Severity, Miguel Diaz¹

― chapter 09.

"He got beat up pretty bad, remember? He won't be here today. But I think that's the least of your problems," Demetri said, gesturing around.

Ayane laughed shortly. "Being called a lesbian is a problem? That's a compliment. And besides, I've got it handled."

Demetri shrugged. "Whatever you say. Have you talked to Aisha?"

"No," Ayane shook her head, "although I should probably see if she's okay."

Aisha was standing at her locker when Ayane finally found her. However, just as she walked up, Sam also walked over.

"Oh-" Sam paused, looking at Ayane. "I'm sorry, I'll let you guys talk-"

"It's okay, I won't be long," Ayane said, looking at Aisha.

"Are you okay?" she asked, tilting her head.

Aisha shrugged dismally. "The whole school thinks I'm gay. But, there could be worse things they think I am."

Ayane smiled. "Right on. I say, screw them. It seems to me like jealousy in its finest form."

Sam frowned, feeling guilty. She had tried to get Yasmine to take the picture down, but the girl was ruthless.

"Anyway, I'll see you guys at lunch," Ayane nodded, turning and walking to her class.

In second period, gym, Kyler came in on crutches.

Ayane glanced up as she was tying her shoelaces, then did a double take. She rolled her eyes at the audacity of him.

Kyler sat on the bleachers, looking up as Ayane walked by. She did not glance in his direction. He and his friends went quiet as she came by.

And at last, the lunch period came. Ayane had been waiting for this most of all, and not just for food.

She had an announcement to make.

Ayane set her tray down at the table, Demetri and Eli giving her a strange look as she walked away without even sitting down.

Instead, Ayane walked toward the Valley girls' table, where Yasmine was sitting.

"Hey, Yasmine!" she called, loud enough that everyone in the cafeteria could hear her.

It grew quiet.

"You forgot to mention when you posted that picture how jealous you were. Why would you leave out the part about how desperate you were to hook up with me?"

There were gasps across the room, and Yasmine looked horrified.

"It's okay, Yasmine. You can tell everyone how obsessed with me you are. Or, I guess I just did it for you. Hm."

Sam was looking at Ayane with wide-eyed disbelief. She had never expected this from her.

Ayane turned and walked back over to her table, sitting down as if nothing had ever happened.

Demetri and Eli stared. Well, everyone stared.

Yasmine got up, storming out of the cafeteria. Ayane waved, smirking as Yasmine huffed angrily.