Something tells me that the stakes are going to be raised higher and my life is going to be full of unwanted drama.

After the crazy Saturday with my first debut in group therapy and having lunch with a certain blonde diva's family with them warning me of what she's capable of; I dunno whether or not to run away or finish off with my planned escape route. With the Jillian/Ryan debacle, I'm lucky enough to consider living one more day a blessing. Because there's going to be one of those days that I'll be forced to stand by one or the other's side and be partnered with him or her.

I'm going to need a lot of inner strength (and lots of therapy) for what's brewing in the horizon, friend. Because something big is about to go down and I'll be caught in the eye of the impending hurricane.

***************

The weekend came and went and it was now another Monday as Holly, the twins, Derrick, Javi, and I were currently shooting the breeze with a few minutes to spare before homeroom as I recapped them with what happened this pas Saturday. "I knew that Jillian was too much of a nut for anyone's taste, but this officially takes the cake," Derrick commented. "And I know Theo and his suicide squad since he and I take the same woodshop class in fifth period. Boy, that dude has way too many issues."

Evan nodded. "Now there's two loony bins to worry about and all good reason for Demario over here to keep away from Kendricks and Peavey at all costs," he said, shooting me a glance just as we began to make an early exodus from the courtyard to inside. To me, "Demario, make sure that you allow yourself to take a break to de-stress."

"I will," I replied. "With all that's been said on Saturday, I'm actually surprised that I lasted this far and-"

"No going back into your cynical shell," Antonio said tersely, shooting me a sharp glare. "You got to remember to speak life into yourself and focus on being in the moment. Appreciate the blessings of what can be."

"Amen to that," Holly agreed.

"Sorry, y'all. I just have this strange yet uneasy feeling that there's going to be something...well, I'm just bit bit on edge after the luncheon and how Kendricks' family told me to stay away from her and Ryan at all costs," I replied. "I haven't run into either one of them yet, but you never know."

"Well, you might need to talk with either the Callaways or Nguyen about this," Javi replied. "If things start getting complicated, you're going to need some positive headspace."

"Right."

Their words were no-nonsense because I did have the sinking feeling that I was going to run into either one of the two poisons without much choice. And if I wasn't careful, I was going to fall into some nasty habits.

All the better for you to start making final arrangements and finish what you failed to do in the first place, Mom's voice nagged in my head as the gang and I split into different directions before I headed to my locker. Save face and end it all. I won't think less of you than I already do.

I shook the idea out of my head as I collected my books. "Not today," I muttered as I closed my locker door and hurried to my homeroom. "Not today."

That's the spirit, Demario, a more-gentle and caring-like voice said in my head.

**************

"All right, class," my social-skills teacher Ms. Lancaster crowed eagerly as everyone gathered in their seats for fourth period. "The English/Language-Arts teachers and I have gathered last weekend to talk about our first project for you all. And this project counts as thirty-five percent of your grade not only in my class but in your English/Language Arts classes as well."

Everyone (except for me) groaned.

I felt Ryan's gaze from the back of my head. It didn't help much that he and I were in the same class together, but I didn't complain since my priorities consisted of focusing on my mental health and school. As long as I didn't have to speak to him and stayed out of his way like everyone suggested, I would be fine.

"You'll be assigned partners, so there will be no swapping," Ms. Lancaster went on. "Now, your project is to get to know your assigned partner and do a case study on him/her/they/them. You guys can do either a poem, a spoken word, or even do something creative, as long as it is tasteful and goes in accordance with the assignment. You'll also have to spend a day or two with your partner and meet their families."

Everyone hummed and nodded in agreement, some of them shooting me looks as if hoping to pair up with me.

"The project is due in two weeks, so I recommend that you get started as soon as possible. With that out of the way, I'll be passing out the assignments after announcing your partners. Denielle Adams, you're with Shandi Meyer, Ka'van Parrish, you're with Francis Zeller..."

Some partners looked a bit unhappy with Ms. Lancaster's decision while others looked unmoved or didn't mind.

"And finally, we have Demario Bader and..." Ms. Lancaster trailed off, shooting me a concerned glance. "Oh, dear."

I saw some of the students shoot me sad and pitiful looks. "What is it?" I asked.

The teacher sent me an apologetic glance. "Demario, you're going to be paired with Ryan Peavey," she said sadly. "And I know you've been told to stay away from him by everyone here, but this was already done by another teacher who made the pairings on my behalf."

I turned to my left and saw the football player give me a wide grin. My stomach was now in knots. This was not good. This was not good at all!

It's not my best chapter, but it will set the stage for what's ahead as Demario has to work with Ryan for his grade. And coming up next, the jock himself makes his intentions known to Demario as our star and his new beau face off with a now-livid Jillian who sends the former a threatening message via Theo Blake himself! Oh, shit!

Dedication: BookishFable.

Vote.
Comment.
Share.
Follow.
Add.
FAN!