Chapter 12: Possibly Forever

I feel bad about Zander. I didn't want to make him sad. I didn't want to make him cry. I am not one-hundred percent certain; he did cry. But I did. I want to imagine we are empaths. Our emotions are cousins, and we can feel each other's pain. I know that that's not the case, though.

The first bell rings. Zander isn't in homeroom. I see him drive away from the second-story window. I must have hit a nerve. Sorry Zander, but I don't remember you asking me out. And Brit would hate me.

Leslie Thompson sits down next to me.

"That was so savage."

I am a bit startled by her comment. Is she talking to me?

"Excuse me?" I ask. I fold my hands on my desk.

"You and Aiden Buckland. Damn, I never thought he'd choose someone like you."

She glances at me up and down. I know I am not good enough. I'm the ugly duckling being interviewed by a swan. Swans are bitches. They are beautiful and meaningful.

"If you're trying to scare me, you can fuck off," I snap.

"Whatever, watch yourself. Once Aiden is