Chapter 3

Brandon puffed out his chest. "Scarlett's a total babe, right? All the guys want her. You into her?"

I quickly shook my head, acting shy. "Who am I to even think about someone like her? I bet Scarlett only has eyes for you."

That went straight to Brandon's head. He grinned, looking pleased with himself.

Brandon knew Scarlett was into him, of course, but he wasn't ready to settle down yet.

Homecoming was coming up, and he was supposed to carry the banner—until he tripped over his stupid cape and twisted his ankle. Some athletic girl would end up helping him to the nurse's office.

And that day, Scarlett—jealous as hell—would end up confessing to me instead.

But on Homecoming day, I made sure I twisted my ankle before he could.

I gritted my teeth through the pain, limping as I brought him his hair gel and a change of clothes.

Brandon didn’t bat an eye, just bitched about me being late.

“What took you so long to grab a few things? Your ankle hurts? Man up! We can’t be late for the parade!”

I hung my head, apologizing like I always did—acting all meek and sorry.

That’s when the athletic girl came over and asked, “Hey, you okay? Want me to take you to the nurse’s office?”

I felt awkward, waving her off. “No, I’m good.” But then I almost fell over.

She steadied me anyway, helping me walk to the nurse’s office.

Suddenly, I felt this icy stare on me. I looked up and there was Scarlett.

Brandon, standing next to me, called out all excited, “Scarlett! Check out my outfit today!”

Scarlett didn’t answer. She just looked at me and said, “I’ll take him.”

Brandon’s face dropped. “Scarlett! I’m supposed to carry the banner into the stadium! Where are you going?”

I jumped in quickly. “You don’t have to, Scarlett. This girl can take me. Don’t keep Brandon waiting.”

At the nurse’s office, the nurse said my injury was pretty bad and told me to take it easy for a while.

I thanked the girl who helped me—turns out her name was Chloe.

Chloe was about to leave, but then she turned around at the door.

“Hey, let’s swap numbers. If you need anything, just text me.”

I noticed her ears were a little pink, and I was confused.

Not long after I got to the nurse’s office, word came that Brandon had taken a fall. Scarlett brought him in herself.

He had on his cape, looking all princely, with Scarlett by his side like some royal princess.

Chloe came back with an ice pack, looking kinda shocked when she saw them.

Brandon was wincing in pain. The nurse said he needed a cold compress first.

He pointed at Chloe without hesitating, telling her to give him the ice pack.

I kept my voice down like always. "Let Brandon use it first. I'll get another one later."

Chloe looked annoyed but handed it over.

"I'll take you back to your dorm first, then I'll grab you a new one."

"Alex, can't you ask for help yourself? Do you need someone to wait on you hand and foot?"

Scarlett's face was still cold, her words sharp and unfriendly.

But then she actually took the ice pack and put it on my swollen ankle herself.

Brandon's eyes went wide. "Scarlett! I haven't even used it yet! How could you give it to him?"

Scarlett ignored him, looking up at me instead. "Alex, don't you like me? Let's date."

I feigned surprise to hide the coldness in my eyes.

Scarlett wouldn't fall for me that easily. She was probably just trying to get back at Brandon.

And I didn't say yes right away. I stammered nervously, "I—I never said I liked you."

I left quickly, heading back to the dorm where Brandon's attitude had completely flipped.

He mocked, "Didn't know you actually managed to score with Scarlett. You've got some nerve, huh? Dating her—you're way out of your league."

I kept my head down and mumbled, "No, I'm not."

Brandon got even nastier. “Who are you kidding? There’s no way you don’t like Scarlett. I’ve seen your type before.”

“All of you trying to climb the social ladder, like you even belong there. Even if Scarlett likes you, her family would never accept someone like you!”

But this wasn’t enough. I wanted more than just her attention.