“This isn’t about Sean. We’re trying to get to Hannah,” Emmitt said.
“Well, it’s about damn time!” Dax said louder than he intended.
“So you’ll help us?”
“Absolutely!” He checked his watch again. “Shit, I’m late. I’ll call you afterwards.”
“Thanks. I owe you, big time,” Emmitt said before hanging up.
He most certainly did. It’d be a miracle if Dax could actually pull this off with just seconds to prepare.
He pulled up his desktop folder on Sean and opened the photo of him and Noelle. It was the easiest option, but exposing Noelle meant losing her as a friend and his key to finding Careless Citizen. He closed the folder, making the decision to wing it.
“Here goes nothing,” he said as he updated the title of his blog and uploaded an old photo of Sean.
***
Kristen sat with Connor and Noelle, nervously awaiting the Sun Vlogger report.
“I missed you this morning,” Noelle whispered as she climbed into Connor’s lap.
Kristen rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Hannah and Sean, who had relocated to a smaller table near the entrance.
“I missed you too,” Connor replied to Noelle.
Kristen was officially getting nauseous. How could he act so normal while she was a nervous wreck.
“Have you heard from Emmitt?” she asked Connor who couldn’t take his eyes or hands off his girlfriend. She was way too fresh off her breakup to handle their PDA. Watching them made her think of Brian, which only caused her chest to tighten more.
“Not yet. Did Brian find you?” Connor asked.
“Wait, you and Brian made up?” Noelle asked.
“No,” she replied. “And thanks for that.”
“You know I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t need the help.”
“Whatever.”
Kristen was over Connor and his attitude. He wasn’t snapping at Noelle or Emmitt, or Brian for that matter. All of his anger appeared to be directed at her.
“Are you two having a fight or something?” Noelle asked.
“Yes,” Kristen said.
“No, we’re not.” Connor replied.
“Well, that’s not what it looks like,” Noelle said.
At least one of them was observant enough to acknowledge it. Connor hadn’t even attempted to apologize for the way he’d acted Saturday, which was completely unlike him.
The chime from Kristen’s iPad drew their attention to the Sun Vlogger’s live stream.
“So sorry for my tardiness, but I was gathering intel on a story you all need to hear.”
The photo of Sean popped up on the screen, and the silence fell over the cafeteria.
“So it appears Mr. Amarko isn’t fairing as well as he appears which could explain his deteriorating GF. Sources tell me that not only has Sean been on around-the-clock suicide watch, but poor Hannah actually had to talk him down off his roof this past weekend. And if that wasn’t tragic enough, photos have just surfaced of Sean getting high behind the Burger Shack.
The loud screech of a chair caused Kristen to look back in time to see Hannah following Sean out into the hall.
“I’ll be right back,” Noelle whispered as Kristen turned back to the vlog.
“I’m still working on fully verifying the photos, but as soon as I do they’ll be posted for your viewing pleasure,” the Vlogger said.
“I don’t know about this,” Kristen said feeling her stomach sink. What if Sean took his anger out on Hannah before they could even get to her?
“It’s gonna be fine. The counselor will have to question Sean after hearing this, which will give us time to clear the school,” Connor whispered as the Sun Vlogger moved on to other news.
Kristen caught Connor motioning to someone behind her and turned to see Brian a few tables away.
“Am I interrupting something?” she asked.
“We just need to go over the plan, if you’re all right with him helping out.”
“You can text me the details,” Kristen said as she stood and headed for the exit.
***
“And lastly kiddos, I’m sad to report the first stork of the school year has already dropped. It appears Megan Fremont had a little too good of a summer in Colorado and came home knocked up. Way to start sophomore year! I’ve got nine more storks left; keep sending in your tweets and emails and please try to remember my hotline isn’t for who you’d like to see preggers.
“Well, that’s all for today. Tune in tomorrow for my report from the frontlines of last weekend’s Teen Choice Awards.”
Dax flipped off his camera and let out a huge sigh. His phone buzzed and he checked it, thinking it was just Emmitt, but it was from an unknown number.
What a load of unfounded
crap. Why didn’t you just
use the photo I gifted you?
Maybe his story wasn’t as convincing as he thought. He peeked out into the hall before slipping out of the janitor’s closet and locking the door.
So Careless Citizen knew he was faking. He’d had three years of solid reporting and nearly eighteen hundred followers who believed him. No matter how accurate she was, the accusation left a bad taste in his mouth. She already knew his real identity and his phone number, what was next? Dax set a reminder on his phone to change all his passwords when he got home. Until he knew who he was dealing with, he’d have to be on high alert.
He’d just passed the girls restroom when the door swung open, and he was pulled inside.
***
Hannah watched Sean pace between a set of lockers for a couple of minutes. She knew anything she said ran the risk of setting him off, but her silence didn’t appear to be helping him calm down any.
“No one’s gonna believe that stuff is true,” she said.
He slammed his fist into the side of one of the lockers, leaving a noticeable dent. “I’m so sick of this!”
Hannah checked his hand. It was a little red, but there didn’t look to be any swelling yet. “What if you transferred?” she asked before even really thinking about it.
“What are you saying, you want me to leave?” he asked gripping her arms.
“No,” she said as fear filled her chest. “I just don’t want them to get to you.”
“Who, your so-called friends? Is that what you were texting Kristen about?”
His grip tightened, and Hannah’s lungs deflated.
He wouldn’t hurt her at school. At least she hoped he wouldn’t.
“Sean, please…” she whispered. “Please, let me go.”
She quickly glanced to the left and then to the right, spotting Kristen at the end of the hall before she ducked out of sight.
“You can’t do this here,” Hannah whispered more assertively.
Sean blinked and couple of times and loosened his grip before pulling her into a hug. “I wasn’t…I’m sorry. Promise me, you won’t turn on me too.”
“I’d never do that to you,” she said as she hugged him back. “I’ll fix this. I promise,” she said as she slipped out of his arms, careful not to upset him again. “I’ll be right back.”
Hannah handed Sean her backpack and adjusted her clothes before heading for the cafeteria. She passed Kristen, who was hiding between lockers, but she didn’t make eye contact. Instead, she pushed open the cafeteria doors and stormed right up to Connor’s table where he and Brian were huddled together.
“I’m fine!” she yelled gaining their attention. “So you can stop spreading rumors now.”
“Hannah, what are you talking about?” Connor asked. His phone buzzed as he stood, and she spotted Emmitt’s picture on his screen before he hit the ignore button.
“If you really want to help me, you can start by leaving Sean alone.”
She ignored the stares and whispers as she exited. Kristen looked like she was going to say something as Hannah passed her again, but she signaled for her not to.
Sean watched, and she didn’t want him and Kristen to cross paths. Especially, not with Kristen knowing about the bruises.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Sean said as she took his hand.
“Yes, I did. Messing with you means they’re messing with me, and I won’t stand for it.”
He leaned in to kiss her, and they both paused at the muffled yelling coming from around the corner.
***
“Tell me what you know!” Noelle yelled, holding Dax by his collar.
“What don’t I know?” he asked as he yanked his shirt free and leaned back against the door and locked it.
“You mean…”
“Yes. You know nothing happens in this town without me knowing.”
Her face went pale before developing a greenish-hue.
“Relax? If I wanted to out you I would’ve done it already. Especially now that I know you two are done.”
Noelle’s eyes widened with rage as she paced the floor. “I can’t believe you. I thought you were my friend.”
“Don’t try to play the victim here. My focus was only on Sean. You’re the one who got yourself trapped in the spotlight.”
“Dax, please,” Noelle said dropping to her knees. “Connor can’t find out about this. I swear, I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Would you get up?” Dax helped her to her feet. “I don’t need you to do anything except help me with that project I was telling you about last week.”
“Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”
“Good, because we haven’t got much time. I’m dedicating my big homecoming exposé to taking down Careless Citizen.”
Chapter Four
Emmitt/Hannah
“Where did it happen?” Emmitt asked Connor over the phone.
“In front of the entire cafeteria. She was really mad. Like the time we snuck that skunk into her tent mad.”
“Do you think she suspected anything?”
“I don’t know. She pretty much chewed me out and took off. What if Kristen was right? What if this pushes her even further away?”
“Connor, don’t punk out on me now.”
“I’m not.”
“Hold on, I just got a text from Kristen.”
Emmitt pulled up his messages. “She says she saw Hannah and Sean in the hall and that we better make sure this thing works.”
Emmitt had been fielding calls and texts all day. He just wanted it to be three o’ clock already. He’d never gone so long without talking to Hannah. Not even when his parents took he and Ellie to Europe for their eighth grade graduation. He was convinced that seeing her face-to-face would make everything all right again. Maybe he could finally get some real sleep.
“Noelle’s coming back. I’ll text when I’m on my way,” Connor said.
“All right. Hey, did you get Brian on board?”
“Yes. And thanks to you, Kristen’s even more mad at me.”
“She probably wouldn’t be so mad if you’d apologize to her already.”
“I’m not the one who lied!” Connor yelled and hung up.
Emmitt’s jaw dropped as he stared at his phone. Connor’s jerky attitude was now starting to piss him off too. But he couldn’t afford to get distracted; he had one last check-in to make before he started getting ready.
“How many times are you going to call me today?” Tristin answered.
“Until you tell me it’s done.”
“Have I ever failed you? I just finished.”
Emmitt grinned. “I could kiss you right now.”
“And I could puke just thinking about it.”
“Sounds like you’re back to your old self.”
“I am.”
“So you and Chelsea worked things out?”
“Something like that. How are you feeling about your reunion with Hannah? You haven’t been passing out again, have you?”
“Not today.” It was a record for him based on the past month. All he could think about was seeing Hannah and how he was going to break the news to her about Sean being on steroids.
“Did you eat?” Tristin asked.
“Yes, Mother.”
“Don’t call me that. I’m just trying to make sure you’re all right, you jerk.”
“I’m fine, really. My mom caved and gave me a mini-fridge. I guess she felt bad for trying to starve me out of my room.”
“Since when has your mom ever given in so easily?”
“Never. She’s up to something, but I’m staying two steps ahead of her,” Emmitt said.
“Good. If you need anything, just text me. I’m heading back in before the bell rings.”
“All right. You coming over after you’re done with Sean?”
“I’ve got some other business to tend to, but I’ll call you afterwards.”
***
Hannah gnawed her eraser off as she stared at the classroom door. She felt bad for making a scene at lunch, but not for what she said. Things were finally starting to get better with Sean, which meant she was closer to getting back to her normal life and her friends. All she needed was a little more time and for Kristen to keep her mouth shut.
Halfway through sixth period, there was a knock at the door. Hannah started gathering her things before Ms. Burrell even called her name. Her stomach dropped the second she stepped out into the hall. How was she going to convince Kristen that the bruises weren’t what they looked like? And if she couldn’t, what would it take to keep her quiet?
It wasn’t a secret Kristen would be comfortable keeping to herself, but maybe she could convince her that she had it under control. Kristen texted for Hannah to meet her in the student council workshop. Hannah had no idea the place even existed until Ellie and Kristen decided to run for student council. They all spent their Saturday making posters and filming the stupidest Kik and Vine videos for their campaign. Even Sean stopped by to help. The Sun Vlogger said no one else had a chance against their ‘Rock Star’ campaign; not even Tristin’s tagging all over Kristen’s photos could stop them.
So much had changed in their lives over the past couple of months. It honestly felt like years since they’d all been in the same room together.
Hannah opened the door. “Kristen,” she whispered as she stepped inside the dark room. All she could see was the crack in the door leading to the parking lot and approached it, but just as she reached for the handle a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind and covered her mouth.
Hannah head butted her attacker and they rocked back on their heels.
“Ouch!” a familiar voice yelled. “A little help would be nice.”
It took a few seconds for her to realize it was Brian. Hannah tried to wiggle free, but her feet weren’t touching the ground. He twirled her around and the room flooded with light as he carried her out the door.
She screamed for help, but the sound was muffled by his hand. He pulled her into the backseat of a car.
Brian finally removed his hand from her mouth after the car jerked forward.
“What are you doing?” Hannah shoved Brian before she spotted Connor.
“You left us no choice,” Connor said as she met his eyes in the rearview mirror. “Just sit back and calm down.”
“You can’t! How could you?” Hannah yelled. “Stop the car.”
The thought of Sean looking for her after school slammed her in the chest so hard she nearly gasped as they exited the parking lot. “You have to take me back right now. Please,” she pleaded.
“Not until you tell us what the hell is going on,” Connor said.
Chapter Five
Dax
Dax hadn’t heard from Emmitt and was dying to know how his plan turned out. He barely got his locker open when he spotted Noelle headed his way.
“Let me guess, you need a ride?” he asked when she finally reached him.
“Trust me; I wouldn’t be bothering you if I had any other way,” she said sounding annoyed.
“Choir
boy ditch you for Bible study or something?”
“Don’t know, and I don’t care. I just wanna go home.”
Dax closed his locker and met her scowl. “Stop moping. A part-time boyfriend is better than none.”
“I won’t even have that if you don’t keep your end of our bargain.”
“Stop worrying. I said I wouldn’t out you and I meant it. How cool would it be if I could Photoshop Careless Citizen’s head onto your body and burn them both at the same time.” He amazed himself with the ideas he could conjure up.
“Why are you always on Sean’s case? He’s not a bad person,” Noelle said.
Dax stopped mid-step and turned to face her. “You can’t be serious.”
“He made a mistake,” Noelle whispered. “And he’s really messed up by it. He was actually crying the last time I saw him.”
“When was that again?” Dax asked.
“None of your business,” Noelle said as they headed for the exit.
“Where is she?” Sean’s voice brought the entire hallway to a halt.
Dax and Noelle both looked at each other before they shoved their way to the front of the gathering crowd.
Sean and Kristen were at a standoff in front of her locker.
“Even if I did know, I wouldn’t tell you,” Kristen said.
Sean’s face was so red that Dax thought he might actually take a swing at Kristen, who looked like she was thinking the same thing. He punched the locker beside her head and Kristen let out a scream as she ducked.
“You think this is some kind of game? Tell me where she is!”
Tristin came out nowhere and slapped Sean so hard the sound bounced off the walls.
“Stay the hell away from my sister.”
“The Dean’s coming!” someone shouted and Sean rushed for the exit. The gossiping crowd started moving again and Dax could see the twins whispering to one another.
“You still wanna stick to the ‘Sean’s a nice guy’ story?” Dax asked Noelle. “Where did Connor say he was going again?”
“He didn’t.”
“I think it would be wise of you to find out before those two cross paths.”
Dax grinned when she pulled out her phone and fired off a text. She was way too easy to manipulate. He slowed down when they reached the twins, trying to catch a bit of their hushed conversation. It was a rare day indeed to see the TK twins actually working together.