The rest of the day for Mainlee was a blur of work and smelly teenagers. Ellsie never showed up for art, so Mainlee never got the chance to talk to her. Science had been extremely awkward, sitting across from Justin who just glared at her the entire time and Marcus on the side, sneaking peeks at her boobs. She had a headache and grew increasingly tired as the day dragged on, wishing it would just end.
All her classmates were the exact opposite. They were high on the Prom. It was all anyone would speak off, the thing Mainlee didn't want to think about.
She promised to find Peter after school, so once the bell rang she stood outside. She told Dustin and Colton to head to her car.
"Mainlee!" Peter's now familiar voice sounded above all the chaos, and she turned to see him waving and running, causing everyone to look their way. When he finally reached her he gave her a quick hug and kissed her cheek. "Sorry, I got lost."
"It's fine," Mainlee said, glaring at the other students who reluctantly looked away, Mainlee figured they were still tuned into the conversation.
"Well," Peter said, his cheeks flushed, "A little birdie told me there was a football game tonight?" He grinned, "I really want to go, and I'd love you to be my date."
Mainlee laughed, "You don't need a date for a football game, but I'm already going."
Peters face lit up, and Mainlee thought he was going to explode into lava of happiness. "Allright! At my old school, we didn't even qualify for a football team." He paused, putting a finger to his chin. "Well, if we did, I didn't know 'cause we didn't have one."
Mainlee just shook her head, "Okay Peter, I'll see you later." She slowly turned away, not wanting to leave, and he thankfully grabbed her hand.
"Hey you," he smiled. "Don't go so fast. My car is in the shop right now and I see you have a car." He glanced over to where Dustin and Colton were leaning against her Jaguar. "I was hoping you'd give me a ride."
"Sure, I'd love too." She paused, "Wait, I don't even know where you live!"
He slapped his forehead, "Duh!" He pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled down his address.
"Man, you have suckish handwriting," Mainlee said, taking the paper.
"Yeah, something John and Ursula drilled me about all the time." His face looked serious and far off. Mainlee could hear the coldness in his voice.
Mainlee squeezed his hand, "You'll have to tell me all about that later, okay? Right now, I have two angsty teenagers waiting for a ride."
Peter twisted his face, "Do you like them like that?"
Mainlee wanted to laugh at his childish tone, but she controlled herself. "Not like that." She emphasized the last word to make him laugh, "I'm starting to consider them…like family."
Peter's eyes filled with relief, "Good. No competition then." He stopped, looking deeply into her eyes, "But I would fight for you if I need too. You can count on that." A shout sounded from behind them, and a group of guys stood waving at Peter in front of the school. "That's me!" Peter said, kissing her quickly.
Mainlee wriggled her eyebrows, "Cute and popular." She laughed, letting go of his hand.
"Nah," he said, jogging away. "Bye Moomoo!"
Mainlee was taken aback by the fact he called her by her old nickname again. "That boy." Mainlee said laughing to herself. "How I missed him…" She said, more quietly as she approached the car.
By now, Colton and Dustin had folded their arms and were frowning at her.
"What?" Mainlee burst out, getting in the car, quickly followed by Dustin and Colton. "Must you frown at me?"
"You really shouldn't be hanging out with him Mainlee," Dustin said, taking shotgun. "You know we're not supposed to get attached to humans."
"I don't really care about that."
"Mainlee, come on." Colton said, his voice strained. "You're in love with him?"
"I never said that," Mainlee said briskly, pulling out of the parking lot.
"Well it sure seems he is." Dustin muttered, rolling down his window.
"Look guys…" Mainlee searched for words. "I did. I do. I don't know. He was my life. He kept all the bad stuff away."
"He left you though," Colton rudely pointed out.
"I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation for that." Mainlee spat out, speeding up.
Dustin snorted loudly and Mainlee wanted to punch him. "Stay out of my business."
"God Mainlee, don't say that." Colton said, annoyed.
"Well, then stop being such jerkbuckets!" She yelled. To her surprise, Dustin and Colton burst out laughing, confusing her. "What?"
"Is that even a word?" Dustin was barely able to get out, since he was laughing so hard.
"Of course it is," Mainlee snapped, but a smile crossed her face. "And you guys really are jerbuckets."
"Whatever," Colton laughed. Mainlee sped down the road, loving the feel of the car in her control. She pulled into Oscar's neighborhood.
"What are you guys doing tonight?" Mainlee asked, changing the subject.
"Well, not going to the football game for one." Dustin said.
"But I want you guys there!" Mainlee whined, not caring about her child like tone.
"Uh, no humans remember?" Colton said, lightly knocking her head. "Anyone in there?"
Mainlee laughed, "Fine then. Don't come. I'll have fun with Peter." As the sound of his name, Dustin froze up again.
"I still don't think you should hang out with him." He muttered, looking out the window.
"Well too bad." Mainlee said, pulling into Oscar's driveway. "I don't need your permission."
"But you might need mine." Mainlee heard Oscar's voice growling, as he exited the garage.
Mainlee forced herself not to roll her eyes and run him over. "No thank you." She said, following the boys out of the car.
Oscar did not look happy, he was clearly still mad at Mainlee. She just looked at him and shrugged, walking straight into the house. Mainlee could hear Oscar right behind her, but she ignored him, walking into the kitchen of the house, grabbing a much needed Coke from the fridge.
"What do you think you're doing?" Oscar snapped, standing over her with crossed arms as Mainlee sat down at the booth.
"Relaxing," Mainlee snapped back, looking smug. "After all, this is my home now right?"
Oscar had a look of disbelief on his face and he obviously couldn't think of what to do, so he sat himself squarely across from her at the booth. Mainlee glared at him as she opened the coke and took a sip.
"You just going to sit there?" Mainlee asked, setting her coke on the table. "If you're not going to talk to me, I have stuff to do."
He hesitated, then finally spoke. "Yes, I do. Your behavior is not acceptable. This is my pack, and you shall do as I say. Now tell me what you were talking about in the car."
Mainlee's mouth dropped open as she stared at him in disbelief. "Who do you think you are?"
He leaned in, locking his gaze with hers. "I am Oscar, your leader and mate. Now talk woman!"
Mainlee could not believe what she was hearing. "This is not the 1800s, I do not have to answer to you. Hello? I have freedom, you know. I do not have to answer to you!" She let a smirk cross her face, "Plus, I'm alpha female."
Oscar's eyes blazed with anger, Mainlee felt she had literally set a fire in them. "I am your leader, now tell me or I will…" He paused, trying to think of something to say.
"Or what?" Mainlee shouted at him, standing up. "You going to hurt me? Rape me? Like you did last time?" She narrowed her eyes, "You going to kick me out of your pack?" When he didn't say anything, she continued, " 'Cause I would love to be out of here. You can pick a mate who will be pathetic and be at your beck and call. Huh? Got nothing to say? Much better." She picked up her coke and strode out of the house, leaving Oscar boiling with anger inside. She imagined him lashing out at something. She just hoped it wasn't Dustin or Colton.
She gasped, Would he really do that?
Mainlee sat in driveway, windows up, not wanting to go inside. Her dad's car was parked in front of her, and she had avoided him the past few days, and she wanted to keep it up.
She felt something brush her foot and she looked down to see the paper Lindsey had given her on the floor. Without thinking, she whipped out her Blackberry, immediately calling the number.
"Hello?" Lindsey's voice sounded when she picked up.
"Uh, hi." Mainlee realized she had no idea what to say. "This is Mainlee."
"I thought so." Lindsey said, "Are you okay?"
"Not really." Mainlee chewed her lip. "Um, I was hoping maybe we could talk?"
"Sure Mainlee, I'd love too." Lindsey paused, "Do you know the Black Dog Café?"
Mainlee nodded, then realized that Lindsey couldn't see her right now. "Yes!" She accidently shouted into the phone, and Lindsey laughed. "Um, see you there in twenty?"
"Sounds good to me. See you." Mainlee pushed end and geared up her engine, loving the rumbling sound. She pulled out of the driveway, but not before she noticed Oscar standing in the window, watching her. Mainlee swore she could see him heading for the door, but she quickly sped away, forgetting it.
Mainlee pulled into the Black Dog Café's parking lot. It was a quaint restaurant, but it was comfortable and quiet. Mainlee stepped inside, and not seeing Lindsey yet, bought a cup of coffee. She walked out the side door and walked down to the lake, Lake Ella. She sat down on one of the benches and was immediately flocked by ducks, eager for food. When they realized she had no food, they flew away, probably to attack their next victim.
Mainlee looked out at the still water, letting the site calm her. I never thought I'd be sitting watching a lake on my afternoons. Usually at this time I'd be shopping, talking, hanging out with boys…
She sighed, looking around for Lindsey. She looked down at her carefully pedicured feet, glossy and pink. Her father had money, plenty of it. He was a Vet, and he had his own office downtown. This meant endless money for her to go on shopping sprees with Ellsie. Mainlee was always buying something for Ellsie, since she didn't have as much. Ellsie had to work for every penny she needed, even though her brother racked in a high amount. Ellsie didn't like taking money from her brother, considering she never knew where it came from.
Mainlee took of her flip flops and let her feet rest against the cool grass. It was nice to do something peaceful for a change, not having to worry about her hair, which had been pulled back into a ponytail. Her red hair glimmered in the light, it always did. People joked her hair was a fiery red disco ball when it was exposed to the sun. No one had ever made fun of her for it, and Mainlee loved the attention.
She looked at her Blackberry, which said four 'o'clock. Mainlee had an hour and a half before the game. That is, if Lindsey ever gets here…
As if reading her mind, Mainlee heard Lindsey call, "I'm here!" She turned around to see Lindsey, holding a cup of coffee, striding towards her. She plopped herself down by Mainlee in a very un-Lindsey like fashion and looked at the water, taking a sip of her delicious smelling coffee.
They sat in silence, for what seemed like an eon, sipping their coffee. Mainlee watched the ducks, flying around and Lindsey let out a chuckle, "Those ducks are up to no good."
"They were disappointed I didn't have any food," Mainlee said, looking at Lindsey with a serious expression. "Are you angry with me?"
Lindsey's brow furrowed in confusion, "Why would I be?"
"'Cause of Oscar, I guess." Mainlee said, loving the feel of the coffee mug in her in hands, warming them up.
Lindsey let out a short laugh, "Of course not! I know you're mad at Oscar."
"How did you know?" Mainlee asked, wondering how Lindsey seemed to know everything.
"Rowan told me."
"Oh, well that would explain it, I guess." Mainlee stopped, thinking about what to say next. "Well, he's pretty P.O'D at me too."
"I'm sure he is." Lindsey said, and Mainlee was glad she understood. "After all, he does seem to hate us with a burning passion."
"You can say that again." Mainlee mumbled into her mug, and Lindsey laughed. Two men sitting close to them gave them a look and started to walk their direction. Mainlee felt irritated, everywhere she went some guy had to interrupt. That was, until she saw the two men were holding hands. It seemed like the two were arguing, one obviously wanted to get nearer, but the other was holding him back. Mainlee let out a sigh of relief when the two walked back to the bench they were sitting at.
Lindsey stared after the men, with a curious expression on her face. "I think I know them."
Mainlee stared after them, trying not to seem too obvious. One was shaggy, with long hair and a growing beard. Mainlee couldn't quite see the other, but he looked pretty scruffy too. "I don't know them."
Lindsey jumped in her seat, "I figured it out!" She pointed towards the guy Mainlee couldn't see. "See him?" Mainlee just nodded. "He used to be in our pack. He was kicked out, before Finn-times, that is. Our leader at the time, didn't like him because he is-" She cut off, as if she didn't want to spill his secret.
"Gay?" Mainlee asked, and Lindsey nodded, sighing at the fact she didn't have to say anything. "It's okay, I figured that much out."
Lindsey sat there quietly, staring after the men, who started to walk away, still arguing. "I think I may have loved him."
Mainlee sat back in surprise, she wasn't sure how she should react to this. "Um," was all she could muster.
"It's okay," she said, nervously laughing, "I should tell you more about me." She took a deep breath, something that confused Mainlee. Lindsey didn't seem like the kind of person who had secrets. Or at least, someone who was shy about telling them. "We grew up together, I loved him like a brother. But then we grew older and I saw him in a completely different way. He never saw me any different than the little sister whom he loved."
"I understand," Mainlee said, even though she didn't really.
"Well, that was when he came out of the closet. Our leader didn't like him so he was sent away." She looked in the direction that they left, but there was nothing but ducks and water. "I hope he's allright."
Mainlee shook her head in pity. Like those times when you didn't really understand, but you wanted the person to feel better. Mainlee was still a little shocked from what Lindsey told her, so she waited for Lindsey to talk.
"But I have Finn now," she finally said, after a long silence. "And I love him more than Earth itself." She stopped, then looked at Mainlee and gasped. "Oh my gosh! You called me so we can talk and here I am going off about old silly stories!" She put her hands on Mainlee's and said, "What did you want to say?"
Mainlee didn't think what Lindsey said was just some 'silly storey' but she said, "It's just like kind of sucks right now." Mainlee told Lindsey about Oscar and Ellsie, and all the things she has had to deal with lately. She left out Peter because she didn't know what Lindsey would say to that.
Lindsey nodded her head, her beautiful eyes filled with sympathy, "That does suck Mainlee. I can't help you much with the Oscar problem, but I sure have a few words about Ellsie. Just talk to her, Mainlee! Your best friends and from what I understand, you have been for quite some time."
Mainlee cocked her head, "You do?"
Lindsey smiled, "I've heard a few things through the grapevine."
Mainlee sighed, "How come everyone knows all about me?"
Lindsey shrugged, "You're such a popular girl!"
Mainlee snorted, "That would be Ellsie. Although, she's worked hard to keep her life a secret."
"And you haven't," Lindsey said, giving Mainlee a confident look. "And that's what makes you so strong! You don't let the past affect you." Mainlee wanted to laugh, but she held it in seeing Lindsey's serious face. "You're an amazing person, and don't let anyone tell you differently."
Mainlee suddenly felt like she was in a reality show, where she was drunk and spilling her guts to a guy who just wanted to get on her good side so he could sleep with her. A guy who wasn't into after morning breakfasts. Mainlee laughed to herself, imagining the situation. When she saw Lindsey's confused face she replied, "Thanks a lot Lindsey. It's good to be complimented every once in awhile."
Lindsey's lips slowly curved into a grin as she fluffed her long hair, "I know what you mean." Lindsey pulled out her iphone, which made Mainlee extremely jealous, and Lindsey announced she had to leave.
Mainlee got up and said, "Thanks for everything. I should be leaving too."
Lindsey hugged Mainlee and smiled, "Anytime darling." They walked back to the Black Dog Café to return their mugs and saying goodbye once more, Mainlee got into her jaguar.
Looking at the clock, Mainlee almost leaped into the air. It was five 'o'clock and Mainlee had to pick up Peter still. She pulled out of the dirt parking lot, and dug into her purse, pulling out Peter's address. He didn't live that far from Oscar. Awesome, maybe they'll become neighbors.
Mainlee raced down the streets, blasting the music in her car. She let the music take over her thoughts as she pulled into Peter's driveway. Turns out he was only four houses down from Oscar's.
She sighed and got out of the car, racing up the drive to knock on his door. She suddenly realized she had no idea if he was living alone or with another set of parents. She nervously bounced up and down while she waited for him to come out. His house was one-storey. It was painted a dark brown, and was pretty small. It was possible he lived here alone.
When Mainlee heard footsteps, she took in a sharp breath. A small, blond opened the door and smiled the biggest smile Mainlee had ever seen. Mainlee took a step back, not sure what to do.
"Mainlee!" She squealed, grabbing Mainlee's hand. She pulled Mainlee into a hug, and when she finally let go, she stared at Mainlee. "Wow you are so beautiful, just like Petya said! I feel like I know you already!"
"Petya?" Mainlee asked, giving Jesse a confused smile.
"Yeah, that's his name, silly duckling!" She playfully rolled her eyes.
"Um…" Mainlee started, but Jesse cut her off with a flick of her hand.
"Let me guess, you don't have a clue who I am."
"Um, uh, yes?" Mainlee said, always great with words.
She rolled her eyes again, annoyed, but Mainlee could tell she wasn't angry. "I'm Jesse, Petya's cousin."
Mainlee stood there awkwardly, gawking at her. "C-Cousin?"
Jesse slowly nodded, "That would be me."
"I thought he was all alone!" Mainlee shouted and she jumped at the loudness of her voice.
"So did he, Mainlee." Jesse led her to the raggedy sofa sitting in the room. "I live in Russia with my father, and even I didn't know about Petya until a few months ago, when I wanted to move here to America."
Mainlee was about to ask her more, when Peter, or Petya, Mainlee thought, walked into the room. "Hey ladies," he breezed in, acting totally natural. He smiled at Mainlee, "Ready?"
"Hm." Mainlee just nodded towards him, before turning back to Jesse. "It was nice to meet you, I hope I'll see you round soon!"
Jesse nodded enthusiastically, "Me too!" She gave Mainlee a quick hug, then Mainlee turned back to Peter, who took her arm and led her to the door.
"Bye Jess!" Peter called, and they walked to Mainlee's jaguar. Peter got in, clearing scanning the car. He grunted in satisfaction as he ran his hand against the dashboard. "Nice car." He said, as Mainlee put the car in reverse, pulling out of the driveway.
"Don't you dare get me off subject." Mainlee said, hoping she didn't sound too angry. "How come I didn't know about Jesse, Petya." She added her name for him.
Peter blushed a deep scarlet, before talking. "I just met her really. She just didn't come up in the conversation today."
"How long have you known her?"
Peter shrugged, staring out the front window, "Only a couple of weeks."
"Really?" Mainlee asked, wondering how they ended up living together.
As if reading her thoughts he said, "Well, she found me right before I was about to move here. She needed someone to help her learn American customs, and I needed somewhere to stay."
"You were planning on moving here?" Mainlee squeaked.
"Of course. I am eighteen now Mainlee," He bragged his most macho voice.
Mainlee took this all in, she had totally forgotten about that. "So you moved here to…be with me?"
She could feel his gaze on hers, but she stared at the road ahead of her. "Why wouldn't I, Mainlee? I've never stopped loving you." Mainlee's heart fluttered inside her chest. "I convinced Jesse to move here, and she agreed. I think she needed more than I needed her." He chuckled. "That girl is funny."
Mainlee couldn't help but chuckle with him, her stomach was tied in knots from what Peter had said. A wave of guilt engulfed her…She had forgotten about him. "I'm sure she is."
She pulled into the Chiles parking lot, parking her car on the opposite side of the parking lot this time, right next to the gym where the football field is. Cars had already gotten there, and she could here fans cheering already. Peter paid for them to get in, and they took their seats in the cool, silver bleachers.
Mainlee could see Chiles Timberwolves were winning, and she scanned the field for Marcus. Sure enough he was there, playing almighty quarterback. At a break, he looked up and saw her, and he grinned and waved, before turning back to the game. Mainlee felt herself blush, and Peter wrapped his arm around her.
"Who's that?" He asked, his voice calm, but Mainlee could see a hint of jealousy.
"All guys are the same!" Mainlee laughed and a smile spread across his face.
"Yeah, whatever." He smirked. Mainlee loved the feel of his arm around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
The game ended with high spirits, the Timberwolves had one. Marcus immediately came running over, giving Mainlee a hug.
"I knew you'd be my good luck charm!" He said, winking at her. He turned to face Peter and extended his hand, which Peter shook. "You must be Mainlee's brother." Marcus said, grinning.
Peter frowned, "Um, no. I'm her-"
Marcus cut him off, turning back to Mainlee. "Party at my house. Want to come?"
Mainlee gulped, the tension that was forming was obvious, but Marcus didn't seem to notice. "I don't know."
Peter spoke up, "I don't think we'll be attending." This caught Marcus' attention, and he looked Peter up and down with a smirk on his face.
"Whatever." He said to Peter. "I'll catch you tomorrow, Mainlee." He said before jogging off.
Mainlee sighed, When would she ever get a break from boys?