by Hart, Rebel
Rae kissed my chest. “Don’t worry. They’ll get over it.”
I wasn’t as hopeful about that as she sounded.
We finally got to Rae’s locker and I leaned against it. I felt myself huffing for air, which was yet another thing I didn’t like. Walking was still a chore, and I had no fucking clue how the hell I’d lug my books to my classes. I watched as Rae opened her locker. Her eyes scanned it quickly before they fell to her body. She groaned and rolled her eyes, then closed her locker with a bang.
My brow furrowed. “What is it?”
Aly yelled down the hallway. “She left this!”
I looked up, watching Mike and Aly walk down the hallway. And the two of them were clutching Rae’s shoulder backpack thing she always had with her at school. The straps looked as if they were crying out for mercy. The bottom of the bag looked as if it were about to give way. I watched Rae as she scurried for it, allowing it to fall to the floor. She dragged it over to her locker and started sifting through things, pulling out not only her books, but mine as well.
And all I wanted to do was help her.
“Uh-uh-uh, not so fast.”
Rae pressed her hand into my chest. She pushed me upright, abandoning her bag on the floor in front of her locker. She leveled me with a look as her hand slid down my torso. And when her fingertips rumbled over my ribs, my eye twitched.
Aly sighed. “We can help her. You need to rest when you can.”
Mike nodded. “Trust me, the girls have it.”
I bit down onto the inside of my cheek to keep from firing back. I didn’t like this. Not one bit. I didn’t like the sweat forming on Rae’s brow. Or the soft groans falling from Aly’s lips. I didn’t like how hard they were working for me, because I had no idea how I’d repay them for their efforts. I mean, I could hardly bend the fuck over. How the hell was I supposed to repay their generosity to them when I was beat up like this?
I felt all eyes on me as we stood there, waiting for the morning bell to toll. We’d made it to school a little too early for my liking. Usually, I rode up on my bike just as the homeroom bell sounded. I never got here before that damn bell. And if I did, I was usually in the cafeteria, shooting the shit with Roy and the gang.
Speaking of, where the hell were those guys?
I sighed. “Thank you guys.”
Rae gathered both my books and her books in her arms. “You’re welcome. It’s really not an issue.”
Mike shrugged. “I mean, what were you going to do? Walk to school? Ride a bike?”
Aly nudged him. “Michael, be nice.”
I snickered. “He is being nice.”
Mike held out his hand. “See? Brick gets it.”
I paused. “You guys are really gonna make that stick, aren’t you?”
Aly giggled. “We really are.”
Mike shrugged. “I mean, it fits. Brick walls don’t cave easily. Simple as that.”
I was taken aback by the compliment. Because that was what that was. A compliment. From Mike. The guy who, only a few weeks back, I’d punched directly in the face because of a comment I made about the very nice girl at his side. Thankfulness rushed through my veins. I grinned at him as I nodded my head. I reached my hand out, holding it there for him to shake.
And when Mike clapped his hand against mine, I smiled.
“Really. Thank you.”
Mike nodded. “Whatever you need, dude. Just let us know.”
Aly clapped her hands. “Finally! Yes. It’s about time the two of you put things to rest.”
Mike snickered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I chuckled. “Not a damn clue.”
The four of us stood by Rae’s locker, shooting the shit and having a grand old time. I used to think that getting here before that homeroom bell was for losers and idiots. But this was a lot of fun. We stood around, making jokes and venting about classes. They put a smile on my face, and a few of my jokes put smiles on theirs. It felt nice, being around good people. Genuine people. People who didn’t stand around, picking on those that walked by. People who minded their own damn business and had things to talk about other than the pussy they got over the weekend.
Fucking Roy.
Things felt different. In a good way. Laughing with Mike and Aly felt more carefree and less skeezy than it did with Roy and Marina. The past few weekends that I’d spent at home and in the hospital were actually better than the weekends I spent drinking and partying. Despite the pain and despite the hospital stay and despite the medication, I’d had more fun with Rae at my side than I did in a hot tub full of girls pouring shots down my damn throat.
Who the hell are you becoming?
Someone I wanted to become.
Aly laughed. “Oh, my gosh. Clint, you really missed it last week. Wedne—no, Thursday. Thursday morning, the principal came into his office with his robe still on. His robe, Clint.”
My brow furrowed. “Why the hell did the principal come with—?”
Mike grinned. “He’d been out all day chasing down this new puppy they’ve gotten. His youngest let it out of the backyard, and he had to chase it down before he came into school.”
Rae snickered. “Didn’t have enough time to clean himself up much before he had to be in his office.”
My jaw fell open. “And the man didn’t just take a sick day?”
Aly shook her head. “I’m telling you, our principal is a workaholic!”
The four of us laughed at Rae’s locker just before the bell tolled. The screeching sound made me wince, and Rae was right there at my side. Rubbing my chest, kissing my arm, and trying to soothe me back down onto my toes. I wasn’t sure why the bell startled me as much as it had. I wasn’t sure why it made my entire body ache. But having Rae there helped. Having Aly and Mike there helped.
I like having people in my life who help.
I drew in a deep breath. “What classes do you guys have first this morning?”
Mike pointed behind him. “I’ve got chemistry first thing. I’m all the way back that way.”
Aly nodded. “I’ve got biology with Rae before our English class together.”
Rae gasped. “That’s right! You two have English together before lunch. Here, Aly. Can you take this to class for him?”
Aly held out her hand. “Of course. I wasn’t sure why you didn’t give it to me sooner.”
I watched the two girls exchange my books and homework as people filtered around us. And for a few seconds, I didn’t pay attention to the snickering. To the stares. To the whispers and the gossip fluttering around us. The only thing I paid attention to was how willing these two girls were to help me. How they coordinated my schedule, right there. In front of me. Trying to figure out ways to make this day less painful on me. Trying to figure out ways to lighten the load I had to carry.
I slowly looked up at Mike and found him grinning at me. A knowing grin. One that said, ‘welcome to my world.’
Holy shit, I liked his world.
Rae sighed. “All right. Let’s get you to homeroom, big guy.”
Aly pointed down the hallway. “I’m going to go turn in his prior English homework. Mike, I’ll see you in homeroom?”
He smiled. “I’ll save you a seat.”
Rae looked up at me. “You ready to go?”
And as I lost myself in her eyes, I nodded.
“I’m ready to go.”
The three of them walked with me until we had to go our separate ways. Despite people talking about us, they never wavered from my side until they had to. And it didn’t take me long to understand why Rae had been friends with Mike and Aly for so many years. They were unwavering. Unfaltering. They didn’t care about what those around them said. Or gossiped about. They were trustworthy. Steadfast. Willing to help at the drop of a hat.
I could get used to this.
More than I had ever gotten used to being around Roy and Marina.
23
Raelynn
I sighed. “
I wish I had homeroom with Clint.”
Allison linked her arm with mine. “Well, homeroom with me will have to do.”
“You know that’s not what I meant.”
“I know, I know. But I’m still trying to cheer you up.”
“I’m just worried about him. I mean, what if he needs help?”
“He’s a big boy. He’ll get around on his own today.”
My lips downturned. “He shouldn't have to.”
Allison nodded. “I know. But it is what it is and you can’t keep dwelling on things you can’t change.”
But I did.
All throughout homeroom, I wondered if Clint was all right. If kids were still whispering about him. Or, God forbid, picking on him. I wanted to be by his side, helping him through his classes. I wanted to be there, holding his hand and propping his arm around my shoulders. I kept imagining him lumbering down the hallways. Trying to get to his classes on time and still walking in late because he simply couldn't keep up with that kind of a pace from class to class.
At least we’d all have lunch together.
I leaned over. “Hey, Allison. Can I ask you something?”
She nodded. “What’s up?”
“Is there any way you can help Clint get to lunch?”
“Oh, I already told him I’d help him.”
I paused. “Wait, you did?”
“Well, yeah. We’ve got class together before our lunch break. Why wouldn't I?”
I smiled, leaning toward her to give her a hug. I wrapped my arms around her, thankful that my two best friends were finally opening up to Clint being around. I mean, I knew he’d been an ass. But I saw a change in him. A softer demeanor. A desire to do better for himself. It warmed my heart that I had Allison’s support. It warmed my heart that she was willing to reach out and help Clint in such a manner.
I kissed her cheek. “I really appreciate it.”
She rubbed my back. “Don’t worry. Michael and I got this. We’re here to help. Okay?”
“Okay. Yeah.”
The bell tolled, signaling our first transition to class. Allison and I set off for our first period. Biology. Science, first thing in the fucking morning. Like, really? Who the hell made that schedule? Who in the world decided that biology at eight-thirty in the morning was a wonderful idea for anyone?
Then I felt Allison tapping me on the shoulder.
“Don’t look now, but look at our two guys.”
She pointed, and my heart warmed at the sight. I gazed down the hallway, watching as Michael walked alongside Clint. I smiled at them, watching Michael carry Clint’s books. He had slowed his walking pace to stay by Clint’s side, and kept him engaged in conversation. Hell, I even saw Michael reach out and steady his hand against Clint’s shoulder when he stumbled over his own two feet in the hallway.
I smiled as my heart melted into a steaming puddle of thankfulness.
“Told you,” Allison whispered.
I rolled my eyes as she linked her arm with mine. It was time for our morning torture session with one of the most boring teachers in this high school. I swear, his voice never wavered from its one monotone pitch. He wore the same five outfits every week. Every day, of every week. Like those outfits were specifically designated for those particular days of the week, and no other days.
I sighed. “Ready for the purple vest?”
Allison snickered. “You think he’d switch it up at some point in time, right?”
A small commotion at the end of the hallway ensued, and it caused us to pause in the doorway of the classroom. I looked down the hallway, squinting, as I tried to figure out what was going on. I saw Clint against the wall. At least, I thought it was Clint. When Michael came into view, I knew that had to be Clint.
I watched Michael place his hand on someone’s chest. Backing them away from Clint. I didn’t know what was going on, but it looked bad. I started down the hallway.
Until Allison pulled me back.
“They’ve got it.”
I scoffed. “Something's wrong. I have to get to Clint real—”
“You’re going to be late for class.”
I whipped around. “I don’t care if I’m late for class, Allison.”
Kids started yelling and I turned back around. I saw Michael shoving a kid down the hallway before teachers began intervening. Only they didn’t go after Michael and Clint. They went after the kid that had been pushed behind the corner. I didn't know what was going on. But what I saw warmed my heart even further. I saw my best friend wrap Clint’s arm around his shoulder and help him into class.
Before running out of the room and sprinting down the stairs to his own.
Allison sighed. “Well, that’s something I didn’t think I’d ever see.”
I smiled softly. “Right?”
“Do you think Michael will ask me to prom?”
I did a double-take. “Say what now?”
“Prom, Rae. Keep up. Do you think he’ll ask me?”
“I mean—I—I don’t—do you—do you want him to?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
My eyebrows rose. Mostly because I’d never heard Allison be so blunt before.
“Well, then I’m sure he will.”
“Girls.”
The teacher’s voice caught our ears and pulled us into the classroom. He held the door open for us and we made our way to the back. Where we always took our seats. I kept peeking over at Allison, trying to read her face. As we cracked our books open and focused on the lecture that would surely put us all to sleep, I wondered what was going through her head.
I didn't have to wonder long. Because once our teacher turned his back, she leaned toward me.
“Do you think I should drop hints?”
I kept my eyes on the teacher. “Yes.”
“What kind? I’m not good with this kind of stuff.”
We kept our voices low. Trying our hardest to make sure our conversation didn’t interrupt the lecture. Or catch our teacher’s attention.
“I mean, just start talking about things. You know, like prom dress shopping, or the fact that you don’t have a date yet. Michael’s smart. He’ll eventually catch on.”
Allison sighed. “I really hope so.”
I grinned. “You really want this, don’t you?”
She shrugged. “Yeah. I do.”
“It’s nice, seeing you admit it.”
She looked over at me. “I don’t really know when I started feeling this way, you know.”
“I mean, sometimes you don’t.”
The girl in front of me turned around, giving me a mean-ass look. But I simply glared back at her. She needed to shut the hell up with that face of hers. Allison and I were having a very important conversation. My best friend of all these years was finally admitting that she wanted to be more than friends with Michael.
This was a monumental moment.
Allison held back her giggling. “He’s been really sweet lately, you know. We’ve been spending a lot of time together.”
I smiled brightly. “I feel a story coming on.”
The girl in front of me whipped around. “Are you two serious?”
And even though our conversation had gone unnoticed, her harshly-whispered outburst caught our teacher’s attention.
“Ashley. Turn around and pay attention, please.”
She tossed me another glare, but I simply smiled at her. I wiggled my fingers at her, waving goodbye as she turned around in her seat. She slumped down, crossing her arms over her chest. And as our boring-ass teacher struck up his pointless lecture again, Allison pointed to her notebook.
I nodded my head.
I sat there, waiting for her note to be scrawled out. And while she wrote, I thought about how normal this all felt. Allison and I always talked away biology. Science was easy for me. Always had been. So long as I read the chapters, I’d be okay. Not once did I ever have to take notes in my science courses all throughout school. It just… clicked for me. Things made
sense in the science world. Hypotheses and testing to figure something out? That resonated with me in an ethereal sort of way.
Hey, if video game design didn’t work out for me, maybe I had a career in some science field somewhere.
Allison tapped my shoulder before passing me a note. And when I unraveled it, the smile on my face grew wide. My eyes flittered across the words, warming my soul and making me happier than I’d been in a long time.
Allison was totally smitten with Michael.
He’s just been over at the house a lot. And my parents really like him. He gets along with my dad. Mom even lets us stay in the basement together. He’ll come over and we’ll watch movies. Or talk. Or do school work together. And a few days ago? He took my hand for the first time. His hand is so warm, Rae! I really hope he asks me to prom.
The great thing about writing notes back and forth was that it looked as if I were taking notes. All I had to do was look up every once in a while, nod at our teacher, then I was good to go to keep writing. I used my chicken scratch to write out what I wanted to say as quickly as possible. I erased a few words and tried writing them clearer, just to make sure Allison could actually read it. Because apparently, doodling and having a mind for graphic design didn’t translate to good handwriting.
Allison, that’s so awesome! I mean, I know Michael likes you. I see it in how he looks at you and wants to be around you and stuff. Trust me, if you drop those hints and make comments from time to time about how you don’t have a date to prom? He’ll pick up on the hints and ask. I mean, this is Michael we’re talking about. Once he knows there’s a good thing coming his way, he charges head-on to get it. Remember the deal he had with his parents about his car?
That had been a doozy of a school year. As I passed the note to Allison, the memory pulled me back. The three of us had taken driver’s ed at the same time. Same after-school class. Same teacher. We even tripled up to take the same driving test together with our teacher in order to get some experience. And Michael wouldn't stop talking about the deal he’d made with his parents. If he passed his test the first time in the DMV with no questions missed on the written test and no points docked on the driving portion, they’d buy him his first car. But if he missed anything, he’d have to do what most kids did—ask permission to use their parents’ car.