I wake up at 7:00 am and turn off my alarm, eager to see Brandon's reaction to his car. Just thinking about it makes me laugh.

I put on a high-waisted skirt and crop top, black boots, and light makeup. I leave my hair down with a bow, grab my things, and head out. As I walk down the stairs, I see Stacy.

"What's she doing here?"

"Oh, Anastasia, I heard about the party. Are you alright?" she asks.

I roll my eyes, wondering who told her—definitely not my father.

"Everything's great, Stacy," I say sarcastically, and she smiles.

My dad emerges from the kitchen. "You're up! I thought you weren't going to school?"

"I have exams, Dad. Where's Freddie? I want his delicious pancakes."

"He's off for the morning, so I'll be making breakfast."

Uh oh. I grab my umbrella from the basket. Stacy says, "I smell something burning."

The alarm goes off as I open the umbrella, and my dad rushes into the kitchen.

"If you want something healthy, you better leave now," I tell Stacy.

Dad calls, "Hi guys, nothing's burned!"

"Sorry, Dad, but I have school. Bye!" I shout.

Stacy adds, "And I'm allergic to your cooking," before quickly leaving.

*****

At school, everyone is talking and staring at my car. Thankfully, the guys are waiting for me.

As I step out, whispers start.

"They broke up."

"Brandon cheated because she wouldn't sleep with him."

"Nikki's baby daddy is Brandon."

I clench my fists. Jordan says, "Ignore them and keep walking," and I nod.

Then I notice a vehicle and laughter erupts. We turn to see Brandon's car, spray-painted red and black. Arlene laughs and takes pictures. I fist-bump Justin and whisper, "Revenge is sweet."

Carlos shouts, "Hey Brandon! Nice car, love the new paint job." I smirk.

Brandon looks at me, his expression softening, revealing pain. I look away.

Nikki approaches him and tries to kiss him, but he pushes her away.

"Let's go inside before I puke," I say.

I spot Gregory, who greets us. "Great party Friday. What happened to you?"

"I heard rumors that Brandon is the father and you two are done," he adds.

I nod. "It's true, Greg. I need some space."

At my locker, I find Stephanie with two cheerleaders.

Ignoring them, I open my locker. "Hi nerd," Stephanie sneers. "I heard you and lover boy broke up. I told you to end it long ago, but you didn't lis—" She's cut off when I slap her.

Everyone gasps.

"You bitch!" she shrieks, lunging at me.

She pulls my hair, but I slam her into the lockers, making her let go. "Here's another black eye, consider it a gift," I say before punching her in the face.

I've been doing karate since I was six.

She screams, "Someone get her off me!"

I stand and kick her in the stomach, hearing a crack before she collapses.

"Enough! What's happening here?" shouts the vice principal, gasping at the sight of Stephanie on the floor.

"Call an ambulance. You come with me," she says.

A guy whispers, "You're in deep trouble, nerd. Good luck."

I walk to the office with the vice principal. "Go in," she instructs before leaving.

The principal says, "Sit down, Ms. Montez. You're in a lot of trouble." I roll my eyes.

"For violence," he continues, "you beat the head cheerleader and left her with broken ribs." Serves her right; she should have kept her mouth shut.

Mr. Johnson adds, "I'll call your father and inform him. You're suspended for three weeks when school resumes after the Christmas break. You're free to go."

Stupid school, stupid principal, stupid cheerleaders.

I enter my geography class and hand the teacher my late pass, sitting down while ignoring the stares. Luke whispers, "What did the principal say?"

"Three weeks suspension when school reopens after the holidays," I reply.

"Wow," he says.

"It could have been worse," I shrug as the teacher hands out our test papers.

I catch Brandon staring at me and frown, anxious to see my test results—I believe I'll pass.

Lunchtime arrives, and the only topic is the fight, Brandon, and Nikki.

"Seriously, does no one have anything better to talk about?" Arlene says.

"Probably not," I shrug.

Nikki is flirting with Brandon, trying to kiss him.

"Hey Juliet, Romeo isn't interested in sluts!" Jordan shouts, and everyone laughs.

"Thanks," I say.

"I didn't do that for you; she was making me lose my appetite," Jordan replies.

"Hello hungry, I'm Ana. Nice to meet you," I say.

"Ha ha, very funny," he responds sarcastically.

***

When I get home, I know I'm in trouble. I open the front door, and my dad says, "Anne, you're grounded for two weeks—no TV or phone."

I groan.

He laughs, "I'm kidding! I always wanted you to get in trouble. Even Ms. Goody Two Shoes can make mistakes."

"So I'm not grounded?" I ask, confused.

"Nah, I know that girl has bullied you for years. She totally deserves it."

I laugh and ask, "Where's Stacy?"

"She went to the hospital to check on her daughter."

Daughter? Oh no, Stephanie is her daughter?

___________________________