Collide: A High School Bully Romance - Madison Falls High Book 1

by K. Walker

  “Why the hell did you do that?” Amanda asked, the fear in her voice plain.

  “Uh, it was badass though.” Liz grinned and grabbed my arm excitedly. “Callie gets away with way too much at this school.”

  “So, what’ll it be?” Cody wanted to know as he stared me down and then looked at Amanda, Liz and Stacey.

  “Not unless my girls can come,” I countered and folded my arms, knowing that had to be a deal breaker.

  “Fine. Whatever,” he said and waved me off. “Now.”

  “What’s going on?” Liz asked.

  “I think Cody just asked us over,” I grinned, eyeing each of the girls.

  “What?” Stacey squealed and started jumping around before she froze when Cody shot a glance at us.

  “Now!” he barked again.

  “You don’t have to say that twice.”

  “Do we want to go?” I asked them and raised my brows.

  “Are you kidding me? That’s Cody Brown. Of course we’re going. I’ve never been to one of his exclusive parties,” Liz gushed.

  “Plus, she’s always had a crush on him,” Amanda drawled. “Can you tell?”

  I snickered. “I never could have,” I replied sarcastically. “But we’ve been summoned, so let’s go. Better than standing out here and waiting for Queen Bee to drag me back in by my ears.”

  We all laughed as we followed Cody out of the building. I knew I had committed one of the greatest sins of high school’s rules, but I would deal with Callie tomorrow.

  Chapter 10

  Cody’s house was just like all the others I had seen in rich-ville Monday morning – the long driveway that led to a three-level estate. Complete with topiaries and fountains, and a large expanse of manicured lawn, I felt like I was taking a walk back in time.

  One that I didn’t miss.

  That was when Mom and I used to have to go along with him to the many functions and parties his friends and business associates, who were sometimes high-end criminals, hosted. I had hated it and so did my mom, and I shivered a little, despite the beauty of the place.

  I noticed Chad’s car parked out front with the others, and my heart raced. Just a little. Okay, maybe more than a little. But too much for me not to notice.

  “You okay?” Amanda asked.

  Or that Amanda could notice. “Yeah. Just feels weird. Not sure what to expect inside.”

  I had tried to steer clear of house parties, the likes of which had ended when neighbors had called the police, or someone has gotten too high on LSD. It just wasn’t my scene, but it was only minutes past four – how bad could this be?

  We navigated the huge house, winding our way through and following the trail of red cups and bodies that led to the pool out back.

  “Hey, get a drink, ladies,” Brody said as he put his arms around both me and Amanda.

  “Why the hell not?” Stacey said.

  I turned. “Where?”

  “Back there.” He pointed. “In the kitchen.”

  “Okay,” I replied and walked away.

  “I’m going to see if Cody is free,” Liz said and bit her lower lip.

  Amanda rolled her eyes and I giggled. “Okay. We’ll come back to the pool after.” Liz ran off and Amanda looped her arm through mine as we walked away. “It’s such a pity Alexi has to work all the time. She’s missing all the fun.”

  “Yeah, she just texted me,” Stacey said as she came up beside us. “But I’m sure Chad’s going to have a party next week or something, so she’ll be there.”

  “What time does her shift end?” I asked and picked up a cup.

  “At eight,” Amanda said as she filled her cup too. “But she usually gets Saturdays off.”

  “Oh.” I knew I would probably end up at that party, too. Maybe. I didn’t want to get too caught up with all the partying and drama that they bring, but I also didn’t want to make myself out to be the ugly duckling.

  “What’s that noise?” Stacey asked and turned.

  We paused, and then noticed a stream of students heading out to the pool section. “Something’s going on out there,” Amanda stated and yanked my arm as she pulled me behind her. I don’t know, but it seemed she had taken me on as her wrist companion.

  The noise got louder as we neared the pool where a crowd had gathered around something – or someone. We pressed through the gathering, and my heart raced as I wondered if someone had been hurt.

  I gasped when I realized what was happening. A girl with jet black hair was stretched out on the ground, in only her bikini bottoms, giving out belly shots.

  “Oh, my God.” I covered my mouth and laughed.

  “That has to be Taylor,” Stacey said as she leaned over my shoulder. “Yep. She does this crap all the time.”

  I watched as Brody got on his knees, poured whiskey on her stomach, and licked it off, before squeezing her boobs and then hooting. “Oh, yeah! Now that’s how you party. Any other girl wanna try? What about you?” he asked and stared directly at me.

  I looked behind me, and then at him again, “Me?”

  He stood. “Yeah, you. What? Belly not as pretty? Too shy? Come on…”

  “No, no, no,” I said and held my hands out.

  “Do it! Do it! Do it!” he chanted, until the gathering joined in.

  “Nope,” I replied and backed away.

  “Leave her alone, Brody,” Amanda defended.

  “Or what?” he asked and walked menacingly towards me.

  “Brody, I swear to God, if you touch me, you won’t like it,” I told him seriously, and that time I stood my ground.

  His eyes twinkled, and I had the feeling I had just issued him a challenge he was incapable of rejecting.

  “I just might,” he said as he lunged forward and grabbed me around the middle, so fast I couldn’t get a kick or a punch off.

  “Let me go!” I screamed.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” Chad called from behind him.

  Brody stopped moving and turned to face Chad, his hands still locked around my middle. “Relax, we’re just having a little fun,” he said and looked at me.

  I could feel his breath on my skin, and it repulsed me. I pressed against his arm so he would let me go.

  “Put her down!” Chad demanded, and the fire in his eyes was unmistakable.

  I, on the other hand, felt like a cut of meat at the market. I felt dirty the way Brody had grabbed me, and I swiped at him when he set me down.

  “What the hell did you do that for?”

  I shrugged in an annoyed way and straightened my clothes. The looks on everyone’s faces said I sucked. I didn’t give a shit. I pushed my way through them and headed for the kitchen.

  “Hey, wait up!” Amanda called out trying to catch up.

  “I need to use the bathroom,” I said, still upset about what Brody had done. He didn’t even know me. What the hell was that? “Where is it?”

  “Uh, that way, I think,” Amanda said sadly and pointed behind me.

  I didn’t respond to her. I just walked away. I was all set to have a good time. It was ruined. All because of one jerk. Ugh! I wanted to scratch his eyes out. I stomped through the kitchen and through the entertainment area it would seem.

  Several students were gathered, playing some kind of board game, and a large flat screen TV was suspended on the wall, showing a replay of a football match. I hugged myself and kept walking – I felt like I had to. My hands were shaking, and I had no idea where the hell I was going.

  “Sophia!”

  I knew the voice, but I didn’t want to see Chad now either, even if he was the one who had rescued me from Brody’s idiocy.

  “Hey,” he called out again, but I was only walking around in circles and getting nowhere.

  “Where’s the damn bathroom?” I stopped abruptly and asked. He was too close so he ran right into me when I stopped. His arms instinctively went around my waist, to catch me, and I clung to his arms.

  I felt the indents on his arm and looked
to my left at the tats he sported. Something was underneath them – like a scar. He pulled back before I could take a good look.

  “Sorry. Bathroom is up the stairs,” he said and pointed. “And about that just now, don’t hold it against him.”

  “Chad, he tried to force me to get naked to do belly shots! Who does that? I barely know anyone here, and no one knows me.” I was really appalled, and my chest tightened as my breathing came up short.

  “An ass.” He grinned. “I’ll show you where…”

  “No,” I said and grabbed his hand. “Just show me the way. I’m pretty sure I’ve had enough attention for today.”

  He stood without saying anything for a moment and then he sighed. “Third door on the left through there.”

  “Thank you.”

  I couldn’t wait to be out of there. My eyes closed the moment I pressed the door shut behind me and leaned against the cool wooden barrier. “Great,” I said to the room. “Just great.” I walked over to the mirror and stared at my reflection. I puffed out a breath through my mouth and splashed water onto my face.

  Maybe it’s time I went home. Everyone already thought I was a party pooper – couldn’t disappoint the fans, now could I?

  But I wasn’t ready to face anyone. Let alone Amanda and the girls, constantly asking if I was okay. I just needed to get my bearings, so I walked around the bathroom, touching the gold-plated finishing on the towel racks and drawer pulls.

  It was then I started to notice the bathroom itself – the plush, white, slate floors, in an all-white and gold space. It was heavenly and made me not want to get out even more. But I knew I couldn’t hole up in the bathroom all night.

  “You all right in there?” Chad asked from outside.

  Of course, he was out there. I shook my head and opened the door. “What, do you secretly know my mom and she told you to be my honorary guardian?”

  He laughed and leaned against the door jamb. He stuck his head inside like he was looking for something. “You sure you were in there alone?”

  I scoffed and brushed past him. “What kind of girl do you take me for?”

  He reached out and took my hand. “I didn’t mean it like that. I was just messing with you.”

  I sighed. “I know. I’m just a little wound up today.”

  “I can see that. Want me to take you home?”

  My eyes popped. “Are you crazy, Chad?”

  He shrugged, totally confused. “With what?”

  Was he really that dense? Or arrogant? Did he not notice how girls lined up at the foot of his table waiting for scraps to fall? He was the Madison Falls god, and it was like he didn’t even know it.

  “No, Chad. You’re not taking me home. I’ve had enough drama for one day.”

  He backed me into the wall, his eyes pinning me to the surface. “I insist.” My body started doing an internal dance I didn’t recognize. There was something about being that close to Chad that made all the thoughts in my head turn to mush. It didn’t help that his black T-shirt fit him like a second glove and showed every curve and cut of his abs. I had to get away from him before I ended up on his wall of trophies.

  I gulped. “It’s not necessary. I don’t want to ruin your night.”

  “You’re not. Plus, I’m sure you don’t live very far.”

  I looked down the hall at the curious eyes that watched us. “Chad, thanks, but I don’t think so. And I have my car.”

  I ducked and came out on the other side of his hand and walked down the corridor and back to the kitchen. It was the only route I knew that would take me outside. I was contemplating telling the girls when I changed my mind – that would only lead to more discomfort.

  “I thought I told you not to come.”

  Omg! Not again!

  I was really getting annoyed with her already. “Back off. This isn’t your house, Callie.”

  “These parties are not for little bitches like you,” she said in a firm tone.

  I narrowed my eyes at her. I thought I was scared of being the social queer, but not anymore. I wasn’t going to let her try to intimidate me and I was so done with this shit! Callie was about to get it and I took one step forward before I was pulled back.

  Seconds later, I felt lips crushing down on mine and I squealed into Chad’s mouth.

  I was kissing…no…Chad was kissing me. Why?

  My eyes burst wide open and my arms fell to my sides. What the hell? I looked up and saw the green eyes at the same time I heard the gasps that rippled around the room like the Mexican Wave in a football stadium.

  “There you are,” he burst out when he pulled back.

  He had stolen the words right out of my mouth. I remained slack-jawed for what felt like a considerable amount of time, but I was sure it was only about ten seconds.

  “You ready?” He cocked an eyebrow waiting for a response.

  “Uh, yeah,” I replied, going with the flow. I couldn’t think of a damned thing to say as he whisked me away from the red-faced Callie. His hand slipped to my waist as we walked away, and I knew then I had just gained the reputation of having fucked Chad Minor.

  Oh God. I wouldn’t live that down, but I would rather be his bitch than Callie’s.

  “Are you sure you don’t want that ride now?” he asked when we got outside and to the car.

  I punched him on the arm when we were out of sight. “What the hell did you do that for? Did I not just say, I don’t want to cause any damn drama!”

  “Looked like you needed some help,” he said helplessly and pulled his brows together. “Trust me. You do not want to go up against her.”

  “Too late,” I said as I hit the alarm button. “I had already told her I wouldn’t be one of her cheer bimbos, and now you, the man who dumped her over the summer, kissed me right in front of her. Do you realize that you might have single-handedly destroyed me?” I stared him down waiting for a response, but I all I got was a grin.

  Then he laughed. “You catch on quick,” he chuckled and leaned against the car, crossing his arms across his chest and legs at the ankles. “But no, I didn’t destroy you. I saved you.”

  “Is that what you did?” I drawled and tossed my purse inside the car. “I’m sure it will take more than one kiss to get Callie off my back.”

  He moved so lightly I didn’t get a chance to react before he was pressing me against the car, his firm body rubbing against mine and provoking more than my sensibilities. “So, was that an invitation for more?”

  I pushed him back. “No. That was a one-time thing. I’ll figure her out on my own.”

  “Okay. Just let me know if you need another kiss.” He winked and walked off, whistling as he did.

  I sat in the car wondering what the hell had just happened. One thing was for sure – I had better be armed and ready for Callie Humpry. And I would make damn sure of it.

  What I wasn’t ready for was Chad Minor. Kissing me. In public.

  I could see the headlines already, and before I backed out of the driveway, my phone was already blowing up.

  Chapter 11

  Amanda: Sophia, omg, what was that? Where are you?

  Liz: Did you really kiss Chad? How was it? Lol!

  Amanda: Did you leave already? Callie is so heated right now, and she’s gunning for you. Run! Lol. But seriously, fuck Callie. She needs to learn she isn’t queen of Madison Falls.

  Amanda: I’m home now. Are you? I know you didn’t go home with Chad, at least. Answer me, girl.

  Alexi: I heard I missed quite the party.

  Unknown: Stay the fuck away from my man! He doesn’t belong to any skank who crawled into town a few days ago.

  Amanda: Oh, remember volleyball tryouts are today. See you there. Although you’re kind of unofficially on the team. I just need to make it real. Politics and all. Anyway, I bet you’re sleeping now. It’s 12:05. Are you?

  The weekend had passed in a blur of messages back and forth between my girls at Madison Falls High and Santa Monica High. I could har
dly believe that was my life – the girl in the spotlight, both good and bad.

  It was the longest first week of school in the history of schools but I killed it at volleyball tryout. For all the shit I had seen and done already, I didn’t feel like it was a new school. It was like I had been there all along. But I had to go back, and my breathing escalated as I mentally prepared myself to face Callie.

  My car rolled into the parking lot on Monday morning, and I was headed for the spot I had gotten by default, being the new girl and all, when I saw the group of girls standing exactly there. They had their arms folded, and one of them stuck out her middle finger as the car rolled by.

  “Park somewhere else, bitch!” one of them shouted in the distance.

  Yeah, I’m the bitch. Right.

  I rolled my eyes and drove slowly around, searching for another spot. There were none. Callie had made sure I wouldn’t have one. I was forced to go back onto the street. I was sulking when I walked back onto the premises, but I wasn’t going to play her fucking games.

  They were standing in the same spot when I returned, but I kept my eyes in front and kept walking. Like standing in my parking spot would have gotten me out of school. Sheesh! Talk about airheads.

  “Hey!” she called, and I kept walking still.

  “Sophia!” Another voice called to me.

  I stopped and turned, the annoyance visibly displayed on my face. “What?” I asked, and spread my smile to match her fake one.

  “I assume you’ve come to your senses,” Callie said, her face cheery, and annoying. I wanted to scream.

  “In terms of what?”

  “Two things,” she replied and put up her index and middle fingers. I was surprised she knew how to count. I crossed my arms and glowered at her.

  “First of all, back the fuck off of Chad, if you want to make the cheer team. On second thought, that was all.” She turned while flipping her long blond hair over her shoulder.

  I scoffed. “Last I checked, he dumped you. Can’t you take a hint?” I turned and walked away, seconds before a piercing pain shot down my neck.

  I turned my head, but she had my hair wrapped around her bony fingers. “Listen, you little bitch. You don’t want to mess with me,” she hissed in my ear.