Bully Secret (Bullies of Ember High Book 1)

by Octavia June

  I dashed for the door, and when I was out, I broke into a run. Hopefully, no one would see me.

  I didn’t stop until I was far enough away.

  Chapter 28

  I WAS SITTING IN THE cafeteria with Sam when I spotted Zack shoving a guy against the wall in the corner. No one even batted an eyelash.

  Just like he’d done to me, Zack stole the guy’s money, and then he headed outside. Would he even be doing that if it weren’t for the situation his family was in?

  Why didn’t his mom just let him work? But I supposed that would be seen as something shameful in her mind, although I didn’t understand why.

  Maybe she was still in shock and refusing to accept her new reality. But couldn’t she see that her son was suffering because of it?

  I couldn’t know what was going through her mind, though. The whole thing might seem crazy or silly to me, but maybe it wasn’t to her.

  Hell, if there was anything I’d learned, it was that things were never black and white, and we couldn’t know what was going on in someone’s life.

  Did Aaron, Rhys, and Ethan know the truth? Had Zack told them or did he have to pretend in front of them too?

  “Melody.” Sam waved her hand in front of my face. “Where are you?”

  “Sorry.” I blinked at her. “I was just thinking about something.”

  “Oh... About what? Zack?” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  “No.” I scowled. “It’s not what you think.”

  “And what do I think?”

  “I don’t know. That I like him or something.”

  “Don’t you like him? Or do you like Aaron more? Or Ethan? Or Rhys?” The corners of her lips tilted up.

  “We’re just working on our History project together. That’s all.”

  “Right.” She smacked her lips together. “The project.”

  As I popped a fry into my mouth, I spotted Rhys across the room.

  He was alone, and he looked bored or tired. Or maybe it was both.

  I kept looking at him, wishing he’d meet my gaze, but he didn’t.

  “I need to do something,” I said. “I’ll be right back.”

  I got to my feet. Something was up with Rhys, and I felt like I had to check on him.

  “Hey,” I said.

  “Hey,” he said, not even looking at me. He was staring at the floor, or maybe at his boots.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be?” He finally looked at me, and there was annoyance and something else in his eyes. “Why does everyone keep asking me that? I’m fucking perfect.”

  “I was just making sure.” I lifted my hands and headed back to my table.

  When I glanced over my shoulder, Rhys was looking after me as if he wanted to say something, but he didn’t.

  Weird. Something was definitely up with him, but I had no idea what.

  “So it’s Rhys?” Sam grinned as I sat down.

  I rolled my eyes. “No!”

  “Fine. Fine. I’ll stop.”

  “Does he look weird to you?”

  “Um, define weird.”

  “Like something’s bothering him.”

  She glanced at him and shook her head. “I don’t know. He seems like his usual dark self. Isn’t he always like that?”

  “Well, kind of.”

  Except, I was sure something was off about him.

  But how could I find out what it was?

  Chapter 29

  AARON AND I WERE AT my house.

  Since I didn’t really want to go over to his place, and I definitely didn’t want to have to hide my food around his mom, I’d figured it was better if he was with me. Besides, my mom had made sandwiches for us, and Aaron seemed so much happier after he’d eaten two of them.

  But now he was standing in front of my mirror and staring at his reflection. I knew that look. Ugh.

  “You’re not fat,” I said as I came to stand behind him.

  He turned his head to look at me, his brow furrowing.

  “Oh, come on. Do you think I don’t know what you were checking out?”

  “I wasn’t,” he said, a whole lot of defensiveness in his voice.

  “Do you know how many times I stood in front of that mirror and thought the same thing? I’d feel guilty that I’d eaten too much again, and I hated that stupid mirror. I wanted to smash it into pieces once.”

  Why on earth was I telling him all this? He could use it against me.

  For all I knew, I was going to read all about my confession in the Ember High Journal tomorrow, but I couldn’t stop myself.

  “It’s stupid. I know.” He stepped away from the mirror.

  “Don’t let your mom or anyone make you feel guilty or make you feel bad about yourself.”

  Look who’s talking.

  Yeah, well. Telling it to someone else was way easier than actually taking your own advice.

  “I mean, you have abs and all,” I said awkwardly.

  He let out a laugh. “Thanks.”

  “Well, it’s true.”

  “My grandfather was a soccer player. He was destined for great things, but he got injured, and then his dream went away,” he said, his face pensive. “I’ve always liked soccer. I don’t know if it’s because of my family, but I like it for me too. I just don’t know if I can play it on a professional level like they want me to. It takes a lot to catch the attention of the scouts, and I don’t know if I’m good enough.”

  “In my inexpert opinion, you totally are.” I grinned at him.

  “Have you even seen me play?”

  “Maybe.”

  He shook his head at me. “You’re coming to my next match. I won’t let you miss it.”

  “I accept my sacred duty.” I winked at him, clasping my hands in front of me.

  He laughed. “Good.”

  “Will your parents be there, though? Because I’d love to smuggle some sandwiches for you. A hungry soccer player can’t be a good player. Don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, actually, that sounds more like it. But don’t bring too many.”

  “Meh. I’ll just eat the ones you don’t want myself.” I stuck out my tongue at him.

  And then we were both laughing.

  It was so crazy. Who could’ve thought I’d ever have a conversation like this with Aaron? The guy who’d mocked me for my weight.

  Damn, I was really growing fond of my boys, wasn’t I?

  Chapter 30

  “I NEED YOU TO COME with me,” Rhys said.

  “Why?” I closed my locker, wondering what this was about.

  “Just need a favor, and you’re here, so...”

  “Um, okay.” I followed him down the hallway, but when he grabbed some boy by the shirt and dragged him with him toward the bathroom, my eyebrows shot up.

  “Rhys? What’s going on?” I asked.

  “Just keep watch. Don’t let anyone get in the bathroom. And if anyone comes, especially a teacher, knock on the door three times. Got it?” he said as he shoved the boy inside.

  “I guess.” What the hell was going on?

  I was totally confused about the whole thing. What the hell was Rhys doing with that boy? Who was he?

  I had so many questions, and I didn’t know if Rhys was going to give me any answers. What did he think? That I was part of his bully group now?

  Oh shit.

  It seemed like an eternity before the door opened and the boy rushed outside, glaring at me. It didn’t look like he was hurt, so at least that was something.

  But Rhys wasn’t coming out, so I peeked inside.

  He was holding something in his hand. A small box or something.

  No, wait. It was a pee sample, wasn’t it?

  “That guy owed me a favor,” Rhys simply said as he pocketed the container. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Right.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

  “Now come with me. I need to leave this somewhere, and no one is supposed to see me. You’ll keep watch.�
� He just started walking, expecting me to follow him.

  Great.

  Maybe I shouldn’t do it, but I went after him anyway.

  I wanted to know what he was going to do. We strode past the locker room, and then ended up in a hallway with a lot of doors.

  Rhys pulled something out of his pocket as he approached one of the doors.

  Ah hell. He was picking the lock, wasn’t he?

  I glanced around, hoping no one would see us. Luckily, there weren’t any cameras around here.

  Rhys had to be an expert, because the door slid open and he slipped inside. A few moments later, he was out and the door locked behind him again.

  It was as if he’d never been in there.

  “Aaron needed some help,” Rhys said as we hurried away from there.

  I supposed that was how Ethan and Aaron passed their drug tests.

  Awesome. Not.

  “How long have you been doing this?” I asked. “Doing drugs or whatever can—”

  “Spare me the talk,” he said. “We all just need something to relax. It’s nothing serious, and it’s not as dangerous as everyone wants to make you think.”

  “Fine. Whatever you say.” Maybe I didn’t like it, but it wasn’t like I could do anything about it.

  “Don’t tell anyone about this.” Rhys shot me a warning look. “I mean it.”

  “I won’t.” When I glanced at him, I wondered what he was hiding behind those blue eyes.

  Chapter 31

  “WHAT’S GOING ON?” I asked Sam because I spotted people giggling about something, and someone was shouting just down the school hallway.

  “Haven’t you checked the Journal today?” she said. “It looks like Gwen cheated on Mark with Justin.”

  “Huh?” I only vaguely knew who those people were and that was because they were popular. “Are they all sophomores?”

  “Yeah. There are photos and everything. Everyone is talking about it.”

  It was good not to have all the attention on me, but I didn’t like that the Journal was exposing people’s secrets again or whatever.

  When I saw Rhys with Aaron, Zack, and Ethan, I immediately headed toward them.

  They were all laughing and in a very good mood, and I had no idea if it was because Aaron had passed his drug test or because they were the ones who’d messed up things for Gwen, Mark, and Justin.

  “Hey, Mel,” Aaron said.

  “Was it you?” I asked, looking at all four of them.

  “What are you talking about?” Zack asked.

  “You’re behind the Ember High Journal, aren’t you?” Maybe they’d trust me with the truth.

  After all, I knew a lot more things about them now than before, and they sort of acted like my friends.

  “Nope,” Aaron said.

  “That’s crazy.” Ethan shook his head. “Why would you even think that?”

  Well, firstly, their secrets had never been exposed.

  If this person was going after everyone who had something to hide or after whoever they could make fun of, then surely Rhys, Aaron, Ethan, and Zack wouldn’t be spared.

  “It would make sense.” I shrugged. “And I’m not judging. I’m just wondering.”

  “Not judging? You?” Rhys burst into laughter. “Oh, Melody. You’re so sweet when you lie.”

  “Okay, fine. Don’t tell me. Whatever.” I gripped the strap of my bag. “But we should keep working on our project before we forget everything. When are you free?”

  “Um,” Aaron said.

  Zack scratched his head.

  Ethan frowned.

  Rhys was looking everywhere but at me.

  “Okay. Just text me when you figure it out.” If we ever got to complete that project, it was going to be a miracle.

  I didn’t think anyone needed to meet as many times as we did, but whatever.

  It would all come to an end eventually, and then what? What would happen with me and the boys?

  I had no clue.

  Chapter 32

  OF COURSE NO ONE TEXTED me, and they weren’t answering, so I decided I had to go find them.

  Actually, I really wanted to find out who was behind the Ember High Journal. What if it really was none of them? And what if it was one of them, but the others didn’t know? Now that would be very interesting.

  I headed to Aaron’s house first, hoping I’d catch him there. But when the front door opened, it was his mom and not him.

  “Hello, Melody,” she said with a forced smile on her face.

  “Hello, Mrs. Oliveira. Is Aaron here?”

  “No, not at the moment. But he should be here soon. Why don’t you go up to his room and wait for him there?”

  “Yeah, sure.” I gave her my best innocent smile.

  Oh, this was just perfect. I rushed to Aaron’s room, and when I dropped my bag to the floor, I had no idea where to start looking for what I needed.

  If Aaron was behind the Ember High Journal, what would he need to run it? A laptop? A camera to take photos?

  The images that were up on the website with Gwen hadn’t been taken with a phone, or at least I didn’t think so.

  As quietly as possible, I opened Aaron’s closet, but I didn’t see a camera or anything interesting. I checked a few drawers and the nightstand.

  Nothing.

  My gaze fell on his laptop, but I was sure that he wouldn’t just leave it on. Or maybe he would.

  Just as I made my way toward the desk, the door open and Aaron walked inside, still in his soccer kit.

  “Hey,” he said. “I didn’t know you’d be coming.”

  “Well, no one responded to my texts. If this is a bad time, I can go.”

  “No, there’s no need,” he said, dropping his bag.

  Then he went over to the closet and pulled his shirt over his head. I just stared at him, unable to look away.

  Gah, that body.

  When he took off his shorts, my eyes widened. His black boxer briefs were so damn tight.

  A tingling started low in my stomach, and I somehow managed to force myself to look away.

  When Aaron got dressed, there was a smile on his face. He’d been teasing me, hadn’t he? He wanted me all confused and flustered.

  Ah shit.

  “Okay. I’m ready,” he said.

  “Actually, I think we’re going to need your laptop for this,” I said. “I need to search for something first. I got a really cool idea, but I don’t know if it’s going to work.”

  “Yeah, sure.” He opened his laptop and turned it on, and then he handed it to me.

  I settled on the bed, angling the laptop screen away from him. As I pretended that I was searching for something for our project, I was actually looking for something that would give me a clue as to whether he was behind the Journal or not.

  But I couldn’t find any weird folders or images, and there wasn’t anything that indicated Aaron had access to the administrative part of the website.

  What if he had a different computer for that? Maybe that was how he planned to ensure that no one could connect him to the website.

  But the damn thing was updated very often, so he’d need to have easy access to it. Maybe he used his phone for that. But then again, maybe he wasn’t behind any of it.

  “Did you find what you were looking for?” he asked.

  “Um, yeah, but it’s not going to work. I think we need to come up with something else.” I gave him a small smile.

  “Okay.”

  As I watched him, I was still trying to get rid of the heat that was spreading through my whole body.

  Fuck.

  I liked Aaron a little bit too much, didn’t I?

  Chapter 33

  “NO, I THINK WE SHOULD put this first,” I said as I pointed at the photo Ethan and I had printed out for our project.

  “You’re right. It looks better that way,” he said. “Let me just get some glue.” He looked around his room, but then his brow furrowed. “Shit. I’ll have to see if my m
om has some.”

  “Okay.” I waited until he was out of the room.

  His laptop was open just across from me, so I shifted closer to it. Was he the one behind the Ember High Journal?

  I checked his web browser and a few folders, but all I found was porn. Heh. Maybe it wasn’t him who was posting anything to that website.

  When Ethan returned, he had a scowl on his face. “No glue in this fucking house. Mom used it all up for my brother’s photos.”

  “It doesn’t matter. We’ll finish it up next time, or I can take these with me, and I’ll do them with Zack. Or hell, you can do it when you’re working with one of them.”

  “We’ll do it next time.” He sat down, pressing his lips into a tight line. “Unless my brother sends more of his photos and my mom decides to put them up all over the house.”

  I was an only child, so I had no clue what it was like to have a brother or a sister, especially one that your parents seemed to favor more.

  “She worships him like a god,” he muttered. “And I’m not really surprised. My brother is awesome. What’s not to like about him? He’s funny, he graduated at the top of his class, got into the college that he wanted...”

  “You’re awesome too.” I gave him a small smile. “And I’m pretty sure you’ll get whatever the hell you want.”

  “Yeah, I guess,” he said with zero enthusiasm.

  How could I make him feel better? Probably none of his achievements seemed like something special when his brother had already done it all. Maybe his mom just expected him to be great at everything.

  “Do you know what you’re going to do after you graduate? I think everyone does, except for me,” I said.

  “Yeah, kind of. How come you don’t know?” His eyebrows shot up.

  “I guess I just can’t decide what I want. It’s like I want everything and nothing. I’m interested in a lot of things. I wish I could just get a taste of everything before deciding. Everyone expects me to go to college, but I’m not sure if I’m going to do it.”

  “You should hurry with making up your mind. You know the application deadlines are coming up, right?”