Me, Me, Me and Tara

Chapter Nine

People stare as we walk hand in hand through the halls, which are abuzz with students crowding around lockers. Boisterous laughter echoes through the air, sneakers squeaking across the waxy floors. The noise lowers like a ripple down the hallway as we pass. People call out greetings to Clint, and he casually responds like he personally knows every single one of them.

Is this what it feels like to be popular?

If it is, I’m so glad I’m not independently popular. I glance down at our hands again—interlocked solidly, fingers laced, while his thumb rubs an absent-minded path along the back of my hand. I can feel the questioning gazes flickering between Clint and me. The unspoken Are they a thing? is clear as day as it spreads through the student body—but to my surprise, I don’t actually want to dispel the notion. I look up at Clint with a blush. He glances down at the same moment, flashing me a huge grin.

“How the hell do you go from badass motorcycle girl to shy, innocent damsel so quickly?” he asks with a laugh.

I deflate a little. I haven’t told him about my condition. I consider it, but it feels like a spoiler to the atmosphere of this morning.

“It’s a talent,” I murmur, not quite hiding the flirtation in my tone.

“Oh really? What other talents do you possess?” He wiggles his eyebrows, the innuendo deliberate. My blush deepens and I release his hand to shove him playfully.

“Shut up!” I demand, grinning despite myself. He captures my hand again, tugging me gently against his chest.

“Bet I could find out all your secret talents,” he says, openly flirting now. I choke on my words, embarrassment mixing with Tara’s open disgust. She definitely does not appreciate his affections. I shake him off and put some space between us, rolling my eyes as I try to wrestle with Tara’s attempt to push to the forefront again.

I spot Harper and Wendy up ahead by our lockers and pause. I want nothing more than to hug my best friend—but after the last few days? I’m not sure it would be welcome. I glance at Clint. His grin has slipped as he follows my gaze to Harper and Wendy. Slinging one muscled arm over my shoulders, he guides us forward.

“Oh, hey Clint,” Wendy says, lashes fluttering.

“Ladies,” he replies quickly, then turns back to me. “I can walk you to class if you want.”

“No, it’s okay. I think we’ve caused enough of a scene today.” I laugh softly and hold out my hand for my backpack.

“Damn, I was really hoping you’d say yes.” He hands me my bag with a pout. “We really are official or something though.” He grins and plants a loud kiss on my forehead before sauntering away.

“Or something!” I call after him mockingly, unable to hide my smile.

“Are you two together?” Wendy asks, her expression sour.

“Or something,” I repeat, quieter—less sure now.

“What does that even mean?” she mutters, rolling her eyes. “Whatever. I’m going to class.” She stomps off, arms crossed.

I cringe, turning to Harper. She fidgets awkwardly for a moment before surprising me with a quick, tight hug.

“I’ve missed you,” she murmurs.

“I’ve missed you too. I know Tara is a lot, but I can’t get through this on my own.”

“I know, I know. I just don’t…” She grips the back of her neck, eyes flicking up. “Kennedy, are you dating Clint?”

“I really don’t know. I can’t tell if he’s joking or serious.” I laugh a little as I open my locker and start sorting through the books I’ll need for the first half of the day.

“Well, you should ask him,” she says after a long pause, something unreadable in her tone. I glance over at her, trying to read her expression, but it gives nothing away.

“Are you okay?” I ask. I’ve been so wrapped up in myself lately, I haven’t taken the time to really check in. Guilt settles in my chest. Her eyes dart away and she shrugs.

“It’s nothing. I’ll catch up with you later, okay?” Her eyes say it’s not nothing, but I don’t push. I nod, and the bell rings. I slam my locker shut with more force than necessary. She walks away, swallowed by the crowd. I stay where I am, staring after her, wondering what’s really going on.

I try to push it to the back of my mind as I head to class. The halls are quieter now, students rushing in all directions to get where they’re supposed to be before the tardy bell. Thankfully, I don’t have far to go.

Turning into my classroom, I spot Mrs. Walker already glaring at me from her desk. She beckons me with one finger, and I suppress a sigh. Tara rattles inside me, and I force her further back.

“Kennedy. Are your parents aware of how you arrived at school this morning?” she scolds, and my jaw drops. Humiliation and anger fight for first place inside me, and my grip on Tara slips—sending me tumbling into nothingness.

“With absolutely no respect, I don’t give a s**t if they know or not,” I snark, my tongue a familiar weapon.

“Kennedy!” She rears back in shock.

“Was that all?” I fold my arms and raise a single eyebrow, irritated that she doesn’t even know my name.

“No, it most certainly was not. Your grades are slipping,” she sniffs. “I’m requesting a meeting with your parents.” She says it like I should be scared or something, but I just shrug.

“Good luck with that.” I turn and consider staying for a moment—but really, why? It’d be a waste of a beautiful day. Without another word, I ignore her calls as I walk out the door. I text Harper first, but I already know she won’t want to come along for a day of ditching. So I message Clint. That guy knows how to have a good time.