You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Twelve: Summer

The next morning, I pull into the school parking lot and immediately spot Randy.

He's leaning against a truck with a caramel frappé in his hand.

Gary and Jake stand a few feet behind him, looking less than thrilled to be there.

I walk over and take the drink.

"Points for finding me," I say with a grin. "Minus points for dragging these two into it."

Jake shoots Randy a look.

"Like we had a choice."

Randy just smirks.

That seems to be how things work with him.

When he decides something, everyone else adjusts.

I file that observation away.

We start toward the front doors together.

Randy falls into step beside me.

"I found you," he says quietly.

"You did."

"So..."

He flashes an expectant grin.

"I earned something, right?"

I roll my eyes.

"Maybe later."

He sighs dramatically.

"Always 'later.'"

Before I can answer, Brandi and Jamie appear.

Neither one acknowledges me.

Not really.

We've barely spoken since everything that happened over the summer.

They're still angry.

I'm still hurt.

At this point, I'm not even sure what we're fighting over anymore.

Maybe they're upset that I changed.

Maybe I'm upset they never wanted me to.

Either way, we're standing on opposite sides now.

"What are you guys doing?" Jamie asks, stepping into the middle of the group like I don't exist.

Gary answers first.

"Tim's in the cafeteria."

"Oh, we know," Brandi says. "We were looking for you. Are you all heading there?"

She positions herself directly in front of me.

Jamie does the same.

Message received.

For a second, the boys hesitate.

Then Jake looks over at me.

"Tia?"

Jamie lets out a short laugh.

"Why are you asking her? She's probably going straight to class like the perfect little student."

Something inside me snaps.

Not in an angry way.

In a tired way.

I'm done shrinking to make other people comfortable.

I straighten my shoulders.

"Yep," I say. "I'm heading to class."

Then I smile.

"And I think these guys are walking with me."

I glance at Gary, Jake, and Randy.