The Shadow's Game

Chapter 8~ Attempt at Redemption

I storm down the hall and ignore everyone around me. I managed to get out of that class before Mr. Evans could force me to stay in class. The first bell hadn't rung yet, so I had time to retreat to my car. Once I unlock it, I slip into the drivers seat and slam the door shut. I drop my bag into the floor and my eyes catch sight of the note in the seat.

I was already in a bad mood, but this only made it worse. I angrily tear the note from the seat and unfold it. My eyes graze over the page.

My, my. What a temper. I have some big plans for you and your breakup with Jace was just the beginning.

I crumple the note and fling it back to the passenger seat. My head drops into my hands and I groan in frustration. Great. Whoever this is admitted they broke us up on purpose. But how? How could they have broken us up?

A light bulb goes off in my head. The only reason Jace said he caught what happened was because some chick had knocked into him from the direction we were. So maybe the chick who hit him was the one who's doing this! I squeal in delight. Whoever wrote this admitted that they were the reason we broke up!

I need to find Jace and show him this note. I wait in my car until the lunch bell rings. Finally after about an hour of waiting I dash into the school with the note in my hand.

The cafeteria is found at the heart of the school. It isn't even 5 minutes into the lunch period and the room is already overfilled with students. People spill out of the open doors and occupy the halls trying to get in. For a small town, the school sure has a lot of students. Around 600.

I weave my way around people and squirm in. Once I'm inside I snake around tables trying to locate Jace. I scan faces. Now that I notice it our school has a major clique problem. Each table has a distinct group. I reach the end of the room. I see his friends. They surround the table laughing and joking. Vicky is no where in sight. This used to be where we sat. The table comes in to better view and there in the center of the table is Jace. And on top of Jace is Stella. And she has her tongue in his mouth.

I freeze in my tracks. Back the truck up. Stella and Jace? Ew. I was slightly offended that he chose Stella of all people to replace me. I found it funnier though. Was he trying to make me jealous? I wasn't the jealous type, but the fact that he thought Stella could make me jealous only made me want to throw my head back and laugh. Jealous of what? At least I have the capability of choosing a shirt that fits. Her shirt was low cut to begin with. Her shirt must have belonged to the Grinch because it was 2 sizes to small. Her boobs were basically hanging out of her shirt. It was pathetic.

Everyone's voices at the table turn in to a low, incoherent mumble. I'm so focused on Jace that no one else matters. I clear my throat to get their attention. Jace pulls back annoyed and Stella turns her head to my direction. She smirks and leans into his chest. He wraps one of his arms around her waist. Oh God this is disgusting to watch. Someone get me a barf bag. I continue with my original plan.

"I have something for you Jace," I say proudly. I stick my chin up a little higher to demonstrate more confidence. Stella snickers.

"Get it through your thick skull. He's moved on. You two are over," she says smugly.

I put on a phoney smile and address her with all the attitude I have within me. "It's good to see you again Stella. I was to busy yelling at you this morning that I forgot to ask you a question on your outfit. Did it come with a pole or was that sold separately? I need to know this for future reference." She scoffs but doesn't reply.

  "Jace, I have a note to prove that it wasn't my fault. Someone admitted to it and left it for me," I say looking at him. He doesn't say anything for a moment. He reluctantly raises his hand, but doesn't say anything. A small gasp escapes from Stella's mouth and I smile triumphantly.

I study his face as he reads the note. His eyebrows raise. He pats Stella's back and she gives him a questioning look. She steps off him reluctantly and flattens out her shirt. Jace stands up soon after and looks down at me. I miss looking up at his deep emerald green eyes. I want nothing more than to run my fingers through his hair.

"Do you really think I'm stupid enough to believe this?" He sneers. I look at him confused.

"What?"

"You're really that desperate to get me back that you'll make up some stupid note just to get me back? That's pretty pathetic even for you," he spits.

I don't reply. I just let my jaw drop. He still doesn't believe me. I hear Stella giggle and I watch and Jace snakes his arm around her waist. They leave the table. Stella glances over her shoulder at me and throws me a dark look. Soon after, the rest of the table follows. I'm left standing alone. All the confidence I felt before is gone. I have no hope of getting back Jace. The one piece of evidence I had turned out to be a bust.

Monday's suck. Especially this one.

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