Chapter 32: The Second Fall

Seeing myself at the center of attention, I couldn't help but wish Leonard were nearby. Almost? No, scratch that—I **desperately** wished he were around. If Leonard had been with me, those girls wouldn’t have dared to pull such a stunt. But since my so-called best friend had silently sponsored their behavior by doing nothing except offering offensive stares, maybe it was time to dump him. The thought was a flash of pure rage as I jerked away from his grip for the third time. "Olivera..." Jeremy’s voice carried a soft, pleading edge, one that made me want to slap some sense into him. Did he suddenly forget how to comprehend basic English? "Leave me alone!" I shouted, my voice ringing out louder than I intended. But I didn’t feel an ounce of guilt as I watched the shocked expression lock onto his face. Serves him right. Without sparing him another glance, I turned my back on him. I didn’t want to see him. Not after everything I’d witnessed. Attempting to stand on my own was an ordeal.