“Since King is tense, I’ll have to give him a visit and loosen him up,” Silver continues.
I drop into the passenger seat and slam the door shut harder than I intended.
My breathing is harsh and uneven and my ears ring as if someone slapped me.
Loosen him up.
Who cares who loosens him the hell up?
I’m glad Kim pulls out the car in silence. My temper flares when Silver gives me a smug smile and waves her phone on which ‘King’ flashes.
He’s calling her.
Aiden is calling her.
The entire ride home is spent in unnerving silence.
Despite the weight perching on my chest, I hate the strained air between Kim and I.
I finger the strap of my backpack. “What’s wrong, Kim?”
She cuts me a stern look before she focuses back on the road. “I should be asking you that. After years of brushing off guys, you’re suddenly interested Xander?”
I blink. “I’m not interested in Xander.”
“So you just held his arm for show? You walked into the cafeteria for the first time in years with Xander for show, too?” Her lips tremble. “Wait. Did you… did you have feelings for him all this time?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Then, what is it? You know he bullied me for years! I’m sure it’s written in some friendship code that you don’t date your best friend’s bully.”
I stare at her reddened cheeks, incredulous. Being the rational party right now is so freaking hard. “And does that friendship code say that you shouldn’t hug your best friend’s bully and cry in his chest? Does it allow you to act all friendly around him when it clearly makes me uncomfortable?”
Kim’s lips part as she hits the brakes, stopping the car on the side of the road. A driver yells and honks, but she ignores him and taps the steering wheel maniacally. “So this is what it’s all about? You’re taking revenge because of that?”
“I’m not taking revenge.”
“Then what?” Her eyes rim with tears. “It’s Xan, Ellie. You can’t be with him… please?”
“I’m not with him. It’s a pretence and a game to stop the bullying. Didn’t you tell me to use them while I can?”
“Oh.”
Silence takes claim in the car. I stare from the window at kindergarten kids crossing the street.
“King and I aren’t what you think.” Kim’s voice softens.
“Can’t you see he’s getting between us, Kim?” My voice is defeated.
“I won’t allow that. I’m not an idiot, once I get the information I need, I’ll step away from him.”
“What information?”
She goes back to tapping the steering wheel. “I’ll tell you when I’m sure. The point is, I promise to never hurt you, Ellie. You saw me when I was invisible, and I’ll never forget that.”
I face her, tears blurring my vision. “And I would never hurt you, Kim. You’re the best thing that happened to me since I got into this godforsaken school.”
Kim lunges at me in a bear hug. I wrap my arms around her, inhaling her soft, floral perfume. I didn’t know I needed a hug until she offered it.