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

Chapter Twenty: Winter

Monday arrives far too soon.

Jim and I barely make it to school. Missing Torri sits on my chest like a weight, making it almost impossible to crawl out of bed. All weekend he'd been the version of himself I loved most—funny, playful, impossible not to smile around. At least once we'd survived the awkwardness of my two dates with Phillip.

We pull into the parking lot just as the warning bell echoes across campus.

"So much for being early," Jim mutters.

"Story of my life," I sigh.

We jog inside before splitting up in the hallway. Judging by how empty everything is, Gary, Jake, and Randy must have already given up waiting for me.

As I push through the doors into the academic wing, I pass two girls whispering by the lockers.

"I don't get what Phillip saw in her," one says loudly enough for me to hear. "She wasn't even his type."

"The dresses made her look like a tramp," the other replies with a laugh. "Besides, what kind of name is Athena?"

I stop.

For one dangerous second I consider turning around and introducing them to Athena.

She would have enjoyed that conversation.

Instead, I take a slow breath.

No.

Athena had served her purpose. She helped me survive the weekend. She helped Phillip. She deserved to rest.

I keep walking without saying a word.

Unfortunately, Athena apparently has other plans.

Halfway through Journalism, Mrs. Hall looks up from her desk as someone knocks on the classroom door.

A delivery.

She smiles before reading the card.

"Tia?"

Every head in class turns toward me.

Confused, I walk to the front.

Mrs. Hall hands me two dozen perfect yellow tea roses wrapped in sparkling cellophane. The entire room falls silent.

The girl beside me actually gasps.

My stomach drops as I unfold the note.

Right choice. Thank you, Athena.

—Phillip

I close my eyes.

So much for letting Athena disappear.

Thanks, Phillip.

By second period everyone had heard about the flowers.

By third period people were openly staring.

By lunch, the entire school seemed convinced that Tia Scott and Athena were the same person.

Because they were.

I just hadn't planned on anyone finding out.

The October air has a bite to it, but I'd rather eat outside than deal with another room full of curious faces. I head toward the trees, hoping for a little peace.

No such luck.

The guys spot me almost immediately.

They're gathered around the usual table—Gary, Jake, Randy, Tim, Tommy, along with Brandi and Jamie.

I seriously consider turning around.

Not today.

I don't have the energy.