Ellas POV

After that period I headed to my locker to swap out my books. And there she was watching me as I slowly made my way. Mae. Looking as angry as ever. I still haven’t looked at my phone, so I had no clue who did and didn’t try texting or calling me. I knew she was though, and maybe the girls too but I wasn’t expecting anyone else. Because no one saw me. I left before they could even realize I walked in. Approaching the locker I prepared for the mini speech I’d get. 

“Jestella Leean Mendez, you have some explaining to do!” She was pissed, there is no mistaking that. I just laughed even if I shouldn't have. Because why did she just say my government name so fiercely. Reminding me of my mother when I'm in deep shit. She glared at me. 

“Oh so it’s funny to you? Do you know how worried I was that you never showed up to lunch?” She was almost yelling at me. I just shrugged, I didn’t want to talk about it. And I knew she was not going to stop. I swapped my books and closed my locker. I turned and started walking away.

“Stella, what the hell? Why are you ignoring me?” I heard her walking behind me. The bell rang and I continued to walk without saying a word. 

“You can’t hide from me forever Stella.” And I knew she left the opposite direction heading to her next class. I didn’t want her to feel upset or worried but I didn’t want to talk about any of it right now. I just wanted to get the last few classes over with. 

But then I remembered. We all came to school together. I internally face palmed. I would still have to face him. And I bet you he’ll be coming over too. They only live a few houses away from the house. So we always ride together. Mae and Miki would meet us at the house and we’d all go in Jay's car. 

I made it to my art class and sat in the back corner. Thankfully the first day is just introductions and other bullshit so this period is more chill than the others. I finally decided to take my phone out and I had so many texts and a few missed calls. Many from Mae. A few from Yetti. A few from the twins. All asking where I was for lunch. How I worried them, etc. One from Jay, just telling me I better be by his car after school, or he’d leave my ass. Then there were a bunch from Miki…

Miki: 

“Where are you?” 

“Are you not coming to lunch?” 

“El?”

“Did I do something?” 

“Are you ignoring me?” 

“Can you at least tell me if you’re ok?”

“Jestella, you’re worrying me. Come on, just at least tell me if you’re ok…”

Four missed calls.

I texted everyone back but him. I didn’t know what to say. I texted Mae if we can just do homework at her place as Miki always goes over to my house after school and she quickly agreed. I replied to Jay saying “Got it, jackass.” And I guess he was with Miki because a minute later I got a text from Miki. 

Miki: “So you are upset with me.” 

And this time I replied. 

Me: “I’m fine.”