Falling for the Ghost of You by Nicole Christie Read Free Book Online

he talks in his ridiculous "Australian" accent.  People laugh, but I cringe in embarrassment for him.
    "—a nd this is my right best summah evah 'cause I fell in love with this beautiful sheila ."
    Matt's grin is huge as he points dramatically to a blushing Rachel sitting at the desk next to him.
    My jaw drops open.  I can't believe he just announced it in class like that! 
    Everyone's looking at me for my reaction.  Flushing hotly, I stare down at the scarred surface of my desk.
    "Asshole," Lauren says quite clearly.
    "Excuse me, Lauren?" Mr. Jensen says.  "Did you decide you want to share something after all?"
    "Nope."
    I refuse to look up.  Tears of humiliation threaten to fall, so I keep my eyes wide, willing them to dry up.
    How could he do that?  What, all of a sudden he doesn't care about my feelings anymore?  I have to wonder if he was always this big of a wad, or did losing his virginity fr y something in his little brain?
    I hate him. I hate her!
    "Violet Mercer."
    Great.
    I don't bother to stand.  "I'm Violet," I growl.  "I thought I lost something this summer, but I just realized, I never needed it."
    Total silence.
    Then someone mutters, "Is she talking about her virginity?"
    In retrospect, I realize I could have worded that better.
    Thank God the day is over.  I'm exhausted, like I've been through a war.  All I want to do is lie in bed and cry tears of self-pity.  And then order a meaty pizza.  I'm starving!
    "I need to get my jacket from my locker,"  Lauren reminds me as I make a beeline for the door.
    I sigh and reverse direction.  "Okay."
    On the way there, I hear someone call my name.  It's Kim Marshall, Matt's younger sister.
    I like Kim.  Like her brother, she's always good natured and cheerful.  She knows all the latest gossip, but never spreads any herself.
    "Violet, just because my brother is a giant douche bag, I hope that doesn't mean we can't still be friends," Kim says, an anxious look on her pretty face.
    "Of course not," I reassure her.  "I've always liked you better, anyway."
    Kim laughs and nods.  "You know, everyone's telling Matt that you were too hot for him, anyway so it’s good he downgraded.  I can't believe him and Rachel!"
    I shrug.  What can I say to that?
    "Oh, and I hear your English sub is pretty hot," she says, opening up her locker.
    "He's okay," I say.
    "I don't like him," Lauren says flatly.  "But you probably would, Kim.  He's blonde and kinda scruffy."
    Everyone knows Kim has a thing for scruffy blonde g uys.  Just look at her locker—i t's plastered with pictures of the singer , Aiden Cross and John Heller—s ome WWE wrestler, I assume from the pictures.  Aiden Cross is gorgeous, a nd his voice is amazing—as are his darkly beautiful songs.  But that other guy is scary-looking, from his huge bulging muscles, to the bloodthirsty look in his sea green eyes.  Kim is obsessed with them both.
    "Hmm, maybe I'll have to visit your class someday," she says, waggling her eyebrows.  "Well, I'm off to my job at Freezy Pete's.  You guys should stop by sometime.  My shift ends at nine."
    We agree to visit her soon, then we exchange goodbyes , and Lauren and I head for the parking lot.
    I feel better after talking to Kim.  I'm glad she still wants to be friends, despite me hating her brother's guts.  I wonder if she'll be friendly with Rachel, too?
    No.  I quickly banish that thought from my head.  That's none of my concern.
    "At least you got that awkward first run-in over with," Lauren says as we get into my car.
    "Yup," I sigh.  "And now everyone thinks I ’ve lost my virginity.  I can tell this is going to be an awesome year."
    "Oh, V," she says comfortingly.  "Most people think you lost it a long time ago, anyway."
    Great.  Thanks, Lauren.  I can always count on my best friend to make me feel better.
     
    ******
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
    Mom is leaving for her honeymoon , and I don't want her to go!
    "You can't overdo it," I tell her for the