#mcsaw

I don't think she likes that.

Another boring Thursday afternoon. Sunlight crept into the equally sunny room of Heather McNamara. Duke’s face was so close to the magazine that she was reading that Veronica had no idea how she could see any of the words. Their leader was off getting a refill on her drink. McNamara was the only one attempting to study at all. Remedial math was no joke, Veronica mused as she turned a page and started a new chapter in her novel.

“We’re going to Remington tonight,” Heather declared. Veronica jumped a little. When had she gotten back in the room? She glanced up from her book in search of Mac. She hadn’t moved from her spot at the desk.

“Oh really,” Duke drawled as she scribbled something into her magazine. “Eric couldn’t get enough of you, huh?”

“Shut up, Heather. This isn’t about me. It’s about our reputation.”

Veronica was barely listening. She wondered why Heather was so much quieter than usual. She abandoned her book and wandered over to the desk. She barely got halfway there when Heather snapped at her.

“Veronica! Are you listening?”

“Yeah, you’re going to Remington to fuck some guy named Eric, I heard,” she muttered, causing Duke to snicker. In response, Chandler threw a pillow at the green clad girl.

“Ow,” she complained. “You’re a bitch.” Chandler pointedly ignored this comment.

“Hey, you okay?” Veronica inquired, almost touching McNamara but not quite.

“I can’t figure out number seven,” Heather sighed. “I’ve been stuck on it forever.”

“Come on. Take a break. We’re having a talk.” Veronica smiled a bit.

“Okay, Ronnie.” She followed her over to the bed, where everyone had congregated. Chandler sat up straight and looked at all of them.

“This is bigger than Eric. His older brother has a lot of sway. He’s a senior.”

Her face was incredibly serious. This was a big deal, then. Veronica was tired of college guys. None of them were even 18 yet. Chandler herself was a few weeks shy of 17. And yet they continued to infiltrate this very adult world. Veronica leaned into Mac, feeling lazy. She’d been more and more outwardly defying protocol in recent weeks.

“Ugh, do we have to?” Mac whined. “I have so much math homework to finish.”

“I can finish it for you,” Veronica offered, which earned a grateful look in response.

“It’s settled. Heather, let’s head home and get ready. And go to your OWN house this time. You always get in my damn way.”

Soon, it was just the two of them.

“Well?” Mac smiled. “Might as well get started.” Veronica groaned.

“I didn’t mean right now, you dork! I know more than stupid math is on your brain. You’ve been practically silent since lunch. What’s up?”

“Well…I was just…thinking about what you said at the last party a few days ago.” Mac frowned.

“Yeah? We were pretty drunk, huh?”

“Well yeah, but, is it true?”

“Is what true?” Veronica feigned ignorance, heart racing.

“You know what you said, Veronica. I can’t take someone messing with me again.” Mac slammed her book shut. Veronica was startled by this sudden display of anger.

“I’ll prove it to you.” She pulled Mac closer and kissed her. The door burst open. Duke had forgotten her magazine. Veronica dropped Mac to the floor.

“Uh hey,” Veronica choked out. God it was warm in here. “How’s it going?”