The Rematch — Episode 5

warm and easy to be around. I was none of that. Even so, I never thought about changing how I looked. I'd only ever wanted one person to see me, and that person had made it clear. Another free period in PE. A sudden downpour caught us outside. Everyone scrambled toward the school building. My knee popped out of place. I hit the ground. The pain peaked as the

slid back. I lay on the rubber track, couldn't sit up. Two pairs of expensive sneakers stopped in front of me. I can't stand! Can you help me? The person paused. Can't. If you got rid of those prehistoric bangs, maybe you'd stop face-pounching in the dirt. Now look at you. Chase walked Sarah to the building under his umbrella and left me there in the rain. I tried to push myself up.

up. She doesn't look like she's faking. Should someone help her? You're into the gross girl, you go. Who the hell said I like her? It took seven or eight minutes before I could stand up. I limped my way to the nurse's office alone and called home. Dad was away on another business trip, so Heather answered. Stop being dramatic. Walk it off. I stared at the brace wrapped around

my knee while the school nurse looked at me with deep pity. When I finally got home, Heather glanced at the brace and looked away.