31

I stare in stunned silence as Xander’s body jerks back and slams against a table. A few girls shriek. Other students gasp. I’m in the shocked category. My back hits the edge of a table and I grip the hard wood for balance. Aiden has never been the violent type. He said it the other day, didn’t he? That he’d rather play smarter, not stronger. So why is he punching his best friend? Before Xander can recover, Aiden lunges at him with a slamming punch. It’s the first time I see him this way. Violent. Animalistic. Out of control. It’s like a different Aiden altogether. Xander releases mocking laughter before he shoves Aiden and jabs a punch at his face. Blood explodes from Aiden’s lower lip. I swallow. Should I interfere? Do something? Say something? But it’s not like they’re fighting because of me — although I might have played a part. Aside from the sound of punches, the cafeteria is completely silent. None of the other students utters a word. Hell, I doubt they’re able to breathe properl