After the mean lady finished yelling, I just agreed and left. A talent show sounded kinda fun. I loved a good challenge.

"Do you know who that was?" Lucy latched onto my arm, shaking me with excitement.

"No. Should I?" I glanced around at the group of girls staring at me like I had two heads.

"That was Nancy Trillo. She's won like four gold medals." Lucy giggled.

"Three gold medals, Lucy." Jenny snapped, narrowing her eyes on me. "And who would want to work with her anyway? She's just a washed-up old hag."

I don't know why, but Jenny saying that made me really want to work with the washed-up old hag. Nina was nice, but I needed a challenge, and I had a good feeling the washed-up old hag would give me a run for my money.

"Do you need a ride?" Lucy pulled out her car keys as the other girls dispersed.

"No, that's okay. See you tomorrow." I started walking away, thinking about how I'd never heard of Nancy Trillo.

"I can give you a ride." Lucy hollered. "You live with Missy, right? She's your cousin?"

I stopped and turned. "Yeah. How did you know that?"

Under the streetlamp, Lucy's cheeks turned pink. "Everyone's been talking about you at school all day."

My stomach flipped. What the hell? People hardcore sucked ass. Releasing an irritated huff, I shut my eyes. "What are they saying?"

"How you handed Jenny her ass before school this morning, and how you two fought in the cafeteria. Oh, and your kiss with Tyler in the hall."

I raised my hand up, telling her to stop. "For the record, I never kissed Tyler."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just didn't want to lie since it's been all anyone's talked about today." Lucy looked genuinely sad that she'd upset me, which instantly skyrocketed her to friend status.

"Thanks for telling me the truth. At least, now I know what to expect." I said.

A loud engine rumbled into the dance studio's parking lot. I spun to see that it belonged to a very familiar black Challenger.

Jenny jumped out of her car and dashed over to the Challenger before hopping into the passenger side of Tyler's vehicle.

Of course, he was coming to see her just hours after he'd tried to get me into his bedroom. Typical.

"It's sickening, huh?" Lucy moved to my side.

"What?" I could swear Tyler was staring directly at me while Jenny was yelling her lips off.

"Jenny and Tyler," Lucy whispered and nudged me. "You're staring."

Shit. I yanked my attention off them, facing Lucy. She was right. I was staring like a complete dumbass.

"Thanks for the save." I smiled. "I don't even know why I care."

"Tyler's hot as fuck. That's why." Lucy chuckled. "Come on. I'll give you a ride home."

I nodded with a grateful grin and got into her little beater car. It wasn't bad. I could use a beater car too. When we drove passed the Challenger, Tyler's eyes stayed on me while he spoke to Jenny.

Ew. Those two were made for each other. How could he be looking at me while he was with her? It was disgusting on so many levels.

"Hey," Lucy pushed my shoulder, pulling my attention away. Thank goodness for this sweet, adorable girl.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Do you want a ride to school? I mean, I know Missy can give you a ride, but from what I heard, Missy isn't your biggest fan." Lucy's brow wrinkled as she grimaced.

My head fell into my hands as I groaned. "What did you hear?"

"Truth?"

"Truth."

"She said her mom took pity on you since yours can't stand to be around you. She also said that you're a man-stealing whore. And... um... she told everyone to treat you like the shit you are." Lucy's voice trembled during the last sentence.

My blood began to boil with rage. "Do you believe her?"

"No, of course not. It's Missy. She's the biggest bitch of them all, and she lies all the time. Well, next to her friends. They all think they own the school."

"I hate this school already. Why are people such assholes? I just got here." I rolled down my window, relishing the crisp air that slapped me in the face.

"I'm not an asshole, right?" Lucy glanced over at me for confirmation as she made a right turn. Was she kidding me?

"No. You're the first nice person I've met, and I really like you." I smiled.

"Thanks. I think you're nice too. If you want, you can hang out with me tomorrow. I can give you a ride, and I'll introduce you to people that aren't assholes." Lucy pulled up to my house.

Missy's car and someone's shiny black truck were in the driveway. Great.

I chuckled as I climbed out of Lucy's car. "Thank you. You have no idea how good that sounds. See you in the morning?"

"Yep." Lucy grinned.

Just as Lucy drove away, a black Challenger pulled up to the curb. Jenny and Tyler. Oh, my fucking God.

I didn't glance at them again as I darted inside and slammed the door, locking it.

"Ember?" Aunt Debbie chortled from the back of the house.

"Yeah, it's me, Aunt Debbie." Mouthwatering aromas were wafting out of the kitchen, urging me forward. I couldn't remember when I'd last eaten.

To my dismay, Missy and Lucas were sitting at the table. I didn't make eye contact, but I could feel both of them staring. Well, I could feel Lucas staring and Missy scowling. I was in the God damned twilight zone.

This was my worst nightmare, and I was never going to wake up. Why? Why did my life have to suck so bad?

"Glad you're home safe, dear. I hope you're hungry. Supper should be ready in a few minutes." Aunt Debbie gave me a sweet smile just as someone knocked on the front door.

"I got it!" Missy announced as she hurried out of the kitchen.

"Uh..." My face heated as I glanced at Lucas. His lips tugged up as he sent me a soft wave.

"What is it, dear?" Aunt Debbie pulled out plates.

"Uh... I need to change. Be down later, okay?" Without waiting for an answer, I dashed up the stairs and ran into my flowery room and locked the door.

Fuck food. This was survival, and I was willing to starve if starving meant I wouldn't have to face them tonight.

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