Chapter 4: A Deal

Hailey Queen

A few days had passed since that intoxicating , ridiculous kiss with Roy, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I tried to avoid him at school, pretending I hadn’t noticed the way his piercing blue eyes lingered on me or how that smirk made my stomach twist. But every time I closed my eyes, I could still feel his lips brushing against mine, teasing, bold… impossible.

Last night hadn’t helped at all. My dreams betrayed me. Each one of my dreams featured with Roy banging me like his life depended on it. Gosh how I wish it was real.

I trailed my hand down to my panties, I felt the moisture that probably oozed out from my sleep.

I had desperate dreams of him that left me tossing and turning until I woke up sweating, my hair plastered to my forehead. I rolled onto my side, trying to calm my racing heart. “This is ridiculous,” I whispered to myself. “It was just a kiss. Nothing more.”

Yet as I walked down the school hallway that morning, hoping not to bump into Roy, I was clutching my books to my chest, my palms sweaty and my hoodie pulled tight around me, I knew I couldn’t avoid him forever. I kept my eyes on the floor, hoping to make it to class unnoticed.

Then strong arms wrapped around me from behind, yanking me into the nearest janitor’s closet.

“Hailey…”

I froze. My chest tightened. “R-Roy…” I whispered, trying to catch my breath.

“Why have you been ignoring me?” His voice was low, teasing, sending shivers straight through me.

“I… I’m busy,” I muttered, twisting my hand out of his grip.

He grabbed my wrist lightly, but enough to stop me. “Even when I try to help you?”

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my voice. “I… I don’t need you to help me like that. I mean… we’re not… dating or anything.”

He tilted his head, smirk tugging at his lips. “Who says you have to lie?”

I blinked, my stomach fluttering. “I—I’m not lying!” I protested, but my voice sounded weak even to me.

Roy chuckled, leaning a little closer. “Prom’s coming. Don’t you want to crush your silly ex-boyfriend’s heart by showing up with me?”

I scowled, trying to step past him. “I don’t even care about prom.”

“Not even a little?” His raised eyebrow made me feel like I was melting from the inside.

“Fine,” I admitted, rolling my eyes. “Maybe a little. But I’m not going with anyone.”

Roy’s grin widened. “Then help me with my math. If I fail, I won’t be allowed to play in the game. I just transferred here—I’m behind. You’re the smartest student in the school. I need you.”

I blinked at him. “Why me? You could get anyone to help you.”

“Nope,” he said, voice firm. “I want you.”

I crossed my arms, lifting my chin. “I’ll help… but only if you help me fit in.”

He shook his head, a lazy smirk on his face. “I can’t do that. You’re fine the way you are.”

“I’m not!” I exclaimed, frustration bubbling out. “Look at me! I’m plain! I need a hot guy’s opinion on how to be… noticed. How to actually exist in this school without being invisible or humiliated every day!”

Roy groaned, rubbing his face dramatically. “Fine, I’ll help. Happy?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, but my heartbeat was still racing. I felt a tiny rush of hope—finally, someone who could help me, finally someone who could make me feel less powerless against Brighton and Madison.

Roy leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face. My knees felt weak. His eyes flicked down to my lips… and then suddenly, he was moving even closer.

“Maybe just one little kiss for luck?” His voice was dangerously soft.

Panic surged. “No! Stop!” I shoved him away and stormed out of the closet, my heart hammering in my chest.

I almost ran into Lilly outside. She grabbed my arm, her eyes wide. “Hailey! Where have you been? I was looking all over for you!”

I forced a smile, tugging her along. “I… uh… I’ve been busy.”

She tilted her head, chewing her bubble gum. “You know, I have a date for prom. What about you? Someone special?”

I shook my head quickly. “Nope, not me,” I said, forcing a casual tone.

Lilly smirked. “Hmm… I heard you’re now dating the hot hockey captain.”

My eyes widened. “W-What?! Where did you hear that ridiculous thing?”

“Word spreads fast, Hailey,” she said, popping her gum and grinning. “I heard you guys kissed in front of Madison and Brighton. He must be so jealous.”

I felt my cheeks burn and pulled my hoodie over my head, hiding from her gaze. “It was just… a pure mistake! That wasn’t even a kiss!”

“Keep telling yourself that…” Lilly said, smirking knowingly.

"Lilly!!" I whined.

"I'm just saying, If you actually dated the hot hockey captain, Brighton will be fuming with jealous." She said, biting on a candy bar. "And I think the hot guy can even give you beautiful babies, unlike Brighton's ugly face, I wonder what you even saw in him," she shuddered.

"Come on, Brighton is the hottest guy at school," I try to defend. Wrong. Roy is the hottest guy at school, it's barely a month and he's already Captain of the school team.

"Don't make me puke Hailey," Lilly stuck her tongue out like she's about to vomit.

"Hey, uhm I'll have to get home. I can't be late, or else my father will turn me into a punching bag again, and I still need to find a way to contact mom and find out about her illness," I said, excusing myself.

"Alright girl, and I'm wishing her a quick recovery," Lilly said.

I didn't want to correct her, to tell her mom won't be recovering but she only has a few months to live, and then after that? I'll be alone in this world with no one to love or care.

"I have to go, don't forget to dream about the hottie. Maybe he'll be the one to pop the cherry on your birthday next week." Lilly giggled.

I shook my head and laughed a little, Lilly always had such dirty thoughts.

I took out my phone and dialed my driver's number.

"I'm sorry Ms Queen, but your father has ordered me not to pick you up anymore. I'm sorry but you will have to catch a bus or something," He cut the call.

What the fuck? Really dad?!