Coming Clean
Chapter 1: Broken
Hello, everyone. This is my second attempt at fanfiction. (let's not talk about the first XD) Well, it was Valentine's Day not so long ago, and that got me inspired into writing this short story. Hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Class of the Titans… unfortunately
Today, everybody seems so happy in Olympus High. I have already spotted about fifteen new couples walking about through the halls, all holding hands and everything. Even Jay and Theresa are acting flirty and stupid. Ever since Jay gave Theresa that huge plush teddy bear.
You see, yesterday was Valentine's Day, and looks like Eros was on fire in New Olympia.
I really thought I had it this time. I was planning it since Valentine's Day last year. I wanted it to be clear that I liked her. No more subtle hints, no more backing out. I wasn't sure what to get her, since I didn't want to overwhelm her either. I decided to ask the Drama Queen for advice, as crazy as that sounds.
She suggested to get her a small box of her favorite chocolates and one of those love balloon o'grams from the school's fundraiser. I took her advice, and went to get the stuff the day before. But when I went to order the balloon o'gram, and was presented with the order form, I hesitated.
It gave me the option to say it was from a secret admirer, or to reveal your identity. It took me some will power to check the 'show name' box. Then my eyes fell on some blank lines to fill out. It was the message. My heart stopped. How come I hadn't thought about the 'o'gram' part? Then a million of my verses dedicated to her, coursed my mind. I even considered leaving blank.
The girl from behind the table cleared her throat as to remind me there were people waiting in line. My brain started to block under all the pressure. I finally decided to go with a simple 'XOXO', because it was all that came into mind. I signed the order form and handed it to the girl, along with the three bucks it cost.
I spent the whole time debating if I had made the right choice. It was already done and paid for anyway, and the poster clearly said, 'no refunds'.
Getting the chocolates was relatively easy compared to the balloon o'gram. It was no mystery to me, what were her favorites, so I just got a heart shaped box of those. Nothing says more: 'I like you more than friends', right?
Well, It apparently doesn't. Most probably it did, but she pretended it didn't... or I don't know. The thought makes me cringe.
Anyhow, the day came and I swear I was having a heart attack the whole morning, sweating during all my classes, not even paying attention to anything other than my inner dilemma.
During lunch we all sat together. Even though I was as jumpy as a kangaroo on a sugar rush, I noticed how Jay and Theresa were already acting all lovey dovey, which made me happy, but at the same time I felt (if possible) even more pressure.
Out of the corner of my eyes I saw the girl from the fundraiser giving out the balloon o'grams, and I dove for the chocolate box in my book bag besides me.
As I sat there, with the box hidden from her view, waiting for the girl to give Atlanta hers, I started to sweat again, and I felt my heart lodged in my throat. Thoughts like 'This isn't happening!' or 'Is it too late to back out!?', filled me.
Finally, the girl stopped at our table, and fumbled to find the right balloon out of the many in her hand. This was it. I observed Atlanta's face brightened up as the girl shoved the balloon in front of her.
"For me?", were her words as she took it and immediately grabbed the tag. The second it took her to read it was the most long, painful, and excruciating second of my life. In my head it was: either she realizes my feelings for her and embraces them, or she realizes my feelings for her and rejects me. But nothing could've prepared me for what she did.
"Archie!" At the mention of my name all of my teammates chanted an 'Awe', even though they already must've figured out that it had been from me.
With all the nerves, I almost forgot the box of chocolates. And before she could muster another word, I pulled it out in front of her.
"This is also for you." As I said this, I felt my face light on fire, and I knew it probably matched the shade of red from the balloon, because everyone started giggling. Atlanta grabbed the box and pounced on me with a bone-cracking hug. The ones that usually Herry gives.
"Oh, Arch! You shouldn't have! I love you. You're the best friend a girl could ask for."
Those words hit me hard. I had no other choice but to dissimulate my utter disappointment and act as if nothing. As we broke apart, I could also notice the disappointment in every of my friend's faces, especially Theresa's.
How could she? And now I wonder. Did she get that I liked her and put me in the loathed friend zone on purpose, or she completely missed it? Which I think is an absurdity considering that it couldn't have been more obvious that I liked her.
This means that she had been noticing all my hints throughout this whole time, and it simply was that she didn't want anything more than a friendship with me, and that is how it is.
That thought had always been somewhere in my head. My optimistic side just kept pushing it away. I don't need any more confirmation.
And now, as I put my books away in my locker, and as I see the happy couples walk past me, I feel, more than ever, the heaviness of my broken heart.
Out of the blue, I felt a gush of wind go past me. I turn my head, and I'm not surprised to see Atlanta besides me. I turned back to my locker as I sank even more.
"Hey, Archie! Let's go boarding. Perhaps catch a movie after or a pizza. My treat!" She said beaming, still panting from her exertion moments ago. I threw my book bag over my shoulders, closed my locker, and sighed.
"Sorry, can't. I got a ton of homework." I said sternly as I turned to face her. I wasn't exactly happy with her.
"Awe! C'mon, Arch. You can do those quickly, dork. I really want to-" I felt a sour pang of remorse within me.
"I said no, Atlanta! Can't you understand that I'm not always available? What am I, your playmate?" As the words exploded out of my mouth, I immediately regretted it. The broken part of me took over and I didn't even let her finish.
She was so taken aback by this, that her eyes became shiny with tears within seconds. I saw her face twist in confusion and betrayal. As the tears began to fall, she turned around and using her super speed, bolted towards the school doors dodging all the busy people in the hall.
"Wait!" I yelled after her, but it was too late. I made Atlanta cry. That has to be my worse sin yet. Rage engulfed me, and I slammed my fists into the lockers in front of me. I suddenly felt someone grab my shoulder and spin me around.
"What did you say to her!? You made her use her powers in front of people. You know how dangerous that is!? Luckily no one saw her." Great! Now Jay is giving me a lecture.
"That's all you care about, right!? Why don't you go with your girlfriend? At least you've got one." That last sentence, I said to myself.
"Archie, it is my job to take care of the team. I'm really sorry things didn't turn out between you two, but don't be so hard on Atlanta. She has always been a good friend after all." Jay said now in a calmer tone. I knew he was sympathetic, but the mention of the word 'friend' felt like an arrow to my heart.
"Whatever." I muttered, not wanting to discuss anything further with Jay. Right then, Theresa came around bouncing and took a hold of Jay's arm. I could see the moment when their eyes met, and loving smiles appeared on their faces. This probably lasted less than a second, but to them and for me, it was longer.
"What's up!?" She turned to look at me and asked excitedly. I just turned my gaze to the floor and ignored her question.
"Archie said some things he didn't mean, and hurt Atlanta. Now she's ran off." Jay said this a little loudly, and some kids around us turned to look.
"Publish it on the school's paper, why don't you? Or would you rather the intercom?" I snapped at Jay feeling a tad proud about my wit.
"Take it down a notch, Arch. We know you're upset. We all are, but-"
"Oh that's bull, Theresa! Don't be such a hypocrite! You couldn't be happier now that you've got Jay."
"Okay, that's it! I'm not dealing with this immaturity." Theresa turned around and walked away towards her locker in a huff.
"Freaking Drama Queen." I muttered as my face twisted in disgust.
"What has gotten into you? You are walking alone home today, buddy. Time out!"
"Time out!? Oh no! I don't get to see you and the Drama Queen holding hands all the way home? How terrible! Cut me the crap, Jay!" I enjoy being sarcastic with Jay so much! Ha! His face!
"Look. Atlanta left her book bag. You'll carry that too." Jay spat pointing to the black book bag leaning against the wall besides the lockers. I pushed past him and grabbed it. I'm out of here. I just wanted to get home, lock myself in my room, and forget about my life as I blast music through my headphones.
Walking home, I noticed how the sky was turning gray. Rain was coming. I hurried my pace and noticed how empty the streets were. Still, I couldn't keep myself from looking around for Atlanta. I did feel guilty. Maybe I was too hard on her, I mean, I had never seen her cry. Gods, I'm such a jackass. I don't know what to do. But I feel too bad to think right now.
What has Archie gotten into? Where did Atlanta go? Please, tell me what you think. Should I just give up on writing? I hope I don't. Anyway, the second chapter is already written so as soon as one person reviews, I will have it up. Thanks for reading.