Episode XX: Kryptonite
The red Mercedes parked in a spot and Helen got out with a smirk on her face. She walked away, leaving the driver and the other passenger in the car alone.
"She's not going to tell anyone," Jayden said to Scarlett. "Besides, it's not the worst thing we've been caught doing."
"No, but what if everyone begins to think that we…" Scarlett paused. "Never mind that. Let's just go out here and get through with this week. Winter Break is coming up, thank God."
"Yeah." Jayden said before opening the car door. "Coming Madame President?"
"Sure." Scarlett said before the two got out of the car. "Say, why'd you let Angelina backstage? You really like her or something?"
"Yes and no. I like her but I brought her backstage because she's a fan of the band. I'm not a one-man band, no matter what it appears." Jayden replied. "Consider it a housewarming gift."
"Oh." Scarlett said. "Well, I'll see you in second period. Have to make sure Helen hasn't found Nicky yet."
Jayden smiled. "Go ahead."
Scarlett smiled before walking away. Jayden's smile slowly fell before he began walking towards the front of the building. Before he got to the steps, Laura step towards him, her face strangely calm.
"I need to tell you something." Laura said. "Privately."
"Is it that important?" Jayden asked. Despite him really wanting to speak with her, he had to stay in character. He had to make her think that he hated her too.
"Come on." Laura said walking away.
Sighing, Jayden followed her until the two were away from the other students.
"What?" he asked.
"I appreciate what you did with me and my mom, though it doesn't make it better that I got grounded for skipping school in the first place." Laura said. "But that's not what I wanted to say."
"What? Found a new way to say how bad you hate me?" Jayden asked.
"I love you Jayden." Laura said.
Jayden felt his heart stop momentarily as well as his throat dry up. He had never had a girl tell him that, let alone a girl like Laura. Someone who he once thought was impossible for her to feel.
Jayden then frowned. "Okay, I get it. I somehow grow soft and you prank me somehow someway and say 'checkmate.' So what did you really want?"
"That's it." Laura said. "I told my mom and I told Dash. I've fallen in love with you. But, you're so caught in your own world that you can't see it." Jayden's frown deepened. "It's the honest-to-God truth. I love you Jayden McDuelle. But," Jayden smirked. He knew that there was a catch. "I don't want you to respond to that until you're ready."
"Tch, until I'm ready? Yeah right." Jayden said. "Nice try Laura, but I'm not falling for this one."
Laura glared. "Why in the hell do you think I'm lying to you, dumbass? I just fucking told you that I fucking love you! What's not to believe?"
"You." Jayden said. "You are what I don't believe. You don't love. Never have and never will. You told me that yourself, remember? No dating was your rule."
"Forget it!" Laura nearly screeched gaining some attention by a few passerby. She took a deep breath. "Forget the stupid rule, Jayden." Jayden now looked confuse, wondering if Laura was being serious. "I give up. You win."
"I win?" Jayden asked. "Now I know this is a trick. The Laura I know doesn't quit."
"I'm not quitting. I'm just changing the game." Laura replied before giving Jayden a deep kiss, despite those who were staring at the two. "Like I said, I love you Jayden and I don't think you're ready to love me back."
Jayden glared. "You have an ulterior motive. And when I find out what it is-"
"You are my ulterior motive." Laura cut him off. "But, you can't handle it, so I'll just leave you alone. Have a nice life."
Laura walked away leaving Jayden slightly baffled. He wanted to believe that she was telling the truth, but love? She hardly liked him before. Sure, Jayden knew that she had some crush and lust for him, but love? That was impossible.
Or was it?
He would have to do some investigation later. And talk to Dakota while he was at it.
Jordan was slightly confused as to why Aaron was not standing outside like normal, but soon found her answer when she saw him handing Dustin a folder. She was confused as to why the two boys were talking, but brushed it aside as she smiled.
"Hey A.J." Jordan said.
"Um… I'll see you later A.J." Dustin said before glancing at Jordan. "Jordan."
With that, Dustin walked off and Aaron closed his locker. Aaron then looked at Jordan.
"You went to that party. You lied to me to go to that party." Aaron began. "Jordan… I really don't know where to begin with this."
Jordan frowned slightly. "How do you know that?"
"Because Dustin was there. He told me." Aaron answered. "I asked him if Brie went like she said she would, and he told me no, but you were there. With Tevin. All night." Jordan looked towards the ground. "Jordan, is there anything else you want to tell me before someone else does? Anything at all?"
Figuring that it was now or never, Jordan sighed.
"He kissed me." Jordan said, still looking at the floor. "And I kissed him back."
"…" Aaron was quiet for a moment. Out of all the things in the world, Aaron never pictured Jordan being unfaithful. She was his most loyal friend and honest about almost everything. "Did you like it?" Jordan nodded. "Then don't let me stand in your way."
"Aaron I-" was all Jordan got out before Aaron walked away. "I'm sorry…"
"Winter Break is coming." Shane said to his sister and girlfriend. "That's got to be the best news in the entire world."
Kelly smiled. "Shane, why is it that you get excited when Christmas comes around? Is it because of Santa?"
"What? Santa Claus? No!" Shane responded quickly before Kelly and Nicole laughed. "Whatever. It's just the best holiday of the year, plus no school for weeks, meaning no homework or detention or-"
"Plus there's Santa Claus." Kelly interrupted.
"Whatever Kelly." Shane said, refusing to argue with his sister. "Come on Nicky. Let's go speak to sane people."
"Sure Shane." Nicole said. "See you later Kelly."
"You have to come home." Kelly replied with a smile as she began walking away.
Nicole laced her fingers with Shane's and the two began walking down the hall.
"So," Nicole said. "What are we doing for Winter Break?"
"Well, my dad and mom have these two cabins where we spend the break at." Shane said. "It's to keep the family together or whatever. My mom's a real big family person."
"I know." Nicole replied.
"But," Shane continued. "Kelly and I sometime run up there a bit early to do the decorations since Jordan always whines to put the star up on the tree. She always gets her way too. So, we decorate the tree and put the star up and she comes and whines but there's nothing she can do about it." Shane smirked. "Victory."
"Shane, that's mean." Nicole said. "You should let her put the star up this year."
"And why should I?" Shane asked.
Nicole kissed Shane. "Because there's something more important than putting the star up this year."
"Oh… Yeah, I guess you're right." Shane said, blushing slightly. "So, um, I guess I'll have to sneak you up with me and Kelly." Nicole frowned at the word "sneak". "Oh come on, my mom will not let you and me up there without parental supervision."
"Oh yeah…" Nicole responded. "Well, hopefully she'll get into the holiday spirit and won't be so mad."
"That's the plan." Shane said before stopping in front of Nicole's classroom. "Well, I'll see you in a while. Class and all."
Nicole giggled. "I know Shane." Nicole kissed Shane once more. "See you soon, rock star."
"Yeah." Shane said with a smile before walking off.
Nicole smiled happily before slipping into class. This Winter Break was going to be the best one yet. She just knew it.
Stephanie sat in her first period class, making sure that she had the report already done and ready to be picked up. She glanced over at Angelina who was doing the same and then at DeWayne who had his already out.
"Hey," Angelina whispered to her. "Where were you Saturday?"
Stephanie smiled. "I gave Nate an intervention. I think he hates me now."
"Oh." Angelina said quietly.
"You get to see your dream boy on stage?" Stephanie asked. Angelina blushed but nodded anyway. "You should be happy you didn't have to waste the day trying to get someone to stop smoking so much."
"I'm sure." Angelina replied. "Did you want to hangout today after school."
"I have something to do. I'm so close Angel, I just know it." Stephanie said. "Please don't think I'm not a real friend. I just…"
"Like him. I know." Angelina said. "Well, we can always go out for lunch, right?" Stephanie smiled and nodded. "Besides, you're my best friend."
"Thanks Angel." Stephanie said.
Laura handed the bottle towards Nathan who refused the drink.
Laura frowned. "What's up with you?"
"I just don't want anything to drink right now." Nathan answered.
"I think I know why." Damon said, gaining Laura's undivided attention. "Stephanie. She's got him whipped. Like he has to 'greet' her properly before they go off to wherever."
"Ah. How sweet?" Laura mocked. "Little Nathan has a girlfriend."
"We're not dating and back off before you'll be coughing up my toenails." Nathan replied.
Laura smirked. "Did I touch a sore subject?"
"No." Nathan said. "It's just the second time that you and Scooter have done this shit and it's getting annoying. Why don't you two go find someone to be with?" Laura and Damon exchange glances before smirking even more. "Oh that's right… No one likes Scooter and Jayden would rather be single than being with a heartless whore."
"Fuck you." Laura stated before taking a large gulp of the drink.
"Oh don't think I haven't heard about what happened earlier." Nathan said. "You kissed him? I thought you said that it was just a simple crush."
"What are you going to do? Sue me? Were you trying to date him?" Laura shot back. "Jesus Christ. You act like it's so wrong for a girl to kiss a guy."
"Since when have you been a-"
Laura's fist met Damon's groan before the sentence was finished and he collapsed onto the floor clutching the injured region. Laura took another gulp of the alcohol before glancing at Nathan.
"Anything else?" Laura asked.
Nathan smiled. "Nope. I'm good."
"That's what I thought." Laura said.
Judge Arthur Greene sat at the end of the table, Drew sitting on one side across from Jimmy. Steven sat in-between his father and Jimmy while Alli sat beside Drew.
"Mr. Torres," Mr. Greene said. "You do know the potential problem with you representing your daughter, right?"
"Your Honor, I've already taken that into question. I'm going to do it." Drew said.
"And what evidence do you have that this man physically abused her?" Mr. Greene asked.
"She told me as well as another boy, Jayden McDuelle." Drew replied. "It is also known that her friend, Dustin Hayes knows this information as well."
Mr. Greene gave a frown. "No marks?"
"…" Drew paused. "None that I saw."
"And what do you have to say?" Mr. Greene asked Jimmy.
Jimmy sighed. "First off, if Steven did it, then I'm deeply sorry for your daughter, Mr. Torres," Drew's eyes narrowed slightly. "However, I don't see any proof. If Mr. Torres can produce any evidence other than the standard hearsay then I would like to see it."
"There is the absence of any solid proof, Mr. Torres. If you shall find some proof, then you can send in those three named for testimonies." Mr. Greene stated.
"All I ask is for three days." Drew said. "In that time, I shall have my solid proof."
Mr. Greene shrugged. "I don't see anything wrong, Mr. Brooks?" Jimmy shook his head for no. "Then it's settled. You'll have three days to come up with anything solid and then we will see if you have a case or not. Adjourned."
"Good luck." Craig muttered to Drew as he, Ashley, and Steven walked out of the room, followed by two officers.
Jimmy waited for the judge to leave before addressing Drew.
"Hey," Jimmy said to Drew. "I'm really sorry about this, but I have to do my job."
"You didn't even have to accept the damn thing!" Drew retorted.
"Ash is a friend. I didn't know what it was until after I said yes." Jimmy stated. "Listen, Chandra and Vanessa are good friends and it would make me sleep better at night knowing that our daughters are safe. It could have been Vanessa in Chandra's position and it could have been me shouting at you trying to defend your former client." Drew sighed heavily. Jimmy had a strong point there. "While I can't just hand you the case over, I'll see if I can get Steven to take a bargain. Admit he did wrong and put him away a few months. Maybe get him put into another school."
"Thanks Jimmy. I owe you one." Drew said.
"I might be a great defense attorney, but I'm a father first." Jimmy said. "Remember that."
Jimmy left the room and Alli hugged Drew.
"Do you think you can find any evidence in time?" Alli asked.
"I won't sleep until I do." Drew replied.
After first period, Jayden made a beeline for Dakota or where Dakota should be. He found her after she had separated from Kelly, which was good. He wanted to talk to her alone.
"Dash," Dakota stopped and looked at Jayden. "I have to ask you something."
"What is it?" Dakota asked.
"Earlier today," Jayden said. "Laura told me that she loved me. Do you know anything about that?"
Dakota sighed. "Jay, I'm going to be honest with you. I suspected it a while ago and she only confirmed it to me last night."
"She's good." Jayden muttered.
"This isn't your stupid game Jayden." Dakota said. "She told me that she was going to quit and tell you how she felt before ignoring you."
Jayden sighed. "So she was actually being honest."
"You didn't believe her?" Dakota asked. Jayden shook his head before putting a hand on his head. "Jay I know that you're-"
"Dammit!" Jayden cursed as he punched a locker.
Dakota flinched at the impact before Jayden sighed again.
"I'm okay." Jayden said. "I just… Why didn't I believe her Dakota? All this time I'm sitting here wishing and hoping that she'd say it and then when she does, I don't believe her. Have I always been this blinded by pride?"
"Well," Dakota said with a smile. "There was this one time you made a bet with Shane that you would walk into the girls' bathroom and you did even with a teacher tailing you."
Jayden grinned lightly. "You always know what to say."
"Sometimes." Dakota said. "Jayden, give her some time to calm down, alright? And, when you do say something to her, believe what she's saying. She doesn't know how to express herself like we do so give her time."
Jayden nodded. "Right. Now, I have to go to my neighbors' class. Coach Blue will be angry at me if I'm absent and Helen and Scarlett will be twice as pissed if I'm tardy."
Dakota frowned. "Shouldn't that be-"
"Don't ask." Jayden interrupted. "See you for lunch."
"Right." Dakota said before he walked away. "Good luck Jay."
"You know Stephanie," Deanna said to the girl as the two walked down the halls. "It's rumored that you've been around some Degrassi guy. Who is it?"
"Who says that?" Stephanie asked.
"I said-" Deanna was cut off when she ran into Tevin. "Watch it."
"Uh, I was, um, just going to class. See you later." the boy said as he walked away.
"I wonder what that was about?" Stephanie said as the two rounded a corner to see Mercedes and DeWayne making out by DeWayne's locker. "Oh…"
"Well, well," Deanna said. "Look who finally got back together." DeWayne quickly broke away from Mercedes. "Don't stop on my account dear brother."
"Deanna don't make a big deal about this, alright? If Scarlett hears-"
"I doubt you were thinking of Scarlett a few minutes ago." Deanna interjected. "Carry on if you'd like. I won't tell. Now."
DeWayne said nothing as his twin walked away with a small smirk on her face. He glanced at Mercedes and Stephanie and their faces said it all. Deanna had a way to break DeWayne and Scarlett up. Now it was just a matter of time before she told the world.
Chandra and Vanessa watched as Ashton and Gabrielle worked with one another in a very odd fashion. While Ashton appeared to be quite submissive to Gabrielle's suggestion, she seemed to doubt herself on everything, unlike a week ago where if she was wrong or doubted herself he either gave her the correct answer and encouraged her to go on or went along with her idea in the first place giving her his full support.
"Am I the only one that doesn't get all weird around my ex?" Vanessa asked. Chandra shifted a bit and Vanessa immediately spoke up. "Sorry. Didn't mean that."
"No problem." Chandra said. "Saturday night was great, wasn't it?"
"Yeah. I'm only sorry that Brie didn't go." Vanessa stated. "Black Mist is awesome!"
"Yeah!" Chandra replied happily. So long as she thought of anything else, she could subdue her feelings for Steven. And she was going to change the topic until the end of time. "And it was my first time actually seeing Jayden perform. He was great too."
"They all were." Vanessa said.
Chandra smiled. "How could I forget Jacob?"
"Whatever Bambi." Vanessa said. "I still say it was nice of A.J to invite you. I thought he was going to get Brie."
"Yeah. But what's up with him and Jordan? Earlier when I saw her earlier, she said that he was mad at her." Chandra said. "A.J's never mad at Jordan. Think about it. All the annoying things she has said, he's always defended her. She must've done something big."
Vanessa shrugged. "I don't know. And frankly, I don't want to."
"Right." Chandra said.
Jayden eyed Helen and Scarlett at their own easels suspiciously. The two had been whispering all day and it was starting to bother him. What were they talking about?
"Just tell him." Helen whispered.
"And what? Expect him to say the same thing?" Scarlett replied in a quiet tone. "I just want to forget it."
"You slept with the boy. In his own backyard!" Helen retorted. "You've been thinking about him all weekend and to be honest, I wouldn't put DeWayne over Jayden in the first place." Scarlett scoffed. "But, I'm being serious. The dreams, the crazy déjà vu, and let's be honest, people like him just don't go away."
"But… What about this Angelina girl, huh? Danni's told me that he took her on one of those 'not dates' thing." Scarlett said.
"Oh… The tour of Toronto." Helen said. "But didn't you do that to Jayden?"
Scarlett frowned. "Why do you think I'm trying not to think about him?"
"Scar, you're always…" Helen paused as she saw Jayden coming towards them. "What do you want neighbor?"
"Just looking at your picture." Jayden said. "So what are you two talking about?"
"None of your business." Helen stated. "How about you tell us what's up with Laura kissing you earlier?"
"I asked first." Jayden replied. Helen glared at him. "What? You think your little cheap eye trick is going to get me to say it? Tell me what you're talking about and I'll tell you what that was about."
Scarlett sighed. "Don't tell us then."
"Fine. But I'm sure you really want to know." Jayden said.
"You're right. I do. So tell me." Helen said.
"You first." Jayden responded.
Helen and Scarlett looked at one another before Scarlett held up a finger towards Helen. Helen's eyes widened slightly, thinking her cousin was going to tell Jayden.
"I had a dream about you. Your turn." Scarlett said.
"But that-"
"You asked what we were talking about and that's it. That was the deal, right? Now, your turn." Scarlett interrupted.
Jayden sighed. "I should start using better words in deals… Oh well. It was her move." Scarlett and Helen frowned. "You know? Human chess? My favorite game? Well, that's what she did to get back at me."
Helen smirked. "If that was it, I'd say you've lost. Your reputation is wrecked."
"Well that's where most people are wrong. I don't care about the opinions of others anymore." Jayden said. "If that's what she was targeting, then she missed. Badly."
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" Scarlett asked.
Jayden smiled. "Win. Isn't that what I always go for?"
"But wouldn't that just-"
"Uh-uh. You asked a question and I answered. That's your one free question." Jayden stated. "Now, tell me what we did in this dream?"
"Um…" Scarlett said.
"Jayden," Coach Blue said. "Don't you have a picture to finish?"
"I'm going." Jayden said before looking at Scarlett. "Lucky."
Scarlett smiled as Jayden walked towards his easel. She then dropped the smile and gave a breath of relief.
"Too close." Scarlett said.
"Right." Helen said.
After second period, Jordan caught up to Aaron before anyone else could.
"Will you talk to me?" Jordan asked.
"Sure. What do you want to talk about?" Aaron replied.
"I'm sorry A.J. I'm really, really sorry." Jordan said. "Please, don't be mad at me."
"You lied to me and cheated on me in one night. Just how do you think I feel?" Aaron said. "I… I don't want to look at you now, but I have to." Jordan pouted. "That's not working on me Jordan."
"Oh come on. You took Chandra to the show." Jordan replied.
"And?" Aaron questioned.
"Your crush on her is so obvious that I'm surprised that she hasn't picked up on it." Jordan said. "I bet she was your first choice."
"No. She was my last choice." Aaron informed his ex. "You were my first and Brie was my second. You were 'sick' and Brie wanted to spend time with her dad. If Jayden hadn't suggested the idea-"
"Jayden? Why would he suggest it?" Jordan cut off.
"Because of what Steven did to her, remember? He wanted to give her a good day out and that's what we did." Aaron stated. "Which wouldn't have been possible if you would have came in the first place."
Jordan sighed. "Please forgive me A.J."
"I do." Aaron said. "Doesn't mean that I'll forget what you did though. And I don't think we should see each other anymore. Like, dating."
"Fine." Jordan said. "I'm really sorry though."
"I bet." Aaron replied before walking away.
As Aaron walked off, he idly thought that he was slowly changing into Jayden. That somewhere within himself, he felt bad that Chandra had given him a kiss on the cheek, despite it being a friendly gesture. On a lower scale, it was the same thing between Jayden, Scarlett, and Laura. The girl, the boy, and two outside forces. The girl gets caught cheating while the boy gets away with it.
"No," Aaron said to himself. "I'm not like that. Not at all."
Emma smiled as Maxwell handed her some coffee.
"Thanks Max." Emma said before looking across the table at Manny. "So you guys are going to California to celebrate Christmas?"
"Yeah. His mom stays in Beverly Hills so we're going to visit her on Christmas Eve and then spend Christmas at our place in Newport." Manny explained. "You know, since we've moved here, the kids have been real patient in us moving back. Snow is like a new discovery to them."
Emma nodded. "I see. But you'll call right? It won't be Christmas without my best friend."
"Of course." Manny said with a smile. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Hey Dimples, I'm going to step out for a second. I'll be back in an hour." Maxwell said.
"Sure babe." Manny stated as he left the kitchen. "So, Sean at the garage?" Emma nodded. "Figures."
"Yeah. He's trying to calm down." Emma said. "I don't know what has gotten into that girl lately. Faking sick and then sneaking out of the house to a party."
"Didn't you sneak off to-"
"That was different." Emma quickly interrupted. Manny only smiled. "Anyway, something is wrong with Jordan. And at first, I almost snapped on A.J too until I realized that he was at the show with another girl."
Manny nodded. "Some girl named Chandra Torres, Jayden's personal stalker. When he was dating Helen, that's all she ever talked about. Killing Bambi." Manny stood up and walked towards the refrigerator. "She got beat by Craig's son and they were trying to make her feel better."
"Really?" Emma asked and Manny nodded once more. "Wow. Ashton right?"
"No. Steven." Manny said retrieving a large bowl of fruit salad from the refrigerator. "Somehow the two were dating and he snapped. Like father like son I guess."
"Manny," Emma began. "How can you say that? Who's to say what could have happened if you did end up with Craig and he did that to you?"
"But it didn't." Manny said handing Emma a fork and placing the bowl in front of them. "My husband is a genius with this stuff. Don't eat too much or you might be too drunk to drive home."
Emma frowned. "You spiked the fruit salad?" Manny smiled and nodded. "What if your kids eat this?"
"They won't. Danni might, but the others won't." Manny said taking a forkful of fruit into her mouth. "God I need that."
"Why?" Emma asked.
"My dad." Manny replied. "All of this 'Jayden should be worried about his school stuff and not his band' is really getting on my nerves." Manny paused. "I guess my dad just hates Max that much that Jayden acting like Max pisses him off."
"But that's his son." Emma said before eating some fruit. "You're right. This is good."
"Yeah." Manny said. "I guess… I guess I'm just worried about him." Emma raised her eyebrows. "Jayden that is."
"Why?" Emma asked, still eating the fruit salad.
Manny shrugged. "Yesterday, he seemed lost. Like, Renée would be taunting him and he'd ignore her. I don't think he did it on purpose, but the damage was basically done. And Jayden never ignores the twins. He's give them more attention than himself."
"You think he's in some kind of trouble?" Emma questioned.
"I don't know what to think. I just have a bad feeling." Manny said before removing the bowl from Emma.
"Hey!" Emma protested.
"Share!" Manny said before putting the bowl back and began eating the salad. "Anyway, like I said, I just worry about him. Scarlett's got him messed up, you know?"
"Ain't that the truth? Every time I see Shane and Nicky together, I have a feeling that she's going to get him to do something stupid. Like drugs or sex." Emma said. "Or both. Who knows what she's thinking?"
"Who knows?" Manny repeated as the two continued eating.
The bell rang for lunch and for the second time today, Jayden was on a search. This time his target was Laura. Many students whispered things as he walked by, but again, he had little to no care about them.
"Laura!" he called once she was in his sight. He was surprised when she actually stopped and looked at him. "Laura… I'm sorry I didn't believe you." Laura did not say anything, just staring at him. "I do believe you. And… I feel the same. I really do." She was still silent. "Say something."
"I don't believe you." Laura said.
"What? You don't believe me? What do I have to do to prove it?" Jayden asked.
Laura shrugged. "I don't know. You think of something."
Jayden sighed. "Come on. Don't make this harder than it already is." Laura frowned. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Then what the hell did you mean?" Laura asked angrily.
"Just be with me. Hit me all day. Call me a loser all day. Just be with me. Period." Jayden said.
Laura laughed a bit. "Are you begging me? Wow. You must be desperate."
"I'm not desperate. I just want you. Period." Jayden replied. "And you love me so why not just-"
"Because I don't believe you. Simple." Laura said. "Like I said, it's you with the problem. Not me. I've already admitted what I feel."
Jayden sighed heavily. "Tell me what I have to do to make it up to you. Anything."
"Well," Laura said. "I want you to find someway to undo what you did to me. And eventually come to terms that what I feel for you is real. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to return those feelings. Genuinely and not for sex either."
"You're not just going to take an apology, a kiss, and then forgive me?" Jayden asked.
Laura smiled. "You're cute, but not that cute. You owe me big McDuelle and I want you to pay up."
"Fine. I'll do what you said. And then what?" Jayden said. "Do I come to you on my hands and knees begging you to go out with me? Do I let you write on my chest that I'm your property?"
"No." Laura stated. "If you haven't forgotten dumbass, I'm a girl. A normal girl. I don't do that dominatrix shit."
"So then what?" Jayden questioned.
"I don't know." Laura answered. "Look, I'm still having a hard time figuring it out why it is that I want to kiss you instead of kill you. There's got to be some reason."
"Listen," Jayden said. "I'm seconds away from just walking away. You're not giving me much help and you're telling me everything that I don't want to know." Laura glared at him. "Just tell me what you want. A ring? A car? Hell, a house? Just tell me and I will try everything in my power to get it. I just need this to stop. Now."
"I have a better idea." Laura said. "How about you go somewhere else? I told you earlier, I'm not going anywhere with you."
Jayden was going to reply but Laura's finger came to his lips. She shook her head with a smile before walking away. Jayden then turned to the ceiling once more.
"Someone's getting a kick out of this." Jayden muttered to himself. "And when I find out who, I will get even. Someway and somehow."
The table where Jordan normally sat was beyond quiet today. Ashton sat elsewhere as well as Aaron. Gabrielle sat quietly while Chandra and Vanessa talked quietly. Jordan also sat quietly, half-listening to Chandra's conversation and half-listening to everyone else around her.
"…to A.J. Hello! Jordan!" Jordan blinked before looking at Chandra. "I said what did you do to A.J? He's like super mad at you."
"Why don't you go ask him yourself?" Jordan shot back, not really in the mood for Chandra today.
"Fine. I will." Chandra said standing up. "Coming Vanessa?"
"Uh… I'd rather not." Vanessa stated.
"Brie? He is your best friend." Chandra said.
"Sure Chandra." Gabrielle said. "I'll find out Jordan, alright?"
Jordan nodded. She knew why Aaron was mad at her and really did not want anyone else to know. If Aaron wanted them to know, then it was his right. Though, Jordan doubted that he would tell Chandra anything. Then again…
"Um," Vanessa said to Jordan. "I'm going to see what's up with Ashton. You'll be okay by yourself, right?"
"Sure." Jordan said before Vanessa left.
Jordan sat alone for the first time this year thinking. Was it really worth it?
Yeah. It was.
Dakota and Kelly watched their friend sit down with a tired fashion. Jayden lied his head on the table.
"I hate today." Jayden muttered.
"What's wrong?" Kelly asked.
"If I had the time to go down a list I would." Jayden stated. "Where's Shane?"
"Give a guess." Kelly said thumbing towards Nicole's table.
"Lucky…"Jayden muttered.
"Did you talk to Laura?" Dakota asked.
Jayden sighed. "I don't… Wait a sec. You." Dakota frowned. "You would know what I have to do, wouldn't you?"
"What are you talking about?" Dakota questioned.
"How can I get her to forgive me? You know, right?" Jayden said. Dakota shook her head. "Damn she's good."
"I'm lost." Kelly said.
"Don't worry about it." Jayden said. "Just, don't worry about it."
Nicole smiled. "No Shane, we're not running away to your dad's cabin before school let's out."
"You two are hopeless, you know that?" Helen said. "Why not just wait like normal people?"
"Because my mom hates it when Nicky and I are home alone, therefore, the only time we can be alone is when we sneak off." Shane stated. "Duh."
"I got your duh." Helen shot back with a glare.
"Helen, leave them alone." Scarlett said. "Worry about your problems."
"If you haven't noticed, I don't have problems. That's why I help you all with yours." Helen said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Get with the program Scar."
"Hey Jackie, isn't your dance recital Thursday?" Nicole asked.
Jacquelyn nodded. "Yeah."
"We should go." Nicole said to Shane who gave her an uneasy look. "Oh that's right… You'll be at work." Nicole then smiled at Jacquelyn. "I'll go then. Like always."
"Like always." Jacquelyn said with a grin.
Aaron sat at a table outside of the building with Dustin. He listened to Dustin's story on how Dustin and Marc became friends. While Aaron had little to no care about how it came to be, he was at least satisfied that Dustin was not trying to bully some kid for their lunch money anymore.
"There you are!" Chandra said in a hysterical voice. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"
Aaron frowned. "For me? Why?"
"Well," Chandra said. "You've been angry with Jordan for the first time in ever all day long and I just wanted to know why."
Dustin frowned as he looked at Aaron. "You didn't tell them?"
"Nope." Aaron said. "But… Jordan went to the Fitzgerald's party Saturday."
"She was sick, wasn't she?" Gabrielle asked.
"That's what I thought too. But she went there and then kissed Tevin." Aaron stated causing Gabrielle's eyes to widen. "Yeah, Ashton had a pretty good reason to hate the guy. I just feel bad that I didn't have as much hate as him."
Chandra scoffed. "You can't hate anyone. You're like emotionally impaired to hate."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment or insult?" Aaron asked.
"Compliment. Boy A.J, to be so smart you're really stupid." Chandra said sitting beside Dustin. "So did you break up with her?"
"…Yeah…" Aaron answered. "Why?"
"No reason." Chandra said.
"I… I have to go." Gabrielle said before walking off.
Aaron sighed. "Good grief. I'll-"
"I'll go talk to her." Dustin said giving Aaron a look. "Just worry about," Dustin motioned his head towards Chandra. "You know."
With that, Dustin stood up and walked away, walking after Gabrielle.
"What was that about?" Chandra asked.
"I don't know. Honestly." Aaron said. "I just want today to be over with. Then again, I don't have really know what I'm going to do this afternoon since…"
Chandra smiled softly. "At least your breakup wasn't as bad as mine."
Aaron smiled sadly. "No. It wasn't. How are you handling it?"
"I… I still have dreams but my dad's going to send him away." Chandra said.
"Does that help?" Aaron asked.
"Sort of but…" Chandra paused. "Let's just worry about your problems first before moving onto that, okay?"
"Sure Bambi." Aaron said.
Gabrielle found her way to the gym, closely followed by Dustin.
"Why'd you come here?" Dustin asked.
"It's where I go when… How could I be so stupid?" Gabrielle asked.
"I have no clue on what you're talking about," Dustin said. "But A.J would want me to help you so here I am. Trying to redeem myself."
Gabrielle sighed. "Ashton was right about him. Tevin. And I didn't listen and so he broke up with me."
"Oh. Wow, I've always known Ashton to be a little cold but that was ruthless." Dustin responded.
"It's my fault." Gabrielle said. "I knew I shouldn't have tried to stand up to Ashton. What was I thinking trying to become braver?"
"You know, you blame yourself too much too." Dustin said. "Brie, I know how hard it is to be something you're not. And you're not doing that right now. You are brave."
"How would you know?" Gabrielle asked.
"Take it from someone who has had friends with the weirdest of them, okay? I know a fake person when I see one and you're not one of them." Dustin said. Dustin sat down on the bleachers. "Come on. I'll tell you all the fake people in the school and you can see how you compare with them, okay?"
"Um…" Gabrielle replied.
"It'll get your mind off of Ashton. Trust me." Dustin said.
Gabrielle sighed. "Sure."
After school, Damon followed Nathan once again where Stephanie was waiting as normal. She smiled and waved at Nathan, and Nathan smiled in return.
"Hey." Nathan said.
Stephanie's smile grew. "A greeting eye-to-eye where I didn't have to snap your attention from elsewhere."
"It's been a good day." Nathan said. "So, where to today?"
"Um, I don't know." Stephanie said before she looked at Damon. "Hi Scooter."
"Hey…" Damon said. "Hey, Nate, I'll let you two be you today. I have something to do elsewhere."
"Are you sure?" Nathan asked.
"Positive." Damon said. "Besides, I overheard that… Well, don't worry about it. I just have something else to do."
"Okay. See you later then." Nathan said before Damon nodded and walked away. "Weird."
As Damon walked away, he began to feel sorry for Nathan. Girls somehow brought out the worst of his friend. It was sad to hear that Nathan had actually greeted Stephanie but worse that Nathan did not ogle the busty girl.
Then again, here Damon was thinking about going to Jacquelyn's dance recital. So maybe he Nathan was not the only pathetic person here.
Even if Jacquelyn did look better that Stephanie.
Helen smiled. "Yeah, every time you come by."
"Well why don't you get a normal mattress like everyone else?" Jayden asked as he sat on Helen's bed. "Seriously Helen, waterbeds are evil."
"Evil?" Helen asked with her eyebrows raised.
"This I have to hear." Scarlett said leaning against Helen's door.
"Think about it. Danni had a waterbed when she was ten and she became evil. You've had one almost all of your life. And you've been mean to everyone." Jayden said with a small shrug. "Simple deduction."
"Well it's wrong." Helen said. "And shouldn't you be getting home? It's seven o'clock."
"Right." Jayden said rising before Helen's laptop screen lit up. "You've got mail."
"I wonder what it is. Probably my mom telling me something about those annoying twins of hers." Helen said as she sat on her bed with her laptop. "Or it could be another blog."
"No way." Jayden said sitting beside his ex.
"Scar, you have to read this." Helen stated.
Scarlett moved from the door and climbed onto the bed on the other side of Helen to avoid another moment with Jayden like Saturday night. Helen frowned as she began to read the blog.
"'Not many realize the gift of deception and what it can do. For this blog, I won't use any names as last time it sent the world into chaos. But back to the story.
Deception is the one thing in the entire world that can break the most stubborn people. For example, one couple- or should I say a couple of people- had one night of passion, one night where they were one, and yet the one that wielded deception first was able to let go of her partner in just a snap. She has deceived her partner into loving her just to break him like the cold heartless bitch she is.
And women aren't the only ones that can use deception to its fullness. Why, just today did the worst of deception happen. When one boy, who had given his 'love' his full 'faith', met his old flame and reignited it. And where was his so-called love at? Well, she was at her own school where she belongs. Oh sweet victory.
Finally, there are two people in particular that have been avoiding any and all truth. While one is known to be completely ruthless and rude, the other is known to be kind and loving. Yet, the two have a growing bond as clear as day. Why won't they admit it, I will never know. But one thing is for sure. They like one another.
This message wasn't to tell a story, it was to make the people more aware of who they 'love'. Trust comes with time and rushing into a relationship stops trust from building. Remember, what 'love' you may feel for someone could be lust. Take your time and figure it out.'" Helen concluded. "This chick is annoying! Who is she?"
"I don't know but… I should be getting home. I'll call you guys after I consult with Shane about this." Jayden said standing up. "See you tomorrow."
With that, the boy left Helen's room.
"You think the first part was about him?" Helen asked as Scarlett took out her cell phone.
"I don't know. But I know one person who shouldn't be in this thing at all." Scarlett said.
DeWayne answered his cell phone. "Yeah?"
"Hey. Have you read that blog?" Scarlett asked.
"Yeah. Poor Mary-Jane." DeWayne said.
"What?" Scarlett replied.
"That guy that's cheating. It's Tyler." DeWayne explained. "I feel bad for her, you know?"
"Oh… Yeah, Tyler." Scarlett said. "Um, I have to go help my mom with something. Call you right back?"
"Sure. Bye." DeWayne said before Scarlett hung up. DeWayne glanced at Mercedes, who was putting her shirt on. "This is the last time."
"Sure it is. See you tomorrow." Mercedes responded as she left his room.
DeWayne gritted his teeth as his eyes became angered and annoyed. There was only one person he could think of that would do this. And that one person was strangely not home at the current time, building more suspicion.
"Deanna." DeWayne muttered.
