Chapter 10:

Brian had gotten to the cafeteria late because of a quick meeting for the Math club and he knew everything would be pretty picked over. He didn't feel much like eating anyway, Brian was more interested in seeing if Andrew and Claire were hanging with their "friends" or were on good terms with Allison and John again. Brian turned and walked out of the cafeteria and stopped right in his tracks when he saw John getting into his locker. John shut his locker and spotted Brian. John gave his trademark stare. Brian gave a small smile and waved. John amused, mimicked Brian. Brian decided to walk closer to him.

Brian: Hey uh, John John: Hey, uh Brian. Brian: What's up? (nods toward the locker) You had to get something?

John just stares.

Brian: Right (looks down) you have fun Sunday? John (shrugs and starts to walk with Brian following) Sunday was ok, I guess. Better than being locked in this establishment or some stupid richy party. Yours? Brian: Oh well pretty good you know, my mom, made me study though, I didn't though, not a whole lot, kinda play uh played my computer. John: You rebel!

They go to turn down the hall and run into Claire. Both John and Claire eyes widened and looked at each other.

Brian (looking back and forth between the two and then at Claire): Oh hi Claire. Claire: Hi.. (Quietly) Hey John John (icily feigns shock) you remember my name Princess?

Behind John and Brain appear Sadie and Amy.

Amy: Claire there you are! Sadie: We've been looking all over for you! Andy and Stubby got into this fight in. (Looking over Brian and John) oh. did we interrupt you and your friends?

Claire looked at John and Brian. She finally saw John and had him in front of her. This was her chance to prove to John, and Brian, and herself, she wasn't conceited. Brian saved Claire from having to answer.

Brian: Andy got into a fight? Sadie: You know Andy Clark?

Claire thought she owed Brian this

Claire: Yeah he does, Brian was in with us Saturday, so was John. Amy (mutters) figures. (To Sadie in a low voice) When isn't he?

Sadie snickers.

Claire was so disgusted right then. Before she even fully knew what she was doing, she spoke with a hint of anger, disgust and power in her voice.

Claire (sarcastic laugh): Oh that's right, Amy, you would know that, being you were in detention what 2 or 3 times earlier this year for being caught smoking and making out with Billy Matthews in the dugout on the baseball field?

Being taken down a few pegs. Amy looked at Claire with shock and embarrassment. Sadie looked back and forth between Amy and Claire, Amy because of the whole Billy Matthews thing, Matthews also wasn't really worthy of the popular crowd either. Claire for talking like that, Sadie had known Claire for a long time and had never seen or heard her be this way.

John was really shocked by what Claire had just done. He had hoped she get her act together with them but had lost hope on Saturday night. John had to admit, he admired her what she just did.

John (starting to laugh): Billy Matthews? Wow I guess you richy's don't have that much taste huh?

Amy's face quickly got red with embarrassment and anger. She threw a dirty look at Claire and turned on her heel. Sadie, looking a little angrily at Claire and John followed Amy down the hall.

Brian (with a huge grin) Oh man Claire! I have to say that was pretty funny. Claire (with a small smile): Thanks.

Claire looked at John, searching his face for a reaction to what she did.

Brian noticing Claire and John looking at each other decided this was his cue.

Brian: Well... I got to. do um a thing so .. ..See you guys later. (Quickly turns down the hall)

Claire: He's subtle

John just looked at her

Claire: What? (John continues to look) You're not gonna say anything about what happened? John: Like what? Congratulations on growing a backbone? Claire (little smile): it's a start. John: Yeah then what?

Claire responded with a kiss. John broke away with a slight smile.

John: You better be careful, your little buddies might come looking for you again. Claire: And? John: So what did make you do it? Claire (shrugs) Fed up I guess. Look about Saturday night. John: Forget it. Claire: No I'm. I'm sorry. It shouldn't of happened. I had more faith in those people than I should have. John: Yeah well it wasn't just them. Claire: I know, I'm not saying I was innocent but. I don't want to be like them.

Claire grabs John's arm and starts to lead him down the hall.

John: So what exactly do you think will happen or do you want to happen? Claire: Well I just alienated two of my friends who I'm sure are busy telling the others who I was with again so (with a mischievous smile) I guess I'll have to hang out with you sorry ***. Problem? John (smiles): And if they decide to forgive you?

Claire just stops walking and looks down? John thought she was rethinking what she just did and sad. John started to say "I thought so Princess" but Claire looked up and kissed him again. Claire: Well then I guess too bad. You want to go see what happened with Andy? John (shrugs): Yeah, let's go see what happened to poor Sporto.

Claire smiles and they continue down the hall together.



Ok not the best ending to the chapter, but I was writing this late and it's all I could come up with. Well like I said I really hope you all like this. PLEASE CONTINUE READING AND PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING!! :o) P.s.: I'm sorry for the words bunching up I don't know why that happened Oh! Just in case you guys might be wondering why I rated this PG_13 but don't have a whole lot of swearing in it or anything. I did that to give me some room just in case. Ok :o)