Before The Bad - Volume I

~ twenty-three ~

Stella

I take a bite of my colossal, yet exquisite ham sandwich. By the time I arrived at the cafeteria, that's all that was really left. Mrs. Leigh extended her lesson again and because of that, I'll be damned. I mean, come on. That has to be a misconduct and most certainly illegal.

I cast my heavy eyes between Jayde and Savannah, who are indulged in a conversation on the subject of school drama. I have too much on my mind to even be remotely interested.

With Jaxon's suspension still very fresh, I couldn't help but worry for him. Following his disappearing lead, Tyrone is also absent. Whatever they are up to, which I know is definitely something stupid, I hope they're alright. God, am I ever in love with an idiot.

In addition to that, Liam showed to school today with an enormous goose egg on his left temple, followed by a gnarly bruise brewing across the bridge of his nose. It's been all anyone can talk about. Nobody seems to clue into who pushed harm onto the beloved football star, but I'm not clueless.

Jaxon has been begging to assault him since the day that boy began showing an interest in me, so of course, give him an excuse, and he goes rabid. Not to say that I care, though, because I don't. If anything, I think the battle wounds look good on him.

"Stella."

Savannah's sharp voice draws my eyes directly to hers, and I instantly notice the smirk etched onto her pale lips. She takes a sip from her soda, amused. "You think your lover did that to pretty boy?"

My cheeks flush and I shrug. "Maybe. I hope he did."

"That's so sweet," Jayde awes. "He's so in love with you, Stell."

By now, I'm sure my entire body has reddened. I'm desperate to change the subject. I immediately remember a boy Jayde spoke of after that dreadful party last month. "Hey, have you spoken to that boy lately? Travis, I think his name was?"

Now it's Jayde's time to burn up. She smiles, radiating happiness as per usual. Savannah, however, does not look impressed.

"Yeah...actually, I have." Jayde folds her hands and rests them on the plastic table. "I like him, a lot."

While I start to grin, Savannah continues to frown. No, she scowls.

She's jealous.

Why?

I try my best to ignore her sudden attitude, which Jayde happens not to notice whatsoever, and shriek. "Jayde, that's great! I'm so happy for you."

She matches my smile and hangs her head, shameful. "You shouldn't be. I think Tyrone likes me, too."

I sigh and meets her eyes. Anyone with a set of eyes can see the way that he looks at her. Even Jaxon, who insists he never stops speaking her name.

"He definitely does, Jayde. But you have to do what you feel is right. Follow your heart. It's a powerful little thing."

Savannah snorts, causing both Jayden and I to fully regard her. She rolls her eyes, miserable. Jayde's face falls. "Can we stop talking about this lovey dovey shit? Date whomever, Jayde, but don't expect Lara and I to attend your little group dates. That shit's overrated."

The rest of lunch is silent; very silent. We eat to the chatter that surrounds us, anxious to leave this room as soon as physically possible. Jayde is the first to go.

......

Jaxon is barely in the door when I pounce on him, pressing my warm palms against his soft cheeks and begin planting a million pecks onto his lips. His smile grows as my action continues, and his arms snake around my waist.