“Maybe someone stole it.”

It was possible. I remembered sending Willow a text in third period before heading to the bathroom. I thought I left my phone on my desk and didn't realize it was missing until fourth period when Willow asked why I didn't respond to her text. After searching my backpack I went back to the bathroom I used and even asked the lost and found committee, but it never turned up.

“Maybe. I’m going to search again and ask around before I report it missing.”

We pulled into the school parking lot and I immediately noticed the flashing lights. There were squad cars and a gang of students gathered around, watching the school anxiously.

“Whoa, did someone die?” Willow asked.

“I don't think so. There aren’t any ambulances.”

We quickly approached the large crowd to see what was happening. I was not prepared for what I saw. Just as I breached the wall of students, I caught sight of Keiran being led in handcuffs to a squad car. Another police officer followed with small bags of what looked like marijuana in Ziploc bags.

“This is bullshit!” I heard and saw an enraged Keenan emerge from the building followed by a furious Dash. They both looked as if they were ready to kill. I’ve never seen the two of them with so much as a frown on their face before.

“Son, you might want to calm down and step back before we arrest you too,” an officer stated.

“Fuck you, let my cousin go. That shit was planted!”

“You pigs are making a grave mistake. I will have your badges by the end of the day.” That came from Dash who was standing nearby deceptively calm.

“Mr. Chambers we are only doing our jobs.” With that they placed Keiran in the back of the car.

Later that day, I was doing homework at home when the doorbell rang. I opened it to find Keenan and Dash on my doorstep with fierce expressions. To say I was surprised was an understatement.

“Um, hi –” I was about to ask why they were here when Dash cut me off.

“Cut it, this isn’t a social call.”

“We know you sent that bullshit tip to the authorities and planted the drugs, bitch.” This came from Keenan, who looked to be only one wrong move or word from strangling me.

I shifted nervously, wishing my aunt were home. “We are giving you only one chance to go down to the station and tell them you planted the drugs.”

“I don't know what you are talking about. I did no such thing.” I tried to shut the door but Dash quickly lodged his boot in the door.

“Money talks, so we have good word that it was your cell phone that called the station…and you left your name. Not very smart,” Dash mocked.

“I told you I had nothing to do with it. Leave before I call the police.”

“No need to be scared little lamb,” Keenan’s voice lowered. “Keiran wants to deal with you personally.”

Chapter Six

Later that day, I walked into fifth period with Keiran trailing behind. He had been standing outside the door, talking to Quentin as I walked up. When I entered the classroom he wordlessly followed me in.

I discreetly looked around for Willow as I sat in our seats from yesterday. I had to talk to her and see if she was okay.  She wasn’t in volleyball, French, or lunch and she hasn’t answered my texts. I don’t even know if she ever made it to school. I sat down in my seat from yesterday and texted Willow again.

Could Keiran have done something to her? “Monroe, come sit here.”

“I’m fine right here.” The silence that followed was more intimidating than if he had yelled and screamed and I knew now was not the time or place to piss him off. He wouldn’t care about the other people in the room. It would just be another opportunity to humiliate me.

I sighed and gathered my books to move and sat next to him. Keenan and Sheldon walked in a moment later with ruffled clothing and secretive grins on their faces as they made their way to the back but sat in the row in front of us.

"Mr. Masters and Ms. Chambers it would behoove you to make it on time to class next time. Tardiness will not be tolerated."

"Sure thing, Mr. Lawson but I don't think people say ‘behoove’ anymore," Keenan joked. The class erupted into laughter causing Mr. Lawson to turn red.

“Keenan, quit it,” Sheldon scolded.

“Yes, dear.”

I watched the couple as they settled in. Keenan was tickling and poking her, making her giggle. He always found reasons to touch her and I’ve noticed the way he looked at her. He seemed to really adore her despite his unfaithfulness, which I didn't understand. Sheldon was beautiful and I felt sorry for her.

“Hi, I’m Sheldon. Lake Monroe, right?” Sheldon smiled at me as she sat down with her bag. Her eyes were bright amber and her hair was a light shade of blonde. I always thought she looked exotic and admired the athletic build she got from cheerleading.

“Uh…yeah. Hi.” I replied but didn't return her smile. I was still wary of Sheldon—she was, after all, popular, gorgeous, and had an amazing rack. Shit, now I sound like Keenan. I often caught Keenan motor boating them for everyone to see.

She seemed nice enough but didn’t seem all that smart when it came to men. Keenan was a slut and made no secret about it, yet she stayed with him. I didn't understand that type of commitment although I never had a boyfriend thanks to Keiran.

“Senior year. You excited?” she asked. You have no idea. I nodded my head politely but said nothing else. I couldn’t see why she was talking to me much less sitting next to me. “So you and Keiran, huh? You two an item?” she waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Keiran had been talking to Quentin but I knew he heard her question when his conversation with Quentin stopped and his attention shifted to me. I couldn’t rebuff him and I couldn’t tell her the truth either. His smirk told me he was enjoying the power he had over me.

I was saved from responding by Willow entering the classroom. When she spotted where I was sitting she sent me a questioning glance. I forced a smile but sucked in a breath when she walked over to me.

“Happy Birthday, Lake,” she said cheerfully as she leaned downed to kiss my cheek. Just as I was about to respond Keiran seized my chin in a hard grip and turned my face up to him.

“If you want to be cool then you can’t talk to her anymore. We talked about this. You have to drop your deadweight.”

My world came crashing down at the double meaning in his words. Silence passed between us as I stared at him with hate in my eyes.

“Lake?” Willow’s voice trembled and I knew she heard him. She was meant to.

I wanted to turn and reassure her. I couldn’t let him do this. I couldn’t let him take away the only two people that I had to love. Did giving up one really mean saving the other? Despite my doubts I knew I couldn’t risk it. He’d won. He knew the moment I submitted because he finally let go of my face.

My gaze dropped down to my notebook in front of me but I didn’t see it. I didn’t see anything. All I could feel was the weight of my best friend’s stare and the hurt I just caused her. She wordlessly walked to our normal seats and sat down. Only then did I allow my gaze to rise and it immediately landed on her slumped shoulders. Whoever said choosing between right and wrong was easy is a damn liar.

* * *

Drop your deadweight. I played the words over in my head repeatedly as I stood in front of the bathroom mirror. I didn’t like who I saw looking back at me.

I was mortified.

I hurt Willow.

I never hurt Willow and Willow never hurt me. Once class was over she practically ran out the room and I couldn’t stop her.