Page 19 of Ask No Questions

“You tried talking to him?” Alexis was standing with her hands on her hips, easily the most serious I have seen her.

“Yeah? He was at the party. I was just trying to meet everyone.”

“Why would he be there?” She looked at Mckayla and Talia. “He wasn’t invited, and more importantly, he never shows up to parties.”

They began talking amongst themselves trying to solve the mystery, but I soon lost interest and began watching the students around us. Most of them at least glanced our way. A few yelled hi as they passed, and several guys stopped, trying to get their attention before giving up and walking to class. They seemed to be well-known and popular even though they didn’t seem to acknowledge it. They all turned to me at the same time, breaking me from my thoughts.

Mckayla spoke first. “We’re telling you this because we love you. Stay away from Gage. I know you were trying to be friendly, but he’s not a nice guy, okay? We can deal with the other people later. Now, let’s get to class.”

I didn’t like being old who I can and can’t talk to, but I let it slide for the moment. They knew more about what was going on with him than I did.

Compared to my other teachers, Mr. Copland—AP US History—was a drill sergeant. He handed out the class syllabus along with an assignment due by the end of class. It took me a few minutes to figure out he was serious. I stared down at the prompt ‘Explain one of the causes of the Progressive Era during the early twentieth century’ and wondered how I had forgotten everything I learned last year.

All I could see were flashes of Neil’s party and the life I left behind as I started panicking. Before I entered into a full-fledged nervous breakdown, a note slid onto my desk. Looking around I tried to figure out who put it there, but everyone was rigorously writing. I opened the note and read, “Just talk about women’s suffrage, Mr. C is a total feminist.”

I glanced around again trying to figure out who helped me, but everyone was looking down. Luckily, the note was enough to trigger my memory, and I was able to finish the assignment just as the bell rang. I stood up and rushed out of the class, thankful I survived. Halfway down the hall someone lightly bumped into me. Turning, I saw a cute guy wearing a short sleeve button-up shirt and slim-fit slacks with disheveled brown hair. His thick brows were furrowed as he looked down at me.

“Did that note help? I figured you’re smart enough to be in the class, you just needed a reminder after the break.”

“Yes, thanks so much! I totally blanked until I read that. I’m Aubrey Tate.” I held out my hand, and he smiled as he shook it.

“Sean Elliot. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Do you know where you’re headed for lunch?”

“Not really, my friends mentioned meeting at the quad, but I don’t know what that means.”

“That’s just the front section of the courtyard by the entrance. I’ll walk you there.”

I smiled up at him, unable to get enough of his puppy dog eyes. He was completely adorable and appeared completely oblivious to that. He dressed in hipster clothes (including the suede ankle boots), but it seemed to actually be his style rather than an attempt to be trendy.

He guided me through the crowd until I saw the girls, who waved when they saw me.

“You know them?” I couldn’t tell if he was amazed or scared.

“Mckayla’s my cousin, and I just met Alexis and Talia, but yeah I guess we’re friends. Do you know them?”

He mumbled something so low I barely caught it. “I wish.” Then he turned to me and smiled like everything was all right. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Aubrey!”

I watched him hurry away before walking to our table. I noticed Mckayla gazing at him as I approached. “Are you friends with Sean, Mac?”

“Not really, we were partners for a project last year, but we haven’t talked since. He’s really nice, though. So… no more drama, right?” She laughed as I sat down, shaking my head.

“I swear I don’t know what’s going on with people. I barely say anything, and I now have all the numbers of the guys in my math class, and I can feel the death stares of Sydney and her little minions following me around.”

Talia bumped my shoulder as they laughed at me. “Don’t worry about her. She hasn’t had to compete for attention since elementary school, so she’s just thrown off. Nobody cares what she does anymore, but she doesn’t see that. It was all a happy balance ‘til you showed up.”

Alexis was back to her happy self, bouncing and smiling in her chair. “Just give everyone a few days, and they’ll get used to you… maybe.” She nodded behind us, and we turned and saw a crowd of guys, grinning like animals, stalking toward our table. Mike was leading the pack, and he slid onto my bench without a ‘hello’.

“You haven’t called me.”

I furrowed my brows. “I’ve been in class. When was I supposed to get to that?”

By this time, the rest of the guys were crowded around us, some sitting on the empty portions of the benches while others stood. Mike turned to his posse and introduced everyone.

“Guys, this is Aubrey, or the future Mrs. Thomas, if you prefer. Aubrey, these are the guys, most of them are from the football team, but some are from lacrosse and rugby. If anyone gives you a hard time—or even tries to talk to you—they will be around to help.”

“Perfect.” I rolled my eyes trying to configure a plan to escape. No such luck.

“Is there anyone we need to take care of yet?”