Chapter 23

**Winter**

Nev walked with me to my next class. I was happy for it, we talked most of the way. I know I shouldn’t be creating feelings for him, but I couldn’t help myself. He was such a nice guy. He didn’t care about the past, but was more concerned with the future. He actually listened to me when I talked to him. We spoke mostly about each other, trying to forget about what had just happened with Hailey. I still couldn’t believe she still wanted to make my life hell. I didn’t want anything to do with Royal or any of the guys. She could have her man for all I cared. I still would never understand knowing what she knows about what he has done to me she still wants to be with him so badly. I guess that’s what status does for you. It will get anyone in the world wanting to date you no matter what you have done.

“So, I hate to bring this up again, but I am just curious. Did you ever find the people who sent out those photos of you?” Nev asked as he stopped me.

I shook my head. “I mean, I have a good guess, but it was never really confirmed it was them. The person couldn’t be traced where the leaks came from.”

“Damn,” he shook his head. “I was hoping you got some justice. What they did was horrible. Regardless of what was going on in the photos.”

“Yeah, it really sucks. I wish they could have gotten something. It would have made me feel better.”

“I could understand that. Sometimes that makes you feel better is them getting what they deserve for you. I wouldn’t rest until I knew who it was making sure they got what they deserved.” He sighed. “Sometimes I wonder how those types of people would feel if photos got out of them. How would they feel for someone to see an intimate moment they never wanted anyone else to see.”

I paused for a moment stopping in my tracks. That was actually a really good idea. I couldn’t believe I had never even thought of taking photos of the guys like they had of me. How could I be so stupid? It was one thing to make them naked in front of everyone. But to post the evidence like mine was. I could ruin everything for them just like me when people search their names.

I shook my head. No, I didn’t want to do that. Even if it was revenge I planned on getting, I didn’t want to go that far. I couldn’t be that rude to them no matter how badly I wanted to. Plus, if I ruin their lives, they might be stuck here. I wanted that so much less. The further they are away the easier it gets. I might not get another chance to leave this town, but I knew they had a chance.

What if I just make them believe I could destory them? What if they thought I could make everything they worked so hard for disappear in matter of moments. All they had to do was bully me one more time and that was it.

Nev look at me confused. “What’s going on?” He asked.

I shook my head. “Nothing. I was just…thinking about something.” I was trying to sound natural. I couldn’t tell him what I was actually thinking about. He would think I was crazy or something for doing something like that. Or mean. He might look down on me and then I would lose one of my only friends. Sofia and I were in the mix of still being friends. I hadn’t seen her much outside of class which with what happened today might be a good thing. Who knew what Hailey would do with that?

I wish I could get her back as well. I couldn’t believe she still had the photos. Why would she have them besides the fact that she was beyond evil? I always knew she was. Maybe after I was done with the guys, I could finally get her back as well for helping make my life a living hell.

“It looks like you are planning something,” he chuckled. “You are cute when you do.”

I couldn’t help, but feel my cheeks heat up at his words. It was rare a guy just called me cute like that. “Thank you,” I told him. “I just have a lot on my mind. I am sorry.”

He shook his head. “No, need to apologize. That was pretty heavy what happened back there. I would be out of it too. Do you need anything?”

“No, thank you, but no.” I couldn’t let him in on my plan. Not when I barely knew him and didn’t know if I could trust them. For all I know he could be a spy and that thing with Zander was just to not make me think anything.

I did like Nev though. I wanted to get to know him more. I wanted to feel normal and have a normal crush on someone. Something I was never allowed to have. I never got to have normal teen years. I never got to have a normal crush where you like them. I did try once with Rex and that blew up in my face. I couldn’t help, but be scared that this might a trick or something might happen to him as well.

“Where is your next class?” He asked. “I would like to walk you there.” He took my hand in his hand. My heart skipped a beat a little in my chest.

“I uh don’t have another class for hour. I was just going to find a place to study until than. I was thinking in the courtyard or something. I can walk with you to your next class.”

“I don’t have one either for a bit. We can sit in the courtyard together.”

“I would like that,” I smiled. I needed to push my worries away. I would get my black mail and be finally free from the guys. I could do whatever I wanted soon.