Page 152 of Pride High 2: Orange

“And you obviously can’t take no for answer,” a familiar voice drawled.

Mindy turned and saw Keisha approaching. Death was in her eyes as she stared Troy down, but that gaze became filled with warmth when it flicked to Mindy instead. “Hey, girl. Wanna walk with me to my next class?”

“Yes,” Mindy said with a surge of gratitude.

“Great!” Keisha glared at Troy again. “Stay away from her. Or next time my brother will get involved.” She jerked a thumb over her shoulder.

Mindy looked in that direction and saw La Vonn leaning against the lockers while keeping tabs on them. He was big and strong. Nobody was ever surprised to learn that he was raised on a farm. Mindy knew that he was incredibly sweet. Troy didn’t. He was paler than ever when she glanced at him. He opened his mouth to say something before it snapped shut again.

“Funny how that works,” Keisha murmured. “No is such a confusing word unless it comes from another man. For the record, my brother would only be there to make sure nobody tries to stop me, because I can handle a skinny little twerp like you.”

Troy’s face turned crimson as he scowled, but he wasn’t dumb enough to say anything back.

Keisha offered her arm.

Mindy let go of the knife to take it.

“Thank you,” she said once they had walked far enough away that she wouldn’t be overheard.

“You were doing just fine on your own,” Keisha said, “but you shouldn’t have to face this alone. You’ve got friends. Unlike him.”

Mindy squeezed her arm affectionately. “You came to check on me?”

“I never need an excuse to see you,” Keisha replied.

“Aww! Wait, is that why Silvia walked me to class?”

“Could be. I don’t want to ruin the surprise when Cameron picks you up from biology.”

“He’s in on this too?” Mindy had to wipe at her eyes before she could respond. “You’re all so wonderful!”

“That’s how we feel about you,” Keisha said. “How are you doing?”

“Much better, thanks.” Mindy sighed. “I just wish I hadn’t wasted my first kiss on a creep like him.”

Keisha smirked. “Are you forgetting about New Year’s?”

“That was just a smooch,” Mindy said dismissively. Like the innocent kind one child might give to another.

“A kiss is a kiss,” Keisha replied easily. “All I’m saying is that you’ve got options.”

Mindy thought about it. “You’re right! My first kiss was with a girl.” She covered her mouth and tittered when a tiny freshman looked over at her in surprise. “Is it wrong that I like how that sounds?”

“It sure felt right to me,” Keisha replied.

Because they were friends? Or because Keisha never seemed to take an interest in guys? Then again, neither had Silvia for the longest time. Maybe they had more restraint about such things. Mindy would work on that. For now, she wouldn’t worry as much about Troy. In fact, she had already decided to leave the knife at home tomorrow, since she had a much more powerful defense. Friends who loved her.

CHAPTER 34

January 14th, 1993

Ricky could see, on the other side of the mall food court where they were seated, that a snow storm had begun. The world beyond the glass doors soon became a white blur.

“Your brother isn’treallygoing to make us ride in the back of his truck,” Ricky said, turning toward Anthony as they waited in line. “Is he?”

“Probably not,” Anthony replied, his attention still on the menu above the counter. “If I freeze to death, he’ll get grounded.”

“Yeah, but what about me?”