Chapter Eleven

Class has already started, but there’s no way I can return to mine without making sure Dominic’s okay. I still can’t shake what Jennifer said — “things got messy” — and the thought won’t leave my head. So, I put my so-called rich girl privileges to use.

Making sure my face isn’t still flushed, I push open the door to Dominic’s classroom. Mr. Benny Brown, the Science teacher, is already mid-lecture.

“Good day, Mr. Benny Brown.” I smile.

His face lights up — my dad’s generosity toward teachers always has its perks. He sets the marker down and walks over.

“How are you, Catherine?” he asks.

“I’m good. I just need a quick favor,” I whisper, lowering my voice so the curious ears don’t catch on. I meet Dominic’s eyes for a second — those locks can’t hide the frown forming there — before looking away. “Dominic was bullied by the football boys, and I just want to make sure he’s okay. He’s Alice’s brother.”

Mr. Benny sighs. “Of course, you can. Those boys are still up to their nonsense.” He turns back to the class. “Dominic, your senior needs to speak with you.”

Gasps ripple across the room. I wink at Dominic even though he’s clearly annoyed. He grabs his backpack and walks toward me.

“Thanks, Mr. Benny.” I bow slightly and lead Dominic out of the room.

The door barely closes before he grabs my wrist. “What couldn’t wait till after class?”

“What happened with the football team?” I shoot back.

He bites his lower lip. “Nothing.”

I can tell he’s lying. “Dominic.”

“Nothing,” he repeats.

“Did they bully you?”

He shakes his head. “Of course not.” His tone is calm — too calm.

“Can I go back to class now?”

“Lift your shirt,” I demand.

He steps back. “No, Catherine…”

I grab his shirt before he can stop me. He flinches — a sharp, painful sound that shatters whatever patience I had left. My stomach twists. Realizing we’re still in the hallway, I drag him by the elbow to the sick bay.

“Catherine, I’m fine—”

“I’ll decide that.” I force a smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Hannah,” I greet the nurse, who’s busy with a junior student. Without waiting, I pull Dominic toward an empty bed.

“Catherine—”

I lift his shirt, and the breath leaves my body. His stomach looks like hell — red, bruised, marked by the shape of football cleats and fists. The bruises trail up toward his chest.

“Who did this to you?”

“Catherine…”

“I said who did this?”

“Calm down.” His hands curl around my waist, pulling me close until his forehead rests against my stomach. “I’m fine. I’m sorry.”

“This is my fault,” I whisper.

“I can take a hit, Catherine.”

“You can take a hit doesn’t mean you should.” My voice shakes. I wrap my arms around his head. “It doesn’t mean you should.”

His grip tightens, his voice trembling. “You’re kind, Catherine.”

“And you’re stupid,” I whisper. “So stupid. As your girlfriend, you’re not allowed to get hurt without permission. I’m the only one who gets to be rude to you, who gets to bully you, who gets to hit you. Don’t go around giving everyone girlfriend privileges.”

His body vibrates against me — a quiet, startled laugh, or maybe something else. “Catherine…"

“Let’s get some ice on you,” I whisper, and he slowly pulls away, taking all his warmth with him.

I walk to Mrs. Hannah, who’s already finished with the junior. “Please check on my friend, and if it’s serious, send him to the hospital.”

“Of course, dear. Let me wash my hands.”

“Mrs. Hannah, can you make him rest for a bit?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll give him something to put him to sleep.” She gives me a reassuring smile.

I grin at Dominic before stepping out. Those boastful idiots who got away with things while I dated Asher won’t have the same luck now. I won’t let them pick on Dominic.

Back in class, I force myself to pay attention. My grades can’t slide — not with Jennifer White gunning for that position — but first I need to deal with the bullies. I’ll pull the CCTV footage and see exactly what happened.

Back in class I force myself to focus; my grades can’t drop, and Jennifer White is not getting that student-council position without a fight. But first I have to know exactly what happened, so I head to the security office to pull the CCTV.

I don’t tell Alice—she’d blow this up into a drama and Dominic doesn’t need that. She’s busy whispering and giggling with the girl across the row, still buzzing about yesterday. “Catherine,” she leans in, eyes bright, “the principal said I’ll be featured as an honored student on a global program. I’ll be on TV.”

I almost roll my eyes. “Great. I’m happy for you,” I say, then sling my bag over my shoulder and go before the next teacher arrives.

At the security office I knock and wait. Mr. Lance, the chief security officer, opens the door with a scowl. “Students aren’t allowed up here.”

“I’m Catherine Young from the Student Membership Council,” I say, showing my ID. Last year the principal put me on the council—something the others grumble about, but for the first time, . As a council member, I can view footage. “I want to see this morning’s recording.”

He hesitates. “It’s almost break time—you might need to come back—”

“With the principal?” I ask. The word makes him grunt; he opens the door wider and lets me in. A large screen dominates the wall; cameras watch everywhere but the toilets.

“What exactly are you looking for?” he asks, already reaching for the keyboard.

“Bullying. The council’s handling some cases, and there was one this morning. Please pull the footage.” I don’t pause for breath.

He types and a clip plays. The locker-room camera shows Dominic walking in. The team members joke and push, and then Asher launches a ball that hits Dominic; another boy kicks him; Dominic falls. The beating continues—six blows in all. My fingers move before my brain does; I mark faces and make notes.

“Can you pull up other bullying incidents from the last few months?” I ask, already jotting names in my phone.

“I’m busy—” he starts.

I pull a note from my bag and press a bill into his hand. “You can buy lunch later, Mr. Lance.”

His expression softens into a reluctant smile. “Of course.”

I walk out with cold resolve humming in my veins. Those freaks won’t know what hit them.