Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 40- Care To Explain This?

Anastasia's POV

I wake up at 7:00 am and choose skinny jeans, a tank top, a jacket, and heels. After getting dressed, brushing my hair, and applying makeup, I grab my bag, keys, and phone before leaving my room.

In the large kitchen, my dad is drinking coffee and reading the newspaper while Freddie makes scrambled eggs. I greet them with a "good morning" and sit at the table.

"Morning," my dad replies. Freddie mutters the same.

As I eat, I update my profiles and kiss my dad goodbye before heading to the garage to unlock my BMW.

Upon arriving at school, I spot Brandon and his friends by his car, with Nikki close by. I lock my car and march over, but Jackie and Stephanie block my way.

"Move it, bitches; I have business to attend to," I say.

"You're not wanted here, nerd. Head the other way," Jackie retorts.

I stand my ground. "Sorry, I'm going that way," I point behind them.

Stephanie says, "Brandon is too busy flirting with Nikki."

Is she blind?

"You need glasses. It's Nikki doing the flirting, and Brandon looks annoyed," I reply. "I bet she smells like the guys she spent the night with."

Arlene laughs behind me, and I turn around to find the guys smirking.

I shove past them toward Brandon, who is ignoring me for Nikki. "Good morning, oh boyfriend who cares so much about me," I say sarcastically.

He looks at me and smiles shyly.

Nikki glares and asks, "Hi Ann, I didn't see you yesterday. Were you sick?"

"Yeah, sick of your face," I reply, and Brandon smirks, crossing his arms.

I grab Brandon's hand. "Let's go, lovely boyfriend; history awaits," I say, ignoring Nikki.

She yells, "I'll get Brandon soon, Ann! You haven't seen the last of me!" I roll my eyes as I pull Brandon inside.

He apologizes, then kisses me, shocking everyone as he presses me against the lockers.

"Wow, the nerd is making out in public," Jordan comments, and someone laughs.

Brandon pulls away, and as I open my eyes, the principal stands between us. "Okay, break it up. No making out in the hallway," he says before walking off.

The boys chuckle as the bell rings. I have P.E., not history; I just wanted to get Brandon away from Nikki.

"What subject do you have?" Brandon asks.

"P.E. with Justin and Luke," I reply.

"I have social studies with Blake," he says, and we go our separate ways. Justin comments, "There's something strange going on between Brandon and Nikki," but I dismiss it, feeling uneasy inside.

___

After school

I walk into the parking lot with Arlene, who waits for Kyle. I say, "I'm looking to leave. Bye, Arlene," but she doesn't hear me over the music.

Someone shouts my name, and I turn to see Gregory running toward me.

"Hi Greg, thanks for the gift; it's the best," I say.

He nods, then begs, "I need a ride home, please. My friends ditched me."

I nod and he opens the front passenger door. I see Nikki smirking with her phone in hand; this isn't good. I drive and ask Greg for his address.

I pull up to his small three-story house, which is comfortable. "Thanks for the ride, Ana. See you tomorrow," he says as he gets out.

Driving home, I notice Brandon's car parked across from my house. I park in the garage and head inside to find him texting on the couch.

Freddie whispers, "He's been here a while; Mr. Montez went out."

I sit next to Brandon, who snaps, "Care to explain this?" showing me a picture of Greg and me talking, then another of him getting into my car.

"He asked for a ride home, that's all. How did you get that picture? Nikki was the only one with her phone out—does she have your number?" I reply.

He sighs and looks away. "Yes, it was necessary for our project," he admits.

That bitch is trying to set me up.

I snap, "While you accuse me of helping a friend, you're texting my enemy behind my back?!"

"She just sent the pictures, that's all," he defends.

I laugh dryly. "I bet she sends selfies too." He sighs again.

"I need to think. Please leave," I say firmly.

"Ana, I—" he starts.

"Now!" I cut him off.

He rises, looks at me, and says, "I will never cheat on you," before leaving.

Why do relationships always have problems?