Ratbags and Scallywags [bxb]

Chapter 20 - Aubrey

The school principal wasted no time cracking down after Monday's drama. It was my first day back since medical leave, and the whole place felt like it was stuck doing damage control. Classes had been roped into launching anti-bullying campaigns, and bigger guys like Trey and Ben were stuck unloading boxes from delivery trucks and hauling them into storage.

I heard Charlie had volunteered to hang flyers with Ikeisha, while I'd been stuck on messenger duty. It was fine cause I got to wander around, but it was boring without my phone. And honestly, I just wanted to hang out with Charlie.

Right now, I'd been tasked with taking Jesse Atkinson to the supply room to pick up more boxes. We walked down the hall in tense silence, the unease crawling under my skin and making me hyper-aware of his presence.

When he pulled open the storage door, we were met with the sight of Trey shoving Ben against a metal rack. The movement was quick and sharp like a startle response. Both of them looked roughed up, and Trey looked pissed as his eyes locked on mine.

I wanted to ask what was going on, but judging by his expression, now didn't seem like the time.

Ben wiped sweat from his brow and muttered something as he brushed himself off.

"Um, okay," I started awkwardly. "Mr Hardy wants someone to take more boxes over to—"

"Let the horse do it," Ben interrupted, stealing a moody glance at Trey.

"Donovan?" I asked, confused. "Why would—"

But the words died in my throat as Donovan Hughes stepped into view, draping an arm over Jesse's shoulders like they were best buds. My stomach dropped. He was supposed to be banned until exams. What the hell was he doing here?

Trey moved in beside me, pretty clearly making sure there was space between us and them.

Donovan smirked. "Bet you're wondering why I'm back. Perks of being friends with the principal's son."

Jesse gave me this weird, blank, reptilian stare that lasted a little too long. It made my skin crawl, like he was calculating something. "Yeah. He's taking me to see Charlie."

I clenched my hands without thinking, fighting the discomfort his presence brought me.

This guy didn't get to say Charlie's name. Not after what he did. He didn't get to beat someone up and then act like nothing happened. That's not how it works. Charlie got suspended and stuck with a permanent black mark on his records, and this asshole just shows up straight back here like nothing happened?

Jesse shifted like he was about to sling his arm over me, but Trey smacked it away and shoved a stack of boxes into his arms. Jesse barely caught them and glared.

"You insane?" Trey muttered, voice cold. "Wanna die?"

"Shut your dog mouth," Donovan shot back, stepping in. "Threaten him again and I'll box your face in."

"Try me, asshole," Trey shot back, his teeth clenched.

Jesse headed for the door without a word, that same blank look on his face. But it didn't feel empty. For some reason, it felt loaded. Like he was just waiting for the right moment to pull something. I just didn't know what. Donovan followed behind him, unnervingly calm for someone who literally just threated to beat someone up.

I remembered I was meant to go with him to meet Charlie and Ikeisha—and there was no way I was letting him see Charlie alone—so I turned to follow. But Trey stuck his arm out, blocking me without even looking, like he already knew what I was about to do.

"Wait a sec," he muttered, glancing back at Ben.

Ben grabbed a few boxes and followed, his sour glare narrowing at Trey before we caught up to the others.