Page 9 of I Despise You

As I go to the front of the class, everyone’s expectant eyes on me, I wonder if they know anything about me. I guess not. No one knows I’m not rich like them, and I don’t know if they’ll judge me for the way I got into their school.

I could lie and tell them that I’ve traveled the whole damn world, or that I came here because my old school in London just wasn’t demanding enough.

But I don’t want to do that.

I don’t want to be ashamed of who I am or where I come from.

Still, that doesn’t mean I have to spill my guts to them. It’s just a stupid introduction, not a trial, even if it somehow feels like one, especially when Chase is looking at me with all the curiosity in the world.

I opt for the simplest version. “Hi, everyone. I’m Liliana. I like reading, painting, and dancing.”

Most of the class looks bored. Some are busy with their phones and aren’t even listening to me, which is great. But Chase...

It’s impossible to escape his gaze.

“That’s great, Liliana. We’re happy to have you here,” the teacher says, and I return to my seat.

As the teacher starts the class, I can’t stop fidgeting. Maybe I’m imagining things, but it’s like I can feel Chase’s eyes on my back, daring me to turn around and look at him.

It takes me a long time to truly focus on what the teacher is saying, and when I do, the class is already over. I stuff my things into my bag, and when I get up and spin around, I’m ready to force Chase to return the photo to me or I’ll report him if I have to.

An empty chair greets me.

He’s no longer here.

He’s already left.

I grind my teeth together. Shit. He must’ve forgotten about the photo, and now I’ll have tochaseafter Chase.

Fucking brilliant.