by Ted Evans
Ms. Johnson confessed to something that she didn’t do. I didn’t know whether her lie or her ass intrigued me more?
Chapter Five
Anita
I walked out of Mr. Hopkins office as if the floor was laid with hot coal. I knew that Mr. Hopkins wanted to talk to me. Ask me the million dollar question that made his face grimace with anger; why the hell had I lied. The truth was I didn´t know, there were a thousand other ways to try and get Evan’s attention, this just seemed to be the perfect way to do it.
Then again, I wanted him to like me for me, not because of what happened in the closet or because I’d taken the blame for him when he cheated on a test. If I’d told Evan that it was me in the closet, would he want to get to know me for the wrong reasons? In the end, Principal Hopkins gave me detention for two weeks. Light punishment for cheating, but everyone in that room knew that it was a lie.
Whatever.
It wasn’t like anyone was going to say anything about it. Not when it was my word against Evan’s, but I was counting on the fact that nobody would question us, so the punishment was less irritating than it should have been.
“Wait!”
My feet locked up when I heard his voice call out and I looked over my shoulder, eyes wide in surprise when I saw Evan was right behind me. I wanted to turn away and run, but I was so stumped by his attention that I couldn’t make my feet move in any other direction but towards him.
“Hey,” he said with that winning smile of his.
I blinked, screaming at myself to run away internally.
Crap, what have I done!
I was already regretting it. I shouldn’t have lied for him. It had been an impulsive action that I was now totally cursing myself for because this was the worst position to find myself in. I hadn't thought about how I was going to get him to realize it had been me with him in that closet, but this… what if he thought I was doing this for him because of that? Because I expected something from him.
I didn’t. After all, I wasn’t stupid. Evan fucked some random girl from another school at a party, a girl he might never see again. A girl that didn’t even go to our school. He probably never planned, or thought, to see her again.
That was the real reason why I hesitated to tell him anything. If he didn’t make the first move, then it would just be more humiliating for me, because he didn’t seem the least bit interested. High school could be a cruel place. If people found out, or if he told anyone, even one of his friends and they shared it, people would think I did it all so I could trick him into having sex with me.
Only, it wasn’t like that. I never expected anything to happen with Evan; I’d done what I did that night for me. Things were now headed in a different direction from what I had planned.
“Why did you do that?” He asked.
I blinked again, realizing I’d been spacing out when his voice brought me out of it. He was frowning down at me, and it made me panic.
Right, I’m in trouble right now. What had I been thinking?
That was easy enough; I hadn't been thinking at all. I was stressing the entire time internally and then put myself out there to take the fall, something I never did. I disliked punishment, especially since I’d have to go home and explain exactly why I was getting punished. Getting caught cheating was pretty bad, and I’d just realized I had more to worry about than I thought.
“Hello?”
One of his eyebrows was lifted, and he was giving me a strange look. Of course, he was, because I kept staring at him with wide eyes and my mouth gaping open, but not saying anything.
“Hi,” I blurted out, then wanted to kick myself.
The other eyebrow went up, and his lips twitched like he wanted to laugh at me, but he was kind enough not to do it in my face.
“Okay, seriously, why did you lie for me? We don’t know each other, right? Or do I owe you?”
A stab of hurt pierced my chest. Of course, he didn’t know me. Well, he didn’t know he knew me was more appropriate. I knew he didn’t realize who I was, but still, hearing him say it was a little heartbreaking. I was tempted just to turn and leave it all right there. Leave him, leave my thoughts of him and the plan to get him to recognize me. I would feel so much better if I stopped chasing after something that would never happen.
I didn’t do that, though, instead I forced myself to calm down as I faced him.
“I don’t know why I did it,” I said honestly, calmly. “It just… happened.”
“How could that just happen?” He retorted, the frown back. “You’re going to be in some serious trouble; you know that, right?”
I shrugged, even though I didn’t feel quite so blasé. “It doesn’t matter now. It’s done already, and if I go back in there and say I lied, then I’ll just get into more trouble, and so will you, probably.”
“You’re probably right,” he said, nodding slowly. “Anyway, I’m Evan. Stewart. You probably know already, since he was shouting it and all, and you’re Anita, right? Or so I heard.”
“Uh, yeah, that’s me,” I mumbled awkwardly, ignoring how my insides trembled when he said my name.
“Anyway,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Thanks for doing what you did. It helped me out a lot, I really can't afford to get in trouble, and I’m grateful. So, I guess I’ll be seeing you around.”
He shot me a wide smile before he walked past me to head for class. He didn’t seem to notice he’d left me frozen once more, from that dazzling smile. I was happy, too, that he finally knew my name. Even if it did get me into trouble.
Chapter Six
Evan
I felt a little guilty as I went through the rest of my classes for the day. Well, guilty, but also deeply intrigued by that girl.
Anita.
I had thanked her for doing what she did, but that didn’t feel like enough to me. Besides, I wouldn’t mind sitting close to her even if all I got to do was watch her. Her clothes weren’t a slim fit and didn’t show much skin, unlike a lot of the girls I saw every day, but I was starting to think that underneath those clothes, she had delicious curves just begging to be explored.
Fuck, don’t think like that.
Pushing the thoughts aside, I headed for detention. Class was over, but I wasn’t in a hurry to go home, and it wasn’t the first time I’d ditched my friends over a girl either, so it didn’t matter to them when I said I was busy. They misunderstood what I meant, and gave me annoying catcalls and wolf whistles behind my back. I ignored them.
Stopping outside the door, I knocked, then pushed it open. A teacher was seated at the front, and a few people had already shown up. Anita was there, and I perked up. She looked surprised to see me, and I wanted to wave to her, but I didn’t dare with the teacher there.
“Mr. Stewart,” he said, staring hard at me. “Can I ask what you’re doing here?
Two kids in the back of the class broke into giggles. He glanced at them, and they shut up.
“I came to sit in for detention, sir,” I said.
“Well, then you can go right back out. I don’t have you on my list, Stewart.”
Damn. I shot a quick glance at Anita, but I didn’t dare refuse. I didn’t need to be told that I was lucky the school accepted me. If I made too much trouble, word would make its way home, and things would just get annoying from there. I could deal with it, but I would rather not have to.
I wanted to complain, but I didn’t dare. I couldn’t say I had a valid reason to stick around, either, so I could only do what the teacher said and leave. On the inside, I found it amusing that I got thrown out of detention, but I didn’t plan to leave just yet. My friends would be gone by now, and I didn’t have anywhere specific I had to go, so I found somewhere close by to wait. Realizing it would take a while, I sat down and took my phone out.
Eventually, the door opened. I looked up to see the teacher walk out. He frowned when he saw me there, but he couldn’t do a thing about it and walked away. Anita was the next person out, and I shot
her a smile, so she’d know I was there for her, putting the phone away.
“Hey, there.”
She looked surprised and hesitated before slowly walking over to me. She was hugging some books to her chest, her hands white with how tightly she held the books.
“You didn’t have to come here and wait for me,” she muttered. “You already said thank you.”
I chuckled, wondering if she felt nervous around me. Her eyes only met mine for a few seconds before looking away.
“I know I did. But you shouldn’t have lied and said that I didn’t copy you, either. Come on; I’ll take you home. I can explain things for you at home, too, if you’d like.”
Her eyes widened, flickering up to meet mine.
“I thought you didn’t want to get stuck with detention,” she blurted out. “It’s late already; you can leave me, I’ll find a way home.”
“That’s not what I said. If I get detention, then the teacher would ask to talk to my parents. Besides, it doesn’t matter how late I get home. Just let me take you.”
I led the way outside, slow at first to make sure she was following. We walked to the student parking lot and over to my car. It was so late, only a few cars were left in the lot, and I noticed when she stopped some feet away.
“Come on,” I said, unlocking the door. “Get in.”
She slowly shook her head. “Your car looks, um, new.”
“I’ve had it for a few months, now,” I said slowly. “Is that a problem?”
I said months, but it was brand new. I got a car for my birthday when I turned sixteen, but for my last year of high school, I wanted a new car, since I’d be going off to college with it in less than a year. My family was rich, anyway, so the expense was worth it.
Anita didn’t say a word, just shook her head and came closer. I opened the door for her, closing it behind her, then got inside.
“You’ll have to give me directions,” I told her.
She murmured. “Okay.”
I started the car and pulled out of the lot. She directed me to an area I’d never been to before, in the opposite direction from where I lived. I frowned when I noticed the surroundings. It was one of those bad neighborhoods, the kind you’d see on TV, but I’d never seen it in real life. There were a few people on the street, and I noticed how everyone looked at my car.
When I checked, I realized the few cars that I saw were parked against the curb, and they all looked old and worn down, much like most of the buildings.
“Drop me off here,” Anita said quietly.
I looked and saw where she pointed, then parked the car in a free spot and turned off the engine. I eyed a group of boys hanging around the entrance to an apartment building a bit ahead. They were staring right at us.
“Let me walk you to your place,” I offered.
“No way,” she said immediately.
I frowned. “Why?
She looked embarrassed. “Someone might steal your car or something. Thanks, but you can leave now.”
Before I could say anything more, she jumped out of the car and ran off. I watched her until she disappeared from view, then turned my car around and got out of there.
Chapter Seven
Evan
I woke up early in the morning. Not because I remembered to set my alarm clock. These days, I didn’t even need to.
My parents were arguing, and even with my door closed, the noise was hard to muffle. I groaned and rolled off the bed, and went to take a shower. Not for the first time, I was glad to have my own bathroom. I didn’t have to get out there with them to get ready. I was ready way too soon, and I picked up my stuff. It was too early for school, but I couldn’t stay there anymore.
Mom and Dad had moved their argument downstairs. I heard something like glass break and hurried over. I stuck my head into the kitchen, but it was nothing. A glass just fell, and neither of them noticed. Mom was probably the one who threw it. I looked at her, and it took less than a second to realize she was drunk.
Mom? Already? My thoughts turned sour and I knew my day was ruined already.
I said nothing as I ducked back out, and felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out, and scoffed, wondering if she’d planned this or something. It was a message from my sister, asking if I was okay. She did it often ever since she left home. I sent her a quick text back saying I was fine. She didn’t need to know Mom and Dad only got worse after she left, because all they were left with was me, and I couldn’t measure up to Harper.
Jumping into my car, I tossed my bag on the passenger seat, slammed the door, and leaned back against the headrest, closing my eyes and breathing slowly, relieved at the silence.
Then, I had an idea. Instead of sitting in the driveway until it was time to go to school, I could give Anita a drive.
I don’t know exactly where she lives, though.
I looked at the time on my phone, wavering. I decided to go anyway. It was early enough; if I didn’t see her, I’d just have to wait around for her. Mind made up; I drove to her area from memory. I didn’t make it to the place I dropped her off, because I saw her walking on the sidewalk. She was staring right at my car, frozen, and I grinned as I came to a stop beside her, lowering the window.
“Hey. Would you like a ride to school? Hop in.”
Anita gave a slow blink. “Sure.”
She hesitated, staring at me, as if wondering why I was there, but she hurried around the car and jumped in.
Chapter Eight
Anita
“So, what do you like to do in your free time?”
I was surprised he was talking to me. Hell, I was surprised he’d driven all this way just to pick me up for school. I’d even wondered if I was dreaming and pinched my arm just outside the door before I jumped in, and I was subtly rubbing the small red mark.
“I read,” I said after a minute. My tone sounded normal, but I couldn’t be any further from calm. My heart was beating wildly in my chest, but I was a better actor than I thought.
“What do you read?”
“Um,” I frowned, thinking quickly. “I’m in the middle of a book called Christine right now. I circle different authors, and when I find ones I like, I go through the backlist, but not all at once, and I’m back on Stephen King for now. After that one, I’ll read Carrie and The Shining, then find something else to read.”
“Really?” Evan said, glancing at me, a wide grin on his face. Before I could ask why he was so happy, he told me. “I love Stephen King books. There are some newer ones out, but some of my favorites are some of the older ones. How did you get into it? It’s all horror stuff. Most people get squeamish.”
I shrugged. I got squeamish about bugs and snakes, but what’s there to be scared of from a book?
“I found one of his more recent books when I was shopping for new stuff; now I’m going through his backlist. I watched some of the movies based on his books, too, but I didn’t know they were from his book until I saw the lists.”
“Hey, let me know what you think when you’re done reading,” he said excitedly. “I can recommend the ones l like to you if you haven’t read them yet.”
“I’m surprised you even read,” I said honestly.
Though, mostly surprised, and secretly delighted, that we had something in common, even if it was just books we liked.
We chatted as he drove the rest of the way to school, and I didn’t realize we’d even arrived until I looked up after realizing we weren’t moving. He chuckled, looking a little sheepish as he ducked his head down.
“Sorry. I’m talking too much, right? Most people just don’t get why I would read when I could watch.” He shrugged his shoulders, looking away.
Though I felt the same, I smiled, because reading was one of my favorite past times. I’d been watching TV less than when I was a kid.
“I’ll bring you the books you want tomorrow, all right? I have a bunch of hardcovers I’ve been collecting at home.”
“Thanks,” I said, sm
iling when he grinned.
He opened his car door, before pausing and turning to me.
“I almost forgot my bag.”
“Oh,” I jumped, looking down as I moved my feet. His bag had been shoved to the floor when I got inside. “Okay.”
I was about to jump out, but before I could, he reached down and grabbed it. I looked up, flustered with him being so close, and noticed that there were a lot of kids outside, and almost every one that I could see was staring at us.
My cheeks flushed, at first embarrassed. But then, I remembered the rumors that were going around, about the girl that got into the closet with Evan at that party and tilted my chin up.
He pulled away really quickly, but a lot of emotions had gone through me in those short seconds. When I stepped out of the car after him, instead of shrinking back under the stairs, I was proud.
That night, I was on the phone with Hayley, giggling about the new rumors flying around about Evan and me because he picked me up. Twenty minutes later, I sighed. I should have been on cloud nine for most of the day, but it was impossible not to get worried because I had a huge problem.
“What is it?” Hayley asked, hearing the sigh.
“I just realized something,” I mumbled.
She hummed. “What?”
“Remember lunch when you were taking painkillers? It was for your cramps, right?”
We both took the same meds, so it was hard to miss, and it had brought something to mind. I’d counted over and over until I got home, and I came to a conclusion that I wanted to deny.
“What is it?” She asked, tension in her voice as she realized something was wrong.
“Ever since that night, in the closet… Hayley, I haven’t had my period yet. I’d completely forgotten about it until you reminded me.”