It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 17: Emani

After class, Sasha and I strolled to the cafeteria talking about prom and pretty much anything. As we walked inside, we saw Gunner sitting at a table with one of the cheerleaders. He had his hand on her knee, and Sasha rolled her eyes.

"When did that happen?" Sasha asked me.

I shrugged, taking a bite of my Salisbury steak. "I don't know and don't care."

Sasha laughed and said, "That's the spirit."

"He can do so much better than Jenny, " Christina said, coming up to us. She is on the tennis team with Sasha and me. "She is known for being easy."

I almost choked on my food, laughing. "Christina, you're a mess. Gunner is moving on, and so have I."

"Anyway, did you guys get a prom dress yet?" Sasha asked, changing the subject. I was so grateful for her.

I shook my head. "No, but I need to hit the mall before the good dresses are cleaned out."

"I got a strapless red dress. It makes my boobs look good," Christina replied, eating her broccoli cheddar soup. "So Emani, who are you taking to the dance?"

"Lake," I said without hesitation.

"Good for you. He seems nice," Christina said with a smile.

Suddenly, all chatter stopped, and the girls turned around. It was Lake. My face instantly lit up. I haven't seen him all day and wondered where he was hiding. His black shirt showcased his muscular arms, outlining those perfect abs. As he sat down, his eyes found mine, and he smirked.

"Hey guys," he said, waving at my friends. They greeted him in return, and he focused on me.

"Hey, babe," I blurted out in front of everyone. Lake's face was red as a strawberry, and we all laughed.

"Well, Emani Christina, and I have some homework to do," Sasha said, winking at us.

Once they were gone, I scooted closer to Lake. He smelled so good. "How are you?"

"I got my letter back from the University of Chicago. I didn't get in," he said quickly.

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry, Lake," I replied. "Well, you have other schools to apply to."

Lake shook his head. "I don't know if college is for me. Hell, school in general."

I didn't like where this was going. "Lake, you can't give up now."

"I'm going to finish high school, but I don't know if college is in the plans for me. Maybe Larry was right."

"What did Larry say?"

"That I wouldn't amount to anything."

I touched his arm. "Lake, don't listen to him. I know you're disappointed about the University of Chicago, but there are other schools."

"I got my acceptance letter to the University of Chicago yesterday," Gunner boasted, spying on us. "I guess they know trash when they see it."

Lake's face fell, but he didn't say anything.

"Gunner shut up," I hissed, ready to punch him.

"Emani, just ignore him," Lake muttered, eyes narrowing into slits.

"I guess he will just be a homeless boy the rest of his life," Gunner joked, causing the whole cafeteria to look at us, including the lunch ladies.

I've had enough. I jumped out of my seat and marched over to Gunner's table. He was laughing at his ignorant comment, and it pissed me off even more. I balled my fist up and punched him in the nose, making it bleed. My knuckle was red and swollen, but I don't care. Gunner looked up at me in shock, anger evident on his face. He got into my face as if he was about to do something, and I took a step back.

Then all hell broke loose.

Lake grabbed me, pushing me behind him. "Walk away, man. She's a female."

"I think this bitch broke my fucking nose!" Gunner tried to get to me, but Lake pushed him back. "Move Lake."

"No."

"You asked for it." Gunner grabbed a lunch tray and swung with all his might hitting Lake's temple.

I watched in horror as blood trickled down Lake's face, but he stayed rooted in his spot, still in protective mode. Lake pounced on Gunner, beating him on the floor. One of the football players broke up the fight, and blood and food were everywhere.

"Lake, are you ok?" I asked, feeling guilty.

Lake stormed away, and I followed him into the empty hallway. He was breathing heavily, not saying anything. Then he punched a locker, and I jumped, heart racing. I had never seen him so angry before, and I knew I needed to calm him down.

"I shouldn't have hit him. I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess. I just got so angry by the things he was saying about you."

"Yeah, you should have listened to me, but I'm kind of proud of you. It took a lot of balls to do what you did," Lake said with an amused expression. "I wasn't expecting that from you."

Blood was dripping on his shirt. "I think you should see a nurse." Lake sat down on a chair, and I stroked his hair. "Thank you for having my back in there."

"Lake my office now!" The principal yelled, opening his door.

"I'll come with you. I started this," I said, standing up.

Lake shook his head. "No. I don't want you risking your college or scholarships. I'll be fine."

"But Lake-

"Go home, Emani."

I watched him walk away, feeling indifferent. If Lake got expelled or suspended, it would be my fault. He had come so far, and I let my stupid temper get the best of me. I prayed that he wouldn't get in trouble because of me.

What a day...

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Hey guys! Emani finally snapped, and now Lake might be in trouble! What do you think will happen next? 👀