Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 38562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 193(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 193(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
He mumbles something I can’t hear, and I have to fight a laugh.
“Ren, Coach needs you,” someone yells from down the hall. We turn to see Zach from one of our classes standing there. I know he’s on the football team with Ren and they share random head nods at each other when they pass. Neither really says much to the other. A lot of people don’t talk to Ren. I think some try, but his one-word responses don’t leave room for conversation. I think people might fall over and die if they saw how much he talks to me.
“I’m—”
“Go,” I tell him, cutting him off. “I’m going to go to the bathroom and I’ll meet you at our locker.” He glances back over at Zach and I can tell he’s debating it. He’s been in super protective mode since everything went down with my father last weekend. I love that he worries about me, because it’s something I haven’t had in so long. But I also know we can’t always be together. I’m sure when we go off to college next year there will be a lot of times he can’t be directly by my side. It’s something he’s going to have to let go of sooner or later. No matter how much I enjoy it.
He leans down, kissing me on my cheek, the same spot where the bruise from my father had lingered. It’s pretty much gone now. The softness of his kiss melts my insides, like his kisses always do.
“I’ll hurry,” he tells me.
“It’s fine. Take your time.” His mouth covers mine in a quick kiss before he turns to leave. Everyone moves out of his way as he walks down the hallway. I watch him go, and he glances back a few times before he has to turn the corner. I want to laugh. I shake my head and move into the bathroom. When I’m in the stall, I lock the door and take care of business. But before I can step out, I hear some girls come in and start talking trash.
“Did you see what she was wearing today? I don’t see what Ren sees in her. She dresses like a freaking nun.” I recognize Kristen’s voice immediately. I look down at my outfit, wondering what’s wrong with it. I’m wearing gray boots with black leggings, a black shirt, and my cardigan over the top. I thought it was cute and warm. Janet loved it, and the way Ren kept looking at me made me think it was actually more than cute. It’s me and makes me feel comfortable and stylish. I roll my eyes. Whatever. I don’t care what they think of me or what I wear. Whatever makes them feel better about themselves.
“Guess that’s what he’s into. Maybe that’s what you’ve been doing wrong. Got to downplay it a little. Makes sense with how quiet he is. You should try it and see how he reacts to you.” I don’t recognize the other girl’s voice. I shake my head. I can’t deal with these girls. Not that I blame them for wanting Ren’s attention. It’s consuming and intoxicating and I’m addicted to it myself.
I hear a huff of annoyance. “Maybe I should cut my losses. I mean, did you see the bruises on her face? Looks like Ren likes to smack girls around, and I’m not letting anyone fuck with this perfection.”
I’m out of the bathroom stall before I can even stop myself. “You can talk all you want about me, but don’t you dare talk about Ren like that.” I point my finger at Kristen, and both girls stand there in shock with their mouths open like fish. I don’t know if they’re more shocked that I’m pissed and calling them on it, or that they’ve been caught gossiping and spreading lies. “Ren is the sweetest, gentlest man in the world and he’s never laid a hand on me.” I glare at her. “Well he’s laid some, but I promise they didn't leave a mark. They’ve all been ones I’ve enjoyed, but you wouldn’t know anything about that, because my Ren barely gives you the time of day.”
Kristen’s eyes narrow and she opens her mouth to speak.
“Don’t,” I cut her off. “I don’t know what your problem is, but Ren doesn’t want you. That doesn’t make it okay for you to say that shit. Talk about me all you want, but leave Ren’s name out of your mouth.”
“Or what?” Kristen snaps.
I pause for a second, unsure what the what is. Not like I’m going to hit her or something. I’ve been on the receiving end of a few blows myself and I wouldn’t ever do that to someone. Kristen is nothing more than a sad girl lashing out at the world. It doesn't make it right, but different people react different ways, and I suddenly feel sorry for her. Who knows what’s going on at her own house or why she’s so desperate to latch onto some guy to go away to college with.