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I walked towards the cafeteria, slightly drained from the ethics lecture I’d just attended--actually, scratch that--I was slightly drained frohts, due to Romeo’s frequent bedtime visits I couldn’t help the sht of how tender and sweet he ith o and seeirl he’d ever hts, when I spotted Romeo outside on his phone I sht of his distraught face, his hand on his forehead, and lips pursed in anger as he snapped to his caller in short, sharp grunts

Without noticing me, he ended the call and headed back inside, but not before he kicked over the trashcan with a loud "argh" andout of his way, sensing danger and running for self-preservation

Entering the cafeteria, I joined h the room with heavy feet, yanked out his chair, and sat with the football teaer

"Mht our and Ally and Lexi were talking about the club ere apparently hitting on Saturday night

"You’re in, Molls, yeah?" Ally asked as I took

"Sure," I replied I’d never been clubbing before so, no doubt, it would be an interesting experience

Cass was officially "going steady" with the loveable Jiaht of it

Conversation moved on to appropriate outfit choices and hairstyles, and I took the opportunity to cast another covert glance at Ro at ed rippedif he was okay

Word had spread about his official disassociation with Shelly, and eventheir play for the all-star QB, andwith every bat of a lash or flick of an over-processed ponytail Ally see between Rome and me while she nibbled on her carrot sticks I decided to just avoid her scrutiny

Roirls with a shake of his head or an uninterested wave It lances froirls vying for his attention made me realise that ouldn’t be able to keep our relationship quiet for long I didn’t think his patience or my calm would last anyhow

After about fifteen minutes, Shelly entered the cafeteria with her tradeht of lared ather plastic face

The roo around with these friggin’ taped-up glasses on one onna scream! Don’t you own another pair?" She reached forward and before I knehat had happened, she ripped the glasses from my face and threw them behind her onto the floor, the loud clatter thunderous in the quiet hall

I stood to confront her, but as I started to rise, she pushed onme to smack back down "Sit your ass dohen I’m talkin’ to you!" She leaned in, a fraction froot no money, sweetie? You poor, Molly?"

Despitewhip of poison, her venoet with perfection I wanted to fight back, wanted to hold my own, but her words crippled ry roar echoed throughout the room "Back the hell off her What are you, twenty-one or twelve?" Heavy footsteps drew closer and a hand touched lasses back onto my face I tippedat Shelly, who paled to a deathly shade of white as she registered that his hands were touching my body

"Get your hands off her!" She seethed

Roh your head We’re not together, never will be Time to cut the shit" He fixed his attention to the entire student body, arms spread wide "Despite what shit she may be spewin’, know that I a she says is utter bullshit!"