Chapter 1
One month into sophomore year and I find out everyone’s calling me “The Leech.“[]
It turned out that the nickname came from Madison Cooper–my childhood best friend Dylan’s new desk buddy.]
it probably because of I was always “clinging” to Dylan Carter: eating his breakfast, borrowing his lunch money. living near his house.]
When I asked Dylan why he didn’t let them shut it down, he just shrugged.]]
“It’s just a nickname. Madison’s being dumb–ignore her.“[]
“But you do kinda follow me everywhere. She’s not wrong.“]
I stood there like he’d just stabbed me in the chest.[]
So eighteen years of friendship and I’m just… a leech to him?![]
I didn’t argue. Just went home, deleted every pic of us from my phone. Every single one.]]
Then I dropped out of school.]
Now he went crazy.[]
“Avery! Where are you going?!“]
“Somewhere you’ll NEVER find me. :“0
-0
I first heard the nickname while waiting in the lunch line.]]
Just another boring Wednesday. I’m standing there with my tray, stuck in the usual crowd.]
Two girls in front of me are whispering–not quiet enough, apparently.[]
“Look, there’s The Leech.“]
“Always following Dylan around. So embarrassing.“I
At first I thought they meant someone else.[]
Then one of them turns around, locks eyes with me for a few seconds, and smiles. That kind of smile that says “oh honey, you have NO idea.“[]
I know that look. The “this is gonna be good” look. The “wait till you hear this” look.[]
My grip tightens on the tray until the edges dig into my palms.[]
The Leech?
They’re talking about ME?![]
I look around and suddenly everyone’s staring. People whispering behind their hands, pointing in my direction when they think I’m not looking.
are straight–up laughing at me. Others just stare like I’m some weird science experiment.[]
My face went nuclear.
Ears burning, neck on fire, couldn’t even breathe properly.[]
I grabbed my food and basically ran from the lunch counter, finding the most hidden corner I could.]
But I barely took two bites before the table next to me started up.[]
“Avery’s so gross. Always all over Dylan.“[]
The girl wasn’t even trying to be quiet. Like I wasn’t sitting RIGHT THERE.[]
“I heard her family’s broke. The Carters basically pay for everything.” Another voice jumps in.[]
“No wonder Madison calls her The Leech. It’s perfect.“[]
“Right? So pathetic.“]]
My hands started shaking.[]
My fork hit the table with a loud CLACK]
Those girls looked over when they heard the noise. When they saw it was me, they didn’t shut up–they got LOUDER]]
“Oops, looks like The Leech is mad.“]
“What’s she gonna do? We’re not lying.”
I clenched my jaw, trying to keep it together.]
But my hands wouldn’t stop shaking. Couldn’t even hold my fork anymore.]
The food tasted like cardboard. Every bite made me want to throw up.[]
Screw this.
I grabbed my barely touched tray and speed–walked out of there.[]
Their laughter followed me like a wave, drowning me completely.[]
I went straight to Dylan.[]
He was at the basketball court, totally drenched in sweat.]]
Chapter 1
Madison was sitting in the bleachers wearing this white sundress, holding a water bottle, cheering him on every few minutes.]
When she saw me coming, her smile got HUGE.]
Like a cat that just spotted a mouse.[]
“Avery! Come sit!” She patted the spot next to her, all fake sweet.[]
I ignored her. My eyes were locked on Dylan shooting hoops.]]
He just nailed a three–pointer and his teammates were high–fiving like crazy.[]
“Dylan. I need to talk to you.“[]
Not loud, but loud enough for him to hear.
He turned around, saw it was me, and his face just… dropped.[]
He wiped the sweat off his forehead, clearly annoyed. “What now? Can’t it wait till I’m done?“]
“No. Right now.“]
I’d never used that tone with him before.
Even I was surprised.[]
Dylan just stared at me, probably shocked that his usually quiet little sidekick was actually standing up to him.[]
He looked at me for a few seconds, then waved to his teammates and slowly walked over.[]
“What’s up? You look pissed.“]]
Still acting like nothing was wrong. Like this was no big deal.[]
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “The whole school’s calling me The Leech. Did you know that?“]]
He scratched his head, looking awkward. “Oh, that. Yeah, I heard.“]]
He HEARD?
That’s IT?]]
I stared at him in complete disbelief.]
Waiting for him to say more. Waiting for an explanation. Waiting for him to be angry FOR me.]
But nothing.
He just stood there like he couldn’t care less.
“You heard about it and didn’t do anything?“]
275
From Chingy Orphan to Untethered Queen The Rock Hittin to My Best Revenge
Chapter 1
My voice started shaking.
“Do what?” He shrugged like I was being ridiculous. “It’s just a nickname. Everyone at school has one.“[]
“This guy in my class gets called Pig Face. You don’t see him crying about it.“]]
He actually LAUGHED. Like this was some stupid joke.]
“But this nickname is meant to hurt me!“]]
I was practically yelling.]
“You’re overthinking it.” Dylan patted my shoulder–the most fake, dismissive pat ever. “Madison’s just messing around. She doesn’t mean anything by it.“[]
Doesn’t mean anything?]
I looked over at Madison.[]
She was watching us with this huge smile, looking SO pleased with herself.[]
“Dylan, you really think calling me The Leech is just a joke?“]
My voice came out barely a whisper. Like I was asking myself more than him.[]
He rolled his eyes. “God, stop being so dramatic. Besides, you DO follow me around everywhere, so it’s kinda…“]
He didn’t finish.
But I knew exactly what he was gonna say.[]
Kinda true.]]
Something inside me just… broke.[]
Completely shattered. And I knew it could never be fixed.
(1)
