Read Consume (The Devoured Series) for Free Online Page B

waved a hand in front of her face and she jumped and squeaked.
     
    "Oh, sorry," she said.
     
    "What's up with you?"
     
    "Nothing," she answered too quickly.
     
    "Nothing, huh?" I muttered and fit the pieces together in my mind. It was right before lunch and Ariel had no classes with Patrick. This was the only time of day she saw him. "I'm calling bullcrap on that one."
     
    She sighed in defeat and said, "It's stupid that I care so much what he thinks." She looked at me. "He barely knows I exist outside of our group."
     
    "That's not true. You're friends. He'll notice this. I guarantee it."
     
    "Ok, come on. I'm starving and it's better to get it over with. Just like a band-aid."
     
    I linked my arm with hers and practically dragged my feet in the massive boots to the cafeteria. I figured Eli would be waiting there for me, but Ariel needed someone right now. And if Patrick pulled the idiot card and made her cry with his lack of noticing, I'd hurt him. Or get Eli to, whichever.
     
    "Ok, big moment," she breathed as we rounded the last corner and then shook her head. "It's not even that big of a change. It's not a big deal."
     
    "You're fine on many levels," I joked. "Smokin'."
     
    She laughed. "Thanks."
     
    Eli was waiting and smiled at us when he saw us coming. "Hey."
     
    "Hey, you," I replied and grinned as I walked passed him.
     
    He chuckled behind us and jogged to catch up. I linked my arm with his, too. "Are we off to see the wizard?"
     
    Ariel and I laughed, catching the attention of the lunchroom who watched us. I was tempted to flip them off, but knew my mother looking down on me would not approve. I pulled Ariel to our table first and set our stuff down. Eli put his hands on my hips from behind to guide me to the lunch line, as was customary, and we began to make our way. But I heard Ariel's groan beside me.
     
    We turned to see Patrick walking in with Sarah. She was trying to stifle a giggle and he was hiding a smile. She winked as she walked away to her table and he came to ours, but not before one last glance. That glance was the final twist in the knife for Ariel.
     
    She started to bolt, but he was blocking the way in between the tables and there was nowhere else to go. He smiled as he came and then slowed his advance. "Whoa. Looky here."
     
    "Shut up," she muttered. I could tell all of the charisma and confidence she had two seconds ago had been sucked out of the room, just like that.
     
    "She's totally hot, right?" I asked him and went to her side, linking my arm through hers. "I can't wait for your hair to grow out."
     
    "You're growing your hair out? Why?" he asked and then looked at me. "And why are you dressed like that?" He seemed almost angry. I was confused. Ariel shied away from him into my side. "Answer me, Ariel," he said softly. "Why are you dressed like that? Clara shouldn't have made you feel like you weren't good enough." He eyed me. "That's was a really crappy thing to do, Hopkins."
     
    "This was my decision," she cut in. "I wanted to be the old me again."
     
    "The old you? There's only ever been you . You never changed. Maybe your clothes did, but you never did."
     
    I realized they'd been friends for a long time then. I wondered if he knew about her being sick.
     
    "I was different," she argued. "I was completely different. I want to be that girl again. The girl who could wear whatever she wanted and it didn't matter. She was pretty and happy and…"
     
    He glared at me once more. "What did you say to her? I know she slept over last night. What did you do?"
     
    "Nothing!" she shrieked at him. "She didn't tell me anything. I can make up my own mind, you know."
     
    He eyed her shoes. "So why did you decide to go all cool table on us then?"
     
    "Ahg! I'm so done." She stomped off and it was my turn to glare at Pat.
     
    "What?" he defended. "I was trying to help her see that she didn't need to wear your stupid shoes to fit in."
     
    "She's not trying to fit in, you