by Naomi Niles
“No, it isn’t. Calling him names and telling him he’s ugly would be.”
There was that laugh again. In that laugh, I could hear hope for my world. Holy shit. Stop, Dylan. Stop, I told myself. I rubbed my face while she typed.
“Okay, I did it. Will he text me back?”
“He might, but ignore it. If you respond, he’ll keep responding thinking that there is hope.”
She nodded. “Well, you’ve taught me a lot about guys today. Maybe we need to talk about math. Or do you want to tell me about your night?”
I shrugged. “Nothing to tell. Guys hanging out. Talking about girls.”
Specifically, girls we would like to do and teachers we’d do it to also, but sweet, innocent Taylor didn’t need to know that part. She would be disgusted at what we talk about. No need to completely shatter her illusions about boys. Not all at once.
“Do you talk about girls the way we talk about boys?”
He laughed. “Not quite, but I’m not revealing any more. We men need some secrets.”
She nodded then opened the textbook. “Sadly, we have to get down to this math. You need a refill on the soda before we start?”
“No, thanks. Let’s get going.”
Chapter Eight
Taylor
I walked down the hall after math. Dylan had run out of class before I could talk to him, but for the first time, I hadn’t felt lost in class. I had some idea what the teacher was saying. I stopped at her locker and Greg, the guy I’d had a date with Saturday, stopped by. I groaned inside.
“Hello, Taylor.”
“I thought I made it clear, Greg, that I wasn’t interested.”
“No reason to be a bitch, Taylor.”
I pulled out the books I needed. I didn’t want this from him. Hadn’t my text been clear? “I’m not being a bitch. I’m telling you that I said everything I needed to tell you in that text. I want you to leave me alone.”
I slammed my locker and walked away from him. He put a hand on my shoulder. I spun back to him, pissed. This guy as an idiot. I’m sure my face was red. “What do you want?”
“Another chance.”
“I don’t want to go out with you again.”
“Why not?”
“Because you were rude to me and I’m not interested in you,” I said.
I stared him right in the eyes so he’d understand that I was serious.
“You can’t be serious. This is me. Girls would give their right leg to go out with me.”
“Not this girl.”
He put his hand on my shoulder again to stop me when I turned away from him. I didn’t turn this time, but tried to shake him off. “Stop it, Greg.”
“Or you’ll do what?”
I looked back at him. His eyes raked up and down me. “We meet alone somewhere, you’re mine.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, it’s a promise.”
He put his face close to mine, but then he was yanked backwards. Dylan had him by the neck and his arm was cocked back to punch Greg.
“Dylan, no.”
Dylan looked at me. His face was red with anger. “Is this the guy?”
“Yes, but he isn’t worth getting in trouble over.”
Dylan glanced back at Greg then back at me. “You leave her alone. She’d made it clear that she isn’t interested.”
He let go of Greg, who made a show of wiping off any dirt on himself. Not that there was any. He was just being an ass.
“What the fuck concern is it of yours?” Greg said.
He was brave now that Dylan had let him go. Dylan had a few inches on him and the asswipe was still mouthing off to him.
“She’s my friend,” Dylan said.
That was sweet. He considered me a friend.
Greg looked from Dylan to me. “Oh, I get it. You want her all to yourself.” He pointed to Dylan and asked me, “Slumming with him?”
Dylan’s arm went back again, but I grabbed it. “Don’t, Dylan. He’s an idiot.”
Dylan looked at my hand on his arm. He relaxed it. I really didn’t want him to get into trouble. My father might kick him out, and I didn’t want that to happen. I was beginning to like the guy. I wanted him to have a chance at a good life.
Back in the trailer, he wouldn’t.
Dylan stepped back. “Beat it.”
The bell rang. I was late. I was never late to class. Dylan looked at me as Greg left at the sound. “You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I deal with punks like him all of the time,” he said.
Right now, he was my hero. I had been beginning to be afraid of Greg when Dylan showed up. “You’re going to be late to class.”
“It’s just study hall. The teacher’s cool. You should go to your next class and tell her your stomach hurts. Tell him or her that you were in the bathroom afraid you were going to throw up. You can go to the nurse’s office and get to lay down for a few minutes, then she’ll give you a pass to your next class. That way you won’t be late.”
I cocked my head at him. “Spoken like someone who has done it before.”
He smiled, and I realized it was an adorable grin that lit up his brown eyes. “More than once.”
He spun away from me and walked to class like he didn’t have a care in the world. My step was lighter knowing that Dylan was on my side. It was nice to have a protector. I walked into my next class, hunched over. I hoped I looked pale enough.
“Mrs. Watkins, my stomach hurts. Can I go to the nurse’s office?”
It might be nice to sit out a class. I have to admit that Greg had shaken me up. I’d never had anyone treat me that way and I didn’t like it. Dylan had ridden in on his white horse.
I lay in the nurse’s office thinking about him. What a tough life he must have. Hopefully, it would be better now. I wondered what I could do to brighten it. Should I introduce him to my friends or did he not care about those things? I didn’t know.
What I knew about Dylan, I could count on one hand. He wasn’t a forthcoming with information. He still hadn’t told Daddy why he’d been writing on the wall. I wondered why he didn’t want to tell us. Was it embarrassing?
Had someone written something about him?
No, that wasn’t it. He didn’t care what most people thought. It must be a great way to go through life. Then again, the reasons he of how he got there aren’t good.
I sat up when the nurse came in.
“I’m feeling better. Can I go back to class?”
“Of course.”
She wrote me a pass. There was only ten minutes left in the period, so I sauntered and got there with only five left. No need to even open my notebook. Bailey was in that class and would give me her notes.
The bell rang.
“I saw Greg in the hallway. He looked mad. Is everything okay?” Bailey said.
It was. Because Dylan would protect me.
Chapter Nine
Dylan
I found the right room for the Mathletes. Oh, God. That sounded nerdy. I guess I was a nerd, but Taylor had recommended this club since I was good at math. She said it would look good for college.
Like I was going to college. Still, Mr. Dean wanted me to get involved, so I paused outside the classroom where the Mathletes met. I’d heard of them, but had never given them much thought before. I couldn’t think about much with my stomach rumbling.
I couldn’t remember the last time I went hungry. I was putting on needed weight and probably should go to the weight room instead of the nerd room.
And it was.
I opened the door and five kids with glasses and superhero t-shirts turned to look at me.
“Can we help you?”
They looked a little scared of me, as if I was going to shake them down for their lunch money. “I’m here to join.”
They all looked at each other, then back at me.
“It’s not a joke, guys. I’m good at math.”
The t
allest one stepped up. He was almost my height, but skinny and pale. These kids were all a walking stereotype. There was even a dorky girl in the corner.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes,” I said. “I need to join an activity and someone suggested you guys.”
Did I have to be hazed first? Solve six differential equations in some short time period? They exchanged a glance again. The taller one stepped closer. “I’m Jake.”
“Dylan.”
We shook hands. The rest seemed to relax. The girl stared at me as if she’d never seen a man without a superhero shirt in her life.
“Why do you want to join us?” one of the others spoke up.
“Well, I’m living with a family and the father said that I need to find an activity. I tried out for baseball and didn’t make it. A friend recommended your club. She said I would fit in okay.”
I wasn’t so sure, but I refused to judge them on their appearances. That wouldn’t be fair. Jake nodded. “It’s fine guys. I don’t think it’s a prank.”
“A prank?”
“One of the jocks joined and made us lose our first meet. On purpose. Then he left. I’m guessing the football team thought it was funny.”
“Oh, no, this isn’t a prank. What do you guys do?”
“Well, we compete in tournaments. We have to solve math problems and are asked questions about math related topics.”
“Well, I’m getting an A in calculus. Do I qualify?” I said.
“That would do. We’ve never tested anyone or turned away anyone,” Jake said. “People aren’t knocking down the door to join us.”
I shrugged. Whatever. If it made Mr. Dean happy, I didn’t really care. Having been an outcast my whole high school life, being a part of something might be nice. I was surprised that Taylor had known about them. Guess she wasn’t that much of a snob, after all.
“Then, I want to join. Is it too late?”
“No, but we have a tournament coming up and you won’t be eligible to compete.”
I shrugged again. “That’s fine.”
Jake made the introductions. I learned the girl’s name was Sandra. She was reluctant to shake my hand, but I’d win her over. I had that kind of touch with the ladies. She’d be charmed by me. Eventually.
The meeting lasted an hour and when I walked out of the classroom, Taylor was waiting for me. I said goodbye to all of the mathletes. They saw Taylor and stepped back like she was a queen or something. I guess in some ways she was.
She smiled at all of them, but didn’t say anything. I fell into step beside her.
“How was it?”
“A little odd at first, then it was okay.”
“You think it’s the right club for you?”
I nodded. “I do, Taylor. Thanks. I don’t look like a geek, but I guess in my heart, I am.”
She laughed. Each time she did, my heart skipped a beat. I had always thought that was bullshit, but it happened. I swear. “Did they ask you about your tattoos?”
“Yeah, they did. I don’t think I’m the only one in the school with them, so I don’t know why people bring them up.”
“But you’re the only I’ve ever talked to,” she said. “People with tattoos are scary.”
“Am I scary?”
“No, not at all. You’re just Dylan,” she said.
I liked how she said my name. Damn. I had to remember that her father had let me into his house. I doubt he’d like me dating his daughter. “But I have tattoos.”
“I was afraid of you when I first met you.”
“I know.”
“Did that bother you?”
“No.”
It hadn’t. I was used to it.
“I’m sorry that I was afraid.”
“You don’t have to be sorry about how you feel. It’s just how you feel. I appreciate that you’ve warmed up to me.”
She nudged him with her hip. “You’re not so bad.”
I couldn’t help smiling. This was a flirty Taylor. Her eyes twinkled. They were an odd shade of blue, but it worked on her.
“Is your Dad picking us up?”
“Yep. Like usual. I miss him when he’s out of town.”
“Does he travel much?”
“He’ll go for weeks where I don’t see him but once a week,” she said.
I could see the sadness in her eyes. What would that be like? I had to admit that if my mother had traveled, it would have been a relief. There was always drama surrounding her – and strangers who wanted to party.
I would often come home to all sorts of stoned people in our trailer. I had started locking my bedroom door when stuff started getting stolen.
Sadly, that could have been my mother selling things to buy drugs. It may not have been her friends. Taylor had no such worries in her life.
***
The mathletes met after school the next day, but not for long. I had some time before Taylor’s dad would pick us up. I could have gotten a ride home, but decided to hang out. School was different after hours.
Everyone was more relaxed. Usually, I was running home because my mother wanted me there or I had to check on her because she’d had the day off. It was never a good thing to give my mother idle time. She just drank or snorted it away.
I should probably go visit her, but not being around her had been nice. I was only responsible for myself. Someone else made meals and gave me money for food. This life was nice, but one wrong step and Mrs. Dean would kick me out.
And, she should. They’d offered me a rare opportunity and I had to do right by them.
I sat in the bleachers watching the various sports practicing. Okay, I was only watching the cheerleaders. And, only watching Taylor. She had command of the squad.
Those girls listened to her. Taylor didn’t come up to see me when they took a break, which was disappointing. It shouldn’t be, but it was.
Instead, two other cheerleaders came up to sit with me. I glanced at Taylor, who was clearly staring my way. Why? I didn’t get a read on the situation, but I had a feeling I was in dangerous waters. The two women sat on either side of me and I got the feeling I was going to be ambushed.
They were twins. Every guy’s fantasy, right? I swallowed hard.
“Hello, ladies.”
Smooth. I wasn’t really. I just came across that way because I was usually quiet. Some girls thought I was dark and broody. It had gotten me a little ass here and there.
“Hello, Dylan. I’m Bailey.”
“I’m Barbie.”
Barbie and Bailey. Okay. I expected porn music to start playing because this was unreal. I rubbed my hands on my pants. I’d just wanted to wait for Taylor and now, I was surrounded by women.
“Hello. How did you know my name?”
Bailey leaned into me, two manicured fingers dancing across my shoulder. “We were at Taylor’s house that day.”
“Oh, right.”
I’d forgotten. As hot as they were, they hadn’t been that memorable. I’d been so nervous about invading their space in the basement that the details were forgotten.
“Taylor said you’ve been helping her with math,” Barbie said. “I need some help. With math.”
Okay. “Well, I guess I could help you.”
This really was starting to be porn-like, but who was I to turn them down?
Except that my gaze kept straying to Taylor. When it did, either Barbie or Bailey would put a finger on my chin to bring my attention back. I could have twins, if I did this properly, both of them. I bet at the same time.
All I could keep thinking about was what Taylor would think, though. She looked even less happy each time my gaze went to her.
“Is practice over ladies?” I asked.
“Yes, it is.”
I stood. My dick didn’t want me to, but my heart had other ideas. These were Taylor’s friends. I wasn’t going to just hop into bed with them. I needed to make sure if I pursued anything with either one of them that Taylor would be okay with it. “I bett
er go, then. Have Taylor give you my number if you still need math help.”
They frowned at me. Barbie pouted.
They were probably bad news, but I’d have to ask Taylor about asking one of them to the dance. I’d never had one girl after me, let alone, two. I approached Taylor.
“You ready to go home?”
“Are you? I wouldn’t want to interrupt you,” she said. She didn’t look at me. She was pissed.
“What did I do Taylor?”
Her shoulders slumped. “Nothing. Let’s go find my dad.”
I followed her to the car. “Taylor.”
“What?”
“What did I do?”
She smiled. “You didn’t do anything, Dylan. I’m being a bitch.”
“We’re okay?”
“Sure.”
When we arrived home, I followed her to the kitchen. “That dance is coming up.”
“Yeah?”
“I wanted to ask someone. Is it okay if I ask one of your friends?”
A bunch of emotions crossed her face. I didn’t know any of them.
“Which friend?”
“Well, Barbie or Bailey.”
She put a hand on my arm, then she looked around. “Let me let you in on a little secret.”
“What?”
Her father had disappeared. It wasn’t dinnertime yet, and besides, tonight pizza was being delivered.
“Barbie and Bailey are in a competition.”
“What kind?”
“To lose their virginity. Whoever loses it to the coolest person wins.”
So many questions crossed my mind. “Who decides who is coolest?”
“The rest of the cheerleading squad. Not me. I want nothing to do with it.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
She eyed me for a moment. “Guys really are idiots. They want to see who can lose it to you because you’re cool. You’ve got that dark and broody thing going on.”
I took a step back. “I’m cool?”
She sighed. “In their eyes. They are using you, Dylan. They wouldn’t give you the time of day, otherwise.”
Now that hurt. “You don’t think they could like me?”
“They wouldn’t. They are snobs and you don’t run in the same circles. That’s all. The problem is with them, not you.”
“You don’t think I’m good enough for them.”