Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, the songs, or anything in this story, except for Mozzy, Slade, some random other people, and quite possibly the plot. The title is an Offspring song, but that's okay, because I'm sure their not reading Degrassi slash anyway...
Author's Notes: Wow, look at all of the reivews! Thank you all so much!
Fucted Up Kid: -presents tickle-me-Marco doll- Here you are! Thank you for the compliment. Yeah, the shower scene was kind of spacey, and I'm glad you commented on it. I wanted to make it seem real, the way things might actually happen to poor baby Marco. And I just had to make Spinner write that song. It portrayed every thing I though Spinner would feel about what happened to Marco and his feelings on Slade. Since I'm writing in Marco's point of view, it's hard to get Spin's feelings across, especially since Marco is oblivious. The song was just a way of showing the way Marco's attempted rape affected him. Thanks for reviewing!
Visitor-to-the-Echoside: Thank you for the review! I'm glad you found the humor.
Drew's Baby: I forgot to give you all the details of the Marco doll, didn't I? Hm...I'll fix that! Sure you can have one! Wow, I feel so happy that you put me on your favorites list. Thank you!
Cyanide Anytime: -hands doll- Here you go! It's all right that you haven't reviewed lately, just as long as you enjoy the story. (Sumbliminal message: review, review, review) Spinner is always cute! I'm glad you like Mozzy. I love her to death. My favorite orginal character in this fic. Thanks for the review!
Vixen-Dragon 16: I say the 'point' thing all the time, and people always give me that, "What the crap", kind of look. I'm glad you found it funny. Oh yes, I saw King of Pain. I loved it. Marco was in pain! He came out to his mommy and I was all like, "Aww!!!!" The side-story was nice too. The whole thing was grr-eat! Thank you for reviewing.
Enigmus: Of course Marco would protect Spinner. It's totally a natural reaction for both of them to stick up for each other, though their both to oblivious to notice it! They do belong together, as I've been attempting to convince my friends of. Thanks for reviewing!
Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Duckies: I'm only updating faster because Degrassi is showing new episodes, which gives me inspiration because a pained Marco is my muse. My friends and I all like the same bands, and My Chemical Romance is right up there! Thank you for the review!
mydracomalfoy: Moshpits are fun! Me and my friend walk around poking everyone going, "Mosh." No one gets it. –cough- I'm glad you liked the Marco/Spinner/parent sequence. I couldn't resist putting it in there! Thank you for reviewing!
anjel919: Thanks for the compliments. Marco and Spinner will get to the...um...jumping eventually. You gotta give it time. They both have to come to terms with stuff, and Marco has to finally admit how he really feels about Spinner to himself before he does to Spinner himself. That's weird that you had dated someone who was called slut boy. Odd coiencidence. Thanks for reviewing, hope you like this chapter!
KinseySix: If Marco's parents hadn't been in the room, Spinner would have just said screw it and jumped Marco, and Marco wouldn't have done a damn thing to stop him. –grins- But they were, muwhaha. Of course you can have a Marco doll...if you promise to update 'Pretty Girl'. Oh, get you some! Now you must update if you want the doll of cuteness! I am such a genuis. Hope you like this chapter!
Bridget N: Oh yeah, Spinner has it real bad. Yay, my fic rocks! Thank you for the review!
Isdule07: I've always wondered what Spinner smelled like. Don't ask, I have weird thoughts. I bet he really does smell like bacon though, because he works at the Dot. Of course you can have a Marco doll. Someone really does need to make up one of those. I'd buy it! Thanks for the review!
Squirlie Jack: My friend has a Foamy the S quirel shirt. He says that I have to watch it, cause it's the greatest thing ever. I surely shall! Thanks for reviewing!
Marco: This story has over one hundred reviews. I would like to thank everyone!
Spinner: And I would like to thank everyone who has supported the defilement of Marco, by me of course, and am asking you to keep requesting the loss of his virtue!
Marco: ...okay then...
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Chapter Thirteen: Cool To Hate
"You're going to have to do something," Spinner tells me as I open my gym locker, pulling out my uniform.
I know what he's talking about. There's only one thing he could be referring to, anyway. I merely remove my shirt, quickly grabbing the white one to replace it. The bruises are going away, and for that I'm thankful. It's hard to look in the mirror every morning, seeing them, reminding me about what could have been. He slams his fist on the locker and turns away as I begin to shed my jeans. When I'm finished changing into my uniform, he turns to me once again, his facial expression unreadable, his eyes pleading with me to do something –anything-yet at the same time holding burning fury that he's willing to release on just about anyone right now.
This has been eating him up inside, and I feel guilty for it. It's mostly my fault. If I had just let him leave the other day, pushed him away more, he wouldn't have to deal with it. I feel even more guilty for the fact that I need him. Not really guilty, just weak. I wish I could find a way to handle everything on my own, that I had enough strength to pull myself through this, but I know I don't. I know I need him, and he knows. That's why he stays.
Sometimes, I think it's the only reason he stays.
Sighing, he kicks the bottom of his locker, eyes flashing, then storms out of the locker room. "Spin, wait," I call after him softly, not even moving to catch up with him. He ignores me, pushing past the doors and leaving me alone. Well, alone unless you count the twenty or so other guys, but whatever.
I exit out of the locker room into the gym, looking around to see Spinner leaning against a wall, not even bothering to pretend to listen as Craig talks about something or other. He looks over at me, shaking his head, and I give him a little smile, hoping I can calm him somehow with the small gesture. I know he's upset. I know he hates it when I'm hurt, because it hurts him, and no one wants this kind of pain. But what am I supposed to do? Go to the cops? They would never believe me. I can just see that conversation now.
"Well, hello, Mr. Officer...person...man."
"Hello. May I help you?"
"Yes, yes you may. Do you know Slade Avron? His father is Mr. Avron, one of the richest and most influential men in this county?"
"Of course! Why do you ask?"
"Well you see, he –Slade I mean- tried to rape me the other night."
"He did? My, you are such a tiny, weak, insignificant little thing. However did you get away?!"
"Simple! I used my magical powers on him!"
"...oh...well...um...security!"
And, for obvious reasons which I won't take the time to point out, that would be bad. Very bad. Mozzy has sworn to exact some time of witchly revenge on him, but I forbad her. He'll know. I know that he will somehow link whatever type of 'revenge' Mozzy tries to exact on him to me, and I'll be dead meat. No, there's nothing I can do, except for pretend it never happened.
It's killing me to know that. I hate it. I hate this. I hate standing here in the gym, trying to pretend like I don't notice Spinner sending me those heartbreaking looks of frustration, sinking lower and lower into myself as I realize that Slade really is going to get away with it. He's going to get away with what he tried to do to me, what he probably did to someone else, and what he's probably going to do again.
How is that right? How is it right for someone like him to get away without anything falling upon him, while innocent people like Spinner have to suffer along with me? That's not the way it's supposed to be. It's not the way things happen on TV, or in the movies, or in books. The hero wins. The hero fights the demons and slays the dragons and saves the world and gets the girl.
But I'm no hero. I can't fight, I can barely control my powers sometimes, and well...it's kind of obvious I'm not going to get the girl, considering I don't even want the girl. Maybe this is my punishment. Maybe...maybe that's what I get for wanting Slade, and not Ellie or Hazel. Maybe because I was with him that night...
Oh, who the hell am I kidding? That's not why. It's because Slade is evil, low down, dirty, and deserves to burn for what he did to me and God only knows who else. It's not like the hero can't be gay. Just look at Superman, or Batman, or The Hulk, or Spawn. Honestly, no one can wear that much leather without being at least a little bit gay. Oh, and don't even get me started on X-Men.
I know I won't be able to fight Slade, but I'll find a way to do something. I'll make up for this. I'll make up for letting him get away for what he's done. I just have to find a way. For now, I have to find a way to deal with Spinner.
I begin walking towards him, jumbling a few words around in my mind, tossing them back and forth, trying to find something that will get him to let this go. I know it's probably useless, but I have to try. I know he wants to help me, help me do something to get Slade back. I don't know how I can find a way to make him understand the hopelessness of this situation.
"Well, well, well."
I freeze right in front of him. No...no way...no possible way in hell. He's not even in this class. I know he's not. Why would he be here? Why? Why?
"If it isn't little Marco Del Rossi."
No, he can't do anything. Not here. Not right in the middle of the gym. But then again, why couldn't he? Practically everyone here knows about his...preferences. There are plenty of people who hate him for it, but they don't have the guts to do anything, considering he could fillet them, not to mention what his father could do to their parents bank accounts.
I look up to see Spinners eyes, crossed and blazing, staring at the figure behind me. So, it must be him. He's never looked at anyone else with that kind of hate. I've never even thought that Spinner could possibly hate anyone that much. Slade is the exception to many rules, I've learned.
"What, too good to talk to me?"
I take a few steps forward –closer to Spinner, because I know that he's safe- before turning around. I am greeted with the last thing I want to see. He stands there, with his black hair mused and hanging around his face, framing his perfect features. His ice blue eyes are dancing with mirth and a small smirk plays on his full lips. The crimson Distillers shirt he wears hugs every curve, and his dark blue jeans fit just right as he stands there leisurely, one thumb hooked into the front loop of his jeans.
Two weeks ago, I would have been drooling at this site. Now the only thing I feel is bile rising in my throat, and I have to look away.
"Get the hell out of here," Spinner hisses. I let out a little sigh, hoping that maybe Slade is just here to sneer in my face and then leave.
I'm wrong a lot. Have you noticed that? It seems like every time something happens to me, something worse always comes right behind that. I think someone up there is against me. Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?
He steps a little closer, looking absolutely confident as he eyes me up and down, not even acknowledging Spinner's presence. I feel even more sick as those eyes, the ones I used to get lost in, are dragged slowly up my body.
Smirking, he says, "Guess what? Turns out, I never took a gym class. I was planning to take it, but just kept putting it off. So, imagine my surprise when yesterday Mr. Raddige comes into the AP Maths room and announces that as of today, I'm taking gym. Isn't that an odd coincidence?" he says conversationally.
"No," I say softly, voice barely above a whisper as I shake my head.
His grin widens. "Yep. So, it looks like we're having a class together. I hope we can put our...differences aside and work together, if you know what I mean."
I hear Spinner snort behind me. "Differences? You mean the little incident of you trying to force yourself on him?" he questions angrily.
His eyes narrow for a moment, glaring at the blond behind me, before meeting my own gaze once again. His voice drops a little, becoming deeper. "If you know what's good for you, you won't give me any trouble. Either of you."
I am prepared to let it go at this. I just wait patiently for him to turn on his heel and go talk to Mr. Armstrong or someone, just as long as he as far away from me as possible. After a tense moment he does turn, or at least begins to.
"And if you know what's good for you, Slade, you'll keep your hands off of Marco, unless you'd like to be better reacquainted with some of your internal organs," Spinner says. The way he says Slade's name, laced with such hatred, like it's poison on his lips, makes him turn around just as quickly as he had appeared.
That ever present, infuriating smirk is still there, like I think it will always be. "Well, I'll try, Mr. Mason, but I don't know if I can. I mean, he's just so cute." He chuckles a bit, taking a small step closer, causing me to gulp and step back. "You know what I'm talking about, don't you, Spinner? How hard it is to stay away from him when he's practically begging for it?" Another step closer, and all of the gym walls are closing in on me. I'm sure everyone can hear him. Everyone must know now.
I suddenly feel very, very dizzy.
"Shut. Up," Spinner hisses.
"He even tastes like vanilla. But, you already knew that, didn't you? Oh wait, I forgot." He smiles cruelly as he spits out the last sentence. "I got there first."
"Shut the hell up!" he screams, beginning to step forward. I turn around quickly, and grab his arms, halting him before he can go commit what is considered in this country first degree murder.
I shake my head, breathing heavily. "Don't, Spin. He just wants you to get angry."
His eyes narrow as he looks down at me. "Marco, let go. Just let me-"
"No Spin!" I say, hoping that no one hears the desperation in my voice. "I don't want you to hurt him. He just wants to get you in trouble. Don't let him win. Don't leave me." I give him a pleading look, hoping it will work this time.
He bristles, and I know his hand is just aching to make contact with any part of Slades body, but he manages to stay still. I don't turn around, knowing that Slade must still be there. I'll just stand here, hoping nobody notices. For the first time, I remember Craig standing near us. He too is giving Slade a murderous look, but doesn't move.
"Marco!" I hear someone say loudly. I spin around to see Mr. Armstrong standing next to Slade. With the large grin on his face, I doubt he heard our little conversation. He lifts his hand, motioning for me to come forward. I don't want to. I really, really don't want to. It's too close to Slade. Well, being in the same country is too close, but it's not as bad as standing right next to him. Slowly, gulping and trying to tell myself that as long as the teacher is with us, he really can't do anything. I move to his side, giving him a blank look as I wait for him to speak. "You know Slade, don't you, Marco?"
"Yeah," I murmur, not daring to look up into that smirking face.
His smile widens and he pats my shoulder. "Great! You can help him learn the ropes, so to speak. It may only be P.E., but still, this counts as a credit for young Mr. Avron here to graduate. I'm sure you'll help him get used to our schedule, right?"
My head moves to nod in the affirmative before I really know what I'm doing. Oh God, oh God, this is...this just isn't right. This isn't right. I don't care if I'm not the hero, but do I really have to be the victim?
"Of course he can," Slade says, throwing an arm around me. I tense and can't help but quickly move out of his touch, hoping Armstrong doesn't notice how jumpy I am. Luckily, Jerry just got his head stuck in the volleyball net again and is choking to death, so he doesn't. Not that Jerry suffocating in the volleyball net is a good thing, just that it distracts Armstrong.
I turn to him, gathering the courage to glare at him before I speak. "Don't ever fucking touch me again," I whisper, making sure to add the hatred in my voice as Spinner did only moments ago. I make a move to leave when his strong hand wraps around my arm, pulling me closer.
"Why is that? Afraid it might upset your little boyfriend, or afraid you might like it?"
For some reason, that comment is the last straw. Everything just comes down on me then. All the hopelessness, all the darkness, all the hate and self-loathing and pity and misery just explode behind my eyes. It's not fair, it's not right that he is here, and I, we, shouldn't be the only ones to suffer. So when I turn around, I barely have time to think as my hand clenches into fist and practically hammers into his eye. He staggers back a little, like there was actually force in my punch, and I see a trail of blood beginning to go down his face.
So maybe I shouldn't have called upon water, or ice, or um...you know...an icicle that's as sharp as a dagger...whatever.
My other hand also moves, making contact with his stomach, like he did to me only a week ago. I suddenly want to make him feel everything he put me through. The pain, the humiliation, the cold, all of it, but I can't. I won't. Even if he does deserve it, I can't hurt him. Not like that. I could never hurt anyone like that. I lift my knee, delivering my final blow to a rather sensitive area between his legs. He sinks to his knees then, hissing under his breath in pain as he stares up at me with glazed over eyes. He looks like he's ready to break my neck, so I begin stepping back. Not cowering, but slowly, never taking my gaze off his, never letting a moment of fear creep over my face.
I don't know how many people are watching us all now, but I can still faintly hear Jerry gasping and screaming for precious air, so at least Armstrong isn't watching us. Slade's lips begin to move, stopping only to take in deep breaths. Finally, after many moments, he has the strength to speak.
"Knew it," he says, wincing as if merely using his voice is painful. "Is that why you...were so...so upset? Because it was me...and not...him. He doesn't want you...no one does. I..." He takes in another breath, wincing a bit before meeting my gaze again. "You're...still mine."
There is a sound right next to my ear, a foot coming down hard on the gym floor, and two strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me to face them. I look up to see the side of Spinner's head as he glares at Slade.
"Like hell," he murmurs before turning back to me, pulling me flush against him, and pressing his lips to mine.
Um...
One of his hands comes up behind my neck, tilting my head to deepen the kiss. His other arm slides around my back, pressing my body closer to his.
Err...
My eyes are still wide open, staring into his, which are flashing fiercely. I know he wants me to kiss him back.
Uh...
Hesitantly I lift my hands and drag them through his hair, moving my lips over his lightly at first, then quickly, matching his pace and the fire he's putting behind it.
Yum...
He pulls back then, keeping my body pressed closely against his as he turns to look at Slade. I'm just sort of...dazed. I know I must be blushing, and I probably have this look of utter confusion and pure joy on my face, and I try to shake it off, but realize that I don't know what in the hell just happened. Oh wait, yeah I do. Slade said bad things, I kneed him, and Spinner kissed me within an inch of my life.
"Hi Craig," I murmur, waving at him lazily as he stares at me.
"Uh...hey Marco."
If everyone wasn't staring before, I know they are now. I can feel a million pairs of eyes on me, and Jerry isn't screaming anymore, so I'm pretty sure we might just be the center of attention. I just can't seem to take my eyes off of the boy holding me.
"You were saying, Slade?" Spinner questions, daring him to say anything or argue the claim.
Wait...claim? No, I mean, Spinner didn't...he was just showing Slade that I didn't belong to him. Not that that means I belong to Spinner. Does it? Now I'm just confused.
Slade stands up, his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Whatever," he says coldly. "You think that proves anything? He doesn't belong to you, Mr. Mason."
"Well, he sure doesn't belong to you, Mr. Avron. And if you come near him again, I swear I will take that volleyball and shove it up your-"
"Gavin!" Mr. Armstrong screams. We all turn to him, staring. Then he begins to say something, but ends up just staring back.
Spinner's arms are still around me. He's...warm, and oddly comfortable.
"You...Slade," he says turning to him, then looks back at us. "Marco...I think you...um...Craig, office, now!"
"Hey! I didn't even do anything!" he yells indignantly. "I'm not the one molesting Marco..."
"Everyone to the office!"
We all begin shuffling towards the door slowly, all of us slightly in awe of what just happened.
"No, Jerry, you can stay. Everyone can stay, except for the people who have to go to the office!"
I hear some people stop, not really understanding the request. I'm pretty sure it's only Spinner, Slade and I who are going, but Craig follows us anyway. Eventually everyone else turns back as we make our way silently down the halls. Spinner and I are no longer touching, but we are walking side by side. Slade trails far behind us, and I'm thankful for that.
How are we going to explain this to Raddige?
We walk into the office, and are quickly told to take a seat while Mr. Raddige finishes his conference. Craig plops down into a chair, a look of something akin to confusion and bewilderment on his face. I sit next to him, still in to much shock to say or do much of anything. Spinner...kissed...me. Slade...Spinner kissed me. He was so warm, and soft, and his hands...Spinner kissed me!
He did it to make Slade lay off though. God, Slade, now what is he gonna do? Maybe he won't do anything. Maybe he'll just decide that I'm not worth it. Maybe he'll forget about Spinner too, and just leave both of us alone, for good. That's doubtful, but it's still fun to pretend that everything will work out for me in the end.
I've realized that it's much easier to be a pessimist. A few months ago –maybe it was years, I can't seem to remember anymore- I was looking at the so called bright side of every situation, straining my eyes to see what good could possibly come out of seemingly horrible situations. I was looking at the glass as half full, when now I realize that I was lucky to have any water in there to begin with. Believing the worst, allowing yourself to believe that there is nothing you can do, letting your hopes and dreams be shattered is so much easier than trying to look for the good, it makes me wonder why I even tried in the first place. Why was I so bent on not being a failure? Why, when it seems as though nothing can save me in the end, was I trying to keep up the fake smiles and pretending to be happy for everyone else's benefit?
I've decided that, even though it is simpler to just let life take it's natural course, lay down and die, I'm not going to. I don't why it is I want to try and work and live so much, but I do. I'm not going to let the Slade's and Dean's and freaky dream guy's of the world rule over us. I'll do it for Paige, for Ellie, for Craig, for myself, for everyone who's given up.
Don't ask me what brought on that little revelation. Kissing Spinner seems to spur unanticipated contemplative moments of deep, life alternating things.
"Juicy Fruit!" I say happily, smiling as I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out a piece of gum. Ha, thought I'd forgotten about you, didn't you? I would never forget about the chewy goodness of Juicy Fruit!
Err...okay...you know how you'll be having a conversation –or be thinking- of something that seems completely vital at the moment, and then suddenly something completely irrelevant and incredibly stupid pops into your mind, and you're like all excited because you just remembered it. Everyone does it, whether it's the name of a song they've had stuck in their heads for a few weeks, the name of that actor you really thought was hot in that one movie, or the lead singer of the band you just can't quite place your finger on.
I seem to have those moments at the most inopportune times...
Looking over to my side, momentarily halting my consumption of aforementioned chewy goodness, I see Craig giving me an odd look, then begin to scoot his chair away from me a few inches. Nervously I give him a small smile then begin chewing at normal speed again, not even bothering to look over at Spinner. I know he's standing next to me. I don't have any idea where Slade is, not that I particularly care at the moment. He might be in the office, or he might be in the hall, calling up his father and complaining; I don't know. I decide to keep my eyes glued to the alternating blue and green floor tiles and not find out.
I don't even look up when I hear someone –Raddige- exiting the principals office. He clears his throat, and I feel someone –Spinner- tapping me on the shoulder, signaling that it's time to go in and face his almighty wrath.
Following behind Craig, both Spinner and I slowly step into the smaller office, both of us hesitating a moment before moving from the doorway to the three –isn't that a convenient number?- padded chairs in front of Raddige's desk. I'm sitting in between a red faced Spinner –I glanced at him while we were sitting down- and a blank faced Craig. The door closes, leaving us alone while Raddige goes outside to check out whatever Mr. Armstrong is going to tell him about the little...incident in the gym.
At least five minutes pass before Raddige returns. He comes to his desk, sitting down slowly, pushing himself towards us with an apprehensive look on his face. His eyes dart from face to face, giving us all odd looks before he begins to speak.
"You...Mr. Mason, I do not...why would...it's not that I'm...um...I don't think that...never..." he trails off, stopping to catch his breath. He allows his forehead to rest against his hand.
Silence follows. A very uncomfortable, tense, awkward silence.
"Juicy Fruit?" Craig questions, shaking his head as he raises an eyebrow at me.
I shrug. "I can't help it. I just remembered I had it. It's like, the most exciting thing that's happened to me in weeks!" I tell him in defense.
"Hey," Spinner says, hitting my shoulder. "What am I? Chopped kibble?"
"...you mean liver..." Craig corrects.
Glaring, the blond to my side crosses his arms over his shoulders and stares at the wall. "Whatever. Same difference."
"Actually, kibble is a genetically made product that will help your pet grow stronger, and have a longer, healthier life. Now, liver, depending on what your referring to, is either a vital organ, that is sometimes completely underappreciated, like the colon for instance, or..."
"Shut up Marco!" three voices yell in unison.
I frown, settling back into my chair a little. "Well there really is no such thing as same difference..."
"Mr. Mason," Raddige begins again, his voice calmer this time. "Will you please tell me why you found it necessary to, as it was so delicately put by Mr. Knox, you were playing hockey tonsil with Mr. Del Rossi in the middle of gym class?"
Spinner's eye twitches, and I can already tell what he's thinking.
Jerry will wish that he did suffocate in that volleyball net. He will die for this!
Something along those lines, anyway.
"Well, you see, I...um...it was all Slade's fault."
"I see. Mr. Avron caused you to begin forcing yourself on your friend during volley ball?"
"Exactly! Hey...wait...there was no forcing involved. Ask Craig!"
"Mr. Manning?"
"...what?"
"No, Slade was messing around with Marco. And you know, I can't just stand back and let that little bi- I mean let Slade push my friend around, I decided to stick up for him!"
Raddige blinks. "I still do not understand how the molestation of Mr. Del Rossi..."
"How many times do I have to say it? I was not molesting him. I was helping him."
"...helping him do what exactly, Mr. Mason?" Raddige questions with a raised eyebrow. And is...is he...yes...yes he is! He's giving Spinner a suggestive look!
Spinner looks a wee bit horrified, and somewhat freaked, and I just can't believe that our very own principal is this perverted. When did that happen?
Opening and closing his mouth a few times, Spinner turns, casting a glance at Craig. "Will you tell him what happened? Maybe he'll understand you!"
Craig's eyes wander towards Spin, then me, then to the principal. He blinks a few times. "Sorry, wasn't paying attention. Who's going on? I mean, uh, what?"
"Damn it Manning," Spinner says, rising from his chair, lifting an arm as if he's ready to strike the boy.
"Mr. Mason, sit down this instant! I will not have you harming another student today..."
"What do you mean another student?" His hand reaches out, cupping my chin. I am forced to move my head back and forth a bit, as if some little show. "Does he look like he's been harmed to you?"
"You may have mentally scarred young Mr. Del Rossi. Such a...thing...can be very traumatic for someone his age..."
"Traumatic? What do you mean traumatic?!" he says rather angrily, his hands shaking, which causes my head to begin rocking back and forth, rather uncomfortably.
"Uh...Spin," I begin as I hear something in my neck pop. I don't think it's supposed to do that...
Raddige has his eyes narrowed as he whips his glasses off, slamming his other fist onto the desk, showing that he will not be intimidated by Spinner, that he is the principal here, that he is still the one with complete authority.
Poor, delusional Raddige.
Spinners strong hand is still wrapped around my chin, not enough to hurt, but enough so that I can't pull away. I raise my hand, wrapping my fingertips lightly on his wrist, tugging at his arm so maybe I can release myself from him, but his grip never wavers. I wonder if I look like a bobble head. I bet I do, what with Spinner swinging my defenseless head back and forth, left and right, and every other which way while continuing to glare daggers at the man sitting behind the faux oak desk.
"Unhand that young man, Mr. Mason."
"Unhand?" Craig says, tilting his head to the side before glancing at me. "Who says unhand any more?"
"This instant!"
Spinner let's go of me, though I fear the damage has already been done. My neck is stuck at an odd angle, and I can't seem to turn my head from the small thirty degree angle it's at. Summoning my strength, I try to twist it to the left, only to bite my lip to keep from crying out at the sharp pain which shoots through my neck. As bad as this whole not being able to move my neck or head thing is, it's not the worst thing of this situation. No. Spinner just had to tilt my head in this certain way. If he was still standing up, it might not be so embarrassing, but with him sitting right next to me, it appears that I am starring at his crotch.
I should have stayed home today.
"Listen," Spinner begins, his teeth and fists clenched. "You weren't there, all right? You have no idea what really happened."
Frowning, Raddige interrupts him. "No, I believe I have a fine idea. Mr. Armstrong informed me that, after helping Mr. Knox out of the volleyball net, he turned to have a small talk with the rest of the class to inform them all that Mr. Avron would be joining them for this trimester, only to see yourself grabbing Mr. Del Rossi, then...forcing...a kiss on the young man."
"Forcing?! Hold on just a..."
"And after Mr. Del Rossi...responded...the two of you broke apart, only to exchange a few hateful words with Mr. Avron." Taking his gaze away from ours –well, Spinners, actually, since everyone is seemingly oblivious to the fact that my neck has been paralyzed by Spinner's incessant bobbling...that is so a word- he looks at Craig. "That is how it happened, isn't it?"
"...I wasn't exactly paying attention."
Spinner snaps his head towards Craig, giving him a fierce look. "Dude, what exactly is your problem today? You've been spacing out all over the place. Have you been hanging around the girls warmsroom again? You know what those fumes will to you, man."
"No, nothing like that. I've just been...I don't know...spacey lately. I think there was something weird in those mushrooms Caitlin brought back from Amsterdam. I packed some for lunch today, and we had them for dinner last night. Joey kept regaling us all with tales from his college years, which seemed to involve peanut butter...a lot. And Angie kept hopping. It was kinda freaky."
We all stare at Craig –well I'm starring mentally anyway- for a few moments. I don't know what he's doing exactly, but I imagine he pretty much has a blank look painted on his face. Only Caitlin would have enough bad luck to get mushrooms –they happen to be legal in Amsterdam- and somehow get them to Joey, Craig and Angie. That does explain why he's been acting so weird today, though. I knew he was on something!
"Mr. Manning, why don't you go see the nurse," Raddige suggests apprehensively.
"Okie dokie!"
I hear him shuffling out, and can't suddenly I understand why animated characters faint when others do something incredibly stupid. Craig's guardian's girlfriend mysteriously got potent mushrooms past security and got him stoned, and he doesn't even realize it. That's just...that's just sad.
On the bright side, this is going to make one hell of a story at our ten year reunion.
"Would you please explain to me, Mr. Mason, why you found it so difficult to keep your hormones in check and refrain from molesting your friend in the middle of gym?"
Spinner sulks, shifting in his chair, giving me an even greater view of his –drum roll please- crotch! My innocent virgin eyes. I don't want to see that! It burns!
...then why aren't I looking away?
Wrong thoughts! I can't...he's my friend! Bad, perverted, dirty little mind!
"What is up with everyone accusing me of molesting Marco? What is that, the word of the day? Do you all have some type of obsession for Marco getting kissed by cute guys? What's wrong with you people?! Your sick, all of you!"
"Um, Spinner, you, Raddige, and I are the only ones in here," I remind him softly.
He stops for a moment. "Oh, right. Sorry...got kind of carried away. It's just that everyone keeps...Marco...why are you starring at my crotch?"
"Honestly boys, haven't either of you heard of self-control?!"
"I'm not doing it on purpose! My neck is stuck! I'd look away if I could." I'm lying. "I don't enjoy staring at your...um...area, Spin." Totally lying. "It's the last thing I want to do!" I resist the urge to touch my nose to see how many inches it's grown.
A sigh of relief escapes his lips. "Oh, good then. Hey wait a minute, what do you mean it's the last thing you want to do? Why wouldn't you want to stare at my crotch? I know plenty of people who would..."
"Mr. Mason, out!"
"Out?" He sighs. 'Where do you want me to go now?"
"Back to class, the bathroom, home, I don't care as long as you get out of the office!"
"Sir, what about my neck...?"
"I want him gone!"
"Yeah yeah, whatever." Spinner grumbles something else before standing. He begins walking towards the door, before bending down to whisper in my good ear. "Meet me in the bathroom, 'kay?"
I make a grunt, my signal for yes. I realize suddenly that –as pathetic as this is- if he promised to kiss me like he did earlier again, I'd meet him in Antarctica, so long as I got to feel those lips again. I'd forgotten how good it felt for him to hold me while he was kissing me. It's probably because the first time he kissed me I convinced it was because of a spell, and that I had no feelings for him what-so-ever. Not that I'm admitting I do now. Because that would be wrong. Liking...wanting...loving my best friend, who is as straight as a board by the way, like that. Especially when he so obviously has no interest in me.
It doesn't matter that he kissed me with as much passion as I'd caught him kissing Paige with. It doesn't matter that his hands were as warm and soft as comforting as his lips. It doesn't matter that he held me once or coincidentally wrote a love song –well, it was kind of like a love song- that wasn't about me, but could have been. It doesn't matter that it felt like there was something in that kiss, or that he keeps tabs on my love life, or that sometimes when he looks at me I want to pretend there's something other than friendship in them. It doesn't matter that I think he really would kill Slade if I asked him to. It doesn't matter that he's jealous sometimes. It doesn't matter, not now, not then, and it never will, no matter how much I wish it did.
"Mr. Del Rossi, I would like to hear the story from your point of view."
I take in a deep breath, not sure how to start without sounding like a whiny little weakling who depends on his friend who happens to be his crush –err...I mean...I'm not admitting to anything- to save him from lust crazed psychos.
"Slade...Mr. Avron was hassling me. He was He kept putting me down and provoking Spinner. He was saying...saying that I...well he...Spinner can get caught up in the moment sometimes."
I can hear him sighing. "What exactly did he say, Marco?"
I'm a bit startled by him using my first name, and the fact that his voice is so soft, like he cares. "He said..." I trail off. I can't tell him. I can't say anything. I can't get Spinner out of this one, either. I just can't beat Slade, not even if it is something as small as getting Spinner out of trouble for supposedly 'molesting' me.
"I need you to tell me what he said. I need exact words. It's all confidential, I won't tell anyone, if that's what your worried about."
"No," I answer softly.
"I already know about his...preferences. If you think that I'll, I don't know, discriminate or not property punish you boys just because you are, well, boys, you do not have to worry. I will not lie to you and tell you that because this situation involves three males other people will look at it the same way, but I will. I honestly don't care who Mr. Mason is making out with, whether it is Mrs. Michalchuk or you, as long as he's not doing it at school. So please, Marco, what did Mr. Avron do to provoke Gavin?"
Maybe it's the sincerity of his voice, or the fact that he's one of the first adults who is actually being honest about such a sensitive subject, but I spill.
"Slade was making passes at me," I admit.
"Define passes," he says, his voice still even.
I lick my dry lips, taking in a breath before I continue. "He was saying that he and I should put aside our differences and be...friends. We used to go out, but broke up."
"May I ask why?"
Do you know how embarrassing this is? I'm kind of glad my neck is stuck like this. At least I don't have to look him in the eye. "He's ready for...stuff. I'm not."
He pauses a moment. "Marco, if he has done anything, tried anything, so much as-"
"No!" I say sternly, hoping he can't tell that I'm lying. "We broke it off. Spinner was being, well, Spinner. Protective of me and stuff. He and Slade aren't exactly...close. So, he told Slade to get out of there, and Slade said some stuff..."
"Some stuff isn't exactly the detail I need, Marco.""Slade made implications that he'd had...something Spinner wanted...which is ridiculous because it's Spin, but that didn't shut him up. Spinner kept getting angrier, and that's when Armstrong came and told me that I was supposed to help Slade out with stuff. After he left to help Jerry, I told Slade to keep his hands off of me. He made a comment about, well, his hands and me...I kind of lost it and hit him."
"Hit him?" He sounds somewhat astounded.
"Kneed him," I elaborate, and I swear I hear him stifle a chuckle. "I was standing by Spinner as he...recovered...and Slade still kept on. He kept saying that...he kept making claims...""Claims which were?"
Softly, hesitantly I answer, "M-me. Spinner just wanted to prove that I didn't belong to him. He wanted to make sure Slade would leave me alone and wouldn't bother me. I think he thought that if he kissed me...showed that I was...I don't know...with him or something, Slade would just forget about it. I don't think he counted on everyone else being witness."
There is silence for a few moments, and I take in a deep breath, unsure of what's going to happen next. Will he call Slade in here and suspend him or something? Will Slade come after me? Will he come after Spinner? I shouldn't have said anything. I know I shouldn't have. What else could I have done?
"Why don't you go to the nurse for your neck, and to check on Mr. Manning. Afterwards, I want you to get Mr. Mason and direct him back here. I'll be calling your parents to pick you up for the rest of the day. You'll each have detention tomorrow for an hour after school. And, please don't worry yourself over Mr. Avron. He will be taken care of, without this incident even being mentioned. I've enough reasons for his expulsion without using this as evidence. I doubt you will be seeing much more of him."
I blink a few times in surprise. Expulsion? As in, Slade go bye bye? No more being afraid that every time I turn a corner I'll be jumped by a horny grade 12? Yee-haw!
...this is good news.
I stand up, trying to give him a grateful smile, but I can't seem to manage it, not with my head tilted at this angle, anyway. I go to the door and leave, heading towards the nurse, noticing that there is no Slade in sight.
This is great. Slade is leaving! No one will have to worry about him anymore. No one here, anyway. My happy mood is brought down just a peg as I realize that, even if he does finish off the year at another high school, it'll probably be the same way there. No matter where you go, there will always be that group of kind weak, naieve kids that people like Slade will find a way to mainipulate. Even in University. I wish I could let Mozzy, or even Spinner take their 'revenge' on him, but I can't. They'll end up getting hurt, or regretting what they've done. I can't hurt him like he hurt me. I want to, I do, but I can't. I couldn't live with myself.
I make my way to the nurse. I push the door open, and see Craig sitting on one of the cots, staring happily at cracks in the ceiling.
"I see a unicorn!" he exclaims with a smile.
The nurse gives him an odd look as she scribbles something down on to a sheet of paper. She looks up, seeming a bit startled as her gaze settles on me. I give her a small wave.
"I'm here for my neck," I state sheepishly.
She looks from me to Craig, who is now hanging upside down from the cot. She shakes her head, sighing heavily as she stands up, motioning for me to take her seat. I sit down, tensing as her ice cold hands make contact with my skin.
"I swear they don't pay me enough for this," she mumbles. "Now, this may hurt a bit, so I want you to think of something relaxing..."
"Hey look, no hands!"
The hands that were slowly, gently bending my neck suddenly twist sharply to the left, and I let out a whimper of pain. The nurse whips around to see Craig giggling as he rolls around on the floor, a trickle of blood running down his forehead. I can only guess he did something and hit his head, but I don't know. I'm kind of worried for my own health at the moment, since now my neck is kind of stuck the other way.
Craig looks over at us, waving. "Marco, hi! Hey...my head hurts..."
"Dear...what did you do?!"
"Uh, nurse, do you think you could...I mean it's really uncomfortable to have your neck like this..."
"Pretty birdies..." Craig murmurs as his eyes spin for a moment. "Don't go so fast birdies, you'll hurt yourselves..."
"I'm getting the principal!"
Oh yeah. This'll be a story for the grand kids.
I think I'll just leave out the part about grandpa being a coward and letting an attempted rapist run rampant over the country. Oh, and the part where I was starring at Spinner's crotch. I'll just keep that one to myself.
---
Spinner: Tired of the same old toys? Bored with the repetitive absurdness of placing plastic dolls into so called 'dream cars'? Do you want something exciting? Something that will give you a rush of adrenaline while still having the ability to make you go, aww? Then we've got the toy for you! –grabs Marco, who appears to have been covered with fake black fur, probably by Craig and Jimmy, as it is covered with lollipops and Velcro- You're very own, tickle-me-Marco! Yes, you heard me, a tickle-me-Marco! For the low, low, low price of only $29.35, you will own this wonderfully crafted, remarkably lifelike, life-size, fully automated doll.
Craig: -walks onto stage carrying a black suit and a pink dress that are coincidentally Marco's size- Your tickle-me-Marco is good for several...um...uses. Not only will he giggle insanely and mutter random phrases for you to please stop, thirty three in all, but he can also be used as your very own dress up doll! Take him shopping and use him as a manikin to model your new clothes, or just dress him in drag for fun!
Jimmy: The tickle-me-Marco comes with hair gel, trucker hat, Downtown Sasquatch cd, cell phone, and catholic school girl uniform. Along with the thirty three phrases begging for mercy, he also has fifty other random phrases, including the famous heaviest box in the world tune! Order now and receive a free –with the extra cost of $5.15- Mozzy plushie!
Spinner: -excitedly pokes Marco's stomach-
Marco: I'm not saying it.
Craig: -still looking at the camera with a huge smile- Dude, you have to say it.
Jimmy: Come on, if you don't, then we'll have to stand here all day, and I'll miss my date with Hazel, and my face will be stuck like this.
Marco: No! You can't just treat me like I'm some type of toy! I have feelings! I have a voice! I have-
Spinner: -whispers something in Marcos ear softly- ...and I'll even let you tie me up in the scarf... –whispers some more- ...and I saved the Hershey's chocolate... –more whispering- ...the feathers.
Marco: Hi, I'm Marco! Will you be my Master? –grabs Spinner's hand and runs off stage-
Craig: Um...please call 555-GLOMP-MARCO for your very own tickle-me-Marco.
Jimmy: A few lucky people have already received theirs. Review, and order one for yourself as well!
Ellie: Cash and check are accepted, please no COD's. Supplies are limited. Offer may not apply in all areas. Please check your local Wal-Marts, K-Marts, Targets, and participating Hot Topics. Side-effects of the tickle-me-Marco include sleep loss, drowsiness, unexplained burts of hyperness, random use of the Italian language, and loss in interest of any and possibly all other activies.