They told me everything. Not leaving a single detail out, including my parents’ involvement. Fred Arson was stable at this time, but Mateo wasn’t in a good place. He blamed himself, and I totally knew what he meant. I had the blame as well. I had gone to Fred too.
“You’re quiet,” Heather said.
We were still the best of friends. Heather had been a little embarrassed about telling me the truth of her feelings. I understood it. She was in love with me, and I loved her like a friend.
I didn’t want to lose her either.
“Sorry, just a lot on my mind. Did you hear about that kid named Fred?” I asked.
“Yeah. I heard no one knew what the hell was going on.”
I smiled. “You with your way of hearing things.”
“I’m an insignificant person in the scheme of things. People don’t mind what they say around me.” She shrugged. “But I’m not kidding. There’s no evidence of a break-in or someone we don’t know being on public property.”
This made me frown. “You’re sure?”
“The invisible student here. I heard the principal when she went out to have a cigarette. I didn’t know who she was talking to, but they have no evidence and apparently his dad is going mental.”
“I can imagine. It’s his son. He comes to All Saints to have the chance at a better life and suddenly his kid is in a coma.”
“Yeah, they didn’t put this in the brochure for the reasons to love this place.”
I chuckled. “We’re good, right?”
“We’re better than good.” Heather grabbed my hand.
“Was it something I did?” I asked.
Heather sighed. “Yes and no. You’re a beautiful person, Sian. In this school, you accepted me without any question. You’re different, and I think it has to do with the fact you were mostly raised by Drew.”
I sighed. “I could really do with her right now.”
“When is your dinner?” Heather asked.
“Tonight. We’re all leaving in Gideon’s car, arriving at his parents’ house, and then we’ll be back after the weekend.”
“Did you hear they’re throwing a big Halloween party?” Heather asked.
“Where?”
“At the school. They believe it is going to be epic.”
I laughed. “I probably won’t be going.”
“Ah, come on. You have got to go.”
“You’re going to have to miss me.” There was no way I’d be able to face Heather knowing what was coming. Halloween night, destined before I was even born to lose my virginity to Gideon Flores. It sounded messed-up.
The lunch bell rang, and I followed Heather out as we headed toward gym.
“Don’t you think this is a little unfair?” Heather asked. “Putting gym right after lunch. I’m going to barf.”
I laughed as we headed into the locker rooms.
Since Chloe had returned to school with a bruised face, there had been no more incidences. We were all getting along without saying a single word.
I put my uniform away in my bag, stuffing it into my locker. With my shorts and shirt on, I gave a little stretch as Heather finished getting changed. We made our way out of the room into the main gym.
“I didn’t ask you,” Coach Bilson said.
That sickness in the pit of my stomach started up, and I was so tempted to look behind me at my guys, but with the threat coming at me, I stayed focused.
For several seconds, nothing happened, then Coach rounded the mat and I followed his movements.
Did he not know I went to public school where for a short time, I was bullied? Drew had hated it and got me defense lessons.
He attacked, and as I was taught, I struck first, landing a blow to his side, stepping on his foot, and throwing my fist into his crotch.