It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 19: Emani

After parking close to the entrance, I met Lake and Sasha at my locker and told them about my terrible morning. Of course, they were not listening, gawking at something on their phones. I snapped my fingers to get their attention, and they shifted nervously.

"Did you guys hear anything I said?" I put my hand on my hip, glaring at them. "My alarm didn't go off, and I overslept. Then Seven threw up on my favorite UGG boots!"

"Did you get the text that went around?" Sasha asked me, ignoring my rant.

"What text?"

On her phone was a picture of me lying down, only wearing a black bra. My eyes were closed, so the image was taken without my permission. I couldn't believe someone would do this to me, and I felt so violated.

"This can't be happening."

Suddenly, Gunner appeared by my side, giving me a triumphant grin. A few guys from the football team stood behind him, laughing.

"Nice boobs Emani," Gunner said, staring at his phone.

I wanted to hit him again and didn't care if I got suspended. He took things too far, taking a half-naked photo of me and sharing it with the entire school. I felt sick as bile traveled up my throat.

"Did you not learn from the last punch I gave you?" I was in his face, ready to wipe that twisted smirk off it. "I can't believe you did this to me, Gunner."

"You really thought I was going to let you get away with putting your hands-on me? My nose is crooked because of you," he hissed. "If you weren't a female, I would have fucked you up, but I chose a different route."

Lake pushed me behind him, facing off with Gunner. "I'm going to give you five seconds to go confess what you did to the principal, or else I'm going to hurt you."

"And I'm going to help!" Sasha butted in. "You're a tool, Gunner, and I hope Lake kicks your ass."

Lake turned to the crowd of students surrounding us. "Get to class people. It's nothing to see here."

The students dispersed, and only Lake, Gunner, Sasha, and I remained in the hall. Gunner was still smiling as if he hadn't just ruined my life.

"Lake, you already got suspended because of me. This is my battle to deal with," I told him, moving beside him. "Go to the principal Gunner or else."

Lake grabbed my hand. "We are in this together, Emani."

Gunner's murderous gaze made me shiver, but I didn't back down. "I can't believe I ever wanted to sleep with you, Emani. You're trash, just like Lake."

We all glared at him.

"Let's just go to the principal Lake. He's not worth us getting in trouble," I suggested. I was worried Lake might lose his patience and beat Gunner to a bloody pulp."

Sasha moved from her spot and slapped Gunner hard across the face. "Since they won't hit you, I will, you selfish prick. Emani was a good girlfriend to you, and you treated her like crap."

"I see why Jason cheated on you last year," Gunner sneered, glaring down at Sasha.

When Sasha raised her hand again, I dragged her towards the bathroom. She was breathing heavy and pacing back and forth. I'd never seen her so angry.

"Sasha, forget about Gunner. He's a miserable person and wants everyone else to suffer."

Sasha gave me an irritated look. "Just give me five minutes with him in the hall. He deserves it after he sent that photo of you," she begged, still heated.

I laughed. "I'm doing this for your own good. You have too many acceptance letters to let Gunner ruin it."

"Emani, you're no fun."

Later that evening, I'm at Lake's house, studying and watching Netflix. I'm helping him review for the upcoming math quiz next week, and we've made a lot of progress. Well, when we aren't making out or play fighting. It's getting harder and harder to not take that next step with him. With Gunner, I never wanted sex, but Lake was different and had me feeling all warm inside.

"I'm proud of you for not punching Gunner today," Lake said, putting his pencil down. "I know you really wanted to beat his ass."

I slipped my hand in his and smiled. "Thanks. I just wish he would torture someone else."

Lake caressed my cheek, and I leaned into his warm touch. "He will give up. Now let's finish studying."

Both of our phones beeped with a news update, and I jumped. The headline read," Local high school student Gunner expelled due to sending an explicit photo of a student. His college acceptances and scholarships have been revoked. This behavior is considered revenge porn and results in a third-degree misdemeanor. With a third-degree misdemeanor, he could be facing up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. We will keep you updated on this story."

Holy crap.

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Hey guys! So, Gunner finally got what was coming to him! Are you happy?? I decided to end this chapter on a happy note, but there's more to come in the next one. I appreciate those of you that are still reading this story. 💕