Chapter 11

Rather the horrid legions... most of the school, pretended I didn't exist. So, a bit reluctantly, I had to thank Jared for keeping his word.

Now if only he could've left me alone till after school and in better mood to put up with a constant clinger.

Meeting up with my new friend-- and Megan-- I'd tucked in for the story of how she ended up in a wheelchair.

"I've gone on the trails for years, tread all the easy ones since my Cherry glitter BMX, I wanted a challenge."

My respect for Celia went up so high.

"You did not," I said.

"Calm down it wasn't three black diamonds it was only two but called Viper's. Gorge. Windy incline, just as many dips, and can do a wheelie with the right speed--"

"Which she can't get enough of and fell ten feet," Megan cut in which despite such a harsh, waspish tone, there was a haunted look to her eye.

Celia grew more solemn. I'd opened my mouth, hoping to tell her it wasn't like required she answer every single question.

"Yeah it-- it was bad, my leg skewed and my bike in, pieces."

"Good riddance," the other girl heaved. "Not much of a surprise, the whole incident though, considering who her parents are." And she took a bigger bite of her wrap than usual.

"How does that track?" I scoffed.

"Ever heard the names Asinder and Megara?" she preened.

Celia looked quite abashed.

"This year's hottest and fiercest punk goddesses," I squealed.

"Her Mom and Aunt."

"That is so cool!" I said bouncing upon Celia, clasping my hands with hers.

She took it in good spirits, laughing somewhat indulgently when saying, "Good to know what to get you for your birthday. I never did peg you as a punk music fan."

"And I never took you for a rabid fangirl," Megan said making me tense. "We all have our crushes."

"Sorry- sorry, I--" unconsciously I could hear the snappish tone of a man in my ears and extra runs that would strain at my legs lugging a pack full of rocks.

"Harley, really no harm," she assured, "I don't mind, I get my Mom and her sister are really cool. I don't think less of you, how stupid would that be."

"Thanks," I said just a bit uncertain.

"I like learning more about you. And I'm sure Megan wanted to connect with you too," she said a chilly current to her gaze, "she is all about romance, won't shut up on it."

Megan was a bit aghast but nevertheless just huffed and got quiet, still, resolutely silent on the apologizing thing.

Then my phone blipped.

What.

"Friend?" Celia asked.

"I mean, mine are all here, I guess," I said. Opening the message, the only thing that seemed a reasonable response is to chuck the thing and move on.

Once was way more than enough.

I couldn't wait to hear Jared's excuse.