Summer is cheating on Jay with Marcus.
The words echo in my head as I run all the way home.
When I get to my pool house…
I slam the door and start pacing.
How could they do this to him?!
His girlfriend and his best friend!
My lips twist in absolute disgust.
If this got out it would—
My steps come to an abrupt halt.
This could be the moment I’ve been waiting for…
The secret that will destroy Summer once and for all.
This must be what Briar was talking about…
When she said Summer treats Jay like dirt!
If Jay finds out about this…
He’ll definitely break up with her—
Not even his dad could blame him for that.
And even though Summer is popular at this school…
If people find out she betrayed the star quarterback…
They’ll turn on her in an instant.
I can’t wait to see the shame on Marcus’ face.
The mortification on Summer’s.
My shoulders visibly sag.
This is going to hurt him.
Regardless of how he feels about Summer…
This will no doubt break his heart.
Can I really do this to him?
I groan, and flop on the couch.
My conscience is screaming at me.
He needs to know the truth…
But is using the locker the best way to go about it?
Or should I do the right thing?
The thing that a friend would do.
I blow out a disappointed breath.
I sit on my steps, waiting for Jay.
A gust of cold wind blows by me.
I shiver and wrap my parka around my chest.
I went back and forth all night…
I knew I couldn’t go through with it.
I don’t want to needlessly hurt him any more than I already have.
It’s better if he hears this news from me.
I stand up when I hear his door open.
He looks my way, and we both wave.
I watch him as he walks toward me.
No doubt still upset over what happened with Peter.
I hate that I’m going to add to his misery…
Raina
Um…I need to talk to you.
He shoves his hands in his pockets…
Trying to settle my nerves.
Just then, my mom pokes her head out our front door.
Mom
Would you like some hot chapatis?
Mom
You always loved my chapatis when you were a kid.
Jay smiles at my mom, but shakes his head.
Jay
I would love to Mrs. Sen, but I have to get to school.
She hands him a brown paper bag.
Mom
I packed them for you to take.
Jay
Wow, thanks Mrs. Sen.
I roll my eyes, and pull Jay away as he takes the brown bag.
Raina
See you after school.
We walk a few steps down my lawn in silence.
He opens the bag, unwraps a chapati, and takes a bite.
Jay
Mmmm. Delicious, as always.
It’s now or never, Raina.
Raina
So uh, yesterday when I was leaving school…
He’s going to be so upset.
Raina
It was Summer and Marcus.
Raina
They were in his car.
Raina
And they were…hooking up.
Twice, as my words settle in.
And then his face transforms.
Filling with something I did not expect to see.
Jay
I shouldn’t have given you that note yesterday.
Raina
What does that have to do with this?
Jay
Raina, I know you hate Summer.
Jay
And I know you hate that we’re together.
Jay
But making up lies so we break up isn’t cool.
Raina
Jay, I’m telling you the truth!
Raina
I saw them making out in his car!
But he’s already shaking his head.
Jay
They wouldn’t do that to me.
Jay
Besides, Summer and Marcus can barely stand each other.
He thinks I’m making it all up!
Jay
— I thought you were better than that, Raina.
He gives me a look full of disappointment…
Leaving me standing there like some sort of pathetic, lovesick fool…
Instead of the good friend I was trying to be.
This is what I get for trying to do the right thing?!
Well, I guess now I have no other choice.
I get to school and walk angrily past the cool kids’ lockers…
Marcus and Summer are there flirting with each other…
And Jay is nowhere in sight.
The lying, conniving bast—
Briar walks up to me, smiling, and hands me a slip of paper.
Briar
This is the locker code.
I’m sharing Briar’s locker now.
Briar
Come on! I’ll introduce you to everyone.
She takes my hand and pulls me over to her locker.
I feel tingles up my neck as I walk with her…
Right into the midst of all the cool kids.
Briar
You can keep your stuff on the top shelf.
I open my bag and put my books there.
Then, Briar introduces me around.
I can’t believe this is happening.
I’m sharing a cool kids’ locker with Briar Fox.
For a moment, I forget all about my anger.
I laugh and nod along as Briar and her friends crack jokes.
The bell rings, and I’m about to head to class…
But then I notice Marcus and Summer laughing together again…
I have some unfinished business.
I wait till Briar leaves and then slink off to my old locker.
I slip inside and shut the door.
The pen is there, glowing, pulsating…
And the coolness seeps through my body.
I pull the cap off the pen.
And my hands shake with adrenaline as I write:
Then I enclose his name in a heart.
I jump out of my locker and shut the door.
I glance over at the cool kids’ lockers…
But Marcus has already left for class.
The halls grow empty and quiet…
And I stand there thinking.
I don’t know what class Marcus has—
— Summer either for that matter—
But I know they need to be together for this one.
How can I make that happen?
Looking up and down the empty hallway.
And then, my eyes zero-in on something red and shiny on the wall…
“And loudly rings a bell throughout the halls.”
It doesn’t say which bell…
I wonder if the fire alarm would work.
I think of my conversation with Jay this morning.
How he blew me off when I was just trying to help…
And all of my hesitation melts away.
It’s like he’s left me with no choice.
And do something I never thought I’d ever do.
The blaring starts immediately.
Students start to file out of the classrooms.
I stand there, pen in hand…
Power coursing through my veins.
I see Quinn up ahead, dressed in cut-off jeans and a tank top.
She walks toward me, her eyebrows arched.
Quinn
Are you sick or something?
I shrug, and pull the parka closer.
Raina
They keep it so cold in here.
Quinn
You have that drawing of Peter?
I got so caught up in Marcus and Summer’s secret…
I completely forgot to make a drawing of Peter for Quinn.
Raina
I’m adding some finishing touches…
Raina
Hold tight on printing till this afternoon.
Quinn
Girl, are you on something? I can’t wait that long.
Quinn
It’s already yesterday’s news!
Raina
We may have a double feature coming up…
I probably shouldn’t have said that.
But at the moment, I don’t really care.
The sun is blinding when I walk outside.
I hide behind the front hedges…
Waiting for the perfect moment to reveal myself.
I probably look like a creep…
But I don’t care about that, either.
I stare out into the sea of faces…
Until I see Summer exit with Jay.
And as if the gods are on my side…
They go to stand next to Marcus and a few other guys from the team.
My steps are sure as I make my way over.
The guilt I felt yesterday is gone.
And her face curls with annoyance.
Jay sees me too, and I watch as his eyes turn wary.
And then I stare pointedly at Marcus.
But Marcus finally looks my way.
And then I feel that addictive rush of power.
Because when his eyes lock with mine…
A cold wind sweeps by us.
His mouth contorts strangely…
His head turns eerily towards Jay…
And he blurts out exactly what I want him to say:
Marcus
Summer and I sneak off together after practice every Wednesday, and hook up in my car.
Stunned silence follows Marcus’ declaration.
Jay turns to his friend as if in slow motion…
Blinking, just like he did this morning.
But it’s Summer’s strangled voice that breaks the silence.
Summer
Marcus! What are you doing?!
I cross my arms, eager for the show.
Marcus seems rooted to the spot…
His face now a deep crimson red.
Summer suddenly grabs Jay’s arm.
Jay abruptly rips out of her hold.
Then he steps toward Marcus, his body taut.
Summer
There isn’t anything going on!
She tries to pull him away…
Marcus looks guilty for a second…
But then his eyes harden.
Marcus
Yeah, you know what?!
Marcus
I’ve been MAKING LOVE to your girlfriend since junior year.
Summer bursts into tears…
And shocked gasps travel through the crowd.
I push around people as they start to swarm…
Not wanting to miss anything.
Jay stares at his best friend in shock…
And I can see his hands shaking.
Summer is crying so hard…
I’m surprised she can get any words out.
Marcus
— It happened again and again.
Marcus
Maybe it wouldn’t have…
Marcus
If you gave a **** about her!
Jay instantly lunges for him…
Marcus
And I don’t care anymore who knows it!
Jay grabs for his throat.
This time, Marcus doesn’t back away.
And then the two are nothing but a blur of limbs.
And a few of their friends try to pull the two boys apart…
Mr. Armstrong suddenly comes barreling through the crowd.
When he sees his son on the ground…
Mr. Armstrong
JAY MATTHEW ARMSTRONG!
Mr. Armstrong
GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF!
Jay pauses at the sound of his father’s voice…
But then throws another punch at Marcus anyway.
His father manages to catch his arm…
And then yanks him up and away.
He leans down into his son’s face.
Mr. Armstrong
I’ve never been more ashamed in my life!
Jay just glowers at him, his chest heaving.
And when Mr. Armstrong goes to pull Marcus up…
Summer
Baby, let me explain—
Jay
THERE’S NOTHING TO EXPLAIN!
Jay
YOU’RE SCREWING MY BEST FRIEND!
Summer
I was just lonely!
Summer
You never pay attention to me and—
Jay
— So this is my fault?!
Jay
You’re seriously going to blame this on me?!
His voice is louder than I’ve ever heard it.
Summer jumps at the intensity of it.
Saying the words I’ve been waiting years to hear.
Her face crumples and her cries start up again.
I look around, and everyone is staring at her with disgust.
Quinn covers the events in the next day’s paper:
Quinn’s Qorner — September 2, 1996.
Quinn’s Qorner
“A Clue in the Case: Truth Serum Targets Jocks.”
Quinn’s Qorner
Sex, lies, and cheats, oh my!
Quinn’s Qorner
We still don’t know who is behind the truth serum.
Quinn’s Qorner
But with the latest spate of confessions…
Quinn’s Qorner
One thing has become clear.
Quinn’s Qorner
Whoever it is…
Quinn’s Qorner
Has it out for all the cheerleaders and football players.
Quinn’s Qorner
Who could it be? A rival team? A disgruntled teacher? A slighted student?
Quinn’s Qorner
Your reporter investigates.
I read Quinn’s article, and fume.
She published it without me!
And the drawing was done by Smelly Shelly?!
It shows the cheerleaders and football players getting wild and crazy on the field.
Like an old Bacchanalia painting of Roman gods.
I don’t know what makes me madder…
That Quinn published the article without me…
Or that she’s getting closer to the truth.
I crumple the paper and throw it in the trash bin before walking to class.
Who cares about Quinn and her dumb theories.
She’ll never figure out what I’m doing.
My power is greater than ever.
Because now everyone knows the truth…
A truth I’ve known for years.
That Summer is a hateful, lying *****.
Jay and Marcus have both been suspended for the week.
They won’t be able to play in the game on Friday.
Which…doesn’t bode well for the team.
A team that is already in shambles after what happened with Peter.
I feel terrible about that…
I laugh as I walk into the last class of the day…
I spot Summer sitting in a corner by herself.
And she’s sitting straight-backed in her chair.
I take the seat beside her.
But when she turns in my direction…
I shake my head and grin.
But then two shadows fall across her desk.
Briar and Vivi stand above her…
Delight shining in their eyes.
Vivi
Well, well, well how the mighty have fallen.
Briar leans forward on her desk.
Briar
How’s the view from the bottom, loser?
Summer looks up at her two former friends—
— Two friends that she’s ostracized over the past few days—
And even from my desk, I can see she’s scared.
Vivi
You’ve got some nerve, sweetie.
Vivi
Getting mad at me for sharing a few pictures…
Vivi
When you were banging his best friend?
Briar
I guess what goes around, comes around.
They laugh, and the rest of the class joins in.
Summer doesn’t say anything…
But I see her clench her fists under her desk.
Briar
You don’t deserve Jay.
Vivi
— You never deserved us either, *****.
Vivi
So don’t try to come crawling back now.
Her eyes look up and meet mine.
And Vivi and Briar come stand next to me.
Vivi
You can’t tell us who to hang out with anymore.
Vivi grabs my hands and pulls me up next to her.
And she wraps her arms around my shoulders…
Vivi pulls me over to where she, Summer, and Briar always sit together.
Vivi
Raina, we noticed you’re always sitting next to weirdos like Smelly Shelly.
Everyone in the class laughs again.
I should defend her, I know…
But instead, I find myself nodding along.
Briar
So come sit with us from now on.
Summer is staring at me, shock in her gaze…
And the expression has me smiling.
Raina
I’d love to sit with you, Viv.
I look over at Summer and flick my hair.
Summer
Are you two kidding me right now?!
Summer glares at the three of us…
Then grabs her books and runs from the room.
The tears I see in her eyes have me laughing again.
And revenge is even sweeter.
I don’t talk to Jay for two days.
He’s suspended, so he’s not at school…
And I haven’t gone over to his house.
Just to make sure he’s okay…
But I know he needs time to process everything.
Not only enjoying Summer’s fall from grace…
But enjoying my new social status.
It’s like I’m a new person.
A new person with a new locker.
If I could only have Jay…
Everything would be perfect.
That Thursday, I’m in my pool house.
I look at Jay’s yard from the window…
Noticing his dad leave with a big bag.
I wonder where he goes all the time?
Should I go over there and—
Jay
I feel like I’m always apologizing to you.
I spin and see Jay’s head poking through my window.
He’s wearing old sweatpants and a faded t-shirt.
When our eyes meet, my heart starts to pound.
Jay
You tried to warn me about Summer and Marcus…
He looks down, sadness taking over his features.
I want to reach out and hug him.
Raina
Unless I’d seen it with my own eyes…
Raina
I wouldn’t have believed it either.
He runs his hands through his already messy hair.
Jay
They’ve been lying to me for a year.
Jay
They made a fool out of me.
Jay
The two people I trusted the most.
Jay
I feel like such an idiot.
Anger on his behalf has me stepping toward him.
Raina
They’re the idiots, Jay!
Raina
And after what they did…
Raina
They don’t deserve a second more of your time.
Then lets out a long sigh.
Jay
I guess it’s for the best anyway.
Jay
You know, about me and Summer.
He takes a step closer to me…
His eyes focused on mine.
Jay
Yeah, because she was right.
Jay
I was a **** boyfriend.
Jay
I should have broken up with her a long time ago.
And I can barely hold back my smile.
But then I remember what he told me about his father.
Raina
How did your dad take the news?
Jay
Thinks I should forgive her.
Raina
Are you kidding me?!
Jay
But I’m done bending to his wishes.
Jay
Killing myself to meet his expectations.
Jay
Summer and I are over.
Jay
And we’re never getting back together.
Raina
Because you deserve better.
His gaze is drawn to my mouth.
Just then, the pool house door opens.
My mom bustles in with a plate of snacks.
Mom
Are you and Raina studying together tonight?
Raina
We have a lot of homework for science class.
I look at Jay, and he nods, playing along.
He pulls a notebook out of his back pocket.
Jay
Yup, lots of homework.
Mom
I’m glad you’re both working hard.
My mom puts the plate down and bustles out.
Mom
Just tell me if you need more snacks!
When my mom leaves, we both laugh.
Jay’s voice drops to a whisper.
Jay
About what happened between us?
He gestures to the couch.
Raina
Are you kidding?! No way!
I hit him in the shoulder, playfully.
I switch into my Indian auntie accent.
Jay laughs, and my heart melts.
Then he gestures to my notebooks.
I look at the notebook in his hands.
Raina
Working on some new rhymes?
Jay
I thought maybe we could sit and work together…
Jay and I sit side by side on the couch…
We talk, we laugh, and we reconnect.
And I can’t remember ever being so happy.
I finish up my latest drawing…
It’s of Jay, performing on a big stage.
I put my pen down and turn my notebook toward him.
His eyes scan my drawing.
Jay
Wanna hear what I’ve been working on?
I lean against the couch…
More comfortable and relaxed than I’ve been in a long time.
My entire body thrums with white-hot energy as he raps.
And it’s as if he’s rapping to me…
His are unwavering on mine…
He finishes his rap and leans in close.
Even though my whole body is trembling.
He puts his notebook down…
And brings his face close to mine.
I close my eyes, waiting to feel his lips…
Drowning in bliss and expectation.
But when a few seconds pass and nothing happens…
And his gaze is scanning my face.
Jay
I’ve wanted this for so long.
His breath is warm on my lips…
He gently runs one knuckle down my cheek…
And I sigh softly at the feel of it.
I look up and into his eyes…
And see such adoration and longing…
It sends my heart into an unholy rhythm.
And I sink further into the couch.
I feel lost in a sea of passion…
And I wrap both arms around his neck…
He brushes his lips over mine.
Then he pulls back for just a second.
His next words are nothing more than a whisper.
Jay
And I meant what I said…
Jay
I think about that night all the time.
Memories heat the air between us.
As if on cue we both move forward…
And then his lips are finally, finally, on mine.
Lost in red-hot passion and a lust so strong…
I whimper at the intensity.
Our mouths move in perfect unison.
It’s not a slow or gentle kiss…
It’s fast, hard, and desperate…
Like a pent-up dam releasing after years and years.
I can’t get enough of him.
Our hands are everywhere…
But just when things start to really heat up…
The pool door slams open.
Mr. Armstrong
What is the meaning of this?!
Jay and I scramble off each other.
Jay
What are you doing here?!
I take deep breaths, trying to calm down.
After a kiss like that, it isn’t easy.
Mr. Armstrong
I could ask you the same question!
I run my hands through my hair…
Jay’s father is standing there like a menacing dictator…
His face a hard mask of disapproval.
He looks at me with disdain…
And I instantly feel like scum.
Mr. Armstrong
Does your mother know what’s going on here?
I whimper, but don’t respond.
Jay adjusts his shirt, then stands up.
Jay
I thought you weren’t coming home until tomorrow.
Mr. Armstrong
My plans changed.
Mr. Armstrong
And good thing they did.
Mr. Armstrong
Because you’re supposed to be in your room.
Mr. Armstrong
Thinking about what you’ve done.
Jay’s fists clench at his sides.
Jay
What’s there to think about?
Jay
Marcus deserved what he got.
Jay
And I don’t regret it.
Mr. Armstrong’s upper lip curls…
Mr. Armstrong
Jay just broke up with his girlfriend of three years.
Mr. Armstrong
You don’t waste time, do you?
And Jay’s face grows red.
Jay
Don’t talk to Raina that way!
I wrap my arms around my stomach…
But something tells me I should let Jay handle this.
Mr. Armstrong gestures out the door.
Mr. Armstrong
Before I call Mrs. Sen and tell her what I just walked in on…
Mr. Armstrong
And get your little friend here in big trouble.
He shoots me a lethal stare.
And for a moment, my insides start to shrivel…
But then my back stiffens.
Who does this guy think he is?!
He tries to run his son’s life…
And now he wants to run mine, too?!
Jay
I’m 18 years old, Dad.
Jay
You can’t order me around like a child.
Mr. Armstrong crosses his arms over his chest.
Mr. Armstrong
If you act like a child, I’ll treat you like one.
Mr. Armstrong
Your behavior lately has been shameful.
Jay throws his hands in the air.
Jay
You’re always ashamed of me!
Jay
I can never do anything right!
Jay
I’m not even going to try to please you anymore.
Mr. Armstrong looks like a live wire…
And his eyes narrow with disdain.
Mr. Armstrong
I’ve had enough of this temper tantrum.
Mr. Armstrong
You’re grounded until I say otherwise.
Mr. Armstrong
And if you step even a toe out of line…
Mr. Armstrong
You’re out of the house!
Jay and I both jump with shock.
And my heart breaks in two when I see tears in his eyes.
I turn my hard gaze on Mr. Armstrong.
Hating him more than I’ve ever hated anyone.
How dare he do this to Jay!?
After everything he’s going through!
Jay shoots me an apologetic look…
Then storms out of the pool house.
But Mr. Armstrong moves to block the doorway.
I look up and meet his angry glare with one of my own.
Raina
Please, I just want to make sure he’s okay.
Mr. Armstrong
He’s none of your concern.
Raina
— Why do you hate me so much?
I don’t mean to blurt the question out…
But it’s something I’ve always wondered.
After a moment, his eyes narrow.
Mr. Armstrong
You’re a distraction.
Mr. Armstrong
You always have been.
Mr. Armstrong
Jay needs to be focusing on school and athletics…
Mr. Armstrong
Not spending hours in this pool house writing nonsense.
Mr. Armstrong
I thought he was over all that, but apparently not.
Raina
Have you even read his poetry?!
Raina
Do you know how talented he is?!
Raina
Why won’t you let him be himself—
He slashes a hand through the air, interrupting me.
Mr. Armstrong
— Stay away from my son, Ms. Sen.
Mr. Armstrong
I won’t tell you again.
He walks out and slams the door.
I put my head in my hands…
A million emotions swirling in my stomach.
Who does he think he is?!
If only there were something I could do!
Something to really show Mr. Armstrong…
I suddenly laugh out loud.
Mr. Armstrong may think he rules the school and everyone in it…
But he isn’t the one with the power.
I’m shivering with rage as I walk up to my old locker.
I turn the lock, my fingers icy cold…
And I’m just about to slip inside…
When a familiar smell washes over me.
I turn to look at Shelly…
Who’s opening her own locker.
She looks at me once, then turns away.
Shelly
Don’t you mean Smelly Shelly?
And then gear myself up to apologize.
She grabs a book, then slams her locker closed.
Shelly
You’ve changed, Raina.
Shelly
And not for the better.
I watch her back as she walks away.
But since everything is finally going my way…
And I couldn’t care less what Smelly Shelly thinks of the new me.
And gently close the door.
My eyes rove over the glowing wall…
Full of names and initials — a lot of them written by me.
I smile, then pull out the pen.
I never planned to write the principal’s name in the locker.
But he’s left me no choice.
He needs to be knocked down a peg…
And I have no problem being the one to do it.
I have no idea what secrets he may be hiding…
But it will all work out.
I shove the pen into my backpack…
And slam smack into Quinn.
My bag drops to the floor.
She helps me pick up my scattered things.
Smelly Shelly is standing right behind her.
Quinn
I thought you switched lockers?
I hastily think of an excuse.
Raina
I lost my science book.
Raina
Thought maybe I left it here.
I can tell that she doesn’t believe me.
I also find that I don’t really care.
Raina
That last article was great…
Raina
Bet it really flew off the shelves.
She’s staring at me oddly…
And something about the look in her eyes makes me mad.
Raina
Sorry I couldn’t get you that picture in time…
I make a face and gesture toward Shelly.
Raina
But looks like you found a new friend to help.
Quinn arches her eyebrows, but ignores my jab.
She has a pen and notebook in her hands…
And looks like she’s about to ask me something.
But I don’t have time to hear what she has to say.
The bell will ring any second now.
I zip up my bag and start walking away.
I look back at them both with a gleam in my eyes.
Raina
Better get your pens ready, girls.
I wiggle my eyebrows at Quinn mockingly.
Raina
You’ll have the story of your lives to write after the pep rally today.
Quinn
How do you know that, Raina?
I ignore them both and walk away.
Filing in past all the students.
I search out Mr. Armstrong.
He’s standing with the interim football coach.
I spot him sitting on the bottom row with a few members of the team.
I want to be near him when this reveal goes down.
And I see him looking left and right…
As if searching the crowd for someone.
When our gazes meet, his shoulders settle…
I haven’t seen him since we had our kiss last night…
And I was worried about how he’d react.
But seeing his face light up…
Makes everything I’ve done to get to this moment worth it.
I head to the bleacher behind him…
And just gazes into my eyes for a second.
Jay
I’m sorry about yesterday.
And then leans up to press a quick kiss to my forehead.
He turns back to his teammates…
And I suddenly hear a whistle.
I look over and see Briar and Vivi approaching.
Briar
Hey girl, mind if we sit?
They squeeze in beside me…
And I can’t help but preen a bit.
This is way better than sitting all the way up top with Smelly Shelly.
The pep rally starts a few minutes later…
And I see Mr. Armstrong getting ready to give the opening speech.
But how am I going to get him to look at me?
But I still can’t get his attention.
I catch eyes with Quinn as she walks into the gym with Shelly.
I put my hands around my mouth…
Then shout as loud as I can…
Interrupting Mr. Armstrong’s speech.
I cross my arms and smile at him…
Letting him know I’ve won.
His eyes grow wide as they lock with mine.
A cold wind howls through the gym.
His mouth contorts strangely, and then—
Mr. Armstrong
I dress up like Dolly Parton at night and perform at bars.
