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“What situation?” Does she know about their dad? Is Derek Heiter a three-ti with Ms Baxa too? I bet he is I bet that’s why she transitioned from assistant principal to principal our freshman year, and I’d bet she is why Asher was able to come to school with us I press my palm to my forehead This is too much to process

Mrs Baxa pales and s, Miss Walker, and have a good day”

Twenty minutes later, I’m outside the school’s entrance I look around at the overflowing student lot and weighFlorida heat, but I’d rather walk than tell my mom I was sent home First, she’ll freak out about ht Her disappointment is worse than any punishment she or Mrs Baxa could hand out

Convinced I’ve made the best decision, I shoulder ates before the distinct ruaze forward, not wanting to see the daht was uncalled for I understand that these two have issues that stretch beyond me, but they need to deal with it when I’m not around

“Where the hell have you been?” Asher asks, silencing theoutside for you for al to think you took a ride with Liam”

“I ran into Russell We were talking”

Russell confirht down to Asher beating the snot out of a group of guys in the boy's bathroom yesterday It’s all the more reason I need space from everyone Liam was supposed to be my best friend Why didn’t he stick up forpeople ry, I could easily do so to Asher’s fake-dating proposal

“I didn’t know you aiting for me”

“Of course I aiting for you!” Asher takes his helainst his stomach

He barely has a mark on him, and I' is short lived when I see the bruise

s on his knuckles Hehappened in the cafeteria today, but I don’t think the same can be said for Liam

“Ellie” He reaches out and touches my arm “I’m so sorry Are you okay?”

“I’m fine”

Asher frowns and holds his helmet out to me “Can I take you hoet hurt”

“No” My feet carry ry with Liam, but I’ht He freaking elbowed nant It couldn’t have been someone from our school, that kind of juiciness doesn’t stay secret for long, but the fact that I didn’t know makes me inexplicably frustrated I spin on irl, Asher The one you got pregnant”