High School Survival Theory

Chapter 25

"Kids these days," Mr. Avery-the press guy-mutters. "they believe the internet is all. They can't even get their nose out of that small chipmunk. Like what is in there? Porn magazine?"

I flinch at his choice of words.

"So you would rather if we had our heads stuck in porn magazines instead of that innocent device?" Ashton asks, leaning forward on the photocopy machine.

Tip of Mr. Avery's ears turns red. He clears his throat.

I smile a little but hide it quickly trying to look busy with my laptop.

I can feel his gaze on me. I try my best not to look affected.

"No-not-like-oh-" Mr. Avery tries to form a reply but Ashton pats his shoulder. "It's okay to read them. The boys of our generation read them too. Although I assure you, that little device can do more than those magazines."

Now it's time for me to cringe at him. Someone clears their throat, probably Payton. I can't tell since I'm busy pretending to revise my column and not to eavesdrop on them-especially Ashton.

"What? I'm just socializing," Ashton asserts. "But frankly, things didn't turn well when dad found them. Though that was back in middle school of course. High schoolers don't need porn magazines."

"Yes, when mom found them under my mattress when I was still in seventh grade. She was so furious that she forced dad to lecture about sex," Asher makes a face. "Those two long hours are something I'll never forget in my life."

Luca snorts. "That flower and-"

"Aha!" I yell covering my ears with my palms. "Too much information."

Ashton laughs and gives Luca and Asher a high five.

"Can we just be finished with this already?" Cora huffs as she continues assessing her newly polished nails.

I roll my eyes. As if we told her to be here in the first place.

That's when Ashton's eyes meet mine. Something shines in his eyes as he holds my gaze. I quickly averted my eyes from him.

Ashton and I are still not on talking terms. Ashton took my words from last night to heart. He didn't try to call or text me last night. When I arrived this morning, I found him talking with Grace. But when I went over to them he merely ignored me and walked away.

"Thinking about your pretty guy again?" I look up and find Ashton towering over me.

"None of your business, you pig!" I try to push him out of my vision. He doesn't budge.

Ashton shakes his head. "You still won't take my advice? Don't tell me I didn't warn you later."

I glare at him and get out of the room. Like who's he to say who's good for me and who's not? As if getting ditched by your boyfriend in the first place isn't humiliating enough.

Speaking of my boyfriend, Derek hasn't replied to any of my texts since last night. I just hope he's fine.

I'm a little worried too. Nyako was telling this morning the drinks were spiked at the party last night. Owen accidentally drank them and he's still blacked out.

When I walk inside the meeting room, Luca and the Cyber club are toiling on their laptops.

Nyako wasn't joking. A Cyber Club does exist in our school. I still don't get it how no one knows about a club like this.

Again, this is high school.

The other three members of the club are a geek girl Ellie and two Asian boys, Spencer and Nick.