Bully Me: Class of 2020

by Shantel Tessier

  “There are rumors and shit,” Jordy growls, pulling away to glower at me. “I want to know the truth.”

  Cal nods behind him, his normally playful features twisted into a solemn expression. “Yeah, man. Tell us what’s up.”

  My three best friends crowd in on me. We’ve been tight ever since I can remember. Bad boys with a bond. They’re my family.

  As much as I want to throw Hollis under the bus, just to bitch about him, I can’t. So, I do what they ask. Tell the truth.

  “Alejandro pulled a gun on me.” I wince at the reminder. My heart gallops in my chest. Had he pulled the trigger…

  Jordy gently slaps at my cheek. “He did fucking what? Focus, man. You’re dazed right now. Are you on drugs?”

  “W-What? No.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and shake my head. “Alejandro tried to mess with Roux. I don’t know what he was planning on doing, but I wasn’t fucking having it.”

  Jordy’s eyes darken and his nostrils flare with barely contained rage. Roux is not just my little sister, she’s theirs too. They take care of her like their own.

  “The fucker pistol-whipped me and then started in on Roux while I was out—”

  Slam!

  Jordy rams his fist through a locker, crunching it inward. The sound echoes loudly down the hall. I cringe, wondering if it was loud enough for Coach to hear.

  “Did he…” Terrance trails off, unable to finish.

  Cal’s haunted expression chills me to my core.

  “No,” I mutter. “I woke up and beat the fuck out of him.”

  Jordy slides down the wall of lockers, falling on his ass. Anger is his go-to expression, but currently, his features are pinched. His eyes are glassy. I don’t miss the tremble in his hand before he scrubs his palm over his face.

  “So you bailed?” Cal asks, brows pinched.

  “Not exactly. I got a concussion. I was kind of out of it and it scared Roux.”

  Jordy growls. “I’ll fucking kill that asshole.”

  “You don’t have to kill him,” I assure my best friend. “We’re out of there.”

  His menacing glare seems to argue otherwise.

  “Did you call the police?” Terrence asks, knowing if I did, it was a last resort kind of thing.

  “No, uh, after Roux tried calling you guys, she eventually called her friend Charlotte, who woke up her mom, Kelsey.”

  All three guys’ shoulders slouch when they realize Roux tried to contact them.

  “I was sleeping, man, or otherwise,” Cal tries, his voice hoarse.

  I grip his shoulder. “I know. It’s okay.”

  Jordy pulls his knees to his chest and bends down, bumping his forehead over and over again on his knees. “I should have answered.”

  “Kelsey is Hollis’s mom.” I bite out the words, hating the bitter taste on my tongue.

  “What?” Terrence demands, now pacing beside me. “That prissy purple car motherfucker?”

  Jordy is on his feet in an instant, all despair erased as rage fuels him forward. He stands too close, assessing me. “He went with his mom to get you?”

  I nod and let out a sigh. “They took me to the fire station to see Mike. Apparently I might have a concussion. It’s enough that Coach doesn’t want me playing tonight. I’m benched.”

  Cal groans. “Fucking really? We need you, man.”

  “You have Hollis now,” I bite out harshly. “Coach says you guys will manage a game without me, especially with him on the team.”

  The truth of Coach’s words hurt.

  I’ve been replaced by a prettier, richer, more perfect version.

  A golden boy.

  I’m nothing but old news. Replaceable. A problem that needs fixing.

  “So the fucker tells his aunt and CPS gets involved?” Jordy demands. “Now they’re going to take Roux away from us?”

  My heart races wildly in my heart. “No one is fucking taking her.”

  He relaxes. “Damn straight.”

  “We’d kick their asses if they tried,” Terrence grumbles.

  “Make them regret the day they messed with Little Hoodlum,” Cal agrees. “Do you need a place to stay? I bet Mom and Dad wouldn’t mind.”

  “For now, Mike’s letting us stay with him.” I let out a heavy sigh. “I’m going to have to lie low for a while. I can’t get into any shit and risk them yanking Roux into the system.”

  All three guys nod, features contorted into angry scowls.

  “Don’t worry.” Jordy snarls, his eyes locking in on a target behind me in the hallway. “We’ll do the dirty work for you.”

  We all turn to see Hollis walking toward us, his head down and shoulders slumped. He doesn’t notice us until he nearly runs into Terrence. As soon as he acknowledges the four of us, he tenses and straightens. His eyes dart over to mine, concern glimmering in them.

  I look away.

  “Watch where you’re going, rat,” Terrence snaps, shoving Hollis back.

  He stumbles but regains his footing before falling. Fury turns his pale features crimson and he fists his hands, readying for a fight. As though the porcelain boy is a match for four Hoodlums.

  “Roan,” Hollis says, eyes burning into me as he ignores the others. “Can we talk?”

  “Fuck no, you can’t talk,” Jordy sneers, stalking over to him. His chest bumps Hollis’s. “If you have something to say, you say it to me.”

  Hollis tries to look around Jordy, but Jordy isn’t having that shit. He grabs Hollis by the jaw and shoves him against the bank of lockers on the wall, pressing his head into the depressed locker he ruined moments earlier. Hollis wriggles to no avail, panic flashing in his blue eyes.

  “You stay away from my boy,” Jordy warns. “Or I will fucking crush you.” To punctuate his words, he digs his fingers into Hollis’s jaw.

  Hollis cries out in pain.

  The sound burns down my spine, chasing butterflies into my stomach. I don’t understand the sensation, but it isn’t a pleasant one.

  “Not here,” I murmur. “You’ll get your ass in trouble.”

  Jordy holds Hollis in his punishing grip a second longer before releasing him roughly. He spits at Hollis’s feet before stalking off down the hall. Terrence and Cal saunter after him. I start to follow, but Hollis grabs my bicep before I get far.

  I shake off his hold and step close, my face inches from his. “You heard Jordy. Stay away from me.”

  His brows furrow together. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

  “You stole my spot on the team for tonight’s game and your family called CPS on mine.” I laugh cruelly at him. “I’m fucking peachy, rat.”

  I start to pull away, but he fists my hoodie, pulling me flush against him. My hand flies to the smashed locker behind him to keep from slamming my hips on his. His breathing is uneven and mine is harsh. Bravely, he stares at me as though he can project thoughts straight into my skull.

  Don’t hurt me.

  I won’t hurt you.

  A shudder ripples through me. I don’t like the spooky ass mental vibes he’s giving me. Like he knows me. I met the guy Monday. He doesn’t fucking know me.

  “Roan, I’m not a bad guy.” His blue eyes soften, warming the iciest parts of me.

  I cool every part inside me, especially the heat flooding down to my dick. “Sucks for you then, rat,” I mutter, leaning in to brush my words against the shell of his ear, “because I am.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hollis

  THE CROWD SCREAMS when I make my shot. Adrenaline races through my veins, chasing away every nervous or uneasy feeling. When I’m on the basketball court, I’m in my element. A few guys from the team slap my back in appreciation as they pass.

  Not the Hoodlums.

  Terrence curls his lip up in disgust.

  Cal’s nostrils flare.

  Jordy shoots me glares filled with venom and hate.

  Besides that, still feeling pretty good.

  That is, until I catch Roa
n’s stare on the sidelines. He’s benched, just as he said, watching the game with furrowed brows and sadness gleaming in his eyes.

  Someone from LHS rams into me, knocking me to a knee. Coach yells at me to pull my head out of my ass. Roan now smirks at me, satisfied.

  Fucker.

  “We wipe our asses with Hood River trash,” the Lebanon High kid mutters.

  My eyes track the ball, ignoring this douchebag. He says something else, his attention diverted my way, and not on the play.

  “And we embarrass Lebanon losers in front of all their friends and family,” I grunt as I dart around him, intercepting the ball that was meant for him.

  The crowd screams again, numbing me with a pleasure you can only feel when everyone is rooting for your success. I storm down the court, sidestepping every LHS asshole along the way, before throwing the ball from the three-point line.

  Swoosh!

  Coach yells at me again, but this time he’s grinning. “Way to run the court, English!”

  By half time, I’m starting to feel slightly woozy. The rush of adrenaline has sapped up the last of my energy. I knew I should have grabbed more than a protein shake. We’re all herded into the locker room so the cheerleaders can perform their halftime show. I get knocked along the wall a couple of times. Blindly, I reach out to steady myself. My palm wraps around Roan’s firm bicep.

  Oh shit.

  I should let go, but I can only stare at him, hating that he makes me feel even more lightheaded than before. He grips my wrist in a punishing hold, prying me from him. But, rather than letting go, he hauls me over to his locker.

  “You’re going to pass out, rat,” he complains as he flings open his locker. “Coach won’t let me bail you out, so you’re going to have to figure your shit out and fast.”

  Coach is rambling about kicking LHS’s ass, but I’m too focused on Roan to hear all the details of his gloating.

  Roan pulls out a package of peanut butter crackers. My stomach recoils. His features darken when he notices my reaction. Before I can open my mouth to protest, he rips open the package and shoves a cracker at me.

  “Eat this. Now.”

  I shake my head. “I…”

  “So help me, rat. Eat it or I’ll make you.”

  Anger pulses deep inside me. It makes my gut clench hard and painfully like a fist. Rather than get into it with him, I snag the cracker and make a great, messy show of eating it. He smirks and hands me another one.

  “Good little rodent.”

  “Fuck off,” I grumble.

  His eyes dart to my mouth, chasing away my irritation with a shot of heat. When he lifts his hand, I stop mid-chew. Oblivious to the chaos around us as Coach says something that makes everyone cheer, Roan lifts his thumb to my mouth. My breath catches in my throat.

  “Crumbs.” He utters the word. I see it tumble past his lips more than I actually hear it over the noise. His thumb brushes along my bottom lip.

  Time slows like molasses hanging thickly from an overturned jar.

  The moment almost passes, but lingers.

  Barely.

  Seconds drag by, the heat of his thumb on my lip scarring me.

  He pins me with a hot stare for what feels like an eternity. I’m no longer breathing. My heart doesn’t beat. I simply stare at him.

  He kills the spell when he shoves the pack of crackers into my chest. “Eat so you don’t fuck up the game.”

  With those words, he’s gone.

  I’m left feeling even more fucked up than ever.

  Why does Roan get inside me and strip me bare every damn time? Being so stupidly affected by him is becoming an issue. It’s overwhelming and exhausting.

  And exhilarating.

  Thrumming with adrenaline, this time the Roan induced kind, I run out of the locker room with the rest of the team to go kick some Lebanon loser ass.

  _______________

  “Keep kicking ass out there, English, and you might just lead this team to the state championship,” Coach says, slapping me on the back. “Awesome work out there.”

  He turns to shower praise on a couple of other guys. I’m left grinning.

  “You played so well!” Sidney exclaims as she bounds over to me. She throws her arms around my neck for a hug. “Ew, you stink.”

  “I just ran my ass off,” I say with a chuckle, hugging her back. “You walked into this sweat trap.”

  She pretends to look offended but makes no moves to peel herself from me. Gio walks up, winking at me.

  “You two are so cute,” he teases, batting his lashes. “Future prom king and queen.”

  “Pass,” I grumble.

  Sidney pouts. “But we’d be such a cute couple.”

  I manage to pull her away from me. “Yeah.”

  “So convincing,” she groans. “Well, I can speak for everyone when I say we’d be adorable. Right, Gio? Back me up on this one.”

  I smirk as he placates her in a teasing way. Gio clearly likes Sidney. From what I’ve gathered this week, she’s on a totally different social rung than him, but they get along great regardless. Maybe if she wasn’t so hell-bent on trying to date me, she’d give a guy like Gio a chance.

  “Hello, Earth to new kid,” Sidney whines. “You’re always in your head. There’s a whole world out here with me in the center of it.”

  Gio snorts. “Give him a break, Sid. He just scored most of the points for our team. I wouldn’t be surprised if he passed the hell out at any second.”

  “Save the passing out for my tent later,” she whispers, fluttering her lashes at me. “You’re going, right? To Campfire Chaos? I’ve only begged all week.”

  “I, uh,” I start but then snap my mouth shut when I feel an intense presence behind me.

  “What’s happening?” Roan’s smooth rumble ripples down my spine and makes the hairs on my neck stand on end.

  “We’re inviting Hollis to Campfire Chaos,” Sidney says bravely, staring past me with fiery challenge in her eyes.

  “Me too,” Gio throws in. “Packaged deal.”

  Sidney’s lips twitch. “Duh.”

  “I don’t remember inviting the rat to the river,” Roan says in a menacing tone. “Do you?”

  I don’t have to see them to feel three more guys flank Roan. Having them at my back makes me nervous, but knowing we’re in front of a shit ton of parents, students, and teachers helps.

  “It’s fine,” I mutter.

  Sidney’s face tightens with fury. She opens her mouth to speak when my mom pushes her way into the group to hug me.

  “You did amazing, honey,” she praises, kissing my sweaty head. “I was so proud.”

  I close my eyes, ignoring all the bullshit, and focus on my mom. So strong. So loving. So kind.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  She pulls away to grin at everyone in the group. “Hi, Roan.” Her smile is sympathetic and motherly. Then, she regards the others. “I’m Kelsey.”

  Roan sheds his asshole attitude and introduces his friends. Terrence and Cal shake hands with my mother, both wearing matching good ol’ boy grins. Jordy grunts out a hello and manages to somewhat smile for her, which feels crazy to me since I’ve never seen him do it before. Gio hams it up for her when he introduces himself, making sure to kiss the back of her hand. I kick him in his ass, aiming for his balls, but he manages to thwart my attempt.

  “I’m Sid. Hollis and I might go to prom together.”

  Mom’s brows lift in amusement. She knows I’m not into Sid, but she plays along anyway. “That’s wonderful, sweetie.”

  Sidney preens and then sidles up to my mother, her eyes flashing with victory. I don’t know what she thinks she’s won. That is, until she opens her mouth. “We invited Hollis to go camping with us. Cal’s dad owns a campground and in the winter, we basically have the place to ourselves. Everyone behaves. We cook hot dogs and tell ghost stories. Super fun and safe.”

  Mom chuckles. “Wasn’t born yesterday. I know you’re giving me the G-rated ve
rsion.”

  Sidney’s face burns bright red. “I, uh, I…”

  “It’s okay,” Mom assures her. “My son is eighteen. It’s good to see him going out and meeting new people. I trust you all to take care of him.” Her eyes settle on Roan, who’s now come to stand beside me, our shoulders brushing.

  “I won’t be there.” His voice is gritty and raw. “I have to get back to Roux.”

  Mom’s eyes light up. “About that. I was just coming over here to ask you if it would be okay for Roux to spend the night with us. She tells me you’re staying at the nice fireman’s house and that he lives close by. I promise we’ll take good care of her.” She reaches up and ruffles Roan’s hair. “I’ll take care of yours if you take care of mine.”

  He’s stiff but when he catches sight of Roux and Charlotte talking nearby, his shoulders sag in defeat. “Okay.”

  Jordy growls from behind me, but my mother doesn’t notice his rage.

  “Wonderful. How about we all meet up at The Mushroom Hut? My treat. Everyone loves pizza, right?” Mom beams at us. “You boys better shower first, though.”

  “We’ll totally be there, Mrs. English,” Sidney says, reaching over to take my hand. “Thanks for inviting us.”

  “Right. Meet you there,” Roan grunts, pushing between Sidney and me, breaking our hands apart.

  Mom tosses me a knowing wink, which I pretend I didn’t see. She has no idea how much this guy hates me. And she just invited all the Hoodlums for dinner. Fucking great.

  _______________

  “We’re almost there,” Sidney assures me and points. “Turn here.”

  I’d wanted to drive alone, but Sidney hopped in my car when everyone left the pizza restaurant. The Hoodlums surprisingly hung out with Roux and Charlotte, ignoring us, while Sidney and Gio chattered my mom’s ear off. No fights broke out, so I consider dinner a success.

  Even if I couldn’t stomach a single bite of the pizza.

  I pull up to a snow-covered camp area, nestled in the woods, and shut off the car. Vehicles are parked already. It appears we’ve arrived later than most everyone. I’m about to open my door when Sidney runs her palm over my jean-clad thigh.