Page 3 of I Don't Need Your Love

“Yep,” I say, noticing my voice shakes a little. “It’s great so far. Thanks for rooming me with Addie.”

“That wasn’t my decision,” she says. “Mr. Bradshaw insisted. I honestly don’t think it’s the best idea, for I fear you may have a negative effect on Addie.”

Um…ouch. The fact that she just said point blank that Addie’s grandfather forced her to let me room with Addie stings. Geez, I guess she really isn’t my greatest fan.

I laugh nervously. “Addie’s a great student. I’m sure she’ll have a positive effect on me, and not the other way around.”

She makes a clicking sound with her tongue like she highly doubts it, but thankfully, it seems she’s ready to change the subject. Pinning her serious eyes on me, she says, “I’ve been informed that you failed to show up for the new student this morning.”

“New student?”

“Ryder Bennett. I emailed you last night to give him a tour of the school. As you have done for many students in the past, including your friend Addie Hayes.”

“New student?” I mutter. “More like new monster.”

“Pardon me?”

I wish I could tell her that I can’t possibly show up for a student who doesn’t exist, but I’m pretty sure that would get medetention. And maybe possibly expulsion? The academy has a no-bullying policy here.

“I was under the impression that you enjoy helping new students gather their bearings,” she says.

“Well, yeah, that’s true, but…”

Her brows dip. “But…?”

“Not when they’re cretins,” I mutter.

“Carly, I’m sorry to say that I’m getting older and my hearing is not what it used to be. Please speak louder.”

I force a smile. “All I said was that I’ve been so busy with school and everything that it unfortunately slipped my mind. Sorry.”

Not.

She nods in understanding. “All right. You’ll meet with him during lunch period and give him the tour then.”

My jaw falls open. “You mean, sacrifice my lunch?”

If she knew the kind of relationship I have with food, she would be smart to change her order, pronto.

She holds out her hands. “I’m sorry, but you made a commitment to meet with him before classes and you failed to keep your—”

“I didn’t commit to meet with The Fiend—” I snap my lips shut as my cheeks heat up. “I m-mean, it’s hard for me to concentrate on my classes on an empty stomach.”

She once again fastens serious eyes on me. “Considering how much effort you put into your classes, I’m sure you’ll fare just fine.”

Wow, burn. Harrington can be a beast.

She continues to look into my eyes. “Don’t disappoint me again, Carly.”

“Okay,” I mumble as I grab my backpack and get up.

“One more thing.”

I lower myself back on the chair and try not to sigh. Can this nightmare get any worse?

“You’ve coasted by your freshman and sophomore years, but I’m afraid we can’t allow you to do that any longer. Every student here brings value to this academy, or else they wouldn’t have the privilege of attending our prestigious school. You, Carly Simmons, need to contribute to the school.”

“I don’t have money,” I say.