HARSH RIDE

I was already upset that I was placed in a different group than Cody. But now I must share a Ferris wheel car with Levi, his bully. I only let this happen so that Avery and Holly could have some alone time.

I take a seat; the seats are soft. If I wasn’t with him, I could see myself relaxing here. The ride started, and I could tell the disdain was mutual. Levi crosses his arms and scowls at me. I look out the window; if nothing else, I want to enjoy the view.

“Are you just going to ignore me?” Levi growls.

“I’d prefer to get through this as easily as possible,” I continue to look out the window.

“Why do you always act like you’re better than everyone?”

I don’t intentionally act that way. But my reputation gives off that aura. Girls are practically throwing themselves at me, but I couldn’t care less. I’m a popular model despite being a first-year high school student. And even before that, I had a popular cosplay page.

“Answer me!” he roars.

“Keep your voice down; I’m right here. What is this about?”

“Why did you turn down Sophie?”

Sophie’s one of the classmates who confessed their love for me during the first month of school. I would’ve forgotten her name if she wasn’t in our class. I turned her down the same as I did with all the other girls, so there shouldn’t have been any hard feelings. However, given this guy’s reaction, he’s upset for her.

“I’m not interested in a relationship. Besides, what do you care?”

“Don’t give me that,” Levi spits, “I see how you are around the girls of the Fashion Club. You’re pining after one of them.”

“You’re way off,” I shake my head, “My agency doesn’t let me date, so I’m not going to date anyone.”

“That’s a lie. Even if you don’t like her, you should’ve given her a chance or something.”

What does this guy want? I thought he was upset that the girl he liked confessed to another guy, but it might be that he’s just mad that I rejected her. I don’t want to discuss my dating preferences with a guy like him.

“If we’re airing grievances, I have one for you,” I change the subject.

Levi looks stunned. I’m not trying to hide my emotions, so I can only imagine the scowl I’m giving him.

“I know that you’re bullying Cody.”

“That gloomy fatso,” he scoffs, “What of it?”

“Cody is my childhood friend. If not for him, I wouldn’t be a model. I owe a lot to him.”

“That guy doesn’t know his place. He’s cozying up too close to Holly. Guys like him need to stay in line.”

I grit my teeth. Is that why Cody doesn’t want to work on Holly’s clothes? He was so excited to work on different kinds of clothes, but he suddenly shut down. If I don’t do anything, it’s going to be a repeat of middle school.

“I mean, you get it. I’m sure you’re only hanging around him because he gives you sympathy points from girls,” he gloats.

“Just shut up,” I snap, “Cody’s a better person than you’ll ever be.”

“Whoa, I struck a nerve. Don’t tell me you like that guy.”

I need to calm down. I shouldn’t make a scene while on a school trip. This ride will be over soon. Afterward, I can go back to ignoring him. I glance out the window; the sun’s glory makes seeing the cityscape below us difficult. We’re at the ride's apex, halfway through this mess.

“So, what if I’m friends with him?”

“I don’t care what you think of Cody,” Levi gloats, “He’s just a gloomy piece of lard that so happens to be your friend. He must realize that he’s in a different world than the rest of that club.”

“Cody already has a bad self-image; you don’t have to kick him while he’s down.”

“Isn’t that the best part?”

“I think that’s why Sophie doesn’t look at you.”

“You!” Levi jolts up, shaking the carriage.

“Sit down. If you want to fight, we can do it after getting off this thing.”

He sits back down in a huff. I was right; he has a crush on Sophie and is upset that she asked me out.

“Just what is your game?” Levi stares.

“What?”

“You’re the most popular guy in school, and the cutest girls surround you, but you don’t make a move on any of them. What are you playing at?”

“Not every guy is a monster waiting to pounce.”

“Enough of this high and mighty act. What’s the real answer?”

“You want the truth? Fine. It’s not like anyone would believe you even if you spread a rumor. I have no interest in women.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” He stops for a moment, “You can’t mean that you’re gay?”

Levi gives a disgusted look before his face scrunches in thought. I’m sure he’s trying to find the words to continue this conversation without being the bad guy. If this were a game, this would be checkmate.

He wants to make a point of upholding the social hierarchy, but he has yet to bow to his king. If he spread the rumor that I’m gay, most people would be on my side because no one would want to uproot the popularity standings. That is if I confirm the rumor. If I deny it, people will believe me more than him. So, he’ll lose credibility by trying to drag down someone who stands above him.

“I physically can’t stop you from messing with Cody. But if you keep up what you’re doing, I’ll use every bit of my social standing to ensure you never want to return to school.”

It seems he understands his position as he remains silent as we get off the ride. I don’t like playing the high school hierarchy game, but I'll play every card in my hand when going against someone who cares so much about it.

Kameron Peterson is a self-published author, who works in the fantasy and adventure genres. Their passion was sparked by the Cirque du Freak series written by Darren Shan. They currently reside in Alabama, though wishes to relocate to a place with snow.