Page 43 of Satan's Spawn

It’s last period, though, which means after this I get respite from the Crayton and Alexis worshiping sycophants.

The gym instructor, Mrs. Knowles, who also happens to be the cheerleading coach, finally wrapped up her twenty minute speech about code of conduct during gym and different options available for sports and recreation. I’m most excited for the track, obviously, and to use the indoor swimming pool.

Closest I can get to a cove while I’m here.

Mrs. Knowles moved onto cheer sign-up, so those who aren’t interested are using this time to bask in the sun. And by those who aren’t interested—I mean Hendrix and me.

We picked up our gym uniforms in the coaches office in the locker rooms—gray sweats and white shirts—which the both of us immediately tied at our waists because of the heat.

“What the literal fuck is wrong with these people, man?” Hendrix lets out a deep sigh as she outstretches her face toward the sun. “I swear to God I’ll get that bitch Annalie for what she did to you. Crayton too.”

“She’s not worth it. None of them are.” I match her position and lean back on my arms, peering across the field to the dozens of guys throwing a football around and stretching. A few of which I recognize from my classes.

One of which stands out like an Adonis in a sea of Quasimodo’s.Felix Crimson.

We ended up having lab together, too. We were partnered up by our instructor right after that shit went down at lunch, and this guy’s smooth wits and playful manner continued on throughout the entire period. It also managed to settle my nerves from the previous period.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s so easy on the eyes, or that he’s the only other guy, besides Archer, who doesn’t have a hard-on for Crayton or Alexis. In fact, he kind of implied he doesn’t care for either of them at all.

It was refreshing while it lasted, and satisfying now as I’m watching him bend over.

“We have two whole school years here, Bex. Things will likely get worse if we don’t do something about it.”

Hendrix isn’t wrong, and I wouldn’t blame her for wanting to steer clear of the line of fire.

It’s too late for me, but not for her. She’s not the one everyone seems to hate for no reason.

I lean forward, bringing my knees to my chest. “If you want to switch dorms and keep your distance from me, I understand, you know.”

Hendrix looks at me like I sprouted three new heads. “That’s not who I am, jerk. What I’m saying is you need to fight back.”

That’s not who I am.

“I’ve done fine my entire life slipping through the cracks, I’ll find a way to do it here. I’m sure by tomorrow nobody will give a shit about me.”

Now she looks as though I’ve sprouted a fifth head. “They’re not gonna forget, Bex. Alexis will make sure of it. Neither will Crayton. I hear what people are saying.”

I close my eyes, taking a much needed reassuring breath. “If I don’t engage, they’ll get bored with it.”

“Or they’ll up their game.” She counters. “I don’t know what the kids are like in California, but in Manhattan, these bitches can be brutal. Trust me.”

“I have a plan, Hendrix. I just need to get through these two years with solid grades and get my ass into Stanford. I’m not looking to risk that by retaliating against ignorant asshats.”

She stays quiet for a beat, then says, “I think you should at least tell your parents.”

Parent.I want to correct her.

But the last thing I need is to be reminded that I can’t have my dad’s words of wisdom or guidance.

I’ll never have it again.

And I’m sure Roman and my mom would march up to this school guns blazing if they found out what Alexis and Crayton did to me.

Absolutely not fucking happening.

I turn to face her, all business. “Hendrix, you cannot speak a word of this to my mom. She’s been feeling all sorts of guilty about moving me to the east coast, and trying like crazy to make me comfortable. Not to mention it’s costing my stepdad a ton of money to send me to this school.”

“Exactly why they should talk with Headmaster Beaumont.”