TWO WEEKS LATER
Ananda sat alone at a table in the very corner of the cafeteria, careful not to draw any attention. She'd been avoiding Stacy and the rest of the group easily enough - she didn't have any classes with them, and it was simple to go straight to her first class as soon as she got to school, then grab her books after and wait for Nick in the library. Normally she would also be off-campus for lunch, but today Nick, Bri, Kev, AJ, and D all had to go to some press conference. Ananda nervously clenched her fist under the table when she saw Domingo crossing the cafeteria... and coming in her direction.
"Hey chica." Domingo slid into the chair across from her. "You still hangin with that faggot boyfriend of yours?"
"Go away Domingo."
Domingo pouted at her with a false look of hurt on his face. "Are you sending me away?"
"Yes." Ananda picked up her tray and moved to the trash can. She had suddenly lost whatever was left of her appetite.
Domingo followed. "You can't avoid us forever you know."
Ananda emptied her tray and spun on her heel, giving Domingo a bitter smile. "How much you wanna bet?" she spat angrily.
"Lots."
"Oh please. Listen, would you just leave me alone?" Ananda started toward the cafeteria doors but Domingo grabbed her and spun her around. "Let go you jerk!" she snapped.
Domingo's eyes flashed with anger. "You listen, you little whore. We're sick of your crap."
Ananda tore herself out of his grip and realized she was trembling. "Leave me alone," she said, thankful that her voice stayed strong. With that she turned and walked out of the cafeteria to the library.
*****
THAT AFTERNOON
Ananda sat on the front steps of the library, waiting for Nick. Mrs. Sanders, the librarian, had gone home early today... meaning Ananda had basically no refuge from certain people until Nick got there. Speaking of unpleasant people... Ananda felt an overwhelming sense of despair in the pit of her stomach when she saw Domingo, Craig, and Stacy walking in her direction.
Stacy saw Ananda notice them and waved cheerfully.
But Ananda knew better. She rose from the stairs and started towards the parking lot. She knew that they were probably going to jump her if they ever got the opportunity... and Ananda didn't intend on giving into them.
"Ananda!"
Stacy's voice. Ananda quickened her pace.
"Hey girl c'mon, we just need to talk to ya!"
Craig this time. And he sounded close. Like they were gaining. Ananda broke into a run, her high-heeled shoes clicking against the cement.
"Hey wait up!"
Stacy. Again. Ananda ran faster... and almost collided into Nick.
"Whoa! Gosh girl, what the-?!" Nick looked down at her, his blue eyes concerned.
"Oh Nick they're coming-" Ananda spun around and stopped short when she found that Domingo, Craig, and Stacy had dissappeared. Of course. As soon as they saw Nick they must've turned the corner.
"What?" Nick was looking at her as if she was crazy. "What in the world are you talking about?"
Ananda shook her head. "Nothing. I just thought there was someone behind me is all." She laughed it off. "Paraniod, huh?"
"Yeah..." Nick trailed off as he and Ananda walked to the Durango. "Pretty paranoid."
