* * * *

     "Yeah, that's right," she remarked, scowling at me. 

Doing a once over, I scrunch my eyebrows together and suck in my bottom lip in distaste. She wore a thin black crop top that ended about five inches above her belly button, a pair of jean shorts that ended just below her behind and a pair of strappy open toe lace up heels that almost looked impossible to walk in.

Her outfit would have been decent if she wrapped a flannel around her waist, bought a top a few sizes bigger and replaced the heels with timberland's or ankle booties for crying out loud!

"Is there a reason you're blocking my way?" I snapped, annoyed that my morning-my day, had to be ruined by this rat.

She cackled like the evil witch she was and rolled her eye. "I just thought I'd let you know that this is your last chance to leave Noah and I alone, before I ruin your life." 

I blow out a breath, pulling my bag further up my shoulder. "It's kind of funny how self-conscious you are. I mean, threatening someone who doesn't even give two shits about your boyfriend? That's pathetic."

She took a step closer, narrowing her eyes. "If you don't watch it, I'll have your life tossed around like a fucking toy. And you'll be the puppet."

Her sick smile shook me to the core. This girl disgusted me more than anyone will ever understand. 

"So, I'm supposed to walk on eggshells around you? You know, I've had this nagging question I've been meaning to ask you every time you open your mouth." She looked at me quizzically. 

When she didn't say anything, I continued. "How is it that you have such a big mouth when your brain is the total opposite?" My comment left her looking like a fish out of water. She was speechless as she continued to open and close her mouth. 

Unfortunately my imaginary pat on the back was cut short when Noah came trekking over to us. When he reached us, he draped his arm across Joyce's shoulder before kissing her on the cheek.

He turned to me when he saw Joyce glaring at me like I had just signed my own death wish. "What's going on?" Noah asked keeping a steady gaze on me. 

Wiping the pained expression off of my face, as fast as it came, it was my turn to scowl. "Nothing. I was just leaving."

Before either of them could get another word in or try to stop me, I pushed past them and sprinted into the school. 

* * * *

* * * *

     By the time I reached first period which was business management with Mr. Duke, I was already ten minutes late, thanks to the jealous rat. 

"Malona. It's great to see you...you're late." The whole class turned to me which made me attempt to hide my face behind my hair. "Yeah, uh sorry Mr. Duke. I-I left my house later than usual. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Without waiting for him to tell me the consequences, I hurried over to my desk which was right behind Taylor's. As I passed, she winked at me. Rolling my eyes, I sit in my desk just as Mr. Duke pulled a piece of paper out of his desk. He scribbled something on it before placing it on the corner of his desk.

"Detention tomorrow. At 4:00. You can pick up the slip on your way out..."

He stood up and tapped the piece of paper after he rounded his desk. "And if you forget, that will just be another detention. Understood?"

Slouching further into my desk, I nod. "Yes, sir." I had managed to answer weakly.

Great. Not only did Joyce ruin my fucking day, she also made me get a detention. When was this going to stop?

As Mr. Duke continued with a power point, Taylor turned around to face me. "So, what's the reason? Did you meet a guy? Is he hot?"

I shake my head, glancing to the front of the class to make sure the teacher wasn't watching. "I wish. It's far from that. Actually, I wish it was any reason but the actual reason."

Taylor looked at me curiously propping her elbows on my desk. "It was the rat," I whispered. "She stopped me just outside of the school. I'll tell you about it after class."

Taylor nodded, understandingly and twisted back around in her seat. She blew out a loud obnoxious sigh which made Mr. Duke turn and face her. 

"Is there a problem Taylor?"

Pulling her feet onto the desk, she holds his gaze for a long minute before answering. 

"There's no problem. Other than your monotonous voice, Mr. D." she responded with so much attitude I'm surprised he didn't kick her out of the class. 

Instead, he went back over to his desk and pulled out a piece of paper identical to the one he pulled out for me a few minutes prior.

As he started to write, he tapped his foot. "It looks like you'll be hearing a lot more from me. You'll be joining Ms. Parker tomorrow after school."

He stood to his full height and looked at the two of us. "I'll be expecting you both."

With that, he cautiously turned back around as if he thought we were going to say something else. 

Taylor looked over her shoulder and winked for the second time in the span of eight minutes. "Looks like it's you and me, buddy."

* * * *

Well, here it is! What did you think?? What are your thoughts on Joyce so far? Believe me when I say this is only the first time Malona encounters Joyce. 

So, Malona is going to a bonfire with Callie and Taylor! How do you think it's going to go? 

Please leave your thoughts in the comments, vote and share! :)

Have an awesome day, where ever you are!