Senior Standoff | RETIRED VERSION

Season 2 - Episode 3 | NOT REVISED

Asher and I were in third place. After Ben's party, we had somehow managed to win a ton of love, even jumping ahead of Ky and Scarlet. In the end, it had been worth it for Asher to get himself stupidly wasted.

"But I can't just get wasted every time we want to jump ahead," Asher said while we had met up between classes. "The only way we're making it into first is by ruining either Hailey or Ben. My money is still on her."

"How do we even do that? If she's done anything stupid, she's done an excellent job at keeping it a secret," I said.

"I think I know someone who can get her phone."

"I'm not doing that."

"Do you have a better idea for getting dirt on her?"

"No, but we'll think of something. I have to get going."

I left him for the locker room, making it through the door just as the bell rang. It put me in a rush. Getting out into the gym too late would get me points docked for the day. So, I changed my clothes in a rush, throwing all my hair in a messy bun as I was running into the gym. I could breathe a sigh of relief; people were still casually walking around and talking to their friends.

Across the room, Hailey was giggling with a few of her friends. She looked up at me and waved me over. It seemed innocent enough, and we'd been sitting together at lunch, so I took the bait and joined them.

"Hey, how's Asher doing?" she asked. "He seemed like he was in pretty rough shape after puking all over Ben's kitchen."

"He was. Woke up with a killer hangover, and he stayed in bed almost all day."

"They really let that get out of hand. Scarlet almost died."

"I know. Ky said she was fine, though. She'll be back in school tomorrow."

Across the gym, some guys were jumping off the bleachers. I glanced over my shoulder at them. This wasn't unusual.

"At least it put you and Asher in third," Hailey said. I turned back to her.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure it was worth it. Asher was sick as hell."

"Ben too."

The shriek of the whistle echoed off the high ceiling. We were instructed to run four laps around the gym, and then file into the weight room to work on the machines. By the end, I had a side stitch, and it was an effort to catch my breath. My skin was damp with a layer of sweat. There wasn't a chance I could make it through the rest of the day feeling like this.

I grabbed my gym back from my locker and slipped into the showers. The small room was empty. I stripped off my clothes and jumped under the water, slicking a layer of soap over my skin. It didn't have to be perfect. I just needed to rinse off.

There was a beep and a giggle. My heart froze. I whipped around, trying my best to cover myself with my arms. Hailey was standing in the doorway with her phone pointed in my direction, a smug grin pressed onto her face.

"Cute pic," she said. She flipped her phone screen towards me, revealing a picture of me that showed almost everything. My face was hotter than I'd ever felt it before.

"What the hell?" I demanded.

She slid the phone in her pocket. "I know Ky told you the reason you're playing this game. So knock it the fuck off. This is my game, for me and Ben, not you and some fucked up freak like Asher. I guess you'd better start losing real fast."

"Seriously? Hailey, that picture will get you in trouble." I wanted to shrink into the corner, but there was nothing to hide me here. The showers were wide open. No stalls. No locks. Nothing.

"Don't worry about me. Worry about what your life will be like if this picture goes viral. Good luck ever having anyone look at you the same way again," Hailey said.

My stomach was turning. I'd never imagined Hailey could do anything this disgusting. Tears were beginning to prick at my eyes.

"Please, don't. I thought we were okay," I said.

"I won't, as long as you keep your place."

I watched her as she turned on her heel and left me alone in the showers. For a second, I stood there stunned, feeling the hot tears as they streamed down my face. Then, I finished my shower and wrapped myself in my towel as fast as possible. I couldn't stand to feel exposed anymore. Vulnerable. This was the last time I would ever shower at school. I'd sooner smell like sweat all day than step foot in here again.

The locker room was nearly empty when I left the shower. I grabbed my clothes and locked myself in a bathroom stall. My vision blurred from the tears that wouldn't stop coming. Even when I was dressed, I didn't want to leave. I had no idea what to do. One wrong move, and Hailey would send that picture out. I wanted to die just thinking about it.

I worked up the courage to leave, and bolted past everyone. I kept my head ducked low as I made it into the hallway.

"Aspen."

I cringed hearing my name. Quickly, I turned around, finding Asher leaning against the wall. Waiting for me. Right. He usually waited for me after gym class.

As soon as he saw my mess of a face, he sprung from the wall. "What's up?"

I wiped my face with my wrist, but it didn't work. I couldn't settle myself. Through clenched teeth, my words came out rushed and borderline insane. "Get Hailey's phone. Get her fucking phone right now."

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I know, this chapter is short and also infuriating.  I promise, more Hailey drama is coming in the future.

As always, please comment and vote.  You're the loveliest!