Chapter 4

Wheeler was out of breath when he reached class. He did not want to be late for first block (yet again) and hear his Spanish teacher give a lecture on the importance of being on time, not only in school, 'but in the real world, as well'. Mrs. Finnerty was always using that phrase, as if school was only an experiment and not really part of reality. It wasn't Wheeler's fault that mornings were not his forte. His warm bed was so enticing and the alarm clock always broke through some of his best dreams. For example, being a brilliant race car driver in the lead as he finished his last lap, or Linka in a string bikini smiling at him. Stupid school!

He raced to his seat in the back and collapsed on the chair. He heard a soft giggle and turned to see Suzy occupying the desk next to his.

"Relax! Mrs. Fin ain't here yet," she informed him and that's when Wheeler noticed that the teacher's desk was empty. Students were, in fact, talking amongst themselves and out of their chairs.

"Not a morning guy, are ya?" went on Suzy, seeming high in spirits. She had gathered her long hair in a high ponytail and was sporting a pretty shade of red lipstick.

"I don't get why we can't start at noon."

Suzy laughed. "That's not how it works in the real world."

They grinned at each other.

There was a sort of knock at the side of the door and in walked what looked like a delivery man in a navy and red jumpsuit.

"I'm looking for a Ms. de LaRosa," stated the man, checking his clipboard. In his other hand was a bouquet of two dozen red roses.

"Ay, Dios mio!" muttered Suzy in Spanish under her breath, lowering herself in her seat. Her face had lost the sparkle of a few moments ago; instead her brows furrowed together, as if worried.

The delivery man was at last directed to Suzy by the other students and he plopped the flowers down on her desk before getting a reluctant signature from the girl.

"Have a nice day, miss," smiled the man, tipping his cap. Wheeler could hear curious whispers as Suzy opened the small enveloped entangled in the bouquet. She read it without much interest before setting it down on the desk forcefully. Her gestures spelled out annoyance.

She looked around the classroom, as if ordering everyone to go back to their previous tasks. Her look was stern enough to elicit obedience.

"Damn, Suzy, that's some admirer you've got there!" Wheeler smiled, eyeing the girl.

Suzy shook her head, tapping her fingers impatiently against the desk. "I told him it was over between us."

It did not take a genius to realize she was referring to Alejandro.

"He's trying to change your mind?"

"No," she sighed. "He doesn't get it. He's acting as if all is well between us. I don't know what to do anymore."

"Sounds like he's pretty in love with you," observed Wheeler, clasping his hands behind his head.

"Yeah, well, it's starting to feel more like an obsession," remarked the girl, pushing the flowers to the edge of the desk.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did it all start with you and Alejandro?"

"I actually had a thing with this guy who was like a rival to him before. When I came to this school, Alejandro started pursuing me and you could say we've been together since then. I do care about him, but… I don't know, it's so intense, and I'm always so worried about him."

"Oh?" asked Wheeler with interest, playing innocent. "Why's that? I mean, yeah, I know he's not an honor roll, squeaky clean kind of a guy, but I'm sure he can't be that bad."

Suzy fell silent, wringing her hands underneath her desk.

"He's just… he's gotten into some trouble before. And he's doing some things now I don't approve of."

"Like?" Wheeler was hanging on her every word, leaning in to hear the rest of the girl's confessions.

"I don't know if I should be talking about this," Suzy voiced, seeming uncomfortable.

"Come on, Suz, who am I gonna tell, anyway? I barely know anyone at this school."

There was a reflective pause before Suzy continued. "He's selling some stuff, stuff that's laced. The way it's being made…it's a big mess. He sells it for cheap, so it's a big hit, but some kids are getting really sick, one of them died last month. I told him to stop then, but he's making incredible money off the deals. He's allowing these two Mexican brothers to use his resources, they're not good guys…"

Wheeler saw that she was now biting her lip to keep from revealing more and he switched tactics.

"So, let's say I was interested in buying some stuff."

Suzy's glance turned on him and her mouth opened in shock.

"You're into that?"

"Occasionally," lied Wheeler with a shrug. "You know, when I really wanna party."

"Linka, too?"

Wheeler readily shook his head. He was willing to have his reputation hit rock bottom for the sake of this mission, but there was no way he would drag Linka down with him. It would hurt her too much and he would not be able to stand that at all.

"No, she doesn't even like me doing it."

"You can tell she's a good girl," nodded Suzy. "I did some stuff in the past, but I'm clean now. I just wanna move on from that kind of lifestyle, from the drama, but Alejandro doesn't let me, he's like a constant reminder."

"Do you still have feelings for him?"

"That's another thing," Suzy replied in a low voice, bringing a finger to her mouth and chewing on the fingernail. "I'm kinda having a thing with my next-door neighbor."

Good heavens, had he just stepped on the set of a really twisted soap opera? wondered an incredulous Wheeler. What the heck was going on?

"Well, don't let Alejandro in on that," Wheeler advised, slumping back against his chair, suddenly feeling exhausted. The day had only just started!

"I know, I know," Suzy made a face, cradling her head in her hands.

It was then that Mrs. Finnerty entered the classroom, bringing all conversations to an abrupt halt.

"Buenos dias a todos!"

Wheeler groaned. He really hated school.

/ ~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~ /

"Wheeler!"

Wheeler took a gulp of water from the fountain before wiping his mouth on his sleeve. His brain was drowned in Suzy's words and he couldn't wait until lunch time, when he could share with the others what he had learned.

"Wheeler!"

He had nearly reached his locker before realizing that someone was calling his name. He turned to see Summer, who approached him before laughing and taking his arm to grasp his attention.

"Earth to Wheeler, where were you off to?" she smiled coquettishly, looking up at him through long eyelashes. Summer lived up to the cheerleader tradition of being an attractive girl, with honey colored hair and soft brown eyes, busty and long-legged with an athletic physique. Wheeler thought she was real easy on the eyes, although quite simple minded in her ways.

"Hey, Summer," Wheeler smiled back, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder. "Sorry, I didn't hear you calling me. You're right to say I was miles away. What's up?"

"I'll forgive you this once," she went on with a giggle. "I wanted to tell you about the bake sale the cheerleaders are putting on today."

That's when he noticed she was holding a tray in one hand, filled with cookies which looked delicious enough to make his mouth water.

"Wow, did you bake those? They look great!"

"Sure did! Wanna try one? A sneak peak just because I like you."

"Thanks!" grinned Wheeler happily, reaching to take one. Food always gave him a sudden rush of euphoria. While selecting from the tray, he could not help but notice the plunging neckline of Summer's top, her breasts pressed together by what looked like a lacy, pink push-up bra. It took a significant amount of willpower on his part to tear his eyes away from the sensual sight, and she met his eyes audaciously.

Busted!

"Do you like them?" asked Summer in a low voice, jutting out her bottom lip a little.

Wheeler forgot to chew for a second. Then, he realized she was referring to the cookies and he nodded his head up and down like a fool.

"I'm so glad!" Summer went on, seeming relieved. She took his hand in hers and neared him. Wheeler swallowed the last of the treat and could do nothing but wait for her next move. The attraction he felt towards her surprised him, if he had to be honest with himself.

"Will you stop by our stand later on?" she was voicing softly, her thumb stroking the back of his hand.

It was then that her nearness caused something inside him to switch, like he had received a burn from an element on a stove. Summer's eyes weren't the familiar green he loved, and her flowery scent wasn't the one he was used to. Her touch was too warm and her smile too flirty. On an impulse, he pulled his hand back from hers, putting some distance between them.

"I'll see what I can do," he voiced, being vague on purpose. It was probably best to stay away from a hot girl who was attracted to him. What was happening to him? The old Wheeler would have never formulated that last thought! Why, he wasn't even sure if he was single or not. What he had with Linka… or what he didn't have with her… it was quite confusing and dramatic. And one thing he did not want more of was drama! Especially since this school had enough as it was. Wheeler could tell that Summer was pondering over his sudden change of mood, without really understanding; there were traces of confusion on her facial features.

It was without warning that Wheeler felt someone beside him. It was Linka, who wasted little time in taking his hand and comfortably resting her head on his shoulder. Her actions were executed with confident strokes. He noticed that her eyes were glued on Summer and the two girls' glances had a conversation he was not privy not.

"Hello, Summer," voiced Linka with a lazy smile. Summer looked down at her feet while muttering a greeting back. She finally realized the awkwardness of the triangle that had been created and made to turn away.

"See you later, Wheeler," Summer felt the need to add before giving Linka a malicious look.

Meow!

Once he got over the initial shock of two gorgeous girls fighting over his attention (for male egos are not so easily defeated!), Wheeler noticed the warmth of Linka's body beside him. Now, this was right. Everything about it… the incessant need of it, the way he craved her nearness, felt like home.

Linka had not moved except to turn her head so that she could look up at him. He could easily read the questions contained in her eyes.

"Babe…" he started, wanting to explain things so that she would not take her warmth away, so that her lips would not turn downwards in a pout. Anything to keep her from being sad, angry, or hurt.

Linka surprised him by placing one finger over his lips to silence him.

"It's okay, Yankee," she voiced. "As much as I do not like Summer, I cannot tell you who you can or cannot speak to."

"I'd do anything you'd ask me to," Wheeler replied, and the serious look in his eyes told Linka he meant it. She could feel a blush creep on her cheeks because what he was implying was of massive proportions. It was a gift one could not take lightly.

"Just be good," Linka instructed, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. After a final look and a genuine smile for him, she disappeared through the crowd. The warmth of her lips on his skin lingered like a sunburn. Wheeler was left wanting more of her. Mere samples of her loveliness were not enough; he needed to have the entire creation to himself, until the end of time. Forever.

It was in the middle of that hallway, standing still while surrounded by countless people rushing past him, that he realized he was in love with Linka.