Adjusting to sit on my butt, I peeled my sock down and winced. A large and very noticeable scrape covered my shin, the flesh red and angry. Blood oozed from the wound and trickled down my leg.
Around me, students laughed and pointed. I didn’t need to look at any of them to know they were taking pictures and videos. Tears stung my eyes as I stood, snatched my backpack, and sprinted to the closest bathroom. I locked myself in a stall and unrolled a wad of toilet paper that I gingerly pressed against the scrape.
“Ow.” I cringed.
Tears streamed down my face. I hated this place so much. All I wanted to do was go home, back to Keene Valley where I had family and friends who were nice. I dug my cell phone from my backpack and opened my messages with Abby.
Me: I CAN’T STAY HERE ANOTHER DAY. I NEED TO COME HOME NOW!!! PLEASE. BEG YOUR MOM AND DAD TO COME GET ME.
I quickly deleted my text and rested my head on the wall. If I sent that, Abby would want to know what was wrong, and I really didn’t want to explain how much of a loser I was around here. I didn’t need to add her pity to the list of things weighing me down.
Drying my tears, I wiped the blood from my leg. The scrape wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. I pulled my socks up a little higher to cover as much of the cut as I could. Then I headed to class.
My usual seat was occupied—because of course it was—so I searched for an empty one. Simon waved to me from the back of the room. I tried to pretend I didn’t notice, but when he called my name, I couldn’t ignore him.
Slipping my bag off my shoulder, I took the seat next to him. The room was set up like a typical science lab with tables that sat two people, but instead of microscopes, we had computers.
“Hey,” I said.
“About Friday…”
“Yeah, about that.” I ran my finger along the edge of the keyboard, refusing to look at him, knowing if I did, I’d be swayed from my decision. “Your offer was sweet, and really generous, but I’m not going to be able to go.”
“If it’s a problem with your mum and dad, I can ask them. Parents can never say no to me.” He laughed, and my heart tripped over itself.
Despite my better judgement, I faced him. “You’re used to getting your way, aren’t you?”
“It’s the Brit in me. Everyone loves it.” He lifted a single brow and gave me a cocky grin.
Shaking my head, I smiled. Who cared what Olivia thought? If I was stuck here, I might as well have some fun. And really, Simon was the only good thing about being here, and I desperately needed a little bit of good right now.
“So, six p.m.?” I asked.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KARA LEIGH MILLER is a full-time wife; stay-at-home mom to 4 kids, 3 pit bulls, and 6 cats; writer, and the Editorial Director at Anaiah Press. When she’s not herding her family, she’s working out, reading, or binge watching Netflix. Sometimes, she’ll even play golf with her husband, even though she sucks at it. You can find Kara anytime on her website,
but to get the most up-to-date information about upcoming books, sneak peeks, and exclusive giveaways, be sure to sign up for her newsletter.
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Eternal Curse: (The Cursed Series, Book 1) Page 33
