“Do you really believe your plan will work?” I asked, mockingly. If he didn't think I was afraid of him maybe he would leave me alone. It was a long shot but worth a try.
His jaw clenched before he hauled me over the gearshift and into his lap, wrapping his hand around my ponytail. “I will do everything in my power to make it work, you see, I have nothing to lose…but you do.”
“Maybe you do, but you just don't care,” I argued.
“Then that makes me a very dangerous man.”
*
It wasn’t easy trying to ignore Keiran when he was a part of most of my day—by force and by circumstance. I was still fuming over the stunt he pulled this morning.
Most of the day was gone. Lunch and French had come and gone and I’d just arrived to art class. I was setting up my station when Keenan walked in with Trevor Reynolds. I felt a cold chill run down my spine when Trevor and I made eye contact. I flipped him off when he continued to watch me with a smug expression. When his face fell, I turned away satisfied. What a jarhead.
I didn't recall him being in my class yesterday so he must have changed courses though I didn't take him or Keenan for an art person. When Keenan disappeared inside the supply closet, Trevor chose that moment to saunter over to me.
“How’s it going Lake?” he asked cheerfully.
“Fuck off.” I didn't bother to spare him a glance.
“You may want to be a little careful with how you speak to me.” He leaned down to whisper into my ear. “Unlike Keiran, I don't hold a secret torch for you. I will end you.”
I finally looked up to meet his glare with one of my own. “I don't know what you mean. Keiran wouldn’t hold a torch for me unless it was to burn me alive with it.”
“You might be right...” A cheshire grin spread his lips as he walked away to sit in his seat.
Keenan came out the supply closet with a giggling brunette following. I had one guess at what they had been doing, and shook my head. He really had no shame. I snorted and turned back to the poster in front of me and thought about Trevor’s unnecessary threat. Keiran would never listen to me anyway. I looked too guilty. The day Keiran went away and left my life for the first time was a day I would never forget…
*
One year ago
“Are you sure you’re okay? We can totally bail if you want.” I smiled at Willow because she really was a good friend. The day before Keiran had humiliated me in front of the entire cafeteria when I asked to speak to him.
“Thanks Willow, but you are not using me to get out of your Biology exam.”
“Ugh, don't remind me. Ms. Thompson is such a beyotch. I swear she fails me on purpose.”
“Willow, you made an “A-” on an assignment one time because you skipped a question.”
“Whatever, she’s still a witch. Hey, did you ever find your cellphone?”
“No, but I’m sure it will turn up.” My cellphone disappeared yesterday after the scene in the cafeteria.
“Maybe someone stole it.”
It was possible. I remembered sending Willow a text in third period before heading to the bathroom. I thought I left my phone on my desk and didn't realize it was missing until fourth period when Willow asked why I didn't respond to her text. After searching my backpack I went back to the bathroom I used and even asked the lost and found committee, but it never turned up.
“Maybe. I’m going to search again and ask around before I report it missing.”
We pulled into the school parking lot and I immediately noticed the flashing lights. There were squad cars and a gang of students gathered around, watching the school anxiously.
“Whoa, did someone die?” Willow asked.
“I don't think so. There aren’t any ambulances.”