Chapter 6
839words
As I was about to leave the bathroom stall, I froze at the sound of voices outside. They were discussing Jeffrey, and I recognized one voice as Alice, a senior from our poetry club.
One girl asked with a giggle, "Is it true that Jeffrey is actually dating that scrawny redhead with the crazy hair?"
Crazy hair? I stiffened. They were definitely talking about me—my unruly curls were infamous.
Alice laughed coldly. "God, those guys are such assholes when they're bored."
"Oh? What do you mean? Is there some drama I missed?"
Alice sighed. "The guys were looking through the new member photos from our club, and they picked the plainest girl as a dare. Jeffrey has to sleep with her within a month or pay up. Those guys are such immature jerks."
My entire body turned to ice, my ears ringing with shock.
"Wait, why is Jeffrey being punished? What did he do?"
"Who knows? They're always playing these sick games with each other. Anyway, you girls should steer clear of that whole crowd."
"Haha, I wouldn't mind. Jeffrey is gorgeous and built like a Greek god. Sleeping with him once would be worth whatever drama follows."
Alice snorted. "I'd advise you to aim elsewhere. Jeffrey is quite the player—and not in a good way. He's got some weird kinks, if you know what I mean."
...
I stayed frozen in the stall until their voices and footsteps faded completely.
I finally emerged and stared at my reflection: wild, copper curls framing a pale, freckled face, my thin frame swimming in oversized clothes...
Of course. If it wasn't for a stupid bet, why would someone like Jeffrey ever look twice at me?
"Ugh—" My stomach lurched violently, and I barely made it back into the stall before dry-heaving again.
Hot tears streamed down my face as I slid to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest, sobbing until I had nothing left.
By the time I finally left the bathroom, the sun had set completely.
I dragged my exhausted, hollow body back toward my dorm.
Just then my phone buzzed. I checked and saw Kane had finally replied to my message with two simple words: [What's up?]
I had sent that message hours ago, and he was only now responding with this casual question. What was the point? Was he mocking me?
I laughed bitterly and shoved the phone back in my pocket.
I felt awful, like my body was shutting down.
The campus was eerily quiet. At this hour, most students were either partying or on dates. Emily had texted earlier that she was staying at Mike's place.
Although Emily was the only real friend I had... I didn't want to ruin her night...
"Lucy?"
I startled, my head snapping up.
Jeffrey stood there, books tucked under one arm, glasses perched on his nose, the picture of academic perfection.
Remembering what I'd just overheard, bile rose in my throat.
Jeffrey noticed my swaying and quickly moved to support my elbow. I wanted to shove him away but found I barely had the strength to stand.
"Don't touch me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jeffrey's eyebrows shot up. "What's wrong, Lucy? You look terrible."
"I said don't touch me."
"Let me help you to the health center." With that, Jeffrey tried to scoop me into his arms.
I shoved him with what little strength I had, but only succeeded in making myself stumble backward. "Get away from me!" I shouted, my voice cracking.
Jeffrey's face transformed into a mask of concern. "Lucy, what's wrong? Did I do something to upset you?"
I laughed coldly, glaring up at him through my tears. "You tell me. If it wasn't for the bet, why would you ever approach someone like me?"
Jeffrey froze, and after a moment, the concerned expression melted away, replaced by cool indifference. "So you found out."
His tone was chillingly casual.
Jeffrey's lips curled into a smirk. "I was just trying to help because you looked pathetic. Don't be ungrateful. Lucy, even if I was doing this on a bet, you should be grateful. You're not pretty, not sexy, and your personality is as exciting as dry toast. Besides me, what guy would ever look twice at you?"
I stood there stunned, each word hitting like a physical blow.
Jeffrey continued, his voice dripping with contempt, "Even if you threw yourself at someone, they'd probably run the other way."
I clenched my fists, staring at this stranger wearing Jeffrey's face, hardly able to believe this was the same person who had so tenderly asked me to be his girlfriend.
He stepped closer with a predatory smile and grabbed my waist. "You're probably still a virgin, right? Don't worry, I don't mind doing you a favor. Consider it charity work."
