Riser (Teen Horror/Science Fiction) (Book #1 in The Riser Saga) ((Volume 1)) by Becca C. Smith

report your Age-pro use to the proper authorities. It stays in your system for at least two weeks after you stop. All they’d have to do is a blood test.” I totally lied. I had no idea if Age-pro stayed in your system or not, but from the horror on Jill’s face, neither did she. “Even daddy can’t get you out of that one,” I added for measure.
It was the equivalent of another punch.
Jill fixed her hair and straightened out her clothing. “I suppose you being fired is enough punishment.”
I just shook my head and left. I still had another semester’s tuition due later this year and without a job there was no way I could pay it. Jill knew that. And then it hit me.
She had planned the whole thing.
That’s why the shop was so full. Full of witnesses she controlled. I should have known something was up. She was waiting for me to hit her back and I fell for it. Though that look of rage on her face was as real as it gets, and Joan acted pretty surprised when Jill punched me and leapt over the bar. Jill probably expected me to punch her first when she made the comments about Ryan and when I didn’t bite she couldn’t let the opportunity pass. I was still an idiot, but whether I hit her or not, she would have made everyone swear that I did, so it was pointless even thinking about it.
I made my way to the Hover-Shuttle stop which was located at the end of the street. I’d have to let Bill know that I didn’t need that ride after all. I pulled out my cell phone and started to dial.
The phone rang a few feet behind me. I whirled around to see Bill holding his phone and smiling.
“You think a fist fight between you and Jill wouldn’t be on every cell phone in our school in milliseconds,” Bill said with amusement. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”
“Thanks,” was all I could say. I had to admit it was nice seeing him there. Bill was becoming a rock of support I didn’t think I could live without.
“Tell me you got some good licks in.” Bill tried to lighten my mood.
“I wish I could have done more.” I smiled back at him.
“We’re a pair today, me with Ryan, you with Jill.”
“I seem to be the common denominator in all these equations.”
“Something worth fighting for, I’d say.” Bill leaned down and kissed the top of my head.
I was shocked. As innocent as it seemed, Bill had never touched me, let alone kiss me. And as surprised as I was, it was actually kind of nice. Unexpected but comforting. I smiled up at him and gave him a playful nudge in the gut. “Let’s just agree not to get into any more fights from now on.”
“Agreed.” Bill put his arm around me and gave me a supportive squeeze. It wasn’t like the fire I felt with Ryan, but it was just as powerful. Like the fierceness you feel with a friend you know you’d do anything for. A surge of intense loyalty came over me and I squeezed Bill back.
“Thanks for getting me. I really needed a friend.”
“Any time.”
We arrived at his hover-car without mishap and he opened my door for me like he always did. I sat inside while he smoothly walked around to the driver’s side and slid into the car. He started the car and we were off.
“So, fired, huh?” Bill smiled.
“More like quit. Mel looked like he was going to throttle Jill himself for giving him an ultimatum like that. I didn’t want her dad messing things up for him.”
“If I could help you I would, you know that, right?” Bill was so sincere it made my heart hurt.
“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Bill.”
“You need money? I think her plan was to get you to have to drop out due to lack of funds.” Bill said this so quietly I had to strain my ears to hear.
“I figured. But I can’t take your money. I’ll figure it out somehow.” The last thing I wanted to do was owe someone money. Especially since I was doomed to work crap jobs for the rest of my life. I’d be indebted to him forever.
“I wouldn’t expect it back, if you’re worried.”
Did he just read my mind?
“But I,