Chapter 12: Purple Blaze by Star

Taz's POV

How could she? How could she do that to me?

I had been talking to Fulton, he was looking for Adam Banks. The name rang a bell I thought he was a friend of Maya's. Turns out, he's a lot more than that.

I looked across the quad and saw Adam-the-girlfriend-stealing-scumbag-Banks in deep lip lock with my girlfriend.

And now I'm sitting in our room—yeah, Adam, our room—crying my eyes out. I feel like trashing something, but there's nothing left to break. Anything that would make a satisfying smashing noise has already been broken during our pillow fights.

I can't believe she'd do this to me. We've been together for a year. We've never had any problems… or at least, I didn't think so.

"Taz?"

I didn't hear her come in. I bury my face in my knees, not wanting to look at her. I've loved her for so long, I can't believe she'd throw away what we had. Not for him.

I'm not just being dumped, I'm being dumped for another gender.

And it hurts more than I could imagine.

"Taz," her voice is soft, and her hands softer as she takes me in her arms.

I push her away, but she doesn't give up.

"He kissed me, honey. Not the other way around."

"Leave me alone," I croak out. My nose is all stuffy and my head hurts from crying.

"Taz, it wasn't my fault. I was as shocked as you. That's the first and last time Adam's kissed me. I promise you."

"You're not seeing him?" I ask hopefully, meeting her eyes. I have to be the biggest pushover in the world. But I trust Maya, she's never lied to me before. Of course, she's never kissed a guy before either.

She snorts. "No. Never. You know I don't like guys. You're the only one for me."

"So why did he kiss you?" I ask.

She shrugs and brushes my hair out of my eyes. "I don't know. I think he was trying to make someone jealous or something. He looked really upset, barely said two words to me, then grabbed me and kissed me. It was nothing, I swear on my life."

"So, you're not leaving me?"

"Did I leave you when you painted that big purple butterfly on the wall and landed us detention for a month—complete with repainting duties? Did I leave you when you carved my name into your desk and I got the blame? This is nothing in comparison. I'm not going anywhere, Taz. You're stuck with me," she tells me with a smile.

I wrap my arms around her. "I thought you'd decided that you wanted a guy."

She laughs softly. "Why would I want a guy? They're far too much hassle. I love you, Taz."

"I love you too, Maya," I say, greatly relieved.

She kisses me on the forehead. "Besides, if I left you, who'd take you to the butterfly garden on a regular basis. Not everyone can sit and stare at butterflies for hours. I'm special," she teases. "It's a sign we should be together."

Her comment suddenly makes me ask, "Is that boring for you?"

She grins, and drops a kiss on the tip of my nose. "No. You get to watch the butterflies, and I get to see the expression on your face."

I smile again. She makes a great girlfriend. "So you're still taking me to the dance?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Just checking you're not trading me in for another model," I say, my usual humor beginning to return.

"Taz, you're perfect. What could possibly be better than that?"

Ok, I'm totally won over. I'm also thinking I'm going to get to choose the movie we rent tonight to make up.

"So, I'm forgiven?" she asks me.

I nod and smile, "Sure thing."

I have forgiven Maya.

She hasn't asked if I've forgiven Adam Banks.

That would have to be a big fat no.

"Hansen! McDonald!"

We turn cautiously. Hell, it's Mrs. Benson. She's… well, I'm not sure exactly who she is or what she does. Her main hobby is catching people who should be in class and handing out detentions.

We reluctantly take our slips.

I sigh. And here was me thinking I'd get to rent the movie of my choice tonight and then settle down for post-fight snuggles with my girl.

Life is unfair. This wouldn't happen to us if we were jocks.

They're never on detention. They get special treatment.