"Hey, hey, hey, back off! Stay away from my sister!" he barked, but there was no anger—just a proud smirk as he looked at Ginny.
I sat there, sinking deeper into my seat as the humiliation burned my face.
My brother stood there like a hero—but not for me.
Before I could stop myself, I shoved my chair back and stormed out of the classroom. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears.
Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't stop. I didn't know where I was going.
All I knew was I couldn't bear it anymore.
That boy named Angus.
And Charlie.
Especially Ginny!
It didn't take long for my parents to receive my teacher's report that I'd skipped the first day of class.
I stumbled through the door, my palms and knees raw from falling in the dirt, my clothes torn and streaked with mud.
I tried to sneak past them, but Dad was already sitting on the couch. His arms crossed, and a heavy frown was on his face.
"Why did you skip class?" His voice was flat, but there was an edge to it.
I opened my mouth. I was prepared to explain everything. But before I could get a single word out, Charlie jumped in, grinning like he'd been waiting for this moment.