By the time Quan lets us out of class, I’ve built up a good amount of sweat, and my muscles tense, telling me I’m going to be sore tomorrow. Quinton leaves class without a word or goodbye, not that I was expecting him to say anything.
Grabbing a bottle of water on the way out, I down it and fill up another one. I still find myself speed-walking back to my room. I need to grab a quick shower before going to my next class to avoid being stinky.
I’m alone in the elevator and thankful for the moment of solitude. When the doors open, I step out, keeping my head down. That turns out to be a mistake because if I had looked around, I would have seen Anja and Marcel waiting for me.
By the time I do see them, it’s already too late. There’s no avoiding them, and instead of hanging my head, I lift it high and stare straight ahead at them. Marcel is the first to react, a slimy grin appearing on his lips.
“Oh, look, it’s the rat scurrying away, ready to tell another lie about someone.”
“Don’t you have anything better to do than harass me?” I pipe up, refusing to let myself be walked on.
“Is it harassment if it’s true?” Anja adds, and they both break out into laughter. My cheeks heat, and I decide to hit Anja where it hurts.
“You’re just jealous because Quinton pays more attention to me than you.” It’s a stupid comeback and not my best, but I know it hits its mark when Anja’s nose wrinkles and her lips turn up in a snarl.
“He doesn’t like you. He likes tormenting you. There’s a difference.”
I mean, she’s not lying, but it doesn’t change the fact that he shows more interest in me than her.
I shrug. “Whatever makes it easier for you to sleep at night.”
Anja looks like she wants to punch me, and Marcel places a comforting hand on her shoulder, stopping her from following through on the thought.
I turn and continue walking toward my room. I’ve only made it a few feet when I hear Marcel yell, “That’s right, scurry back to your garbage can of a room, you dirty fucking rat.”
There aren’t many people in the corridor, but enough to draw a few eyes, leading to unwanted attention. I can feel their eyes on me, so I force my feet to go faster.
I’m down the hall and locked inside my room in less than a minute. Stripping out of my sweaty clothes, I hop in the shower, turning the water all the way to hot. At least I can let my muscles relax for a few minutes before I have to head to my next class. When I’m out there, I don’t have the luxury of relaxing. Everywhere I turn in this house of demons, I have to watch my back. People want me dead, and since they can’t kill me, they’ll do much worse things. I have to be prepared for anything.