I stayed hidden behind the door, though.  People were looking our way then, since they could see my legs from under the door.  Caleb, Michelle, and Ally were looking also, including the group that surrounded them.  They started talking as they watched. 

“You can totally reinvent yourself if you want,” Variel said, laughing.  “You can dress like the good girl, but be a total bitch!  That would be so much fun!”

“Huh,” I said, nodding slightly.  “That could work.  My boyfriend did break up with me just because I got sent to Rutherford.  And even though I was only there for a week, it still could have changed me.”

She smiled.  “There you go,” she said.  “Now let’s get moving!  We’ve got to get you to the office!”

“And why am I going to the office?” I asked, confused. 

“Because Zack got your schedule changed around so that you have all you classes with at least one of us.  And since we all have English together last class, you’ll be in there, too!”