138:

JASMINE

My eyes followed Axel as he walked out of the cafeteria. He wasn't one to react that way over an issue concerning Ashley. I noticed he did not insult her like he usually did. Even though I knew he was lying, I still would have loved to hear him rain insults on her. But he simply denied it, flared up, and walked out on me.

I felt embarrassed. Murmurings filled the hall. Some were even laughing at me, talking about how I was now forcing myself on Axel seeing that he is mated to Ashley.

I thought of what would happen next. I would become an object of ridicule among students of Empire High. I thought of the hateful comments that would follow and I knew I couldn't not deal with it. There was no way I would let myself be embarrassed because of Ashley.

I was so bitter, it felt like I had been stabbed. How was I supposed to look at other students after being ridiculed? I had taken time to build a reputation for myself. I could not believe everything was crashing fast.

I managed to