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of the table. The word ‘roses’ was spoken as if it was a dirty word. The game of the corniest pickup lines was apparently over. The table got so quiet and others nearby stopped to listen as well. It was expected. With her tone, it was clear she’d wanted to start in on me. I am not sure why Nina hated me. She and Luke had broken up a couple of weeks before Luke and I had gotten together late last year. And we weren’t together anymore, so why did she still have it in for me. Maybe she’d noticed how he’s directed his lines at me. Ugh!
     
    I looked up and noticed her for the first time. She sat on the opposite end of the table. She’d cut her hair off. It was now short in the back and layered longer in the front. The style was quite cute with her shiny midnight hair. Nevertheless, today wasn’t a day for compliments. I should have held my tongue, but I didn’t. Maybe it was the stress of being at the table. Maybe it was because I’d hoped to remain in the shadows and not draw attention to myself.
     
    Although it felt longer, it had only been less than a few seconds before I said back, “What is your problem?” I asked. My voice was steady and sure. I looked her straight in her eyes. My eyes held all the confidence I’d gained in the last several months. I didn’t need her or any of the rest of the popular crowd’s approval.
     
     “Did you get those roses by sleeping with every boy at this table?” she asked, using a caustic tone while holding my gaze. Her eyes weren’t friendly and her face held a scowl.
     
    Although things were quiet, I could hear murmurs from those around me. They waited with bated breath for an escalation of violence. There was nothing I could say to that. I hadn’t slept with anyone. I was still a virgin, which somehow I doubted she could claim the same. However, I didn’t know that either. Whatever I said would sound too much like how a child would say ‘ I know you are but what I’m I’ . Even so, I couldn’t help myself. In a calm manner, I stood with my tray in one hand and flowers in the other.
     
    Amber tried to put a hand on mine to stop me, whispering something like you don’t have to go. But I didn’t listen. Maggie may have spoken too, but my head had cleared itself free of all the background noise. I said in a normal tone that with the silence around us, I knew she’d clearly hear me, “I didn’t. And your invective against me proves just what a bitch you are and why no guy wants you.” So it wasn’t the best line, but it made my point. She paled for a second. With that, I walked with all my dignity intact. Tossing my uneaten lunch in the trash which had been broiled chicken over a Caesar salad, I exited the lunch room.
     
    In the hallway, I had my next surprise of the day. I’d careened right into Tom, who was headed into the lunch room.
     

Chapter Three
     
     
     
      perspicacity (adj.) shrewdness, perceptiveness
     
     
     
    Tom, Brent’s cousin, whom I met over Thanksgiving break last year when Brent ended up in the hospital after a bad bear attack, stood in front of me. I’d seen him maybe twice since then and on every occasion he’d made it quite clear that I was someone he needed to avoid.
     
    “Hey trouble, where are you off to?” he asked with a grin.
     
    I looked up into his gray eyes before I rolled my own with a slight laugh. “Hey yourself,” I said half heartedly.
     
    His happy face changed into one of concern. “You look pissed. What happened?” he asked.
     
    “You know me and misfortune,” I said, holding up the roses for him to see with a grimace on my face.
     
     “What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to head off any further questions directed at me. We continued to stand on the outskirts of the cafeteria. I hoped no one would come after me before I got away.
     
    “Long story. Where are you headed?” he asked.
     
    “Anywhere away from here,” I answered, my eyes traveling to the side exit