All I've Never Wanted(13)

Apparently, James felt the same way, because he didn't back down. "I don't think I need mercy from the likes of you," he responded, clenching his hands into fists. "You and your friends think you can do anything just because you're rich, but let me tell you something, money can't buy you dignity, or respect."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Roman's lips curved up into a cruel smile. "Especially when you wake up one morning to find out your parents just lost their job."

James' nostrils flared. "Don't you dare pretend you know anything about my family!" he roared, raising his fist.

Venice let out a small yelp next to me, but I'd had enough. I quickly grabbed James' wrist and forced it down. I'd noticed Carlo had gotten ready to defend his friend and knew James would not be the winner.

"That's enough!" I cried, stepping in front of James.

"Maya, what are you doing?" Venice whispered urgently from the sideline.

I ignored her, and lifted my chin, gazing into Roman's stormy orbs. For the first time, he looked taken aback.

"Now you listen, and you listen good," I began fiercely, fueled by over a year of suppressed anger that was bursting to be let out. "I don't care that your family founded this stupid town and this stupid school, I don't care how much money you have in your trust fund, or how everyone else worships you just because you happen to be lucky enough to be born with good genes and into a rich family. I am sick and tired of you bossing everyone around like they're your servants! They're not, and even if they were, you should at least treat other people with some respect! You have done absolutely nothing by yourself to earn anything you have!"

"Maya," Venice squeaked, her face whiter than white.

I knew I should stop, but I couldn't. I'd already dug myself in too deep, and I was on a roll. The words came out so easily I was barely aware I was even saying them. "Nothing gives you the right to threaten other peoples' lives and futures the way you do!" I continued. "Who are you to determine who gets expelled or whose parents will lose their jobs? You're just a teenager, for Christ's sake! Stop acting like you're god, because you're not! As far as I'm concerned, you're nothing but a spoiled, tyrannical brat who throws a temper tantrum anytime something doesn't go your way!"


I was panting by the time I finished, and it was the only sound in the room. The rest was dead silence.

Everyone—Venice, James, the Scions, the people at the party—just stared at me in shock.

I swallowed hard, hit by the urge to bolt. Though I'd felt free and relieved when I was reaming Roman out, I now felt suffocated.

Without waiting for a response, I pushed my way through my mass of frozen classmates and sprinted through the door, not stopping until I'd reached Venice's car. I leaned against the driver's side, where no one could see me, and closed my eyes, breathing deeply. The fresh night air felt soothing against my heated skin, but I still felt like I was about to throw up.

I couldn't believe I just did that. A year of forcing myself into anonymity, all down the drain in one night. But still, at least I had my dignity intact. I knew if I'd just let it go on the way it had back there without saying anything, I would regret it for the rest of my life. It was about time someone stood up to the Scions, and if colleges wanted some lemming with no backbone, well, I guess they weren't the right ones for me.

"Maya!"

I looked up to see a distressed Venice. "Ohmygosh, I'm so sorry," she cried, throwing her arms around my neck. "This is all my fault! If I hadn't—if I hadn't made you come tonight, none of this would've happened!"

"No, it's fine," I croaked, patting her awkwardly on her back. "It's not your fault. This was bound to happen anyway. I've held my tongue too long." I inhaled deeply and stood up. "Besides, it'll be ok," I said with forced cheer. "I'm not some prissy little thing. I can handle whatever they throw at me."

She just stared at me worriedly.

I bit my lip. "Is it that bad?"

"Well, I don't really know," she admitted. "I mean, I ran out here after you as fast as I can, but the party's definitely over, that's for sure."

We both looked at the house, and sure enough, people were starting to stream through the doors.

"Get in the car, I'll drive you home," Venice said.

I quickly made my way around the car and slammed the door shut. I had barely put on my seatbelt before we were already halfway down the road.

"Thanks, V," I said gratefully, leaning my head on the headrest. "You're the best."

"Hey, what are friends for?"

When we pulled up in front of my house, she gave me another hug.

"Listen, just know I'll always have your back, ok?" she whispered. "Whatever happens Monday, I won't give up on you."

I smiled for real this time, feeling unbearably touched. As I got out, she added, "And Maya?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm really proud of you tonight. I wish had the courage to do what you did."

As I lay in my bed that night, her words echoed through my mind, strengthening my resolve to not to bow down to Roman or any of the other Scions anymore. To hell with what they'll do to me—whatever that may be.