Bryce (Scandalous Boys #1)

by Natalie Decker

  Heat and pain circle my ankle. I refuse to stop running. I will crawl to the finish line with this darn thing leaking poison into my veins before I let Kathy win again. This is my year! My leg is starting to tingle as if it’s slowly falling asleep. This isn’t good. I’m almost to the finish line. Refs and coaches are running toward me. I wave them off. I will finish this race.

  I stretch my left leg, then my right, which is turning from tingling to feeling numb. I glance down, and holy crap, my ankle looks like a cankle! My chest is tightening, and I don’t know if it’s from the poison or the running, but I’m about to pass out. Eight more steps. I can do this. Eight more steps and I can go night-night in the grass.

  “Issac! I’m coming!” my coach screams.

  I shake my head. I’m not about to let him stop me from finishing. Six more steps. Coach is three away. Four more steps. Coach is at arm’s length, and I huff, “I’m crossing!”

  “Issac, you don’t have …” I stride out of his reach and get two steps from the finish line. My lungs burn for air. I can’t feel my right leg. My ankle looks like a football on steroids. Oh, this is not pretty. Not by a long shot. But I rush through the tape and drop to the ground.

  Kathy crosses after me. She glances down at me and shakes her head. “You’re one crazy person, you know that?”

  “But I won.”

  “Yeah, but at least my body isn’t deformed. You, on the other hand, have one ankle the size of my dad’s pickup.” She helps me up, and I hobble over to the medic.

  Coach Dockers is standing alongside me. “For God’s sake, Issac, I didn’t want you to take the phrase ‘finish no matter what’ literally!”

  “I did good, though. Right, Coach?”

  He smacks his palm to his forehead and walks away grumbling. The cute medic taking care of my ankle laughs. “You know, you’re the first person I’ve ever met who finished a race after being bitten by a copperhead.”

  “Do people often get bitten during races?”

  “No. But I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have told their coach they were going to finish before getting medical attention. In fact, it’s the stupidest thing you could do.”

  I shrug. “They didn’t lose to Kathy Wheeler three years in a row then.”

  He smiles and tells me to rest for a bit. My coach hops into the back of the medic truck. “I called your parents. They’re meeting us at the hospital.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You drive to school, don’t you?”

  I nod. “Looks like I’m not going to be going to work tomorrow.”

  “Or running in Tuesday’s meet. Next time someone yells ‘snake,’ will you at least do what the other girls did? Don’t hurdle it. Make a huge loop around it.”

  I give him a thumbs-up. “I honestly didn’t think it would launch toward the sky like that.”

  “You shouldn’t assume anything.”

  “Yeah, I definitely shouldn’t assume this sport isn’t dangerous. Animals and reptiles can attack you at any given moment. I had no idea I was signing up for this kind of craziness.”

  The doors to the vehicle close after the medic climbs into the back with us. “How’s the patient?”

  “I think I’m good.”

  He hands me a large bottle of water. “Drink up.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Bryce

  I make my way through the crowd of people at Greg’s party. Heading toward the kitchen, I spot Graham kicking back some shots with Greg and Ryan. Graham nods at me. “What up, man?”

  He’s clearly forgotten about our argument this morning. He no longer seems to be in a pissy mood, and I’m glad. I also notice Sarah isn’t around him, though. Maybe he got that anonymous e-mail after all. Although that wouldn’t really explain why he was taking shots with Ryan instead of throwing him to the floor and beating him to a pulp.

  “Where’s Sarah?” I ask.

  Graham shakes his head. “At the hospital.”

  “Why? What happened to her?” Ryan asked.

  Graham gives him a funny look and then stares at me. “Madison got bit by a copperhead at her cross-country meet. How insane is that? Anyways, she was hauled off to the hospital. Mrs. Issac was in super freak mode and kicked me out of the house, and then they all took off to TriStar.”

  I leave the kitchen and turn toward the crowded party.

  “Bryce, where the hell are you going?” Graham yells after me.

  “Outta here,” I shout back.

  I’m stepping outside when a hand lands on my shoulder and tugs me back. I shift. “Wait up. If you’re going, I’m coming. Giving moral support.”

  I glare at Graham. “For who? For weeks you’ve been telling Madison she’s a freak and a stalker. And in case you haven’t noticed, Sarah doesn’t look like a fan of Madison’s.”

  “Oh, like you are? Don’t think you’re fooling me. You’re using her in order to get a good grade in calc.”

  Any other time, I’d tell him he was right, just to shut him up. But right now, he’s barely walking a straight line, so I know whatever I tell him won’t matter. He won’t remember it, and even if he does, I really don’t care. “I like her, Graham. Maybe even love her.”

  His mouth hangs open, and then he laughs. “Bullshit! You’re not in love with Madison.”

  “I am. So what?” I get into my car and start the engine.

  He slides into the passenger seat. “So what? I’ll tell you what! She’ll never date you, man. She hates you. Really hates you. I don’t know what’s wrong with you two lately. It’s like a damn magical arrow stabbed you both in the ass, and you both magically forgot how much you loathe each other.”

  “People change.”

  He doesn’t say anything else. Fifteen minutes of silence; that’s how long it takes us to reach the hospital. When I step inside the emergency entrance, I feel panic take hold of me. What the hell am I doing here? Would she really want to see me after what she overheard me say in the computer lab?

  I step up to the glass, and a woman in pink scrubs asks, “May I help you?”

  “Hi. I was told my friend Madison Issac was admitted her for a snake-bite wound.”

  The nurse punches some things into her computer. “Yes, she’s in the west wing. Check in at the nurse’s station there, and someone will be able to help you.”

  “What the hell?” Graham suddenly shouts. “I’m going to kill him!”

  I glare at him. “Dude!” I turn back to the nurse and smile. “Thanks.” I yank Graham toward a hallway on my left. “What is wrong with you?”

  Graham holds up his phone, and there are the pictures I took of Sarah and Ryan making out in the library. Aw, shit.

  “Maybe that isn’t her,” I say.

  “It’s her. I can’t believe she cheated on me.”

  I tug him along. “Come on, man. I’ve got to see Madison. When we get there, you can tell Sarah off, or you can confront her.”

  He doesn’t say anything; he just follows me to the desk. The nurse working is dressed in dark blue scrubs. She is plump and doesn’t look very happy to see anyone. “Yes?” she growls.

  “I’m looking for Madison Issac.”

  “Are you family?”

  “No. I’m a friend.”

  “Name?”

  “Bryce Matthews.”

  The woman peers at her computer and shakes her head. “You’re not on the list. Go wait over there. I’ll send someone to you.”

  “I can’t believe she made out with that dick!” Graham snaps as the nurse stands. She glares at us and waddles off.

  I smack Graham. “If you get us kicked outta here before I can see Madison, I’m going to kill you.”

  Graham starts to say something, but a jingling of keys and clacking of heels followed by, “Oh my God, oh my God!” makes us both turn toward Emily. She’s running down the hall and stops when she sees us. “What the hell are you two doing here? Is she okay? Did you see her?”

  “We just got here,” I say. �
��I’m not on the list. He just tagged along.”

  Emily hits Graham on the arm. “You’re an asshole! You used to be her friend. What’s wrong with you?” Then she wallops me in the shoulder. “And you! Don’t even get me started on what an asshole you are. Don’t even like her, huh? Could have fooled me the way you went off on her for sneaking out on you during your breakfast date at IHOP. Oh yeah. I’m not stupid.”

  I’m about to say something, but the nurse is back. “Mr. Matthews, I’m sorry, but you can’t see her today. Tomorrow, visiting hours are from seven in the morning to eight thirty at night.”

  I don’t care when the hours are. I’m not leaving. Not until I see her. Graham has other plans. He stumbles up to Emily. “Go get that nurse to go get Sarah.”

  Emily folds her arms. “Why?”

  “Because I wanna know why she’s been screwing around on me,” he says in a raised tone. People from behind the desk start to stare at us. I see one of the nurses pick up the phone, probably to call security. It is after visiting hours, and he’s making a scene.

  “Shut up!” I growl.

  Graham shoves me. “No. I know you hate her, but I love her and want to know why. Is it money?”

  I almost ask him where’s the last place they went and when. Because if it’s only been hanging out at Madison’s house or his house, that’s not a date. Even I’m not stupid enough to think any girl will count that as a date. Instead, I observe the nurse’s station and then Emily. “Do you think you can get in there?”

  “I might be on the list. Let me go see.”

  “If you are, will you give her something from me?”

  Emily nods and walks away. Graham starts to follow, but I get a hold of him and jerk him back. “What are you doing?”

  “I am trying to see if I’m on the list,” he mumbles.

  I shake my head. “I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to Emily. Go have a seat in the corner before you piss me off and I hurt you.”

  He jerks his arm away and snaps, “Don’t be a dick.” He stomps over to the small waiting area off to the side of the hall near the nurse’s station.

  Emily hurries back over to me. “I’ve got five minutes. Her parents approved me. What am I giving her?”

  I walk over to the counter and ask for a sheet of paper and something to write with. They hand me a piece of white copy paper and a pen advertising an erectile-dysfunction pill. Nice. Normally I’m a klepto when it comes to pens, but this is one I don’t plan on pocketing.

  I scribble a note, fold it, and give it to Emily. She takes it and tries to open it. I scold her, “That’s not for you. It’s for her.”

  She sticks her tongue out, then says, “This better not upset her.” Then she follows the nurse leading her to Madison’s room. I take a seat in the waiting area with Graham.

  He’s pacing around, running his fingers through his hair. Maybe I shouldn’t have sent those photos. At least not right now. I should have waited a couple of days, a week, or until I took Madison on a proper date and convinced her I was the guy for her. At least then, I wouldn’t have worried about her falling back in love with Graham. Well, maybe she never stopped loving him, and this is all a lost cause.

  The clack clack clack of heels echoes in the hall, getting louder and louder. Graham stills and looks back to the open doorway. Sarah steps into the room, gives me a smile, and then heads over to Graham. “Hi! I can’t believe you came here to see me.” She throws her arms around him, and I watch him cringe. She pulls back slightly and asks, “What’s wrong?”

  “Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

  “Find what out?”

  I can’t see her expression, but I can see Graham’s, and his cheeks are flaming. He narrows his brows and roars, “Do you think I’m an idiot? You’ve been hooking up with Ryan Fitz for how long?”

  She takes a few steps back, and I’m waiting like an eager little kid in a candy store. The juicy shit is about to hit the fan. She’s either going to tell him flat-out, lie, or lie and get caught all in the same sentence. Either way, I’m practically on the edge of my seat waiting for the massive blowout. And wishing Madison was right beside me to see it.

  “I love you!” Sarah shouts.

  “Is that what you call it?” He holds up his phone. “It sort of looks like you kissing another guy.”

  “Folks, I’m going to have to ask you all to either leave or keep your voices down. We have patients that are in need of rest,” the woman working the desk says. Graham lowers his head and mutters, “I’m sorry.”

  Sarah doesn’t look like she cares either way, and they both exit the room. A few seconds after they leave, Mr. Issac enters the waiting room, and I stand. “Hi. How is she?”

  “She’s fine. Bryce, I don’t want to be rude here, but may I ask what you are doing here?”

  I frown. “I heard she got bitten by a snake during her meet, and I wanted to make sure she’s okay. I know you won’t like when I say this, sir, but I really do care about Madison. As a friend, of course.”

  He nods. “I get that. But both of you will be living different lives very soon. Madison’s will be at either Vanderbilt, Cornell, Brown, or Northwestern—she hasn’t decided, but she has her pick. Do you get what I am trying to say, son?”

  “First, I’m not your son. And second, yeah, I get it. Loud and clear. You don’t want someone like me hanging out with your very bright and gifted daughter.” I nod and leave the waiting room.

  I’m usually the guy who lets this shit roll off his shoulders. But today I can’t. Her dad actually made me feel like a lowlife piece of crap. Because he’s right—someone like me isn’t worthy of Madison. Yeah, I may be smarter than people give me credit for, but I have a record. Vandalism, breaking and entering, stealing, and possession.

  Mind you, none of this would be on my record if I wasn’t hanging out with my older cousin Joe, who’s always pulling me into some shit. And yeah, I should have said no, but at age twelve, when I first got introduced to the system, my cousin was seventeen. What twelve-year-old tells their seventeen-year-old cousin to piss off? None of them. So I went along for the ride. He didn’t tell me what he was doing at the electronics store. He handed me a bat and said, “My buddy Mark told me that this glass doesn’t break. So let’s see.”

  Again, being twelve and wanting to make my cousin proud, I took the bat and hit a rock right into the window. Glass shattered. Sirens blared. And when I turned around with a smile for my cousin, his ass was gone. Cops surrounded the place within seconds before I could even drop the bat and run. That’s how I got my first vandalism charge.

  As the mid-September air hits my face, I take a breath and wish for the first time ever that I didn’t have a record. I wish I looked like the straight-and-narrow kid Graham appears to be. But that’s a lie. He does everything I’d probably get labeled for doing. Drugs—he’s always carrying some weed on him. Alcohol—he’s always hitting up parties or stealing from his parents’ stash.

  I head to my car and slam a fist down on the roof. I will never have Madison. Not with everyone reminding her of my past. The things that will haunt me forever. The mistakes I made. The stupid times I stuck my neck out and took the fall for someone else. All that can never be erased, but I wish it could.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Madison

  Emily smiles at me with tears streaking her cheeks and throws her arms around me. She squeezes me so tight I think I might explode. “Hi to you too,” I manage to get out.

  “Oh my God! You could have died!”

  “Emily. Maybe if I never got it treated, yeah. But I’m fine. They only have me in here under observation. I’ll probably be able to go home tomorrow.”

  She looks about the room and chews on her lip. “I have something for you. Don’t kill me. He just … oh, he’s in the waiting room and looks so lost. I’ve actually never seen him like this ever, and you know we’ve been in like every school together since kindergarten.”

  She ha
nds me a crumpled note, and I sit up a little in my bed and begin to unfold it.

  Call me when you feel up to it. I miss your voice.

  It’s from Bryce. I stare at the note and then look at Emily. “Seriously?”

  She snatches it away from me and gushes, “Oh, come on. You have to be a little awed by it. He said he misses your voice.”

  “Was he sober?” I grab the note back and examine it again.

  “He showed up at Greg’s but left within like seconds of arriving. I don’t think he got trashed that fast.”

  My heart is pounding really hard. My father enters my room and smiles at me and then at Emily. Then he looks back at me. “How about we get some rest? What’s that in your hand?”

  “Nothing.” I hand the note to Emily, who crumples it up, and then I fake a yawn. “Yeah, I’m beat. Em, I’ll try calling you tomorrow.”

  She nods. “You better.” She exits the room.

  My dad flips through some of the channels on TV until my mom comes into the room and places a black travel bag in the chair near my bed. “Everything you need is in there. We’ll be back in the morning, okay?”

  “Okay.” I’m about to ask my parents if anyone came by to visit me, but my mom interrupts my thoughts with a question.

  “Where’s Sarah?”

  “She was in the waiting area with Graham and Bryce,” my dad explains, “but she left when I, uh …”

  My mom frowns at him. “What did you do?”

  He leads her outside the room, but it’s not far enough away for me not to eavesdrop. “I told the staff he wasn’t on the list to see her. I told him to go home because this was a family matter. That boy has no business hanging out with our daughter. I have disliked it since the moment he got himself in trouble. But you kept telling me it’s probably not what I think.”