͏b͏r͏o͏k͏e͏n || ͏b͏i͏l͏l͏y ͏h͏a͏r͏g͏r͏o͏v͏e

E I G H T

𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐎𝐍

Steve and I arrived at school the next morning, and I could practically feel the tension crackling between us. We both were in the worst moods, and I could tell it wasn't just because of our shared crappy start to the day.

"I can't believe you told Mom and Dad that I abandoned you. Just because I had a girlfriend doesn't mean I ignored you all the time," Steve snaps, his frustration clear as he parks the car.

"Oh please, Steve. Everyone knows you'll drop everything for Nancy the moment she needs you, but you seem to forget that I need help too!" I shot back, my voice tinged with exasperation.

"Look, can we just forget about this?" he huffs, clearly trying to brush it off.

"Fine, whatever," I mumble, grabbing my stuff and heading out of the car. But just as I'm about to close the door, Steve grabs my arm.

"You're coming to my game tonight, right?" he asks, his voice carrying a hint of hope.

"As much as I hate watching and smelling you nasty boys play basketball—" I see his face fall, so I add, "I will be there to support you." He lightly punches my arm in thanks.

"You're the best," he says, jumping out of the car.

"Oh, I know," I mutter to myself, watching him head toward school. I turn to go inside and stop short when I hear tires screeching. Billy's blue Camaro zooms past and parks nearby. Steve rolls his eyes.

"Just ignore him," he advises before walking into the school.

But it's easier said than done. Billy gets out of his car and meets my gaze. I roll my eyes and head into the school, making a beeline for my locker. I try to unlock it, but it's being a pain. After a few frustrating attempts, I finally get it open, only to feel a nudge on my back.

"Sorry about that back there. Guess I didn't see you coming," Billy's voice fills the noisy hallway. I glance at him as he easily opens his locker.

"It's probably the nicotine messing with your vision," I snap, grabbing my history book.

"Who pissed in your cereal?" Billy smirks, leaning on the locker next to mine.

"Don't test me right now, Hargrove," I warn, slamming my locker shut.

"Princess, the only person testing you today is our history teacher," Billy says with a sly grin.

"Gosh dang it! I forgot to study," I hiss, banging my head lightly against my locker.

"Me too. That's why I'm skipping," Billy says, crossing his arms.

"You can't abandon me! I can't deal with Mr. Dunt on my own," I protest.

"Yeah, well, he probably won't be able to deal with you either, with how you're acting," Billy retorts, clearly enjoying the way he's getting under my skin. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go find something better to do than argue with you." He steps away from the wall.

I notice a brand new pack of cigarettes peeking out from his back pocket. An idea hits me, and I slowly stride up to him. I grab his cigarettes and take off down the hall.

"I'll beat you to history, Hargrove!" I yell, racing ahead. Billy's eyes widen, and he starts chasing after me.

Once again, I beat him to the history classroom. I slide into my seat just as Billy bursts in behind me, his shoes squeaking on the floor. All eyes turn to him as he huffs and puffs, catching his breath.

"Mornin', Teach," Billy says, walking briskly to his seat in the back. Mr. Dunt greets him, but Billy doesn't seem to hear. His eyes are locked on me as he takes his seat, and I can feel his gaze drilling into me even as he tries to focus on the lesson.