Disclaimer: Boy, I haven't done one of these disclaimers for a
loooooonnnggggggggggggggg time. I just had a sudden urge to do one...hehe.
Lol. Everyone knows that I do not own anything from Stand by Me, obviously,
or else I most definitely wouldn't be here. I'd be sunbathing on my own
little island while Orlando Bloom feeds me grapes and rubs oils on me...ahh,
the bliss of it all!! *mwhaha* Okay, ahem. I'm back into reality, I swear.
I'm not making any money off of this pathetic excuse for a story, so don't
sue me, I still haven't found my pennies yet. Ha! Vern-o moment...okay. I'm
done I swear.
~*Author Note*~ Thanks to all my reviews, yet again! They make me mucho happy. :) *giggles* Okay, here's chapter 17 and I'm hoping this is a good one. *fingers crossed* I'm starting to figure out what I want to do with this story; I just hope I don't lose my inspiration too soon!! Eeek, that's the worst feeling. *StormShadow21* don't worry; you'll get your inspiration back. You can't give up on Christine Sixteen though!! Please don't!! I love it and I'm sure you'll figure it out sooner or late. Praying for sooner! lol honestly, that story is soo good! :) so don't fret. Oh, and if you ever want to read a truly wonderful, moving, beautifully written Chris fic, you MUST read Aleka's I'll Stand by You. It was published two years ago, but it still remains my favorite!! Actually, anything written by Aleka is REALLY good and they're mostly about Chris. So definitely check them out. :) Okay, anyway, on with the chapter.
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I grinned as I approached Gordie in the library and watched him writing fervently down on some piece of torn up paper. The guy never stopped writing...if he didn't become a writer I think I would shoot myself. His hair once again was standing on end and he looked tired, though not as tired as normally. I suppose the break up between Mary Louise and Gordie seemed to have affected him barely, and maybe it even was healthy for him...stress free one might say.
"You never stop writing, do you?" I asked, sitting across from him. He looked up at me and smirked. He automatically covered his work with his arm—a habit of his. It always made me more curious to read his writing, I only read the stuff he'd let me read. If I could, I would read it all, but he was so secretive. I supposed he poured his heart out into his work, his version of a diary, and I respected that.
"It clears my head," he said loftily, absentmindedly placing his algebra text book on top of the hastily written paper. He looked at me and grinned. I smiled back suddenly feeling at ease—whenever Gordie smiled it always did put me at ease.
I sighed and placed my head in my hands and just looked at Gordie. He arched an eyebrow and shook his head, grinning slightly.
"Why do you look so happy?" I asked. I thought I would be the happy one, the after effects of the previous night still fresh in my mind. But now, Gordie looked in one of the happier moods than I had seen in him in a long time.
Gordie just grinned mysteriously and suddenly I wanted to know so badly what he was so happy about. I immediately sat up and raised my eyebrows.
"What are you so happy about dammit!" I was starting to get annoyed, but Gordie just smirked and I decided to let it slide. He would tell me eventually, I knew it.
"So," Gordie said, laughing at my irritated expression. "You realize the dance is tomorrow night, don't you?"
I widened my eyes and slapped my forward. "Shit!" How could I have forgotten? What in the world would I wear? Would I go with Chris? Would I dance? These questions raced through my mind and I grabbed at my hair in frustration. "I totally forgot!"
Gordie laughed. "I got myself a date. Ha!"
I looked at him and smiled. "Who is it?"
Gordie leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. He gave me that cocky 'I'm-so-hot' look and I rolled my eyes.
"It's Jenny Anders," he said happily, and I could just see the excitement on his face. "She's so cute."
I laughed, happy for him. "Gordo that's great. Do you like her?"
Gordie shrugged and looked distantly broken. Maybe the break up with Mary Louise was affecting more than I thought...I wanted to say something witty and soothing, but my mind was blank and I couldn't process my thoughts correctly.
"I don't know," he said finally. "A part of me still wants to be with Mary Louise. And another part of me is just ready to forget it and move on."
I nodded, not really being able to know what he meant, but understanding it enough.
"Well, I'm happy for you," I said. I was just about to tell him about Chris and my little rendezvous, when he smiled knowingly at me.
"I'm happy for you too," he said. "I heard. I was wondering when you were going to tell me."
I grinned sheepishly and couldn't keep the blush off of my face. "How did you find out?"
Gordie arched an eyebrow. "How do you think? Chris is my best friend." I smiled and glanced at the clock. It was almost third period and study hall was almost over.
"I better go get my stuff for Chemistry," I said, starting to gather up my things. "I'll talk to you later Gordie."
Gordie just grinned at me, and then started writing away again once I had turned my back.
~ * ~ * ~
"Hello."
I turned around from my locker and grinned when I saw Chris. He smiled at me, and switched his bag from his left shoulder to his right. He looked less tired than usual, and his eyes were bluer than ever. I wanted to ask him about yesterday, but I knew I had to keep my mouth shut. What if Chris didn't want to date me? What if it was just caught up in the heat of the moment that was that? What if it had meant nothing at all, he just needed someone to help him escape. I wondered all of these things, but I just couldn't bring myself to voice them aloud.
"Hey," I said. I glanced at his lip—the wound healing. "How's that cut of yours holding up?"
Chris looked at me and grinned, lightly touching the corner of his mouth. I saw his wrist had a new scratch on it and I wondered momentarily who had caused that, but decided I'd ask him about it later. I knew he didn't want to be pestered about his beatings—I knew his father was the one responsible. Though asking whether he was okay or not wouldn't change a thing, it'd make him know that I did care for him. A lot.
"It's doing much better," Chris said, unable to wipe the smirk off his face. I quirked an eyebrow and turned to my locker to continue gathering all the books I would need for the better half of the day. My locker was a mess—it was due for a cleaning sooner or later. I preferred the later, so as I snatched my algebra book from the depths of the locker, I snapped it shut quickly so I wouldn't have to deal with the guilty feeling of cleaning it out. I turned to Chris and sighed.
"That's good," I said, unsure of what else to say. I was afraid the awkwardness would come up and that was the last thing I wanted—I couldn't go through with being awkward with my best friend. Nothing should change between us now that he knew I harbored feelings for him...he should know that. "What are you up to?" I cursed myself for lack of a better conversation-starter. Conversations weren't my strong point, but with Chris they seemed natural, I never had to think about them. All of a sudden I was nervous and couldn't think straight—again, that power he held over me, so frightening and exciting.
Chris grinned and I couldn't take it anymore—this was the second person that was eccentrically happy and I had no idea as to why. I arched and eyebrow and placed my books under my left arm.
"Alright," I said, very curious as to know exactly why he was so happy. "What in the hell are you so happy about?"
Chris snickered and I glared my eyes—but he didn't stop grinning. What was with the boy? One minute he was so happy, the next minute he was like a storm ready to unleash its' fury. The boy was moodier than a girl during her time of month, and that says a lot for male PMS. We started to walk down the hallway and I tried to ignore the furtive glances that were being shot my way—half of disgust, half of jealousy. Most of the girls passing were either pissed I was with Chris because they loved him, or disgusted that he would stoop so low. Then there were the other guys and girls—just hating Chris in general, never getting over the trailer trash label. I had definitely gotten used to it over the years—the looks and whispers that followed Chris everywhere eventually disappeared to my ears and I was unaffected by their petty ignorance.
"You know," Chris began, as we turned the corner. "I'm not really sure why I'm happy. I just am. Oh wait, I know why." He smirked here and I rolled my eyes. "The dance is tomorrow night."
I looked at him, disgust evident on my face. It was one thing for a one dimensional, small minded girl to be overly excited for some pathetic dance that was just an excuse for kids to feel shitty—but for Chris Chambers to actually be excited, that was quite another. How could he be so excited over this dance? I was dreading it—I knew I'd have to go, however. My mom would force me and the guys would talk me into it. I knew I'd have a horrible time though, that was for sure. I didn't dance, I spoke to not one girl besides Mary Louise, and I doubted she wanted anything to do with me after the break up. And I was NOT in the mood to hang out with the only people I was friends with—the guys. They turned so different during the dances...horny, immature creatures. I knew I was definitely not going to have a fun time. For one, I didn't even have a date.
"You're kidding, right?" I scoffed. "You have got to be kidding me. How can you be excited for a dance? They are...oh God; I don't even know what the hell they are."
Chris laughed and I glared at him. He stopped laughing but a smirk adorned his face and I couldn't help but get little butterflies once again. It was just him—he always made me have butterflies in my stomach. It was a giddy, funny sensation that I wish wouldn't ever come, but at the same time I wished it would last forever.
"You know," Chris started. I looked over at him, an eyebrow raised. "Christy Bloom freaked out on me when I told her I wasn't going to the dance with her anymore. She absolutely freaked, saying what a 'player' I was, how she'd never forgive me. I had to try and not laugh. And all you do is insult me, when I ditched her for you."
I smirked and crossed my arms. "Player, eh? Right...wait—you ditched her for me? Why?"
Chris sighed and looked at me. "Well, you're my date for the dance, aren't you?"
I grinned. "Hell yes, what do you take me for?"
Chris smirked and kissed me quickly before saying good bye and turning the corner for his class. My heart momentarily ceased beating—several people in the hallway gaped at the exchanged and I heard some girls cursing under their breath. I laughed nonetheless throughout this—I was probably the happiest girl alive in Castle Rock.
~ * ~ * ~
I never was one to like colliding into people, and I never was one to like being flown backward in the middle of a hallway. But as I rushed to my locker before the bell rang signaling the end of the day, I turned a corner and ran directly into Vern Tessio.
Now, Vern Tessio was always a bit daft, empty headed, but overall he meant well and was a genuinely sweet guy. Everyone always knew him as 'Vern- O' or 'Chubbster' but over the years of high school, the sixteen year old Vern had matured quite a bit—both mentally AND physically. His fat had long been shed and he stood tall, broad shouldered and lean. His blue eyes made many a girl melt and you couldn't help but laugh at his naive nature. Surprisingly, Vern had become quite popular...his true friends were still Chris, Gordie, and Teddy, but just as high school goes, people find their own way. He would never forget those times during the summer with those three boys in the tree house, but everyone had grown up since then and made their way. He mostly hung out with the popular guys and girls, mainly because you couldn't help but love him. But whenever he really needed someone to talk to, to understand him, he'd know where to find Chris and Gordie and Teddy. They were his childhood buddies—his friends. And though most of his 'popular' friends didn't really like Chris or Gordie or even Teddy, Vern never cut them up and always defended them. Vern really was one of a kind.
But right now his lean body didn't feel too lean. He collided head on into me, sending my five foot four frame to the ground, while his own six foot frame towered over me. He looked down at me, amusement evident in his eyes and his lips upturned in a lopsided grin.
"Sorry Lark," he said, stooping down to help me up. "Man, you should have seen you. You went flying! I think you knocked down that freshman chick back there—oh man that was so boss!"
I grinned despite my agitated mood and grabbed my bag which had been thrown over my head. "Hello Vern."
He grinned and we began walking down the hall. "So, how's it been going Lark? I haven't talked to you for a long time."
I rolled my eyes and looked at him questionably. "I just talked to you in third block!" I laughed and he smirked.
"Oh yeah," he said, laughing too. "Hmm, interesting."
I shook my head as we turned another corner and when a sophomore girl with long black hair giggled at Vern and blushed when he waved, I couldn't help but bust out laughing. Vern looked down at me and glared, but I couldn't stop laughing.
"Oh Vern!" I said mockingly. "You take my breath away! Oh Vern, father my children! Oh Vern!" I pretended to giggle and blush and wave just the same with the sophomore did. Vern rolled his eyes and shoved me away as I stumbled into a wall, bursting out once again with laughter.
"Quite the stud, you are," I commented. Vern shrugged and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"I can't help my irresistible-ness."
I frowned, but burst out in laughter once again. I always did like Vern—you couldn't help but like the crazy guy. He'd always make you smile even if you'd had the shittiest day, and he had this way of making your life seem like it was worth something. I sighed to myself...I was so lucky to have friends like Vern, Gordie, Chris and Teddy. They were my best friends, and I loved them all, and I wouldn't trade them in for the world.
"Sooo," I said, sighing as we stopped at my locker. I began undoing the lock. "Who's the lucky lady you're bringing to the dance tomorrow night?"
Vern sighed and leaned against the locker beside mine. He looked at me and grinned. "Chamaine Thops."
I arched an eyebrow. "No shit!"
Vern laughed. "I'm serious. I asked her a week ago."
I smiled, suddenly so happy for my friend. "Awww Vern! You've loved her for like ever! Yay!" I couldn't stop smiling...I really was happy for him. He'd been in love with Chamaine ever since I could remember, but she'd always just been his friend. I laughed at the irony of it all—I knew what it felt like to be in Vern's position.
"And," Vern continued, looking at me happily, his eyes twinkling. "Don't think I don't know about you and Chambers. Did you really think you could keep it from me for that long?"
I blushed and smiled sheepishly. "Oops. Sorry I forgot. I mean, it only happened yesterday!"
Vern laughed and tousled my hair good naturedly. "Awwe Lark, I love ya. I got to go though or I'll miss my bus. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
I smiled happily at him and patted him on the shoulder. "See you Vern- o."
I watched him walk away and sighed. I quickly gathered my things from my locker and hurried out the door—I would miss my bus too if I didn't hurry.
~ * ~ * ~
[Hello everyone. That was kind of a nothing chapter, nothing really happened. It was just there to connect to the next chapter, the Dance. *googles!* hell hath no fury what shall happen at the dance!! W00t-wo0t! Review everyone :) I swear, I live by me' reviews. Oaky, well I'll talk to you crazy kids later. Love and Strawberries, The Good Girl. PS~*thanks to all the reviews as usual. Much kudos!!]
~*Author Note*~ Thanks to all my reviews, yet again! They make me mucho happy. :) *giggles* Okay, here's chapter 17 and I'm hoping this is a good one. *fingers crossed* I'm starting to figure out what I want to do with this story; I just hope I don't lose my inspiration too soon!! Eeek, that's the worst feeling. *StormShadow21* don't worry; you'll get your inspiration back. You can't give up on Christine Sixteen though!! Please don't!! I love it and I'm sure you'll figure it out sooner or late. Praying for sooner! lol honestly, that story is soo good! :) so don't fret. Oh, and if you ever want to read a truly wonderful, moving, beautifully written Chris fic, you MUST read Aleka's I'll Stand by You. It was published two years ago, but it still remains my favorite!! Actually, anything written by Aleka is REALLY good and they're mostly about Chris. So definitely check them out. :) Okay, anyway, on with the chapter.
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I grinned as I approached Gordie in the library and watched him writing fervently down on some piece of torn up paper. The guy never stopped writing...if he didn't become a writer I think I would shoot myself. His hair once again was standing on end and he looked tired, though not as tired as normally. I suppose the break up between Mary Louise and Gordie seemed to have affected him barely, and maybe it even was healthy for him...stress free one might say.
"You never stop writing, do you?" I asked, sitting across from him. He looked up at me and smirked. He automatically covered his work with his arm—a habit of his. It always made me more curious to read his writing, I only read the stuff he'd let me read. If I could, I would read it all, but he was so secretive. I supposed he poured his heart out into his work, his version of a diary, and I respected that.
"It clears my head," he said loftily, absentmindedly placing his algebra text book on top of the hastily written paper. He looked at me and grinned. I smiled back suddenly feeling at ease—whenever Gordie smiled it always did put me at ease.
I sighed and placed my head in my hands and just looked at Gordie. He arched an eyebrow and shook his head, grinning slightly.
"Why do you look so happy?" I asked. I thought I would be the happy one, the after effects of the previous night still fresh in my mind. But now, Gordie looked in one of the happier moods than I had seen in him in a long time.
Gordie just grinned mysteriously and suddenly I wanted to know so badly what he was so happy about. I immediately sat up and raised my eyebrows.
"What are you so happy about dammit!" I was starting to get annoyed, but Gordie just smirked and I decided to let it slide. He would tell me eventually, I knew it.
"So," Gordie said, laughing at my irritated expression. "You realize the dance is tomorrow night, don't you?"
I widened my eyes and slapped my forward. "Shit!" How could I have forgotten? What in the world would I wear? Would I go with Chris? Would I dance? These questions raced through my mind and I grabbed at my hair in frustration. "I totally forgot!"
Gordie laughed. "I got myself a date. Ha!"
I looked at him and smiled. "Who is it?"
Gordie leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. He gave me that cocky 'I'm-so-hot' look and I rolled my eyes.
"It's Jenny Anders," he said happily, and I could just see the excitement on his face. "She's so cute."
I laughed, happy for him. "Gordo that's great. Do you like her?"
Gordie shrugged and looked distantly broken. Maybe the break up with Mary Louise was affecting more than I thought...I wanted to say something witty and soothing, but my mind was blank and I couldn't process my thoughts correctly.
"I don't know," he said finally. "A part of me still wants to be with Mary Louise. And another part of me is just ready to forget it and move on."
I nodded, not really being able to know what he meant, but understanding it enough.
"Well, I'm happy for you," I said. I was just about to tell him about Chris and my little rendezvous, when he smiled knowingly at me.
"I'm happy for you too," he said. "I heard. I was wondering when you were going to tell me."
I grinned sheepishly and couldn't keep the blush off of my face. "How did you find out?"
Gordie arched an eyebrow. "How do you think? Chris is my best friend." I smiled and glanced at the clock. It was almost third period and study hall was almost over.
"I better go get my stuff for Chemistry," I said, starting to gather up my things. "I'll talk to you later Gordie."
Gordie just grinned at me, and then started writing away again once I had turned my back.
~ * ~ * ~
"Hello."
I turned around from my locker and grinned when I saw Chris. He smiled at me, and switched his bag from his left shoulder to his right. He looked less tired than usual, and his eyes were bluer than ever. I wanted to ask him about yesterday, but I knew I had to keep my mouth shut. What if Chris didn't want to date me? What if it was just caught up in the heat of the moment that was that? What if it had meant nothing at all, he just needed someone to help him escape. I wondered all of these things, but I just couldn't bring myself to voice them aloud.
"Hey," I said. I glanced at his lip—the wound healing. "How's that cut of yours holding up?"
Chris looked at me and grinned, lightly touching the corner of his mouth. I saw his wrist had a new scratch on it and I wondered momentarily who had caused that, but decided I'd ask him about it later. I knew he didn't want to be pestered about his beatings—I knew his father was the one responsible. Though asking whether he was okay or not wouldn't change a thing, it'd make him know that I did care for him. A lot.
"It's doing much better," Chris said, unable to wipe the smirk off his face. I quirked an eyebrow and turned to my locker to continue gathering all the books I would need for the better half of the day. My locker was a mess—it was due for a cleaning sooner or later. I preferred the later, so as I snatched my algebra book from the depths of the locker, I snapped it shut quickly so I wouldn't have to deal with the guilty feeling of cleaning it out. I turned to Chris and sighed.
"That's good," I said, unsure of what else to say. I was afraid the awkwardness would come up and that was the last thing I wanted—I couldn't go through with being awkward with my best friend. Nothing should change between us now that he knew I harbored feelings for him...he should know that. "What are you up to?" I cursed myself for lack of a better conversation-starter. Conversations weren't my strong point, but with Chris they seemed natural, I never had to think about them. All of a sudden I was nervous and couldn't think straight—again, that power he held over me, so frightening and exciting.
Chris grinned and I couldn't take it anymore—this was the second person that was eccentrically happy and I had no idea as to why. I arched and eyebrow and placed my books under my left arm.
"Alright," I said, very curious as to know exactly why he was so happy. "What in the hell are you so happy about?"
Chris snickered and I glared my eyes—but he didn't stop grinning. What was with the boy? One minute he was so happy, the next minute he was like a storm ready to unleash its' fury. The boy was moodier than a girl during her time of month, and that says a lot for male PMS. We started to walk down the hallway and I tried to ignore the furtive glances that were being shot my way—half of disgust, half of jealousy. Most of the girls passing were either pissed I was with Chris because they loved him, or disgusted that he would stoop so low. Then there were the other guys and girls—just hating Chris in general, never getting over the trailer trash label. I had definitely gotten used to it over the years—the looks and whispers that followed Chris everywhere eventually disappeared to my ears and I was unaffected by their petty ignorance.
"You know," Chris began, as we turned the corner. "I'm not really sure why I'm happy. I just am. Oh wait, I know why." He smirked here and I rolled my eyes. "The dance is tomorrow night."
I looked at him, disgust evident on my face. It was one thing for a one dimensional, small minded girl to be overly excited for some pathetic dance that was just an excuse for kids to feel shitty—but for Chris Chambers to actually be excited, that was quite another. How could he be so excited over this dance? I was dreading it—I knew I'd have to go, however. My mom would force me and the guys would talk me into it. I knew I'd have a horrible time though, that was for sure. I didn't dance, I spoke to not one girl besides Mary Louise, and I doubted she wanted anything to do with me after the break up. And I was NOT in the mood to hang out with the only people I was friends with—the guys. They turned so different during the dances...horny, immature creatures. I knew I was definitely not going to have a fun time. For one, I didn't even have a date.
"You're kidding, right?" I scoffed. "You have got to be kidding me. How can you be excited for a dance? They are...oh God; I don't even know what the hell they are."
Chris laughed and I glared at him. He stopped laughing but a smirk adorned his face and I couldn't help but get little butterflies once again. It was just him—he always made me have butterflies in my stomach. It was a giddy, funny sensation that I wish wouldn't ever come, but at the same time I wished it would last forever.
"You know," Chris started. I looked over at him, an eyebrow raised. "Christy Bloom freaked out on me when I told her I wasn't going to the dance with her anymore. She absolutely freaked, saying what a 'player' I was, how she'd never forgive me. I had to try and not laugh. And all you do is insult me, when I ditched her for you."
I smirked and crossed my arms. "Player, eh? Right...wait—you ditched her for me? Why?"
Chris sighed and looked at me. "Well, you're my date for the dance, aren't you?"
I grinned. "Hell yes, what do you take me for?"
Chris smirked and kissed me quickly before saying good bye and turning the corner for his class. My heart momentarily ceased beating—several people in the hallway gaped at the exchanged and I heard some girls cursing under their breath. I laughed nonetheless throughout this—I was probably the happiest girl alive in Castle Rock.
~ * ~ * ~
I never was one to like colliding into people, and I never was one to like being flown backward in the middle of a hallway. But as I rushed to my locker before the bell rang signaling the end of the day, I turned a corner and ran directly into Vern Tessio.
Now, Vern Tessio was always a bit daft, empty headed, but overall he meant well and was a genuinely sweet guy. Everyone always knew him as 'Vern- O' or 'Chubbster' but over the years of high school, the sixteen year old Vern had matured quite a bit—both mentally AND physically. His fat had long been shed and he stood tall, broad shouldered and lean. His blue eyes made many a girl melt and you couldn't help but laugh at his naive nature. Surprisingly, Vern had become quite popular...his true friends were still Chris, Gordie, and Teddy, but just as high school goes, people find their own way. He would never forget those times during the summer with those three boys in the tree house, but everyone had grown up since then and made their way. He mostly hung out with the popular guys and girls, mainly because you couldn't help but love him. But whenever he really needed someone to talk to, to understand him, he'd know where to find Chris and Gordie and Teddy. They were his childhood buddies—his friends. And though most of his 'popular' friends didn't really like Chris or Gordie or even Teddy, Vern never cut them up and always defended them. Vern really was one of a kind.
But right now his lean body didn't feel too lean. He collided head on into me, sending my five foot four frame to the ground, while his own six foot frame towered over me. He looked down at me, amusement evident in his eyes and his lips upturned in a lopsided grin.
"Sorry Lark," he said, stooping down to help me up. "Man, you should have seen you. You went flying! I think you knocked down that freshman chick back there—oh man that was so boss!"
I grinned despite my agitated mood and grabbed my bag which had been thrown over my head. "Hello Vern."
He grinned and we began walking down the hall. "So, how's it been going Lark? I haven't talked to you for a long time."
I rolled my eyes and looked at him questionably. "I just talked to you in third block!" I laughed and he smirked.
"Oh yeah," he said, laughing too. "Hmm, interesting."
I shook my head as we turned another corner and when a sophomore girl with long black hair giggled at Vern and blushed when he waved, I couldn't help but bust out laughing. Vern looked down at me and glared, but I couldn't stop laughing.
"Oh Vern!" I said mockingly. "You take my breath away! Oh Vern, father my children! Oh Vern!" I pretended to giggle and blush and wave just the same with the sophomore did. Vern rolled his eyes and shoved me away as I stumbled into a wall, bursting out once again with laughter.
"Quite the stud, you are," I commented. Vern shrugged and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"I can't help my irresistible-ness."
I frowned, but burst out in laughter once again. I always did like Vern—you couldn't help but like the crazy guy. He'd always make you smile even if you'd had the shittiest day, and he had this way of making your life seem like it was worth something. I sighed to myself...I was so lucky to have friends like Vern, Gordie, Chris and Teddy. They were my best friends, and I loved them all, and I wouldn't trade them in for the world.
"Sooo," I said, sighing as we stopped at my locker. I began undoing the lock. "Who's the lucky lady you're bringing to the dance tomorrow night?"
Vern sighed and leaned against the locker beside mine. He looked at me and grinned. "Chamaine Thops."
I arched an eyebrow. "No shit!"
Vern laughed. "I'm serious. I asked her a week ago."
I smiled, suddenly so happy for my friend. "Awww Vern! You've loved her for like ever! Yay!" I couldn't stop smiling...I really was happy for him. He'd been in love with Chamaine ever since I could remember, but she'd always just been his friend. I laughed at the irony of it all—I knew what it felt like to be in Vern's position.
"And," Vern continued, looking at me happily, his eyes twinkling. "Don't think I don't know about you and Chambers. Did you really think you could keep it from me for that long?"
I blushed and smiled sheepishly. "Oops. Sorry I forgot. I mean, it only happened yesterday!"
Vern laughed and tousled my hair good naturedly. "Awwe Lark, I love ya. I got to go though or I'll miss my bus. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
I smiled happily at him and patted him on the shoulder. "See you Vern- o."
I watched him walk away and sighed. I quickly gathered my things from my locker and hurried out the door—I would miss my bus too if I didn't hurry.
~ * ~ * ~
[Hello everyone. That was kind of a nothing chapter, nothing really happened. It was just there to connect to the next chapter, the Dance. *googles!* hell hath no fury what shall happen at the dance!! W00t-wo0t! Review everyone :) I swear, I live by me' reviews. Oaky, well I'll talk to you crazy kids later. Love and Strawberries, The Good Girl. PS~*thanks to all the reviews as usual. Much kudos!!]