Avery And The Popular Bad Boy: A BAD BOY HIGH SCHOOL ROMANCE

by Blue Ann Clare

  Then she watched as I put on the outfit. She said it looks perfect. You took a crazy dress and made it perfect. So proud of you.”

  Thanks” I said in return. Everything was falling into place. Coding my app was going great, my dress for the prom was ready and my dream crush would take me to the prom what could be better than that? Nothing!

  Wonder how Owen is doing.

  Owen

  I guess you can say I got excited about the upcoming prom.

  Normally I would be disinterested in such an event especially when I have a lot of games to take care of. But this year was different it was my senior year in high school and I wanted to make a difference.

  I was pretty amazed at my study skills especially with Avery she made everything so easy. My grades impressed my teachers. in fact I got As. To say it pleased me is putting it lightly. It impressed my father. He said he knew it I had it in me.

  Yet Blake was the one friend that didn’t seem pleased by my progress.

  We have been Best friends since childhood. It was hard to stay away.

  I like Blake. But I cannot understand why he keeps talking about Avery. He says Avery is not good for me. But honestly, what does he really know?

  Blake said, “you know you should really think about staying with Lisa. She’s the best. I heard her mother’s really upset with you. Your parents seem baffled too, Owen. You know they are all concerned. Lisa has always been part of that plan, why do you think you can change that now? Especially with a girl from the gutter?”

  His words infuriated me.

  I grabbed his shirt and clenched my fist. I could have hit him. but then I pulled back. It wasn’t worth it.

  Blake then snickered and said, "you’re trying to hit me because of her?” We been best friends for the longest time and this never happened before. She comes into your life and now, she’s trying to take you back in time?”

  I yelled at him, “she’s not taking me back! have you seen my grades? I’m doing perfectly okay.”

  I pushed him aside.

  He placed his hand in the air. I guess it was a truce of some sort. Then he apologized.

  He said “I’m so sorry I behaved that way. We have been friends since childhood. Do you forgive me?”

  I swallowed.

  honestly I wanted to say something else, but decided not to, it was not worth it.

  And besides it’s so close to prom, I didn’t want anything to ruin it.

  That’s the moment I received the text from Avery.

  I smiled.

  my face practically lit up reading her text. She said she can’t wait for prom, and her dress was almost ready.

  I let her know I am also getting prepared. I have the car ready to go. everything’s perfect.

  Blake looked over my shoulder and read the text.

  At first he didn’t say a word.

  But once I got done texting, he smirked mischievously.

  I thought what is he up to?

  He must have something in mind.

  He rubbed his jaw and then he said, “I know I said this before and I apologized, but look at it from my view. You’re my best friend and I have to look out for you. Her dad worked at that factory. Your father would prefer you end up with someone else, someone from your class. I must tell you as a best friend, it will not end well. I want you to avoid the heartbreak it will definitely happen.”

  I took in a deep breath and exhaled. Blake was not done speaking he continued:

  “You realize, we are trust fund kids first before anything else?”

  I sighed and turned towards him but I didn’t see a word.

  Honestly, he was definitely planting a seed of doubt in my mind, something I tried to avoid all this while.

  Maybe he was right maybe our Avery and I have no future.

  besides we are still young.

  we have our lives ahead of us.

  As though reading my thoughts he said, “she will not be the last girl you going to be with. There will be others and I mean a lot more. Let’s not waste the last few days of high school on this. You deserve better and you know it. I mean she’s a good girl and everything, but do you want to look back and see her because there’s definitely nothing between you two that would last a lifetime here.”

  I could not believe it, Blake was acting like he was a relationship guru or something?

  I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I’ll make my own decisions. And whatever happens in my future will be because I let it happen. I want to be in the present.”

  “Suit yourself then just be ready when the heartbreak happens because from the looks of it it definitely will.”

  I shrugged and tried not to listen to what he had to say.

  Whatever concerns he had about me and Avery was between us.

  But then I’ll be lying if I said he did not plant a seed of doubt in my mind.

  My entire brain thought maybe he’s right maybe I am making a mistake here?

  What can I do now?

  The truth is, I don’t want to do anything.

  I want to go to the prom with her.

  That’s the moment Lisa walks up and said, “hey I got my prom dress. you want to see it?“

  she leaned closer.

  I mean she smelled amazing.

  She rubbed my hand and said in a low voice,“it’s really nice and tight.”

  Blake smiled and stepped back, leaving us to talk.

  Lisa said “it’s not too late. you don’t have to ask me anything, I’ll definitely go with you.”

  I swallowed.

  This was crazy. Why can’t I resist her?

  She smiled, leaned forward and kissed my cheek. Then she brushed her lips on mine.

  She pulled back and said “I am definitely ready for our big day.”

  I sighed.

  It would’ve been perfect if we were alone. but we were not.

  suddenly I looked up to see Avery’s standing right there.

  I wanted to say something to her, but she quickly hurried past like she saw nothing.

  Oh no what is going to happen now?

  Avery

  I couldn’t believe it.

  I saw Owen kiss Lisa!

  Oh my God how did that happen?

  I hyperventilated my chest rose and fell feel butterflies in my stomach everything seemed to spin around me.

  but then, how could he kiss Lisa when he asked me to the prom?

  I swallowed.

  I turned around.

  The tears welled up in my eyes.

  Just then Peter the chess guy walks up and asked if I want to go on a date with him?

  I raised an eyebrow and asked, “a date?”

  He nodded and said, “Yes, the date is prom. it’s a few days away. I know you have no one or if you think you will go with Owen. Hate to say this but that’s not going to happen. how about you go with me instead?”

  I opened my mouth to say something.

  He quickly added, “I know you don’t want to go with a guy like me. but listen, I’ll make your prom night the best ever. you will remember it. and who knows with any luck you want I might still be together you see that celebrity she got married to her first love that could be me and you you know just us forever think about it it would be perfect just me and you together.”

  I guess he really want to go to the prom with me.

  I became torn.

  Torn between my loyalty to Owen and going with someone else.

  but then he kissed Lisa.

  He can’t possibly want me. maybe this is just his way of playing games?

  Guys like that probably could care less about girls like me.

  Just then my best friend walked up to me.

  she asked if I was all right.

  I said I’m fine I was trying to surprise Owen. but then I saw him with Lisa."

  My friend would raised an eyebrow.

  she said you need to forget about Owen.

  I don’t know if he’s going to be the best for y
ou.

  I swallowed what do you mean?"

  She said well guys like that at Jackson school and they just want to have something to write in their books you know and not on the bed post he didn’t do it with him did you?

  I shook my head and said no what is he talking about he’s not like that he’s not someone who would pressure a woman. Just then Lisa walks up to us with her friends she says Owens been incredible I me so caring and he takes care of me every time and we’re going to the prom together."

  I raise an eyebrow what are you talking about I ask she laughs and says oh you know Owen won’t be caught dead with the factory workers daughter await I forgot your dad doesn’t have a job anyways he’s unemployed right now isn’t he? Your mom has the support likely other people’s that’s the moment my friend Carrie pushed her aside she said leave her alone." Lisa snickered and said that you dare put your hands on me

  I can have your whole family taken away.

  Carrie wanted to walk up to her and do something.

  but I stop Carrie I said it’s not worth it don’t do it."

  And that’s a moment Lisa and her friends.

  Lisa twirled her hair within her fingers, laughed they said, “I guess you will forever be a nobody definitely not worth you owe and don’t worry you watch us dance at the ball”

  And with that she walked away leaving Carrie and I alone. Carrie said to me “don’t believe her. she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. You are the one for Owen"

  Her words was reassuring but honestly, I was not so sure.

  I shook my head and said, “at this point I don’t know and honestly I really don’t care.”

  I felt terrible after the altercation with Lisa.

  I hurried home. I walked in the door my dad asked if I was OK. I nodded and said “I’m perfectly all right dad. just a little tired.”

  That said, it’s OK I understand if you days to the prom it’s OK to be excited you’re doing great in school this letter came for you. I smiled opened the letter it was an acceptance letter.

  I noticed it looked like an acceptance letter.

  my dreams are coming true. But then they were also falling apart because on the one hand yes I’ve gotten to the college of my choice but then on the other what about Owen where do we stand?

  Avery

  I stared at the dress on the wall.

  I wondered if I was doing the right thing going to the prom with Owen.

  Lisa said a lot of things that got me in my feelings. I mean if he cares about me then why was he locking lips with Lisa?

  I fell on my bed and stared at my device. I expected at the least he would call, text or something to explain.

  But still nothing? What is going on? I grab my device and started to text but then I stopped.

  Oh, no this is insane. I knew he had doubts about me. I mean my mind flashes back to the event at his home.

  His dad looked confused and surprised to see me. I guess they were expecting someone else for their son.

  Plus, it did not help matters; they seem taken by Lisa! I guess I was expecting a little too much? I got a text from Carrie. She wrote, “Ignore Lisa she has no say in what you do.”

  I sigh! It easier said than done. I really don’t know what to believe at this point. Then I got a text from Mr chess guy. He says. “Have you thought about it? Are we going to the prom together? My mom thinks I have made the right choice asking you out. Text me ma Cherie!”

  I sigh. I thought about my years at this private school and all I have had to deal with over the years. I thought about how hard I worked to complete the classes.

  I thought about how I had to rely on my scholarship because my parents could not afford the school.

  But mom was amazing. I thought about how much she had given herself to make sure I succeeded.

  I imagined she had dreams too. But family life changed all that and more. Just then, I heard a knock on the door.

  “Who is it?”

  “Mom. Can I come on in?”

  “Sure…”

  The door creaked open and in walked my mother. She sighed and said, “How are you?”

  She had just gotten off her double shift at the nursing home.

  “Fine mom… I am doing great.”

  She nodded and said, “Listen… I know things have been difficult for us since dad lost his job. But I must tell you, I am proud of you, baby. You have achieved the goals you set. You are going to Stanford.”

  “Thanks mom."

  “You excited about Prom?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, just checking up on you. I will turn in for the night.”

  “Sure mom.”

  I smile and look at my mother. Yes, I set those goals, but she helped to make it happen. Mom paused and stared into the distance. She was probably reflecting on her own life. She got into a great school. Yale but she couldn’t go because she got pregnant with my sister. Luckily Dad stepped up and married her. But then she never embarked on her dreams.

  She became a housewife and had kids.

  And now the job that should have been stable for dad disappeared. And to top it off Owen’s dad handled the shutdown. How could I even reconcile my head around that? Mom smiled and stepped out of my room.

  I glanced at my device once more expecting a text nothing. I sigh and think I should call him. Then I changed my mind

  No, I must break it off. I have to tell him the prom date is off. I have to protect my heart. It is the right thing to do besides he is probably not thinking about me right now either.

  OWEN

  I don’t belong to her and she definitely does not belong to me.

  These thoughts flashed through my mind. I wanted to text her, but I knew it was pointless.

  Dad kept hampering on how proud he was I would take Lisa to the prom.

  I guess there was no backing out now.

  I shrug and say, “Well I guess it is for the best!” But damn, I find myself thinking about her. A knock on the door jolted me back to reality. My dad walked in with a set of keys and an envelope. He said, “I am proud of you, son. This came in the mail for you.”

  I gasped. I thought what could it be? My hands trembled taking the note from dad. My dad stood watching as I opened the letter. My eyes widened the moment I opened the letter. I got accepted to Stanford on a sport and intellectual scholarship.

  My dad said, “I am surprised you did not tell me you were applying for a scholarship. I could pay for you. But I am glad to see you too initiative. I guess Lisa has been a good influence on you.”

  I sighed. I wanted to tell my dad that this has nothing to do with Lisa but I couldn’t do it. I smiled. It was all thanks to Avery and no one else. My dad pats me on the shoulders. He tells me how lucky he is to have me as his son. Then he hands me the keys. “That is for you, son. A Bugatti Very-on for your prom. Congratulations.”

  I smile. Normally such gifts would make me excited but not today. I became torn. I wanted to ask my dad about the factory and why he took it over. But I knew it had to be a business decision.

  Dad was about to walk out of my room when I asked.

  “Dad about the factory!”

  My dad paused and gritted his teeth. I guess it was not a topic he wanted to talk about but I insisted.

  “What about the factory son?”

  I swallowed. Did you buy it to get rid of the people who worked there. A friend of mine’s dad got laid off and…

  “And would this friend happen to be Avery?”

  I swallowed.

  Dad sighed and said, “Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. I did what needed to be done for the business. It was not personal. You will understand someday. She is nice and all.

  But you two can only be friends. We have to stick together. We must know the background of the woman we end up with. Your mom and I came from the same circles. So if you are considering something else. I would say stop it will not work out.”

  I nodded and said, “Well
thanks dad and good night.”

  My dad nodded. and walked out the room.

  Avery

  It was just two days before the prom and still Owen seemed to be avoiding me. I thought what is going on?

  I wondered what happened.

  I saw him heading my way, but then he bolted the other way.

  I thought wow that was fast. I decided I would not let him walk away.

  I walked up to him and confronted him.

  I said, “listen if you don’t want to go to the prom with me, then you might as well just tell me. Stop avoiding it.”

  He sighed.

  He feigned ignorance.

  But obviously he couldn’t, because I could see it his eyes.

  I could tell that he didn’t want to go to the prom with me and honestly it hurt.

  I started to have doubts.

  I had insecurities.

  And then to see him standing there looking at me without a word made me worry. Finally he said in a low voice, “I been busy with the guys and with practice. You know how prom season is.”

  Just then Blake walked up, ignored me and said to Owen, “ Whats up Owen, are you ready to go to the prom with Lisa.”

  I gasped. Lisa? Really?

  Owen swallowed and said, "Blake would just leave us alone please I’m having a conversation here with Avery.”

  Blake patted Owen's shoulder and said “dude it’s okay. I’m right here for you.”

  I rolled my eyes and I pushed my hair behind my ears ready to say something.

  I wasn’t going to let Owen do this.

  Oh no I’m proud of who I am.

  I might not be a supermodel. And I don’t have a rich father but I am who I am. I cannot change it and besides I know where I’m headed. I am on my way to a successful life.

  I swallowed and shook my head.

  Owen acted as though Blake was joking. Like it did not matter, if we attend the prom together.

  he said “Listen if you want to go with someone else then…”

  I wanted to pull my hair out.

  Why was he talking about going with someone else?

  That’s the moment I blurted out, “This is not about a kiss.I heard your dad closed down the factory. That act hurt my Dad. Maybe we don’t deserve each other. Maybe you should be with someone else. I need someone who would care about me and be there for me. Not someone afraid to stand up to his father and his friends. I don’t even want to see you right now I’m done.”