** The next few chapters are flashbacks as Nikita tells Kyle her story**
“You’re failing math Mr. Perez,” said Joel’s high school math teacher, Ms. Diaz. “You know what that means.”
Joel crossed his arms angrily.
“I asked you to grade me on a curve,” Joel retorted coolly.
Ms. Diaz raised a perfectly shaped dark eyebrow at him. She’d taken to mentoring the young football player, holding a soft spot for him as it was known their community that his mother was always busy moving from one relationship to another to pay Joel any attention.
“I cannot do that. You’re going to have to pull yourself together or you won’t be able to play in the next football game.”
“Mierda! (s**t),” Joel spit out in frustration, running an agitated hand through his hair.
“Language!” Ms. Diaz reprimanded s
