More Than Lies (More Than #1)(78)

Tara is silent for a moment, searching for an answer, I’m certain. If I weren’t still in shock, I’d probably be rolling on the floor laughing. This is laughable. She is laughable. No one in their right mind would believe the story of Taralynn ‘perfect’ Evans being malicious to another person and destroying school property in the process.

Maybe I did take that stunt a little too far, but the way I see, that bitch deserved it. I told Mason and the others it was because she went around telling people at school that we were dating. We aren’t. I don’t date. I screwed that whore once just like any other girl. I don’t do seconds, but the real reason; the reason I don’t want to even face was because of Tara.

Holly had sex with Tara’s douchebag of a boyfriend. Not only did she sleep with him, she recorded it on her phone and sent the video to Tara via text message. I guess the only bright side of the deal was that Tara broke up with the loser.

I’m ripped from my thoughts when the feel of Tara entwining our hands catches my attention. She still isn’t looking at me. Her attention is on our principal. I cut my eyes to him as well. He’s staring at our tangled limbs too. An eyebrow is raised, but other than that he isn’t giving anything away, and I can’t read him.

“I was jealous.” Come again?

“Say what?” He’s as stunned as I am I think.

“Jealousy. You know, the green-eyed monster. When someone—” He stops her.

“Taralynn, I’m aware of what it means, but I don’t understand why you would be jealous of her.” He scrunches up his nose. Holly is pure trash. I don’t say that about many people, but the bitch is. My dick didn’t seem to care at the time I fucked her, though.

“Because,” she glances my way giving me a look that tells me she wants me to go along with whatever she says. “She made everyone in school believe Shawn was dating her.” Her hand tightens around mine as her words come out. “He’s not with her.” She says it as if it’s obvious. To me it is. To everyone it should be obvious. I wouldn’t date that bitch if she were the last chick on earth. If I were smarter, I never would have had sex with her in the first place.

“Taralynn.” Principal Mac breathes her name out. “That’s all well and good but—” He doesn’t get to finish.

“He’s with me.” Say what? “That’s why I did it. She deserved it. Don’t you understand that?” Damn. If I didn’t know better, I’d believe Tara and I were dating. She sounds like she believes the words coming out of her mouth.

“You want me to believe the two of you are dating?” He holds up his hands before Tara said a word. “Not only that, but you were the one to degrade a fellow student’s self-worth and deface school property? Does that sum it up, Taralynn?” Dude sounds a little ticked off.

“Yes, sir.”

His eyes cut to mine. With that look, I know he’s asking me if I’m going to allow her to take my blame. That look also pulls me out of whatever it is that’s been going on since she took my hand. I’ll never admit to anyone just how great it feels to have her hand in mine. I can’t let Tara do this. Her parents will flip the fuck out.

“Tara, come on.” I slide my hand out from hers and sit up. Turning in the chair, I face her. “There’s no point in this. I can handle what Principal Mac dishes. I always do.”

“No, Shawn.” Her words are bitten out then she turns to face me. “Not this time. He’s not going to suspend you. He’s going to expel you. You won’t graduate.”

I’m speechless. For the first time in my life, I have no words.

This isn’t good.

“How did you know that?” Mr. MacIntyre is stunned.

“It’s true?” What the fuck? “It was a joke.”

“Shawn, you’ve done too much over the last four years. This was my last straw. You need to be taught a tough lesson.”

“One in which I assure you he has learned.”

“Taralynn, go back to class. This does not involve you.”

“I disagree, since I told you I did it, not Shawn.” He huffs from frustration before glancing away from us. He looks to the ceiling. “Shawn, tell him it wasn’t you.”

I really do not know what to do right now.

I don’t want to be expelled, that’s for damn sure. I really don’t have a choice. I have to go along with this, but why is she the one bailing me out?

“Right. Um . . . what Tara said.” I feel so lame right now.

“Are you certain that you want to stick with that story, Miss Evans?” He’s not only pissed, but I’m pretty sure I see disappointment in his eyes. “Be sure. There is no going back. You realize I will have to punish you for these transgressions?”

“Yes.” I hear the uncertainty in her voice. It’s clear as day, but I cannot not graduate. That is not an option, so I remain silent.

“Monday morning you are to report to Coach Parker’s room for ISS. You’ll have five days of In-School Suspension. You also have to apologize to Holly. Lastly, you are responsible for the bill to re-paint all the lockers in Hall B. We’re done, Miss Evans. Please return back to your class, now.” He dismisses her.

Once she exits and the door is closed, a very pissed off man stares back at me. One which I may be a little scared of at the moment. No longer do I see my Principal. He’s angry. I’d be willing to bet that angry is not part of his job description while in the presence of a student.