10
The rain was still falling. Everyone was
freaking trapped.
Mr. Lane seemed busy, meeting and talking
on the phone.
Why was a guy with so much to do suddenly
at a freaking party?
When I went to breakfast, I saw Liam and
Brittany.
They walked up to me.
Their three freaking friends walked in. One
was Mr. Lane’s sister.
“Can we sit here?”
Liam asked.
He looked tired, like he hadn’t slept. Had he been up with Brittany?
Before I could answer, he sat down.
Brittany frowned and sat down across from
him.
The other three friends sat down.
I wasn’t freaking hungry, and I stood up to
leave. Then Liam slammed down his
silverware.
Everyone looked over.
His eyes were on me: “Do you have to do
this?”
“I thought we made it clear last night.”
He looked shocked.
So did Brittany.
Then she forced a smile. “Reynolds, did you
forget to tell her about my birthday?”
“She’s been busy. No time to see us.”
“Busy? At night? With what?”
“Brittany, you’ve been missing her. She’s cold
and heartless. Don’t waste your freaking time
worrying about her.”
They were being freaking catty.
I stood up to leave.
Liam grabbed me: “We need to talk.”
“Riley freaking Jones, get over here.”
Mr. Lane was there.
The demanding tone scared me. I yanked
myself away and went to him.
“Mr. Lane.”
Mr. Lane smiled. “What did I tell you last
night?”
“…Mr. Lane, arguing is pointless.”
“If you piss me off, you’ll be an orphan.”
Mr. Lane glared at me.
Wendy ran up to Mr. Lane.
“Mr. Lane, what are you doing here? Is it
work?”
“Don’t stand so close.”
く
“Why?”
“You’re ugly.”
Wendy:“…”
