Hey......I'm sorry about the wait.......so sorry!
I tried to get the chapter up on Tuesday but I was dead tired, work is draining everything out of me but here it is, 18 pages long and enjoy! the next chapter may take a while but once sept starts things will slow down and I can keep up
Justine
Friday: Graduation Day
Amanda dragged herself out of bed, yawning she stretched and started her way out of the room to be met by the smell of breakfast rising from the kitchen. Slowly she made her way downstairs to find Scott setting a plate on the table of waffles topped his strawberries and whipped cream with toast.
"Good morning,"said Scott.
"Yeah yeah,"mumbled Amanda as she plunked down in the chair. Picking up her fork she broke off a piece of the waffle and shoved it in her mouth.
"So are you excited about today?"asked Scott as he sat down across from her with a cup of coffee.
"Just peeing myself,"said Amanda sarcastically.
"What do you plan on doing for the summer?"asked Scott.
"Getting a tan,"said Amanda still focused on her food.
"What about school or a job?"asked Scott.
"No thanks,"said Amanda,"I spent the last thirteen years in school, and I'll deal with the job thing at the end of summer, I just want to relax and have some time off."
"Well it may be something you want to consider,"said Scott. Amanda nodded as she kept eating. After finishing her breakfast she made her way upstairs to get ready, she knew she had look nice but dressing up and everything wasn't exactly what she wanted to do. Slowly she searched through her closet for something to wear, she pulled a light blue jeans out and threw them on her bed.
"Now a top,"muttered Amanda as the phone started ringing,"Who the hell is calling this early?" She walked over to the nightstand and grabbed the phone.
"Hello,"
"Hey it's Kare, what are you wearing?"
"Right now? A tank top and sweatpants, are you turned on?"asked Amanda.
"Funny, but serious what are you wearing today?"asked Karen.
"So far my baby blue jeans,"said Amanda.
"What about a top?"asked Karen.
"I dunno, I was looking for one,"said Amanda.
"Can I borrow your white sweater, the sleeveless one?"asked Karen.
"You're not going to have time to change at school,"said Amanda.
"No problem,"said Karen.
"Kare where are you?"asked Amanda looking out her window.
"About to ring your doorbell,"said Karen.
"Okay,"said Amanda huffing before she hung up the phone. She left her room and went downstairs as the doorbell sounded. Walking up to the door Scott looked at her from the family room.
"Karen,"said Amanda before she opened the door to find Karen wearing a pair of sweats and a tee.
"Nice outfit,"said Amanda sarcastically as Karen walked in.
"Can I borrow the sweater?"asked Karen.
"Yes,"said Amanda,"It's upstairs."
"Good morning Karen,"said Scott walking into the hallway.
"Morning Mr.Guber,"said Karen as Amanda started leading her up the stairs. Karen walked up the stairs behind her and into Amanda's room.
"The sweater is in the closet,"said Amanda.
"So today is the big day huh?"asked Karen as she walked to the closet.
"Yeah I guess,"said Amanda walking over to the closet as well.
"Excited?"asked Karen as she shifted through the hangers for the sweater.
"Not really, I kinda got a feeling,"said Amanda as she grabbed a hanger from the closet. On it was a slightly fuzzy baby pink tank top with matching sweater coat. She grabbed the white sweater from the closer and handed it to Karen before pulling off her tank top.
"What kind of feeling?"asked Karen.
"I dunno, my stomach feels crazy like something is not going to go right today,"said Amanda as she pulled on a white bra and did her deodorant.
"It's just anxiety, calm down, you two have done it,"said Karen,"You have successfully dated a teacher."
"Well atleast I know it'll go away by the end of the day,"said Amanda.
"Exactly, and you better go home with Harry and fuck his brains out or I'm gonna beat you senseless,"said Karen,"Then steal him from you." Amanda stuck her tongue out at her as she pulled on the tank top and straightened it out.
At noon the graduating class walked out of the sweat box gym from the ceremonies and to their homerooms to drop off their gowns then they were finally free. Immediately Amanda unzipped her gown and took the polyester cloak of hell off and draped it over her arm. In her other hand was her folder with her diploma, Marty was somewhere behind her but she wasn't waiting up for him. As of now she wasn't not a student of Winslow anymore, her and Harry could have sex in the middle of the gym and they couldn't say anything about a teacher student relationship. Running her hand through her hair she walked swiftly down the hall to her homeroom, behind her she could hear her name being called out. Looking over her shoulder she seen Marty jogging to catch up with her.
"Slow down,"said Marty as he came up along side her.
"I want to get rid of this gown,"said Amanda,"I'm not a student anymore."
"Oh and now we can have sex with Harry whenever you want and flaunt your relationship to the world,"said Marty sarcastically,"How could I forget?"
"Aw Mart are you jealous of Harry?"asked Amanda poking his shoulder.
"No, but he's dating my girl,"said Marty throwing an arm around Amanda's shoulders,"I'm protective over you."
"I betcha are,"said Amanda elbowing him lightly. Marty was definately one person she was going to miss, he was going to Los Angeles for the summer to visit family as a grad present, for the summer she was going to be lost, of course she had Harry but Marty was different he was like her best friend, her sister, her everything.
"Don't go to California,"whinned Amanda leaning in to him.
"I'll be back,"said Marty.
"Too long,"said Amanda,"Stay here, we'll hide you at Harry's, you're parents will never know."
"So you can have sex with him and then come and tell me about it?"asked Marty.
"No, cause I love you,"said Amanda,"You're my number one buddy."
"I'll call,"said Marty.
"Stay."
"I'll send postcards and write you,"said Marty.
"Fine, but don't you go finding another girl in California,"said Amanda,"You're mine."
"And if I want to date?"asked Marty.
"Then I will select her and approve of her,"said Amanda.
"Oh well thank you mother,"said Marty.
"You better believe it,"said Amanda smiling as they walked into homeroom. There was a crowd around the teacher's desk waiting to sign that they had given back their gowns. Amanda grabbed Marty's arm and pushed through to the desk, she took his gown with hers and handed them up. Grabbing a pen off the desk she signed her name on the check in list, then signed Marty's. Turning she followed Marty out into the student crowded hall. Marty wrapped his arm around Amanda's waist pulling her up against him, he was going to miss her well he was away and he had a feeling something was going to happen, keeping her close was comforting that feeling and made him worry less. He wasn't so much of something happening to her because she had Harry to look after her it was something that was just going to happen to everyone. Leaning over he kissed her hair and rested his head on her as they walked.
"You'll be here when I get back right?"asked Marty.
"Yeah, where the hell am I going?"scoffed Amanda smiling.
"We should go find Karrie and Miranda,"said Marty.
"Let them find us,"said Amanda,"It's too stuffy in here." The two slowly made their way outside to the front where students and parents were gathering for pictures. Perching themselves up on a stone wall with a view down on the front grass area and stairs, Marty leaned against the wall as he straddled the wall with Amanda leaning against him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kept her close.
"Didn't invite your parents?"asked Amanda softly.
"No, they probably wouldn't have come anyways,"said Marty.
"I cheered for you,"said Amanda.
"I cheered for you too,"said Marty.
"So what are your plans for tonight?"asked Amanda.
"Packing,"said Marty.
"Sounds fun,"said Amanda sarcastically. The two of them just sat their silently watching people, like they were outside the snow globe looking in to a surreal world. All the happy grads were hugging parents and classmates, like it was the happiest thing that had ever happened to them.
"Where's your dad?"asked Marty nudging Amanda slightly.
"Who knows, hopefully on a plane to Siberia,"said Amanda smiling slightly
"Promise me something,"said Marty.
"Sure."
"Don't tell your dad until I get back,"said Marty,"I swear I'd kill to see his expression."
"I'll try,"said Amanda as she looked over and seen Karen and Miranda coming towards them with cameras.
"Hey you guys,"said Karen as she snapped a picture of them.
"Kare, don't,"said Amanda frowning.
"But you two look cute,"said Miranda,"Marty and Mandy."
"If I weren't so comfy I'd throw you off this wall,"said Amanda sighing.
"So how come you're here and not making Harry a very happy man,"said Miranda.
"I'm chillin', later when things slow down around here,"said Amanda,"I'm too comfy."
"Well this is it,"said Karen sitting on the wall next to Amanda,"We're done."
"And it's about time,"said Marty.
"Hell yeah to that,"said Amanda.
"I dunno I'm gonna kinda miss this,"said Miranda,"Being here everyday together, pissing people off."
"Ah you may be right, I may miss my run ins with the wicked witch of Winslow,"said Amanda.
"Well I don't think she'll be missing you,"said Marty.
"Good,"snorted Amanda smiling.
*********
An hour and a half later when students and parents had filtered out, Amanda said her good bye's to Marty, Miranda and Karen then slowly made her way back into the school. The halls were empty as she walked down them, looking around she couldn't help but feel that a bad situation of her having to repeat the twelvth year turned out to be a good thing, she met Harry. Crossing her arms across her chest as she walked she thought if there would've been a possibility she would've met Harry anyways, something told her she would haver, her and Harry clicked, they were the two that you wouldn't really expect. She was out there, loud spoken, on the go, carefree and challenging, Harry on the hand was more subdued, laid back and quiet, her opposite but they went together, complimenting each other.
Shaking her head she dismissed any thought of her and Harry never meeting because they did and that was all that mattered. Glancing over she seen Ronnie's empty classroom, automatically a scowl came over her face as she did. Nothing more would delight her than to go right up to Ronnie and laugh in her face, to tell her that Harry picked her instead and all of Ronnie's attempts had fallen short because of her. But she knew she couldn't, she didn't want to embrass Harry and as far asshe was concerned Ronnie was a long over due forgotten memory.
Turning the corner she headed towards the stairs for the Dungeon. A smile crept over her face as she walked down the stairs to Harry's class. Peaking her head inside she found him packing a box with his books and personal items for the summer. She knocked on the door frame as she walked inside, slowly she strode over to the desk and grabbed his tie gentily pulling him towards her.
"Hey you,"said Amanda softly.
"Hey, you're still here,"said Harry.
"Of course, I'm not going to run off on you on our big day,"smiled Amanda,"So whatcha up to?"
"Packing some stuff from class I want to take home,"said Harry.
"Well Harry you think I could fit in one of these boxes,"said Amanda as she sat on the edge of the desk dangling her feet,"Ya know since I am from class and all, unless you don't wanna take me home." Carefully she guided Harry closer to her with his tie as she softly ran her fingers over it.
"Give me a few minutes and I'll take you home,"said Harry,"No boxes needed."
"You might want one box, so you can pack your clothes in it,"said Amanda. Harry cocked a confused eyebrow at her as she smirked at him.
"Well if I have my way, you won't need a stitch of clothing this summer,"said Amanda before kissing him lightly.
"I think I like your way,"said Harry.
"Then get packing and we'll get moving my way,"said Amanda slipping her hand down to his bottom for a quick squeeze. Harry lightly kissed her then moved over to resume packing, Amanda leaned back on her elbows watching him, the prospect that the two of them had nothing planned all summer but each other was the sweetest thing she could think of, it was almost tempting to get naked right now and on the desk but her self control beat out temptation. Watching him silently she enjoyed the feeling of freedom they had, no more rushed kisses, no more looking over shoulders, no more hiding.
Once Harry was done packing Amanda sat back up as he came over to her. He held her hips softly as he pressed his lips to her's. Wrapping her arms around his neck she deepened the kiss as their tongues probed into each other's mouths. Amanda felt a new wave of utopia wash over her as their shared their first passionate kiss as a proper couple, not as student teacher. She could feel the warmth of his hands through the thin material of her clothes, it was her most desired feeling, now everything was more intense, more real, the way things were meant to be.
Thier upper bodies were pressed together as they held each other comfortingly, they survived a tight run and even though they had to lie to the world about their relationship it was a price worth paying to be together. It was their first time in that classroom to comfortably have a personal moment without worrying about anything. Slowly they parted and rested only inches apart, the gaze between them was unbreakable.
"This is nice,"said Amanda softly.
"It is,"said Harry as he moved in for another kiss, it was addictive for him. It was a personal high to know that she was his, to know that she loved him and she was there for him. Amanda's hands slowly manuvered their way to cupping his cheeks softly as she kissed him.
The sound of the door opening was almost unheard to them, the sound of the door hitting the wall and a loud gasp was what they heard. Hastily both pulled away and look over at the door way, ignoring the fact they were still in each other's hands. Amanda's heart dropped right through her skipping a beat as her heart stopped for a split moment. Her hands were frozen to were they were as the game over sign fiercely blinked in her head, the sight before her eyes was her worst nightmare.
In the door way stood Ronnie and Lauren, both who looked stunned except for Ronnie, through her cover up she was a smirk hiding, Amanda could almost read the word 'busted' on her lips.
"Harry,"said Lauren softly.
"I'm going to Scott,"said Ronnie hastily before she turned and left the doorway to make her way back up the stairs.
"Fuck,"muttered Amanda softly, she knew she should've gone after her but her muscles wouldn't move. Slowly Amanda removed her hands from Harry as Lauren stood in the doorway with a wash of shook and some disbelief over her. Amanda's mind immediately kicked into action as she figured a way to start damage control.
"I'm sorry Mr.Senate,"said Amanda quietly but still loud enough for Lauren to hear. Harry creased his brows as he looked at her confused slightly, Amanda had a pleading look her in her eyes as she prayed Harry would catch on and let her handle this. Crossing her arms over her chest Amanda slid of the desk timidly and backed away towards the door.
"I didn't mean for this to happen,"said Amanda,"I am so sorry." She made sure she had a quiver to her voice so Lauren would fall for it, Amanda kept her head down so she couldn't see if Lauren was buying it or not. Slowly Amanda moved herself towards the door, once she was close enough she slipped through before Lauren could stop her and was up the stairs in a shot.
Lauren walked into the class opened mouthed, Ronnie had suggested that Amanda was after Harry and it did seem to make some sense, but when she seen Amanda and Kyle together the idea seemed to fade. But now as she seen the two, the idea that Amanda was after Harry seemed close, but not exactly corrected, they looked close, like Harry was just as into it as Amanda was.
"Harry,"said Lauren slowly as Harry stood behind his desk running hand through his hair. He had no idea where Amanda had taken off to but his best and most likely correct guess was she was after Ronnie. Now he had Lauren to deal with, and her wrath of question that he knew oh so well were coming.
"Harry, what was that?"asked Lauren. Inhaling deeply Harry took a quick look upwards before looking at Lauren.
"Lauren I'd rather not discuss it with you,"said Harry.
"You were kissing a student, I'd say you have somethings to discuss,"said Lauren,"And since I'm the one who caught you, you have every damn reason to discuss this is me."
"Okay, ya know what she's not a student anymore and for another thing I don't ever have to discuss anything with you,"said Harry,"You're not my mother and you're not my boss."
"She's Scott's daughter,"said Lauren.
"I know that,"said Harry.
"Did she kiss you?"asked Lauren hoping that was the case, because them maybe it wouldn't be the way she thought,"Or did you kiss her?"
"Lauren get out,"said Harry turning away from her.
"Harry I want to know,"said Lauren sternly.
"Lauren get out,"said Harry loudly,"You understand English, so get out."
"Harry,"said Lauren.
"Get out now,"said Harry pointing to the door. Sighing loudly Lauren turned and walked out the open door from the class room. Harry flopped down in his chair sighing as he thought of the shit storm that had just rolled in. 'Things are not going to get pretty' thought Harry.
******
Amanda walked into the office to find her father's door shut. Lousia looked up at her from her desk with large eyes.
"Where is my father?"asked Amanda.
"In there,"said Lousia pointing over at Scott's office door,"With Mr.Harper." Amanda blinked her eyes shut in grief as she could only imagine what was going on.
"With?"asked Amanda raising her eyebrows knowing exactly who was on the otherside of that door. Lousia sighed and looked at the door then back at Amanda, things weren't clear but the scene of a final fight between Amanda and Ronnie was playing out.
"Yes,"said Lousia nodding.
"Fucking bitch,"muttered Amanda,"Can you tell my dad I'm here and I need to talk to him now."
"But,"started Lousia to only be cut off by Amanda.
"Please?" Lousia nodded and picked up the phone she hit Scott's intercom button.
"Scott, AJ is here,"said Lousia,"She wants to talk to you." Amanda watched as Lousia nodded her head in understandment at something then hung up the phone.
"He wants you to wait an moment,"said Lousia.
"That goddamn bitch is going to mess everything up,"said Amanda mainly to herself.
"What?"asked Lousia.
"Nevermind,"said Amanda shaking it off. She crossed her arms across her chest and nervously paced around the office waiting for her chance to disarm Ronnie's words. Her mind could only imagine what was going on in her mind, had his hands not have been on her she easily could have taken the total blame and had Harry walking free but those hands were going to be her biggest hurdle. Closing her eyes she felt a large concrete burden crumble down on her, 'so close, so fucking close, I tripped at the finish line and not even a finger nail over the line, Ronnie took it by a nose'. She could feel some tears brimming her eyes and fought to keep them back, now was not the time to cry, she'd have to use it as a final resort. The only thought in her mind was to keep Harry away from the fire, she had no problem throwing herself into it and maybe dragging Ronnie along for fun but not him. Leaning against the wall she leaned her cheek sideways and stared off into space.
"You're not a student," Amanda looked up and seen Lousia looking up at her with a empathy soaked look. Gulping down a mouthful of air she looked over at Lousia who sat there so pristine.
"Pardon?"asked Amanda.
"I don't know what's going on, but remember you're not a student,"said Lousia,"These walls aren't you're prison anymore."
"No but they're someone else's,"said Amanda.
"I like you, you're smart and a fighter,"said Lousia,"I don't wanna see you go down for this count."
"Thanks,"said Amanda nodding as the door opened and out walked Steven. Both Lousia and Amanda turned and looked at him. His expression was not a good one, he looked over at Amanda.
"I want to talk to you in my office,"said Steven in a solemen voice. Amanda nodded and followed him into his office, she took a seat and waited as he closed the door and sat down across from her, he was obviously not happy and Amanda sat back biting her lip.
"Okay, what went on in Mr.Senate's classroom today?"asked Steven.
"I kissed him,"said Amanda softly.
"What else?"asked Steven.
"Nothing, I kissed him, Ms.Cook and Ms.Davis walked in and Ms.Cook and I left,"said Amanda.
"Why were you in Mr.Senate's class? Most of the students went home,"said Steven.
"I wanted to talk to him,"said Amanda.
"About what?"asked Steven.
"Personal stuff,"said Amanda softly, she prayed her innocent embrassed girl act worked.
"AJ, you need to tell me what you talk about,"said Steven,"What happened is unacceptable conduct for a teacher or a student."
"I'm not a student anymore,"said Amanda pressing that fact.
"AJ, please I need to know,"said Steven.
"I told him I had feelings for him,"said Amanda looking away appearing embrassed by the fact.
"What did he say?"asked Steven.
"He said he was flattered but I was too young and he didn't feel comfortable with it,"said Amanda looking like a girl who had just her diary read outloud in front of the student body.
"Anything else?"asked Steven.
"No,"said Amanda shaking her head. She was not going to give him anything, he wanted something he was going to have to dig for it and she wasn't going to slip on this one.
"Okay, how did the kiss happen?"asked Steven.
"I kissed him,"said Amanda like the answer should've been obvious.
"What did Mr.Senate do?"asked Steven.
"I guess he tried to push me away,"said Amanda lowering her head.
"Are you sure?"asked Steven.
"Rejection's a pretty hard thing to miss,"said Amanda.
"AJ you know you shouldn't have done that,"said Steven.
"Well now I do,"said Amanda rolling her eyes,"But I'm not a student, I've graduated."
"I know but still,"said Steven.
"What's going to happen to Mr.Senate?"asked Amanda.
"I don't know yet, I still have to talk to him,"said Steven.
"Can I go now?"asked Amanda.
"Yes, but I don't want you to leave the office,"said Steven,"I'm sure your father would like to speak with you." Amanda nodded and stood up, quickly she exited the office and walked out to find Ronnie and Scott waiting for her. Scowling at Ronnie Amanda crossed her arms again.
"Amanda what happened?"asked Scott.
"Oh why need to ask me, Ms.Cook finally got what she wanted,"said Amanda.
"Don't hand us that,"said Ronnie.
"Why, you've had it out for me forever, now you've dragged Mr.Senate into it?"asked Amanda.
"I dragged him in?"asked Ronnie,"You were kissing him."
"Excuse me,"said Scott loudly trying to stop the two woman.
"I'm not a student, I have every right to,"said Amanda.
"You are the vice principal's daughter,"said Ronnie,"And if you think that any of us suspect this is the first time you've done this then you've got another thing coming."
"AJ in my office,"said Scott sternly.
"No,"said Amanda walking past him and out of the main office area. She walked down the hall towards the stairs with Ronnie and Scott following her, ignoring them she turned and started down the stairs but stopped on the second stairs. Looking down she seen Harry coming up them, he stopped briefly and continued on. Ronnie and Scott caught up and stood at the top of the stairs.
"I'm guessing you want to talk to me,"said Harry in a monotone.
"Steven will see you,"said Scott angrily. Harry nodded and walked past them down the hall. Quickly Ronnie turned and followed him.
"I told you Harry, I told you she was going to get you in trouble,"said Ronnie,"And she did, that little witch had to kiss you and now you're taking the downfall for her."
"Ronnie stay out of it,"said Harry.
"Harry you need me, you need someone on your side,"said Ronnie,"You should value me. Don't let the bitch drag you down."
"Ronnie go to hell,"said Harry stopping,"Stay out of it, leave AJ alone, if anything this is between me and her."
"You are in trouble because she kissed you,"said Ronnie,"You shouldn't take the fall for her stupidity. She's nothing but a little girl who couldn't get you and now is trying to ruin your life, she can't face it that you don't want her."
"Ronnie take your own words, and for the record, I did kiss her back,"said Harry. Silence fell in the hall, quietly Harry looked over and seen Amanda and Scott standing at one end of the hall then to the otherside where Steven was standing in the doorway of the office.
Steven calling Harry into his office and Scott yelling at him was all a blur to Amanda, she stood there in shock, Harry sunk their boat, Ronnie had badgered him to the point she won. Slowly the hall filtered clear with Amanda ignored by the others stood there. Running her hand through her hair she sighed and leaned against the wall, she was stressed beyond belief, Harry had been in there for a long time and the longer he was there the more distressed she got. Tears started running down her face as she stood there waiting, waiting for Harry or anything, all she wanted right now was to be in his arms.
"Well aren't you just the perfect one aren't you?" Amanda looked at the top of the stairs and seen Ronnie standing there smuggly.
"Fuck off,"said Amanda in a cracking voice.
"Why? You're perfect little world gone now?"asked Ronnie walking towards her,"Not only have you screwed yourself, but Harry's too. Do you really think he wants you?"Amanda wiped her tears and looked away.
"Go to hell Ronnie,"said Amanda.
"C'mon AJ, what have you got on him? What blackmail do you have on him to make him admit he actually kissed you?"taunted Ronnie.
"Ronnie, do you remember the brunette? From The Italian place? The young one?"asked Amanda looking straight at Ronnie,"The one with Harry? The one that caused him to blow you off so he could go out with his sister?" Ronnie looked at her with a creased brow. Amanda just shook her head slightly before she walked around Ronnie and down the stairs. Turning Ronnie seen the back of Amanda walking away from her. Immediately she looked at the hair and seen the large brown curls, the smug smile faded from her face.
**************
Harry sighed as he walked over to the door that was being pounded on continuiously, it was two in the morning , three hours earlier he unplugged the phone he was tired of everyone from work calls about what was going on and Scott's calls about the whereabouts of Amanda, she hadn't been seen by anyone since she left the school earlier, Harry was was worried about her, it was late but she had street smarts to her, she'd be okay around seven or eight she'd drag herself home into Scott's wrath of yelling and scolding.
Pulling open the door he found Amanda standing at his door, obviously drunk from her red eyes, mascara rings under her eyes and the nest of hair that looked like a wind storm attacked it, and the beer bottle in her hand helpped.
"Damn, what is your fucking phone broken?"asked Amanda.
"I unplugged it,"said Harry inspecting her to make sure she was physically okay.
"Well that was smart,"scoffed Amanda,"You gonna invite me in?" Harry nodded and moved aside, he wasn't so sure this was such a smart idea but she needed somewhere to go, she was looked too wrecked to be on her own.
"Fuck Harry I woulda thought you'd be wasted as well,"said Amanda smiling as she stood in his living room.
"AJ, it's two, I'm gonna call you a cab, your dad is looking for you,"said Harry.
"What?"asked Amanda like he was speaking Greek to her.
"Why are you even drunk in the first place?"asked Harry ignoring her question as he grabbed his cordless phone.
"Because I had to drink myself in throwing everything away,"said Amanda taking another sip of her beer.
"Throwing what away?"asked Harry holding off on calling for a cab.
"Everything, for you,"smiled Amanda. Harry bit his lip, she needed to go home, she couldn't be doing this. Harry started dialing a local taxi cab number.
"What the fuck are you doing?"asked Amanda loudly as she stormed over to him. Amanda grabbed the phone away from him, almost falling over in the process.
"Amanda, this isn't right. If you have to get drunk to make this decision your father is right,"said Harry calmly.
"So what, you don't want me anymore?"asked Amanda angrily,"What we got caught, the whole fucking thrill is over? I'm not a goddamn student so what good am I now? Or what you had to loose your fucking job for me so I'm not worth it? Damn it Harry, I'm not loosing anything I'm voluentarily leaving it."
"You don't want to, you had to drink yourself to do it,"said Harry trying to reason with her, he knew he wanted her but he didn't want her to feel forced to give up everything she had.
"Will you fucking listen to me,"screamed Amanda, she threw her almost empty beer bottle at the opposite wall, as the beer bottle shattered into small pieces of reddish brown pieces of rain tears fell free from Amanda's eyes,"I know I'm fucking drunk and I may not be using the right words here, but I want you, I didn't fucking pick you or any of that shit, there wasn't a choice to pick from, I know I want you, I knew I wanted you and if my dad and the rest of the world don't like it then fuck them, I don't give a shit. I got drunk because I had a bad day, a had a real fucking bad day, I had the worse fucking day of my life because the man I love got fucked over because of me, I could kill Ronnie right now for what she did to you, not because she got me into shit but because she pushed you into the fire. I could handle it being me, but not you, I told you this before Harry I'd do anything for you, if it had been different I would've taken the fucking fall because you mean too much to me to let you go down for this. Fuck Harry I fucking love you and all you can do is get me out of this goddamn apartment as fast as you fucking can." Harry inhaled deeply as he bit his lip standing there completely frozen, usually a confession like this would've sent him running, but this was Amanda, every word she said to him he had no doubt he would say right back to her and with just as much meaning as she did. Amanda stood there waiting for his response but he stood there with an almost stone expression on his face, she'd lost, she put herself out on the line for him once again and he got scared and ran away, he was pushing her away because he was scared of loving her and leaving himself so vunerable to her.
"Fuck this,"muttered Amanda slumping her shoulders in defeat as she threw her hands up,"Don't bother with the cab." Amanda turned around and walked out of the apartment, as she walked down the hall to the elevator she expected Harry to follow her but there was nothing, the door just remained half open and silent. She pushed the button violently and as the doors opened she wobbled in on drunken heels, hitting the lobby button she almost broke down. Once the doors closed she kicked the side of the elevator.
"That asshole,"cried Amanda,"That fucking piece of shit. I gave him everything over and over and over and over and for what? Nothing a fucking goddamn thing." She leaned against the wall and waited for the doors open, she reached down into her purse and pulled out her pack of cigarettes, only one was left, she pulled it out and lit up not caring if she couldn't smoke in the building or not. Dropping her pack on the ground she stood up as straight as she could for the doors to open. Once she did she came face to face with an older man in his mid-fifties.
"Hey you're not suppose to smoke in here,"said the man.
"Fucking move,"growled Amanda pushing past him out of the elevator. She stormed out of the building back out on to the cold raining Boston streets. There was a group of young teenagers across the street who had been there when Amanda had come in, they had hassled her with cat calls and propositions but Amanda put them in their place with the threat of breaking her bottle and performing some free plastic surgery. She wiped her tears as she ignored them.
"Hey bitchy you okay?"shouted one of the boys noticing her crying.
"Go to hell,"said Amanda waving them off with her hand. She stumbled a bit on her heels as she continued down the street, the bars were closed and she had no idea where she was headed but she had a feeling it was no where good. In her head she had this pretty little picture that she'd show up at Harry's door and he'd greet her with open arms that she'd come to him. But no he rejected her, he sent her away and there was nothing she could do about it. In a blurry daze of colors and lights she walked down the street not paying attention to the surroundings around her. Her head was cloudy as she almost fell off the curb, 'whoa where'd the hell that come from?' thought Amanda almost laughing at her accident. Looking around she noticed a liqiour store still open on the opposite corner.
"There's where I need to be,"said Amanda quietly as she made her way across the dead streets. She pulled the glass door open to bright store and walked in trying to keep her composure. The store was empty except for the lone clerk at the till who was reading a magazine, the clerk looked up briefly then went back to his magazine. Amanda tried like hell to keep her balance as she slowly walked down the isles to the vodak section, 'cheap, and easy, that's all I need' thought Amanda as the bottles around her blurred in together. She had drowned one pain today, now she had another to drown. Finally she came to the vodak, she scanned quickly and grabbed a large forty ounce bottle of the clear liquid. Walking up to the cash she seen the clerk watching her closely. She ignored him and set the bottle on the counter and dug through her purse for money.
"Hun, I think you've have a little too much to drink tonight, you really think this is a good idea?"asked the clerk.
"I think it's a fine fucking idea,"said Amanda as she flipped her fake ID up to him. The clerk shrugged and rang the bottle in. Amanda ignored the price and threw thirty bucks on the counter at him. She grabbed her bottle and stumbled out of the store. Once she was back on the street she fumbled and picked at the wrap on the opening of the bottle, pulling out her keys she sliced through the plastic and dropped her keys.
"Fuck,"muttered Amanda as she clumpsily bent over to pick them up, as her weight shifted she went tumbling to the ground with her keys.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck,"cursed Amanda as she scrambled helplessly to get herself up. 'Damn Harry Senate' thought Amanda as she gathered her purse up. Taking a moment on the ground she open the bottle and took a drink out of it, the warm liquid ran down her all ready burnt throat. As she pulled the bottle from her lips she wasn't careful enough and some of the alcohol spilled down onto her top. Amanda didn't even bother with it as she slowly picked herself up off the street. Standing there she she looked down silently at the street she had been on. 'I'm in the fucking gutter,' thought Amanda, 'every man I turn to brings me pain'. She closed her eyes in self pity, opening them she looked around at where she was, the lower part of town, alone and with nowhere to go and no way to get there, she stood there like a lost little girl without a friend or helpping hand in the world. Inhaling deeply she closed her eyes again trying to regain some sense of soberity to help herself.
She was startled out of her thoughts as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Quickly and unevenly she whipped around to the person who had touched her, her defenses were on high with her only chance of hope gripped tightly in her hand ready for her to break it when need be. Looking up through the stray strands of hair that found their way on to her face she seen Harry standing there looking guilty as he stood there clad in a dark jacket and clothes that matched the dark expression on his face. His hands hung at his sides as he stared down at her with large sad filled eyes. Amanda rolled her eyes and she stood there.
"What do you want?"asked Amanda in a dull monotone voice.
"You,"said Harry softly. Amanda sighed and crossed her arms against her chest. Harry leaned down without asking or saying anything more, he pressed his lips forcefully to hers knowing it worked once he had to give it a try again. At first she didn't respond and by the time Harry pulled back she still hadn't. He looked down at her and a new batch of tears were brimming in her eyes and she tried to look away from Harry. Harry pulled her tightly into a hug and wrapped his arms protectively around her, to keep her safe from everything around them.
"I love you too,"whispered Harry softly kissing her hair,"I love you so much." Amanda grabbed on to his jacket with her free hand and cried into his chest. Quietly he soothed her as they stood there on the dark cold street as a shower of rain poured on them.
Slowly Amanda controlled her sobs and pulled herself together. She pulled back from Harry a bit and looked away from him.
"What are you going to do?"asked Amanda in a soft barely there whisper. Harry inhaled deeply at the question, for once he was going to let go of reason and do what felt right.
"Take you home and get you sobered up,"said Harry.
"I can go home on my own,"said Amanda wipping her nose on her jacket sleeve, not caring how disgusting it was at that point.
"Yeah,"said Harry reaching out for her hand,"But you're coming to my home." Amanda looked at him through her glassy eyes and nodded slightly. Harry slightly pulled her closer so he could help her walk, he noticed the alcohol bottle in her hand.
"Think we could loose out bottle of fun, I don't think we need it anymore,"said Harry. Amanda looked confused at him as she slumped against him usuing him for support. He nodded down to the bottle in her hand. Amanda held it up and looked at it.
"Sure,"shrugged Amanda, she handed Harry the bottle. He dumped it out on the street then threw the bottle into some side bushes.
"Think you can walk?"asked Harry.
"I'll give it a good try,"said Amanda half smiling. Harry squeezed her shoulders slightly then leaned down and scooped her up in to his arms.
"I'll carry you,"said Harry.
"I can walk,"said Amanda as she held on to him tightly.
"Yeah but it's raining and this is faster than you trying to walk,"said Harry. Amanda just smirked and rested her head on his shoulder. The rain that fell on them was ignored as Harry made his way with her down the street back to his apartment.
*********
Once they were back in his apartment, Harry set Amanda down on his bed to lay down. She was in and out of conciousness as she barely hung on to keeping awake. Harry got her heels and jackets off of her almost lifeless body.
"Amanda, you awake?"asked Harry softly,"Amanda?"
"Hi Harry,"said Amanda smiling as she sat up well holding on to Harry.
"You have to get out of those clothes, you're soaked,"said Harry.
"Well you Harry have to get out of those clothes,"laughed Amanda,"And don't call me Amanda." Harry eased her back onto the bed and grabbed one of his relatively clean shirts from the laundry.
"I like Amanda,"said Harry,"It's a pretty name."
"It's stupid,"whinned Amanda.
"No it's not,"said Harry as he helpped her sit up,"Now you gonna help me get you out of those clothes."
"Can I go to sleep?"asked Amanda.
"Right after we get you into something dry,"said Harry holding her up. Amanda sighed and shamelessly pulled her wet shirt up and over her head, she unhooked her bra and let that fall to her lap. Harry helpped her up as she slipped on his shirt and fumbled with a few of the buttons not really careing if they matching, she then undid the button on her jeans and wiggled her way uneasily out of them.
"There all done,"cried Amanda falling back on the bed.
"Okay c'mon under the blankets,"said Harry pulling them back and lifting up her legs with ease. Amanda snuggled up to the pillow and moved herself under the blankets. Then Harry hit the light in the room allowing the room to get covered in darkness. Amanda opened her eyes slightly and watched as Harry undressed in the moon light, grinning slightly she held onto the pillow as the room started spinning. As Harry got into bed next to her Amanda found her way to his chest and rested her head on him. She felt Harry's arm wrap around her back holding her close.
"How are you feeling?"asked Harry softly.
"The room is spinning,"whispered Amanda.
"Yeah it probably will,"said Harry rubbing her back soothingly. As the two of them laid there Harry stayed awake eventually listening to the soft snoring of Amanda. It seemed so perfect and complete with her next to him, in his bed, in his arms. They both had gone through hell for the day, between Ronnie, Scott and Steven he was glad in some sort of way they had given him his pink slip. The restrictions and disapproval of their relationship was gone, there were still the factors like Scott but Amanda wanted to ignore them and be with him, it was relieving. The age difference, the teacher student situation, none of it mattered because she completed him, he loved her more than anything and when she had walked out of his apartment that night the reality of having her walking out of his life was one he didn't want to experience. Through all the lows and awkward moments he had gone through and those that had jaded him meant nothing anymore, he didn't need to think of them anymore and they didn't affect him anymore, Amanda took all of that away.
I tried to get the chapter up on Tuesday but I was dead tired, work is draining everything out of me but here it is, 18 pages long and enjoy! the next chapter may take a while but once sept starts things will slow down and I can keep up
Justine
Friday: Graduation Day
Amanda dragged herself out of bed, yawning she stretched and started her way out of the room to be met by the smell of breakfast rising from the kitchen. Slowly she made her way downstairs to find Scott setting a plate on the table of waffles topped his strawberries and whipped cream with toast.
"Good morning,"said Scott.
"Yeah yeah,"mumbled Amanda as she plunked down in the chair. Picking up her fork she broke off a piece of the waffle and shoved it in her mouth.
"So are you excited about today?"asked Scott as he sat down across from her with a cup of coffee.
"Just peeing myself,"said Amanda sarcastically.
"What do you plan on doing for the summer?"asked Scott.
"Getting a tan,"said Amanda still focused on her food.
"What about school or a job?"asked Scott.
"No thanks,"said Amanda,"I spent the last thirteen years in school, and I'll deal with the job thing at the end of summer, I just want to relax and have some time off."
"Well it may be something you want to consider,"said Scott. Amanda nodded as she kept eating. After finishing her breakfast she made her way upstairs to get ready, she knew she had look nice but dressing up and everything wasn't exactly what she wanted to do. Slowly she searched through her closet for something to wear, she pulled a light blue jeans out and threw them on her bed.
"Now a top,"muttered Amanda as the phone started ringing,"Who the hell is calling this early?" She walked over to the nightstand and grabbed the phone.
"Hello,"
"Hey it's Kare, what are you wearing?"
"Right now? A tank top and sweatpants, are you turned on?"asked Amanda.
"Funny, but serious what are you wearing today?"asked Karen.
"So far my baby blue jeans,"said Amanda.
"What about a top?"asked Karen.
"I dunno, I was looking for one,"said Amanda.
"Can I borrow your white sweater, the sleeveless one?"asked Karen.
"You're not going to have time to change at school,"said Amanda.
"No problem,"said Karen.
"Kare where are you?"asked Amanda looking out her window.
"About to ring your doorbell,"said Karen.
"Okay,"said Amanda huffing before she hung up the phone. She left her room and went downstairs as the doorbell sounded. Walking up to the door Scott looked at her from the family room.
"Karen,"said Amanda before she opened the door to find Karen wearing a pair of sweats and a tee.
"Nice outfit,"said Amanda sarcastically as Karen walked in.
"Can I borrow the sweater?"asked Karen.
"Yes,"said Amanda,"It's upstairs."
"Good morning Karen,"said Scott walking into the hallway.
"Morning Mr.Guber,"said Karen as Amanda started leading her up the stairs. Karen walked up the stairs behind her and into Amanda's room.
"The sweater is in the closet,"said Amanda.
"So today is the big day huh?"asked Karen as she walked to the closet.
"Yeah I guess,"said Amanda walking over to the closet as well.
"Excited?"asked Karen as she shifted through the hangers for the sweater.
"Not really, I kinda got a feeling,"said Amanda as she grabbed a hanger from the closet. On it was a slightly fuzzy baby pink tank top with matching sweater coat. She grabbed the white sweater from the closer and handed it to Karen before pulling off her tank top.
"What kind of feeling?"asked Karen.
"I dunno, my stomach feels crazy like something is not going to go right today,"said Amanda as she pulled on a white bra and did her deodorant.
"It's just anxiety, calm down, you two have done it,"said Karen,"You have successfully dated a teacher."
"Well atleast I know it'll go away by the end of the day,"said Amanda.
"Exactly, and you better go home with Harry and fuck his brains out or I'm gonna beat you senseless,"said Karen,"Then steal him from you." Amanda stuck her tongue out at her as she pulled on the tank top and straightened it out.
At noon the graduating class walked out of the sweat box gym from the ceremonies and to their homerooms to drop off their gowns then they were finally free. Immediately Amanda unzipped her gown and took the polyester cloak of hell off and draped it over her arm. In her other hand was her folder with her diploma, Marty was somewhere behind her but she wasn't waiting up for him. As of now she wasn't not a student of Winslow anymore, her and Harry could have sex in the middle of the gym and they couldn't say anything about a teacher student relationship. Running her hand through her hair she walked swiftly down the hall to her homeroom, behind her she could hear her name being called out. Looking over her shoulder she seen Marty jogging to catch up with her.
"Slow down,"said Marty as he came up along side her.
"I want to get rid of this gown,"said Amanda,"I'm not a student anymore."
"Oh and now we can have sex with Harry whenever you want and flaunt your relationship to the world,"said Marty sarcastically,"How could I forget?"
"Aw Mart are you jealous of Harry?"asked Amanda poking his shoulder.
"No, but he's dating my girl,"said Marty throwing an arm around Amanda's shoulders,"I'm protective over you."
"I betcha are,"said Amanda elbowing him lightly. Marty was definately one person she was going to miss, he was going to Los Angeles for the summer to visit family as a grad present, for the summer she was going to be lost, of course she had Harry but Marty was different he was like her best friend, her sister, her everything.
"Don't go to California,"whinned Amanda leaning in to him.
"I'll be back,"said Marty.
"Too long,"said Amanda,"Stay here, we'll hide you at Harry's, you're parents will never know."
"So you can have sex with him and then come and tell me about it?"asked Marty.
"No, cause I love you,"said Amanda,"You're my number one buddy."
"I'll call,"said Marty.
"Stay."
"I'll send postcards and write you,"said Marty.
"Fine, but don't you go finding another girl in California,"said Amanda,"You're mine."
"And if I want to date?"asked Marty.
"Then I will select her and approve of her,"said Amanda.
"Oh well thank you mother,"said Marty.
"You better believe it,"said Amanda smiling as they walked into homeroom. There was a crowd around the teacher's desk waiting to sign that they had given back their gowns. Amanda grabbed Marty's arm and pushed through to the desk, she took his gown with hers and handed them up. Grabbing a pen off the desk she signed her name on the check in list, then signed Marty's. Turning she followed Marty out into the student crowded hall. Marty wrapped his arm around Amanda's waist pulling her up against him, he was going to miss her well he was away and he had a feeling something was going to happen, keeping her close was comforting that feeling and made him worry less. He wasn't so much of something happening to her because she had Harry to look after her it was something that was just going to happen to everyone. Leaning over he kissed her hair and rested his head on her as they walked.
"You'll be here when I get back right?"asked Marty.
"Yeah, where the hell am I going?"scoffed Amanda smiling.
"We should go find Karrie and Miranda,"said Marty.
"Let them find us,"said Amanda,"It's too stuffy in here." The two slowly made their way outside to the front where students and parents were gathering for pictures. Perching themselves up on a stone wall with a view down on the front grass area and stairs, Marty leaned against the wall as he straddled the wall with Amanda leaning against him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kept her close.
"Didn't invite your parents?"asked Amanda softly.
"No, they probably wouldn't have come anyways,"said Marty.
"I cheered for you,"said Amanda.
"I cheered for you too,"said Marty.
"So what are your plans for tonight?"asked Amanda.
"Packing,"said Marty.
"Sounds fun,"said Amanda sarcastically. The two of them just sat their silently watching people, like they were outside the snow globe looking in to a surreal world. All the happy grads were hugging parents and classmates, like it was the happiest thing that had ever happened to them.
"Where's your dad?"asked Marty nudging Amanda slightly.
"Who knows, hopefully on a plane to Siberia,"said Amanda smiling slightly
"Promise me something,"said Marty.
"Sure."
"Don't tell your dad until I get back,"said Marty,"I swear I'd kill to see his expression."
"I'll try,"said Amanda as she looked over and seen Karen and Miranda coming towards them with cameras.
"Hey you guys,"said Karen as she snapped a picture of them.
"Kare, don't,"said Amanda frowning.
"But you two look cute,"said Miranda,"Marty and Mandy."
"If I weren't so comfy I'd throw you off this wall,"said Amanda sighing.
"So how come you're here and not making Harry a very happy man,"said Miranda.
"I'm chillin', later when things slow down around here,"said Amanda,"I'm too comfy."
"Well this is it,"said Karen sitting on the wall next to Amanda,"We're done."
"And it's about time,"said Marty.
"Hell yeah to that,"said Amanda.
"I dunno I'm gonna kinda miss this,"said Miranda,"Being here everyday together, pissing people off."
"Ah you may be right, I may miss my run ins with the wicked witch of Winslow,"said Amanda.
"Well I don't think she'll be missing you,"said Marty.
"Good,"snorted Amanda smiling.
*********
An hour and a half later when students and parents had filtered out, Amanda said her good bye's to Marty, Miranda and Karen then slowly made her way back into the school. The halls were empty as she walked down them, looking around she couldn't help but feel that a bad situation of her having to repeat the twelvth year turned out to be a good thing, she met Harry. Crossing her arms across her chest as she walked she thought if there would've been a possibility she would've met Harry anyways, something told her she would haver, her and Harry clicked, they were the two that you wouldn't really expect. She was out there, loud spoken, on the go, carefree and challenging, Harry on the hand was more subdued, laid back and quiet, her opposite but they went together, complimenting each other.
Shaking her head she dismissed any thought of her and Harry never meeting because they did and that was all that mattered. Glancing over she seen Ronnie's empty classroom, automatically a scowl came over her face as she did. Nothing more would delight her than to go right up to Ronnie and laugh in her face, to tell her that Harry picked her instead and all of Ronnie's attempts had fallen short because of her. But she knew she couldn't, she didn't want to embrass Harry and as far asshe was concerned Ronnie was a long over due forgotten memory.
Turning the corner she headed towards the stairs for the Dungeon. A smile crept over her face as she walked down the stairs to Harry's class. Peaking her head inside she found him packing a box with his books and personal items for the summer. She knocked on the door frame as she walked inside, slowly she strode over to the desk and grabbed his tie gentily pulling him towards her.
"Hey you,"said Amanda softly.
"Hey, you're still here,"said Harry.
"Of course, I'm not going to run off on you on our big day,"smiled Amanda,"So whatcha up to?"
"Packing some stuff from class I want to take home,"said Harry.
"Well Harry you think I could fit in one of these boxes,"said Amanda as she sat on the edge of the desk dangling her feet,"Ya know since I am from class and all, unless you don't wanna take me home." Carefully she guided Harry closer to her with his tie as she softly ran her fingers over it.
"Give me a few minutes and I'll take you home,"said Harry,"No boxes needed."
"You might want one box, so you can pack your clothes in it,"said Amanda. Harry cocked a confused eyebrow at her as she smirked at him.
"Well if I have my way, you won't need a stitch of clothing this summer,"said Amanda before kissing him lightly.
"I think I like your way,"said Harry.
"Then get packing and we'll get moving my way,"said Amanda slipping her hand down to his bottom for a quick squeeze. Harry lightly kissed her then moved over to resume packing, Amanda leaned back on her elbows watching him, the prospect that the two of them had nothing planned all summer but each other was the sweetest thing she could think of, it was almost tempting to get naked right now and on the desk but her self control beat out temptation. Watching him silently she enjoyed the feeling of freedom they had, no more rushed kisses, no more looking over shoulders, no more hiding.
Once Harry was done packing Amanda sat back up as he came over to her. He held her hips softly as he pressed his lips to her's. Wrapping her arms around his neck she deepened the kiss as their tongues probed into each other's mouths. Amanda felt a new wave of utopia wash over her as their shared their first passionate kiss as a proper couple, not as student teacher. She could feel the warmth of his hands through the thin material of her clothes, it was her most desired feeling, now everything was more intense, more real, the way things were meant to be.
Thier upper bodies were pressed together as they held each other comfortingly, they survived a tight run and even though they had to lie to the world about their relationship it was a price worth paying to be together. It was their first time in that classroom to comfortably have a personal moment without worrying about anything. Slowly they parted and rested only inches apart, the gaze between them was unbreakable.
"This is nice,"said Amanda softly.
"It is,"said Harry as he moved in for another kiss, it was addictive for him. It was a personal high to know that she was his, to know that she loved him and she was there for him. Amanda's hands slowly manuvered their way to cupping his cheeks softly as she kissed him.
The sound of the door opening was almost unheard to them, the sound of the door hitting the wall and a loud gasp was what they heard. Hastily both pulled away and look over at the door way, ignoring the fact they were still in each other's hands. Amanda's heart dropped right through her skipping a beat as her heart stopped for a split moment. Her hands were frozen to were they were as the game over sign fiercely blinked in her head, the sight before her eyes was her worst nightmare.
In the door way stood Ronnie and Lauren, both who looked stunned except for Ronnie, through her cover up she was a smirk hiding, Amanda could almost read the word 'busted' on her lips.
"Harry,"said Lauren softly.
"I'm going to Scott,"said Ronnie hastily before she turned and left the doorway to make her way back up the stairs.
"Fuck,"muttered Amanda softly, she knew she should've gone after her but her muscles wouldn't move. Slowly Amanda removed her hands from Harry as Lauren stood in the doorway with a wash of shook and some disbelief over her. Amanda's mind immediately kicked into action as she figured a way to start damage control.
"I'm sorry Mr.Senate,"said Amanda quietly but still loud enough for Lauren to hear. Harry creased his brows as he looked at her confused slightly, Amanda had a pleading look her in her eyes as she prayed Harry would catch on and let her handle this. Crossing her arms over her chest Amanda slid of the desk timidly and backed away towards the door.
"I didn't mean for this to happen,"said Amanda,"I am so sorry." She made sure she had a quiver to her voice so Lauren would fall for it, Amanda kept her head down so she couldn't see if Lauren was buying it or not. Slowly Amanda moved herself towards the door, once she was close enough she slipped through before Lauren could stop her and was up the stairs in a shot.
Lauren walked into the class opened mouthed, Ronnie had suggested that Amanda was after Harry and it did seem to make some sense, but when she seen Amanda and Kyle together the idea seemed to fade. But now as she seen the two, the idea that Amanda was after Harry seemed close, but not exactly corrected, they looked close, like Harry was just as into it as Amanda was.
"Harry,"said Lauren slowly as Harry stood behind his desk running hand through his hair. He had no idea where Amanda had taken off to but his best and most likely correct guess was she was after Ronnie. Now he had Lauren to deal with, and her wrath of question that he knew oh so well were coming.
"Harry, what was that?"asked Lauren. Inhaling deeply Harry took a quick look upwards before looking at Lauren.
"Lauren I'd rather not discuss it with you,"said Harry.
"You were kissing a student, I'd say you have somethings to discuss,"said Lauren,"And since I'm the one who caught you, you have every damn reason to discuss this is me."
"Okay, ya know what she's not a student anymore and for another thing I don't ever have to discuss anything with you,"said Harry,"You're not my mother and you're not my boss."
"She's Scott's daughter,"said Lauren.
"I know that,"said Harry.
"Did she kiss you?"asked Lauren hoping that was the case, because them maybe it wouldn't be the way she thought,"Or did you kiss her?"
"Lauren get out,"said Harry turning away from her.
"Harry I want to know,"said Lauren sternly.
"Lauren get out,"said Harry loudly,"You understand English, so get out."
"Harry,"said Lauren.
"Get out now,"said Harry pointing to the door. Sighing loudly Lauren turned and walked out the open door from the class room. Harry flopped down in his chair sighing as he thought of the shit storm that had just rolled in. 'Things are not going to get pretty' thought Harry.
******
Amanda walked into the office to find her father's door shut. Lousia looked up at her from her desk with large eyes.
"Where is my father?"asked Amanda.
"In there,"said Lousia pointing over at Scott's office door,"With Mr.Harper." Amanda blinked her eyes shut in grief as she could only imagine what was going on.
"With?"asked Amanda raising her eyebrows knowing exactly who was on the otherside of that door. Lousia sighed and looked at the door then back at Amanda, things weren't clear but the scene of a final fight between Amanda and Ronnie was playing out.
"Yes,"said Lousia nodding.
"Fucking bitch,"muttered Amanda,"Can you tell my dad I'm here and I need to talk to him now."
"But,"started Lousia to only be cut off by Amanda.
"Please?" Lousia nodded and picked up the phone she hit Scott's intercom button.
"Scott, AJ is here,"said Lousia,"She wants to talk to you." Amanda watched as Lousia nodded her head in understandment at something then hung up the phone.
"He wants you to wait an moment,"said Lousia.
"That goddamn bitch is going to mess everything up,"said Amanda mainly to herself.
"What?"asked Lousia.
"Nevermind,"said Amanda shaking it off. She crossed her arms across her chest and nervously paced around the office waiting for her chance to disarm Ronnie's words. Her mind could only imagine what was going on in her mind, had his hands not have been on her she easily could have taken the total blame and had Harry walking free but those hands were going to be her biggest hurdle. Closing her eyes she felt a large concrete burden crumble down on her, 'so close, so fucking close, I tripped at the finish line and not even a finger nail over the line, Ronnie took it by a nose'. She could feel some tears brimming her eyes and fought to keep them back, now was not the time to cry, she'd have to use it as a final resort. The only thought in her mind was to keep Harry away from the fire, she had no problem throwing herself into it and maybe dragging Ronnie along for fun but not him. Leaning against the wall she leaned her cheek sideways and stared off into space.
"You're not a student," Amanda looked up and seen Lousia looking up at her with a empathy soaked look. Gulping down a mouthful of air she looked over at Lousia who sat there so pristine.
"Pardon?"asked Amanda.
"I don't know what's going on, but remember you're not a student,"said Lousia,"These walls aren't you're prison anymore."
"No but they're someone else's,"said Amanda.
"I like you, you're smart and a fighter,"said Lousia,"I don't wanna see you go down for this count."
"Thanks,"said Amanda nodding as the door opened and out walked Steven. Both Lousia and Amanda turned and looked at him. His expression was not a good one, he looked over at Amanda.
"I want to talk to you in my office,"said Steven in a solemen voice. Amanda nodded and followed him into his office, she took a seat and waited as he closed the door and sat down across from her, he was obviously not happy and Amanda sat back biting her lip.
"Okay, what went on in Mr.Senate's classroom today?"asked Steven.
"I kissed him,"said Amanda softly.
"What else?"asked Steven.
"Nothing, I kissed him, Ms.Cook and Ms.Davis walked in and Ms.Cook and I left,"said Amanda.
"Why were you in Mr.Senate's class? Most of the students went home,"said Steven.
"I wanted to talk to him,"said Amanda.
"About what?"asked Steven.
"Personal stuff,"said Amanda softly, she prayed her innocent embrassed girl act worked.
"AJ, you need to tell me what you talk about,"said Steven,"What happened is unacceptable conduct for a teacher or a student."
"I'm not a student anymore,"said Amanda pressing that fact.
"AJ, please I need to know,"said Steven.
"I told him I had feelings for him,"said Amanda looking away appearing embrassed by the fact.
"What did he say?"asked Steven.
"He said he was flattered but I was too young and he didn't feel comfortable with it,"said Amanda looking like a girl who had just her diary read outloud in front of the student body.
"Anything else?"asked Steven.
"No,"said Amanda shaking her head. She was not going to give him anything, he wanted something he was going to have to dig for it and she wasn't going to slip on this one.
"Okay, how did the kiss happen?"asked Steven.
"I kissed him,"said Amanda like the answer should've been obvious.
"What did Mr.Senate do?"asked Steven.
"I guess he tried to push me away,"said Amanda lowering her head.
"Are you sure?"asked Steven.
"Rejection's a pretty hard thing to miss,"said Amanda.
"AJ you know you shouldn't have done that,"said Steven.
"Well now I do,"said Amanda rolling her eyes,"But I'm not a student, I've graduated."
"I know but still,"said Steven.
"What's going to happen to Mr.Senate?"asked Amanda.
"I don't know yet, I still have to talk to him,"said Steven.
"Can I go now?"asked Amanda.
"Yes, but I don't want you to leave the office,"said Steven,"I'm sure your father would like to speak with you." Amanda nodded and stood up, quickly she exited the office and walked out to find Ronnie and Scott waiting for her. Scowling at Ronnie Amanda crossed her arms again.
"Amanda what happened?"asked Scott.
"Oh why need to ask me, Ms.Cook finally got what she wanted,"said Amanda.
"Don't hand us that,"said Ronnie.
"Why, you've had it out for me forever, now you've dragged Mr.Senate into it?"asked Amanda.
"I dragged him in?"asked Ronnie,"You were kissing him."
"Excuse me,"said Scott loudly trying to stop the two woman.
"I'm not a student, I have every right to,"said Amanda.
"You are the vice principal's daughter,"said Ronnie,"And if you think that any of us suspect this is the first time you've done this then you've got another thing coming."
"AJ in my office,"said Scott sternly.
"No,"said Amanda walking past him and out of the main office area. She walked down the hall towards the stairs with Ronnie and Scott following her, ignoring them she turned and started down the stairs but stopped on the second stairs. Looking down she seen Harry coming up them, he stopped briefly and continued on. Ronnie and Scott caught up and stood at the top of the stairs.
"I'm guessing you want to talk to me,"said Harry in a monotone.
"Steven will see you,"said Scott angrily. Harry nodded and walked past them down the hall. Quickly Ronnie turned and followed him.
"I told you Harry, I told you she was going to get you in trouble,"said Ronnie,"And she did, that little witch had to kiss you and now you're taking the downfall for her."
"Ronnie stay out of it,"said Harry.
"Harry you need me, you need someone on your side,"said Ronnie,"You should value me. Don't let the bitch drag you down."
"Ronnie go to hell,"said Harry stopping,"Stay out of it, leave AJ alone, if anything this is between me and her."
"You are in trouble because she kissed you,"said Ronnie,"You shouldn't take the fall for her stupidity. She's nothing but a little girl who couldn't get you and now is trying to ruin your life, she can't face it that you don't want her."
"Ronnie take your own words, and for the record, I did kiss her back,"said Harry. Silence fell in the hall, quietly Harry looked over and seen Amanda and Scott standing at one end of the hall then to the otherside where Steven was standing in the doorway of the office.
Steven calling Harry into his office and Scott yelling at him was all a blur to Amanda, she stood there in shock, Harry sunk their boat, Ronnie had badgered him to the point she won. Slowly the hall filtered clear with Amanda ignored by the others stood there. Running her hand through her hair she sighed and leaned against the wall, she was stressed beyond belief, Harry had been in there for a long time and the longer he was there the more distressed she got. Tears started running down her face as she stood there waiting, waiting for Harry or anything, all she wanted right now was to be in his arms.
"Well aren't you just the perfect one aren't you?" Amanda looked at the top of the stairs and seen Ronnie standing there smuggly.
"Fuck off,"said Amanda in a cracking voice.
"Why? You're perfect little world gone now?"asked Ronnie walking towards her,"Not only have you screwed yourself, but Harry's too. Do you really think he wants you?"Amanda wiped her tears and looked away.
"Go to hell Ronnie,"said Amanda.
"C'mon AJ, what have you got on him? What blackmail do you have on him to make him admit he actually kissed you?"taunted Ronnie.
"Ronnie, do you remember the brunette? From The Italian place? The young one?"asked Amanda looking straight at Ronnie,"The one with Harry? The one that caused him to blow you off so he could go out with his sister?" Ronnie looked at her with a creased brow. Amanda just shook her head slightly before she walked around Ronnie and down the stairs. Turning Ronnie seen the back of Amanda walking away from her. Immediately she looked at the hair and seen the large brown curls, the smug smile faded from her face.
**************
Harry sighed as he walked over to the door that was being pounded on continuiously, it was two in the morning , three hours earlier he unplugged the phone he was tired of everyone from work calls about what was going on and Scott's calls about the whereabouts of Amanda, she hadn't been seen by anyone since she left the school earlier, Harry was was worried about her, it was late but she had street smarts to her, she'd be okay around seven or eight she'd drag herself home into Scott's wrath of yelling and scolding.
Pulling open the door he found Amanda standing at his door, obviously drunk from her red eyes, mascara rings under her eyes and the nest of hair that looked like a wind storm attacked it, and the beer bottle in her hand helpped.
"Damn, what is your fucking phone broken?"asked Amanda.
"I unplugged it,"said Harry inspecting her to make sure she was physically okay.
"Well that was smart,"scoffed Amanda,"You gonna invite me in?" Harry nodded and moved aside, he wasn't so sure this was such a smart idea but she needed somewhere to go, she was looked too wrecked to be on her own.
"Fuck Harry I woulda thought you'd be wasted as well,"said Amanda smiling as she stood in his living room.
"AJ, it's two, I'm gonna call you a cab, your dad is looking for you,"said Harry.
"What?"asked Amanda like he was speaking Greek to her.
"Why are you even drunk in the first place?"asked Harry ignoring her question as he grabbed his cordless phone.
"Because I had to drink myself in throwing everything away,"said Amanda taking another sip of her beer.
"Throwing what away?"asked Harry holding off on calling for a cab.
"Everything, for you,"smiled Amanda. Harry bit his lip, she needed to go home, she couldn't be doing this. Harry started dialing a local taxi cab number.
"What the fuck are you doing?"asked Amanda loudly as she stormed over to him. Amanda grabbed the phone away from him, almost falling over in the process.
"Amanda, this isn't right. If you have to get drunk to make this decision your father is right,"said Harry calmly.
"So what, you don't want me anymore?"asked Amanda angrily,"What we got caught, the whole fucking thrill is over? I'm not a goddamn student so what good am I now? Or what you had to loose your fucking job for me so I'm not worth it? Damn it Harry, I'm not loosing anything I'm voluentarily leaving it."
"You don't want to, you had to drink yourself to do it,"said Harry trying to reason with her, he knew he wanted her but he didn't want her to feel forced to give up everything she had.
"Will you fucking listen to me,"screamed Amanda, she threw her almost empty beer bottle at the opposite wall, as the beer bottle shattered into small pieces of reddish brown pieces of rain tears fell free from Amanda's eyes,"I know I'm fucking drunk and I may not be using the right words here, but I want you, I didn't fucking pick you or any of that shit, there wasn't a choice to pick from, I know I want you, I knew I wanted you and if my dad and the rest of the world don't like it then fuck them, I don't give a shit. I got drunk because I had a bad day, a had a real fucking bad day, I had the worse fucking day of my life because the man I love got fucked over because of me, I could kill Ronnie right now for what she did to you, not because she got me into shit but because she pushed you into the fire. I could handle it being me, but not you, I told you this before Harry I'd do anything for you, if it had been different I would've taken the fucking fall because you mean too much to me to let you go down for this. Fuck Harry I fucking love you and all you can do is get me out of this goddamn apartment as fast as you fucking can." Harry inhaled deeply as he bit his lip standing there completely frozen, usually a confession like this would've sent him running, but this was Amanda, every word she said to him he had no doubt he would say right back to her and with just as much meaning as she did. Amanda stood there waiting for his response but he stood there with an almost stone expression on his face, she'd lost, she put herself out on the line for him once again and he got scared and ran away, he was pushing her away because he was scared of loving her and leaving himself so vunerable to her.
"Fuck this,"muttered Amanda slumping her shoulders in defeat as she threw her hands up,"Don't bother with the cab." Amanda turned around and walked out of the apartment, as she walked down the hall to the elevator she expected Harry to follow her but there was nothing, the door just remained half open and silent. She pushed the button violently and as the doors opened she wobbled in on drunken heels, hitting the lobby button she almost broke down. Once the doors closed she kicked the side of the elevator.
"That asshole,"cried Amanda,"That fucking piece of shit. I gave him everything over and over and over and over and for what? Nothing a fucking goddamn thing." She leaned against the wall and waited for the doors open, she reached down into her purse and pulled out her pack of cigarettes, only one was left, she pulled it out and lit up not caring if she couldn't smoke in the building or not. Dropping her pack on the ground she stood up as straight as she could for the doors to open. Once she did she came face to face with an older man in his mid-fifties.
"Hey you're not suppose to smoke in here,"said the man.
"Fucking move,"growled Amanda pushing past him out of the elevator. She stormed out of the building back out on to the cold raining Boston streets. There was a group of young teenagers across the street who had been there when Amanda had come in, they had hassled her with cat calls and propositions but Amanda put them in their place with the threat of breaking her bottle and performing some free plastic surgery. She wiped her tears as she ignored them.
"Hey bitchy you okay?"shouted one of the boys noticing her crying.
"Go to hell,"said Amanda waving them off with her hand. She stumbled a bit on her heels as she continued down the street, the bars were closed and she had no idea where she was headed but she had a feeling it was no where good. In her head she had this pretty little picture that she'd show up at Harry's door and he'd greet her with open arms that she'd come to him. But no he rejected her, he sent her away and there was nothing she could do about it. In a blurry daze of colors and lights she walked down the street not paying attention to the surroundings around her. Her head was cloudy as she almost fell off the curb, 'whoa where'd the hell that come from?' thought Amanda almost laughing at her accident. Looking around she noticed a liqiour store still open on the opposite corner.
"There's where I need to be,"said Amanda quietly as she made her way across the dead streets. She pulled the glass door open to bright store and walked in trying to keep her composure. The store was empty except for the lone clerk at the till who was reading a magazine, the clerk looked up briefly then went back to his magazine. Amanda tried like hell to keep her balance as she slowly walked down the isles to the vodak section, 'cheap, and easy, that's all I need' thought Amanda as the bottles around her blurred in together. She had drowned one pain today, now she had another to drown. Finally she came to the vodak, she scanned quickly and grabbed a large forty ounce bottle of the clear liquid. Walking up to the cash she seen the clerk watching her closely. She ignored him and set the bottle on the counter and dug through her purse for money.
"Hun, I think you've have a little too much to drink tonight, you really think this is a good idea?"asked the clerk.
"I think it's a fine fucking idea,"said Amanda as she flipped her fake ID up to him. The clerk shrugged and rang the bottle in. Amanda ignored the price and threw thirty bucks on the counter at him. She grabbed her bottle and stumbled out of the store. Once she was back on the street she fumbled and picked at the wrap on the opening of the bottle, pulling out her keys she sliced through the plastic and dropped her keys.
"Fuck,"muttered Amanda as she clumpsily bent over to pick them up, as her weight shifted she went tumbling to the ground with her keys.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck,"cursed Amanda as she scrambled helplessly to get herself up. 'Damn Harry Senate' thought Amanda as she gathered her purse up. Taking a moment on the ground she open the bottle and took a drink out of it, the warm liquid ran down her all ready burnt throat. As she pulled the bottle from her lips she wasn't careful enough and some of the alcohol spilled down onto her top. Amanda didn't even bother with it as she slowly picked herself up off the street. Standing there she she looked down silently at the street she had been on. 'I'm in the fucking gutter,' thought Amanda, 'every man I turn to brings me pain'. She closed her eyes in self pity, opening them she looked around at where she was, the lower part of town, alone and with nowhere to go and no way to get there, she stood there like a lost little girl without a friend or helpping hand in the world. Inhaling deeply she closed her eyes again trying to regain some sense of soberity to help herself.
She was startled out of her thoughts as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Quickly and unevenly she whipped around to the person who had touched her, her defenses were on high with her only chance of hope gripped tightly in her hand ready for her to break it when need be. Looking up through the stray strands of hair that found their way on to her face she seen Harry standing there looking guilty as he stood there clad in a dark jacket and clothes that matched the dark expression on his face. His hands hung at his sides as he stared down at her with large sad filled eyes. Amanda rolled her eyes and she stood there.
"What do you want?"asked Amanda in a dull monotone voice.
"You,"said Harry softly. Amanda sighed and crossed her arms against her chest. Harry leaned down without asking or saying anything more, he pressed his lips forcefully to hers knowing it worked once he had to give it a try again. At first she didn't respond and by the time Harry pulled back she still hadn't. He looked down at her and a new batch of tears were brimming in her eyes and she tried to look away from Harry. Harry pulled her tightly into a hug and wrapped his arms protectively around her, to keep her safe from everything around them.
"I love you too,"whispered Harry softly kissing her hair,"I love you so much." Amanda grabbed on to his jacket with her free hand and cried into his chest. Quietly he soothed her as they stood there on the dark cold street as a shower of rain poured on them.
Slowly Amanda controlled her sobs and pulled herself together. She pulled back from Harry a bit and looked away from him.
"What are you going to do?"asked Amanda in a soft barely there whisper. Harry inhaled deeply at the question, for once he was going to let go of reason and do what felt right.
"Take you home and get you sobered up,"said Harry.
"I can go home on my own,"said Amanda wipping her nose on her jacket sleeve, not caring how disgusting it was at that point.
"Yeah,"said Harry reaching out for her hand,"But you're coming to my home." Amanda looked at him through her glassy eyes and nodded slightly. Harry slightly pulled her closer so he could help her walk, he noticed the alcohol bottle in her hand.
"Think we could loose out bottle of fun, I don't think we need it anymore,"said Harry. Amanda looked confused at him as she slumped against him usuing him for support. He nodded down to the bottle in her hand. Amanda held it up and looked at it.
"Sure,"shrugged Amanda, she handed Harry the bottle. He dumped it out on the street then threw the bottle into some side bushes.
"Think you can walk?"asked Harry.
"I'll give it a good try,"said Amanda half smiling. Harry squeezed her shoulders slightly then leaned down and scooped her up in to his arms.
"I'll carry you,"said Harry.
"I can walk,"said Amanda as she held on to him tightly.
"Yeah but it's raining and this is faster than you trying to walk,"said Harry. Amanda just smirked and rested her head on his shoulder. The rain that fell on them was ignored as Harry made his way with her down the street back to his apartment.
*********
Once they were back in his apartment, Harry set Amanda down on his bed to lay down. She was in and out of conciousness as she barely hung on to keeping awake. Harry got her heels and jackets off of her almost lifeless body.
"Amanda, you awake?"asked Harry softly,"Amanda?"
"Hi Harry,"said Amanda smiling as she sat up well holding on to Harry.
"You have to get out of those clothes, you're soaked,"said Harry.
"Well you Harry have to get out of those clothes,"laughed Amanda,"And don't call me Amanda." Harry eased her back onto the bed and grabbed one of his relatively clean shirts from the laundry.
"I like Amanda,"said Harry,"It's a pretty name."
"It's stupid,"whinned Amanda.
"No it's not,"said Harry as he helpped her sit up,"Now you gonna help me get you out of those clothes."
"Can I go to sleep?"asked Amanda.
"Right after we get you into something dry,"said Harry holding her up. Amanda sighed and shamelessly pulled her wet shirt up and over her head, she unhooked her bra and let that fall to her lap. Harry helpped her up as she slipped on his shirt and fumbled with a few of the buttons not really careing if they matching, she then undid the button on her jeans and wiggled her way uneasily out of them.
"There all done,"cried Amanda falling back on the bed.
"Okay c'mon under the blankets,"said Harry pulling them back and lifting up her legs with ease. Amanda snuggled up to the pillow and moved herself under the blankets. Then Harry hit the light in the room allowing the room to get covered in darkness. Amanda opened her eyes slightly and watched as Harry undressed in the moon light, grinning slightly she held onto the pillow as the room started spinning. As Harry got into bed next to her Amanda found her way to his chest and rested her head on him. She felt Harry's arm wrap around her back holding her close.
"How are you feeling?"asked Harry softly.
"The room is spinning,"whispered Amanda.
"Yeah it probably will,"said Harry rubbing her back soothingly. As the two of them laid there Harry stayed awake eventually listening to the soft snoring of Amanda. It seemed so perfect and complete with her next to him, in his bed, in his arms. They both had gone through hell for the day, between Ronnie, Scott and Steven he was glad in some sort of way they had given him his pink slip. The restrictions and disapproval of their relationship was gone, there were still the factors like Scott but Amanda wanted to ignore them and be with him, it was relieving. The age difference, the teacher student situation, none of it mattered because she completed him, he loved her more than anything and when she had walked out of his apartment that night the reality of having her walking out of his life was one he didn't want to experience. Through all the lows and awkward moments he had gone through and those that had jaded him meant nothing anymore, he didn't need to think of them anymore and they didn't affect him anymore, Amanda took all of that away.