Page 49 of That Pucking New Girl

I had my first therapy appointment yesterday, and I’m not sure what to think so far. I told Rachelle it was too early for me to make a decision and I’d meet a couple more times with the person.

I definitely didn’t get shitty vibes, so that’s something. I also met with a psychiatrist for a medication review, and he was really nice. He heard some of my thoughts on my medication, and he switched me to an antidepressant that will help my anxiety as well. That makes me happy, the less meds to remember, the better.

Next, is a gynecologist that will hopefully agree to a birth control pill that’ll limit how many periods I get a year. I’m unfortunately not on anything right now because my prescription ran out.

“Baby steps,” I mutter under my breath.

“Do you usually talk to yourself?” a girl asks, making me yelp as I flinch.

I’ve had my back to the stairs, and I’m recognizing that was a mistake. Sitting up, I turn to see the girl that asked Principal Keer a question.

Was it Alexis?

“I do,” I reply, facing the window again. My hand moves to where my taser is strapped to my thigh. I decided I needed to have access to my weapons at all times during school. If I’ll need it at the games, I may as well get comfortable with using it.

It makes me feel a little bit like G.I. Jane, but I don’t care. If it’ll help me not get my ass whooped, then so be it. I’m sitting with my legs crossed at my ankles, with my hand easily concealed in the skirt.

Shit, her name is Alexa.

“Mind if I ask why?” she asks.

“I prefer my own company to others,” I say, hoping that’s bitchy enough to get her to go away.

It’s one year. I don’t need friends.

“Well that’s too bad,” she laughs. “You’re Noor, right?”

Alexa walks over until she’s in front of me before sitting on the ground.

“It’s creepy here,” she mutters.

“It’s perfect,” I correct before sighing. “Or at least it was.”

“Come on, don’t be like that,” she says. “I’m Alexa. I heard you slept with one of the Devils and he fell in love with you. Is that true?”

“That’s rich,” I snort. “I wouldn’t touch them with your vagina.”

“For all you know, I could be a lesbian,” she shrugs. “I’m just making conversation. They’re out to get you.”

“Hence why I’m in the bell tower,” I say drolly. “Peace is difficult to find. The quiet is lacking at the moment.”

“Quiet is overrated, and peace? There’s no such thing at this school. We’ve all been in each other’s business for years. Alastair runs this school with an iron fist. I wonder if he’d lay off if you offered to suck his cock under the lunch room table.”

“For some reason, you seem to be awfully invested in their sex lives,” I sigh. “I’m just trying to graduate.”

“Hmm,” she says. “I don’t know if that’s going to be possible. Good luck though! You should probably head back if you’re going to make it to class. I heard you have emphysema and can’t move quickly. I think it’s dumb you came all the way up here only to get stuck.”

Rolling my eyes, I wave her away.

“Gossip at this school is like a fucked up version of telephone. Somewhere in the mess is the truth. Bye now.”

I pretend to gaze past her out the window, but I’m tracking her every move out of the corner of my eye. My finger opens the holster for my taser, and my hand pulls it out slowly. I don’t care if it’s overkill. Trusting anyone isn’t in my wheelhouse.

“You’re so rude,” Alexa groans. “I thought maybe you’d like a friend. I could be helpful.”

“Could you?” I ask. “Maybe I’ll remember that. Trust is earned, and I don’t know you. I have every reason to be rude. You invaded my space without permission.”

“It’s not yours,” she says snidely, clambering to her feet. “This is a public space, and you’re not even supposed to be here.”