Oops Wrong Girl to Bully (Angelina) by Xena Kessler novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62 *

Angelina’s POV

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“We’ve been friends for three years,” Logan said. He was using his determined voice, the one he used when he was absolutely certain about something. “And there’s something different about you. Not just the grades”

I tried to walk around him, but he stepped sideways, still blocking me. “People change after near-death experiences.”

“It’s not that. It’s like…” He paused, searching for the right words. His eyebrows drew together in concentration. ‘It’s like you’re playing a

character. A smarter version of yourself.”

Too accurate. My heart rate picked up. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it? Because the old Aria would never talk about carbon-14 dating. The ld Aria would never-”

“The old Aria almost died,” I cut him off. My voice came out sharper than intended. “Maybe the old Aria decided to take school seriously.”

Logan shook his head. “It’s more than that. The way you talk, the way you think, even the way you stand sometimes. It’s different.”

“Did someone help you cheat?” Logan asked suddenly.

My stomach dropped. “What? No!”

‘I’m not judging! I just want to know-

“Logan, I didn’t cheat. All the teachers verified my work.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “Then what? Did you get brain surgery or something?”

“Just a concussion. That’s it.”

“Concussions don’t work like that, Aria.”

I set my backpack down on the desk with a thump. “Why are you so obsessed with this?”

Logan looked startled by my tone. “Because I care about you! If something wrong, if you’re in trouble, I want to help.

My anger deflated a little. “I’m not in trouble.”

“Then why can’t you just give me a straight answer?”

“I did. You just don’t believe it.”

“Because it doesn’t make sense! Nothing about this makes sense!”

Logan’s voice was getting louder, echoing in the empty classroom. “One day you’re Aria who can’t remember anything in Geography. The next day you’re basically a genius. That doesn’t just happen!”

“Apparently it does.”

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“No, it doesn’t! I’ve researched concussions. I’ve read articles. They can cause memory loss, personality changes, sure. But they don’t give you new knowledge. They don’t suddenly make you understand math and physics and-

“Maybe I always understood it. Maybe I just wasn’t paying attention before

“For three years? You weren’t paying attention for three years?”

“Yes!”

“That’s bullshit and you know it!”

He’s not wrong. But I can’t tell him the truth.

Logan kept going, his words tumbling out faster and faster. “Aria, please just-

I grabbed my Geography textbook from my desk and lightly bonked him on the head with it.

“Shut up.”

“Ow! What was that for?”

I bonked him again, a little harder this time.

“For being annoying.”

Logan rubbed his head, looking genuinely offended. “Stop hitting me with Geography!”

“Then stop asking questions I already answered.”

“But you haven’t really answered them! You’ve just given me the official story, the one everyone wants to hear-

I raised the textbook again.

Logan threw his hands up. “Okay, okay! Stop with the book violence!”

At least that shut him up.

I lowered the book but kept it in my hand, ready to strike again if needed. Logan, listen to me.”

He watched me warily, probably worried about another Geography attack.

‘I didn’t cheat, I’m not in danger, I’m fine.”

“But-

I lifted the textbook threateningly.

“Okay, okay! I’ll drop it!”

“Good.”

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Chapter 62*

Lagan mothered under his breath. For new

I raised the book higher.

Kidding! I’m kidding!” He backed up a step, hands still raised in surrende

I lowered the textbook and let out a long breath. “Look, I know you’re worried.“

Logan’s defensive posture relaxed slightly.

And I appreciate that. Really, I continued. “You’re a good friend.”

I just don’t want you to get hurt. Or in trouble.

I won’t. Promise.”

Logan studied my face for a long moment. And if there’s something you can’t tell me now… will you tell me eventually?”

Maybe. Someday.

That’s not a ves

It’s not a no either.”

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Logan sighed, his shoulders stumping. I guess I’ll take it.”

1 finally walked around him toward the door. He followed me out into the hallway. We walked in silence for a while, our footsteps echoing on

the linoleum floor.

You know what the weird thing is?” Logan said suddenly,

I’m actually proud of you. Even though I’m confused and suspicious and kind of worried, I’m also really proud.”

I glanced at him. His expression was sincere.

“Those test scores were amazing, Aria. Whatever caused them, you earned them.”

Something warm spread through my chest. “Thanks, Logan.”

“Still think you’re hiding something though.”

“Of course you do.”

“But I’ll wait. Until you re ready to tell me.”

We reached the main entrance. Logan pushed open the door, holding it for me. Outside, the afternoon sun was bright and warm.

“Want to grab bubble tea?” Logan asked. “My treat.”

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I smiled. “Sure. But only if you promise no more interrogation.

“Cross my heart.” He made an X over his chest.

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I walked through the front door at 5:30 PM. The smell of dinner cooking fit me immediately-Mom must have gotten home early from the

restaurant for once.

“Aria! Come here, sweetheart!”

Dad’s voice came from the living room. I dropped my bag by the stairs and found him sitting on the couch, hunched over something in his

hands.

“What’s up, Dad?”

“Look at this-the thing you picked up for me from Uncle Robert’s.” He held up an old camera-one of those vintage Polaroid ones that printed photos instantly. “It’s from the 80s, he said. Thought I might like it since m always complaining about how everything’s digital now.”

I sat down next to him. The camera was bulky and cream-colored, with a rainbow stripe on the front. Dust covered most of its surface.

“Does it work?”

“That’s the problem. I can’t figure out how to open the film compartment I’ve been trying for twenty minutes.” He turned it over in his hands, frowning at it like it had personally insulted him. “There’s supposed to be latch or something, but I can’t find it.”

“Let me see.”

He handed it to me. The plastic felt smooth and slightly sticky under my ngers. I examined the sides, looking for any kind of release button.

“Robert said the instructions are around here somewhere, but you know how your uncle is. Probably threw them away the second he opened

the box.”

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