Chapter 15

Hey all! I have been on vacation and recovering from COVID. I plan to make more chapters in the next few weeks but have not had the energy recently. Thank you for waiting, and more is coming. This chapter is just a short one to move the story along. I have heard your feedback and will be moving faster. - Scott

“I forgot how much I hate school,” Kylie stated as she joined Jeremy in line to pick up lunch.

“Guessing your day’s not going well?” Jeremy asked with a chuckle.

“Just got assigned a stupid four-page essay on what we enjoyed about history this year,” Kylie stated, sighing. Jeremy took history a year early, and he had the same reaction when he received the assignment.

“Pick the one assignment from the year you enjoyed and write about why you liked it. That’s what I did. I got an A,” Jeremy noted as he hugged her for reassurance. Plus, he always liked when they could be pressed together.

“Can you come over later?” Kylie asked, leaning on his shoulder. A look from a passing teacher made her move slightly from the embrace. “You can help ... we can grab food or something after.”

“Sure. I will have to check on Bob before I head over,” Jeremy replied. Bob had been recovering at home for the past few days and would not return to school until Thursday. He was determined to make it back before the prom on Friday. He had made a promise to Skyler and wanted to keep it.

“Are you ready for finals?” Skyler asked as she joined them at a nearby table.

Jeremy just grunted and shook his head. Kylie rolled her eyes and replied for him.

“He’s ready,” Kylie stated, pointing at Jeremy. “Just exhausted from studying,” Jeremy added.

“I only have two finals, and one is an essay, so I am good,” Kylie stated.

“You know how lucky that is. I am stuck with four finals, and Bob has five,” Skyler exclaimed in defeat. She hated finals, and this year would be rough.

They had a few minutes of relaxation before Jeremy noticed Janelle walking toward them.

“Oh boy,” he stated before Kylie and Skyler had time to react.

“Hey, all,” Janelle stated. Her remaining popular kid group followed her, but it had shrunk significantly since the begging of the year.

“What do you want?” Jeremy asked in an unmistakable ‘leave us alone’ tone.

“I heard Bob got hurt ... just wanted to see how he’s doing,” Janelle replied.

Jeremy could hear the lack of sincerity in her words and finally lost his patience.

“You don’t fucking care Janelle. You come over here and constantly cause problems. What the fuck is your issue?” he stated to the shock of Kylie and Skyler. They were now sitting with their mouths hanging open.

“You spent a year torturing people with no punishment. When you were finally forced to stop by what Kylie had on you, you seemed determined entirely to hurt those around her. Give the fuck up, or I will put you in your place myself.” Most of the cafeteria was now staring in their direction, including some teachers.

Kylie had placed her hand on Jeremy’s shoulder, afraid he would leap at Janelle.

Janelle just stared at him before smiling. She moved close so only the three could hear. “I had a feeling you were behind this,” she stated. “Kylie does not have the resources, but you do. I did my research ... I know all about your family and what your company produces. Don’t worry ... I can’t prove it ... yet.”

Jeremy kept his cool, but he was worried about the potential legal consequences if she could find proof of what he had done. Kylie realized the same thing, and her expression changed to one of worry.