Read Online Trouble from the Start by Rachel Hawthorne - Free Book Online Page B

been flattered that someone like Scooter Gibson had finally noticed me. He’d noticed me for all the wrong reasons. I felt stupid and hurt. And angry.
    My reputation was ruined.
    I’d always worried about being the good girl, never disappointing my parents, having stellar grades and an untarnished image. Like maybe I thought I would end up in politics or something and didn’t want anyone to ever find any dirt hidden in my past. But mostly, I wanted to make my parents proud.
    I loved that my parents took in foster kids, that they worked with them, tried to help them acclimate to a life without violence or drugs or abuse. But when they first started doing it, a small part of me had wondered if they were trying to find a replacement for me. If maybe I didn’t exactly measure up to their expectations.
    Crazy thoughts. I knew that. But it was amazing how I could blow things out of proportion. How something could worry me until it almost became a living, breathing demonthat sucked away all rational thought.
    â€œOkay, people, time’s up!” Mr. Turner announced. He was a stickler when it came to timing tests or accepting homework. He made no exceptions.
    He took up the exams, then settled behind his desk and began calling us up to turn in our books. When he called my name, I walked to the front feeling like I was wearing a big scarlet S for slut on my back. I handed him my book.
    He marked off my name, then looked at me with huge eyes magnified by his black-rimmed glasses. “Remember, Avery, every problem has a solution. Good luck.”
    Had he said that to everyone? Did even the teachers know about the bet? “Uh, thanks,” I stammered. I’d barely reached my desk when the bell rang.
    I snatched up my backpack. Without waiting for Kendall, I hurried out of the room and scoured the hallway for any sign of Fletcher as I strode to my locker, staring down every guy who looked at me like he was imagining me without clothes on, and one girl whose expression said “Slut.”
    Of course, I had no classes whatsoever with loser Fletcher. And since he never studied or cracked open a book, I seldom saw him in the hallway where the seniors had their lockers. This morning I didn’t see him at all. Maybe he hadn’t even come to school. Maybe his bike was gone because he’d literally left, moved out. Maybe he washeading out of state. Out of the country would be better.
    Kendall caught up with me at my locker. “What was the hurry?” she asked. “We have two hours before the next exam.”
    â€œI was trying to find Fletcher.”
    â€œI haven’t spotted him yet. Lucky for him. I would have punched him.”
    I grinned. “Thanks.”
    â€œHey, babe,” Jeremy said as he joined us. He gave Kendall a quick kiss before looking at me. “Hey, Avery. Why so down? You’re exempt from all your exams, right?”
    â€œBut not exempt from gossip,” I told him. “I just learned about that stupid bet that loser Fletcher made.”
    â€œYeah, that’s a crappy way to start the last week of school, but for what it’s worth, a lot of people don’t believe anything happened.”
    I knew he was trying to comfort me but all I really heard was that a lot of people knew. Then another thought hit me. Did people think nothing happened because Fletcher wouldn’t even bother to make a pass at me? Which he hadn’t, but still—I didn’t want people knowing that. Or did they think I was strong enough not to be lured in by his curb appeal? I couldn’t see any way for me to come out of this on top.
    â€œHave you seen him?” I asked.
    â€œNo, I don’t have any classes with the guy. Why don’twe get out of here?” he asked. “Go to the Burger Shack for lunch. I’ll drive.”
    â€œThat sounds great,” I said. I needed to get off campus.
    Of course, a lot of students went to the B.S. Standing in