by Emily N. Kay
Then my dad awkwardly reaches for my shoulder. Then he places an even more awkward kiss on my forehead. What the hell? My eyes widen. He never does that before…
I am frozen in place. And before I can process what just happened, he pulls back, smiling gawkily at me. He gives me his last sheepish wave before he disappears back in the limo.
Chapter 29
“Your dad got a fucking limo?” Zoe screams from behind me.
I immediately turn to her. “Oh, thank God you’re here!” Because I can’t imagine myself walking alone all the way to the gym with all these stares.
“A limo?” she repeats, still shocked.
“Yes. He got a limo. And you’re not helping.” I grab her wrist and start walking inside the main building to get to the gym.
I tell Zoe about my lunch with Dad, and now she is squealing. “That’s so cute. Why didn’t you let me say hi to him!” she whines.
“Excuse me, but how would I know that you’re there when you’re hiding behind the bushes,” I say. “Like a creep.”
“I did not! I was just… observing.” Then she turns to whisper in my ear, “Your dad’s still DILF-y though.” Zoe giggles, and I smack her shoulder.
“I’ll end our friendship if you say that again.”
Zoe makes a gesture of zipping her lips, but continues on flashing me a mischievous grin.
We make our way to the gym. People are piling in non-stop––students, friends of students, parents, relatives, and teachers.
Teachers… My mind wanders to Nick once again. Will he be here? Will I get to see him today?
Zoe leads me to the front seat that Leo has already saved for us. I immediately start scanning for Nick, but there are too many people moving, and I feel dizzy just by looking.
The guys are warming up and stretching. So are the cheerleaders. Surprisingly Maria is not anywhere in sight. Not that I care.
Everyone is getting ready for the big game against our biggest rivalry. Then I realize that this will be the last game that I’ll get to come as a student here.
Damn… This is my last year as a high-school student. And what have I been doing for the past three years at this school? Close to nothing. I’ve lived my school life just to pass time. There are a lot of things I didn’t do that I wish I did. And the most significant thing that I actually did was being an escort. And that’s not really something to be proud of.
“Hey!” Carter runs toward me with a wide smile, showing his perfect, straight teeth. His face is also painted.
“Hello to you too, Carter,” Zoe says wearily.
“Oh, hey Zoe.” He waves half-heartedly at Zoe, then sits down next to me, his shoulder brushing mine. “No school spirits?”
“What?” I cock my head. “Oh… the face paint. No, thanks. My face is crazy sensitive. Zoe’s the same.”
“Is that so?” He moves his face close to me, studying my every pore.
I back away from him. “Where’s Maria?” Not that I want to know, just wanting to remind Carter that he has a “girlfriend”.
His face turns grim, looking away briefly. “No idea. But anyway, we’re having a party at my house tonight. You should come.”
“Um, I don’t know…” I hesitate.
“Zoe is invited too. And Leo, of course,” Carter adds.
“Everyone will be there?”
“If they’re invited, yes.”
Will Jacob and his friends be invited? I have to wonder.
“Almost everyone will be there,” he says when he sees the question on my face. “So, will you come?”
I shift uncomfortably. I’m about to say no, mostly because it’s Carter who’s asking, but then I think about how much I’d be missing. How many more high-school parties will I ever get to go? I might regret not going to this party, and I don’t want to have regrets anymore. Getting myself out there, I’d promised myself to do just that.
“Okay,” I tell him.
“Yeah?” Carter’s face lights up. “Great. I’ll see you later then.” He lightly touches my hand, and then bounces off to join in with the team.
After witnessing everything, Zoe shakes her head slowly. “Unbelievable,” she breathes.
“Yeah,” I say drily. “Hey, I’m going to use the restroom.”
“Use the girls locker room. It’ll be quiet there.” She nods her head to the back door.
“Smart.” I look at her admiringly. Now I won’t have to line up for the girls restroom. Cool.
She smirks. “You’re welcome.”
And Zoe is right. The locker room is closed but unlocked. I slip in with a grin. But before I can even use the toilet, I hear a sob echoing from between the lockers.
Well shit. Whoever this person is, she must want to be alone, right? I debate running off and pretending like I didn’t hear anything. But what if she needs someone to talk to? What if she’s about to harm herself? I probably overthink this, but still… I should do something.
I take cautious steps toward the voice. And I’m shocked to see the person crying in front of me.
Maria Lopez is sitting against the wall in her cheerleading uniform, mascara smudging all over her eyes. She looks wrecked.
Maria looks up, alarmed when she sees me. “Fuck!” She sniffs. “What are you doing here!” She quickly wipes her tears away.
“Maria, what’s wrong…?”
“Nothing is wrong.”
I sigh, lowering myself to her eye level. She glares at me, but she looks less scary now that there are patches of tears all over her face.
“Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you, but you’re the captain. Don’t you need go in there and lead your team?”
Her lips wobble and she breaks down. “Whatever. They can go on without me. I don’t matter anyway. Not to anyone.” She goes on to sob.
“What are you talking about? Who hurt you?”
Seriously, never in my life have I pictured a girl like Maria sobbing like this. She’s always been so… put-together. And here she is––breaking down.
When Maria doesn’t say anything. I get up. “I don’t have time for this.”
But after two steps, I halt. This feels wrong… I can’t leave her alone like this.
I groan and turn back to sit down next to her. “Okay. You need to tell me what’s going on. And I’m not going anywhere until you do.”
She glowers at me. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Seeing me miserable…”
“Come on,” I say wearily. “This mean-girl act of yours––it’s getting a little old now.”
Maria peers at me, weighing a decision whether she should talk to me. “It’s Carter.”
“Of course it is.” I roll my eyes. “What did he do?”
She bites her lip, but a shriek escapes anyway. “He broke up with me.”
That explains why he’s so keen on hitting on me. Because he already dumped Maria.
“He said I annoyed him. And I––” She sniffs. “I don’t know why. Or what happened. He was so into me. Everyone could see that. I mean, he couldn’t get his hands off of me!”
“He’s a jerk, that’s why,” I say. “You haven’t been with him for that long. You can do a lot better than him, Maria. Don’t waste your time with a guy like him.”
She doesn’t say anything for a while. “You know, I was blaming you,” she finally says.
“Me?” My eyebrows shoot up.
“Carter clearly has a thing for you,” she says coldly. “And don’t pretend like you don’t already know that.”
“No, Maria. He wants to get in my pants. That’s all he wants from me.”
“But he still wants you…” she whispers, her voice cracked. “And I hate you for it. It’s so not fair! I give him everything he wants, but the minute you walk into the room, it’s like… I don’t exist anymore.”
I keep my mouth shut. Nothing I say can make she hates me any less. It’s already decided that I am to blame.
“Aren’t you going to say anyth
ing?” she asks sharply.
“Well I don’t know what I can say to make you feel better.”
Maria scoffs. “Wow. I’ve been trying so hard to find something wrong with you.” She pauses, lips pressed tightly together. “And I can’t…” she mutters.
Something shifts in me, and I form a tiny smile. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. No, the only nice thing.”
Her lips tug upward, just a little. “That’s not a compliment. It means you’re not human.”
“I’ll still take it.”
She looks at me for a long moment. “Why are you being nice to me?” she asks, her face still guarded. “I mean I haven’t exactly been nice to you…”
I bark out a laugh. “You’re awful to me!”
She frowns. “Don’t ruin this.”
I press my lips together. “You need to get your shit together, Maria.”
Maria looks at me blankly, and her lips are still trembling.
“The game’s probably started already. Fix your makeup and go be a cheerleader!” I nudge her in the shoulder. “Show Carter that he doesn’t matter to you.”
Maria watches me for a long time before she says under her breath, “Will you help me with my makeup?”
I look at her, amazed. This is like getting an offer of sorts. A truce.
“Okay,” I reply.
And I never thought this day would come. The day that Maria Lopez smiles at me.
After Maria left, I stay behind to finally do what I’ve come to do. Gosh, I was holding it for so long.
When I step out of the locker room, I hurriedly make my way back to the gym. Zoe must think that I’ve fallen into the toilet hole.
Just when I’m about to make a turn back to enter the gym, I hear a voice calling me.
“Alice.”
I turn around to see Nick standing behind me, his face is part bewildered and part happy.
“Nick.” I can’t hide my smile upon seeing him. I was just thinking about him, and now he is here. “You’re here for the game?”
Nick takes a step toward me, but then stops short, realizing that we are at school. Though no one is back here he is still careful. The lights are off, and the only source of light in this hallway is through a small window on the wall from inside the gym.
Even in the dim light, I can see his dimple very clearly.
Nick glances behind him. There is no one. At least not where we can see from here. “I miss you,” he whispers.
I blink. It’s so weird to see him say these things at school.
“I miss you too,” I whisper back with a smile.
Then his expression shifts. “Before you say anything else, I should ask you this––were you riding a limo?” he asks amusedly, with a hint of confusion in his voice. “I heard some boys talking––” Then his forehead creases into a frown. “Don’t tell me you’re back into––”
“What, no!” I cut him off. “Why, you don’t trust me?” I frown.
“No, I do. I just––” He sighs. “What was I supposed to think?”
“It’s my dad,” I say under my breath. “I had lunch with him, and he had to ride a freaking limo to show it off.”
Nick’s frown turns upward. “Your dad?” He chuckles. “Well… I don’t know what to say. Good for him?”
“He’s embarrassing.” I bite back a smile. “So what exactly are you doing here?”
“Oh…” He rakes a hand through his thick hair. “I have to get some papers I forgot to bring home yesterday.”
“And you just happen to come down here?”
“Well I didn’t want to go through that line upstairs. So I figured the locker room should be less hectic. Turns out I’m right.” He grins.
What a coincidence this is. I laugh, and my voice echoes. I quickly clasp a hand over my mouth. He looks around again for a sign of anyone, still on edge. Anyone could have walked in.
“Well I have to go back in now. So…” I tell him, my voice a hush.
“Sure. Have fun in there.”
I smile at him one last time before I start making my way back.
But then he grabs my wrist. “Alice…”
I twist my body, my eyes bulging at him, and at my wrist.
He lets it go immediately. “Um, if you don’t have anything after the game… can I see you then?” he says a little nervously.
My eyes widen. Why does he sound so nervous?
But I give him an apologetic smile. “I have to go to this party…”
His face falls. “What kind of party?”
“It’s at Carter’s.”
Nick’s eyebrows rise. “Oh, Carter!” He says it like Carter is his old friend.
“Sorry,” I say again, now wishing that I could be with him instead of going to Carter’s stupid party. But it’s too late. I can’t go back on my words now. Zoe will be super suspicious.
“No, it’s fine. Go. Forget I even said anything,” he says, chuckling like it’s no big deal, but it comes out a little tight.
I watch him just standing there. Both of us don’t want to be the first one to leave the other.
“Okay,” I say.
“Okay.”
Our eyes meet. And before I know it, he moves closer and draw me in for a kiss.
One second into our kiss and I have to push him away. “Nick! Are you insane? Someone could’ve seen us!” I hiss.
He takes a step back. “Sorry. I just couldn’t help it.” He shrugs, grinning.
And I have to smile. “I’m glad to see you too. But what happens to us being careful?”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” But his smile––not so convincing.
We look at each other, none of us moving. And I have to bring myself to look away.
Then I decide that I should be the one to go first. Because Nick is still standing there, watching, unwilling to let me go.
I ignore the force that wants to pull me back to his side, and I force my stupid legs to work back to my seat.
Chapter 30
“You sure you’re okay now?” Zoe asks when we’re about to leave her place for Carter’s.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
I had to tell Zoe I was sick in the toilet because of something I ate. “Probably the pizza,” I told her. Obviously, I can’t tell her I got hold up because of Nick. And funny enough, the stuff with Maria is not something that I want to share either.
“This is the best after-game treat,” Leo says from behind us, his mouth full with my mom’s cupcake.
“You’re welcome,” I turn to say. “You deserve it. Congrats on the win.”
Zoe then clicks her tongue, glaring back at Leo. “Are you saying a kiss from me isn’t your best treat?”
Leo jogs up to us and grabs Zoe from behind. She turns around, giggling, and they kiss. “Now this is the best,” says Leo.
I watch them holding hands, walking by each other’s side, strolling along the street.
I will have this. After graduation…
The layout of Carter’s apartment is very similar to mine, except it’s bigger, and also a lot simpler. There’s almost no furniture here, save for the big table in the middle, and a long U shaped sofa backed against the wall.
Carter lives here with his sophomore brother, Chris. His dad got this place for them so that they won’t have to travel too far from school. But what their dad doesn’t realize is that this apartment is actually the best place for house parties. It blocks the noise out. And it’s close to the subway.
Already the basketball guys are here, and they’re all shirt-less––to flaunt the girls, trying to get laid, no doubt.
Zoe and I glance at each other, an understanding look passing between us. Zoe snorts.
Leo fist-bumps with Carter when we’re invited in. “Does this mean I have to take off my shirt too?” he says to Carter.
“If your lady doesn’t mind,” he replies, ignoring Zoe’s scowl as he turns to me, grinning widely. “You look gre
at.”
I tilt my head. “I think I look the same as I did hours ago when you saw me, Carter.” I mean, I didn’t change my outfit, or even touch up on my makeup.
“That’s the point.” He flashes what’s known to be his most charming smile. It does nothing to me now… “Come join in the fun.” He ushers us toward the table, which is now full with beer bottles, Vodka, and some colorful sodas and mixers.
“Where are we, a sex party?” says Zoe.
I observe the place. It’s flocking with half-naked guys shouting and howling. They’re apparently showcasing their abs to a group of popular sophomore girls from Chris’s class, who are sitting on the couch, clearly flattered and delighted as they try to decide which of the guys spends the most time at gym. And which guy to hook up with.
I seriously begin to doubt my decision to be here and not with Nick…
We settle ourselves around the drinks area. Carter is now joining in the naked flock. He takes off his shirt, and casually turns to look at me with a smirk––probably hoping for me to notice his defined abs. And though I may notice how perfect his body is, I won’t give him the satisfaction.
I turn my face to Leo instead. “Why are you even friends with him?”
“He’s the captain,” he says and looks at me like I’m asking the dumbest question. “You can’t be in a team where the captain hates you.”
“What about your dignity?” asks Zoe.
“What, I think it’s pretty hilarious. None of us likes him, and he doesn’t know it. He thinks we all cherish him.”
“Oh, now that’s actually sad,” she says.
“So what, you all are pretending to like him?” I ask.
Leo grins. “Exactly.”
“You guys are the worse,” I tell him, suddenly feeling sorry for Carter. I mean, take away his looks, fame, and money––what’s left? Much like me. What am I without my looks and my dad’s money? Who am I supposed to be if not for those…
Carter is suddenly beside me, handing me a glass of dark liquid. Zoe and Leo are now whispering something to each other, giggling. They do this sometimes––disappearing away into their own world.