Chapter 8- Do me no Harm
"Nicole, have you seen Chase?" Michael asked.
Nicole paused outside of her dorm, "No, should I have?"
Michael shrugged, "I don't know, I was asking you."
"No, I haven't seen him. He could be in here though." Nicole opened the door and then turned on the light. "Nope, no Chase,"
"I would call him but he left his cell phone at the dorm." Michael sighed.
"Well you can hang out with me until he gets back."
Michael shrugged, "Okay, what are you doing?"
"Adding to my Sawyer screensaver,"
"Maybe, I'll go find him." Michael opted.
"I'll help, just let me get changed really quick. My baby Sawyer can wait." Nicole disappeared inside and closed the door behind her.
Michael thought about turning around and leaving Nicole behind, but he decided to stay. A couple of seconds later Nicole stepped out.
"So how was your first day at work?" Michael asked.
Nicole sighed, "A mess, I mixed up fifteen peoples orders, went through 2 uniforms, and fell in love with two new guys. They are so cute Michael you should see them."
"Nah, that's okay. I am wearing some of Quinn's cologne."
Nicole took a sniff of Michael's shirt.
Some people that passed by looked at them oddly. Michael smiled back at them embarrassed, "She's smelling me because I smell good…not bad."
The people turned away.
Michael winced. Quinn's cologne better work. "So how does it smell?"
"How does what smell?" Nicole asked absently.
Michael stared back at Nicole in disbelief. "The cologne Nicole,"
"Oh sorry, I knew those guys that walked by."
"I don't even know why I try." Michael said walking ahead of Nicole.
Nicole stared after the guys with a smile. They turned around and waved.
"Hey fellas," She said playfully.
Michael placed his hands against Nicole's lower back, "Let's go find Zoey and Chase,"
"I'm sure they are fine." Nicole said.
"Do you want to call Zoey's cell?"
"Sure," Nicole patted her jeans and then her shirt, and then her jean pockets. "Umm…"
"What?" Michael asked.
"Aww, fried green tomatoes!"
"Where?" Michael asked looking around.
"I left my keys and my phone in the dorm. Now I have to find Dana or Zoey."
"Let's go." Michael said.
Nicole scowled once she noticed that it was raining heavily outside. "Um…the weather doesn't look so friendly outside."
"Do you want to wait until it lets up?" Michael asked walking to a window and placing his face against it.
"Will it?" Nicole asked.
"I'm sure," Michael said sitting down.
Nicole sat down next to a guy who was holding a jar of olives in his hand.
"Do you have a spoon?" He asked.
Michael raised an eyebrow and looked back at the guy as if he were crazy. Who walked around with a spoon?
Nicole pulled a spoon out of her pocket. "Here you go."
Michael shifted his crazy look to Nicole.
Nicole shrugged, "What, I don't like to use the spoons at the PCA cafeteria."
Michael nodded. "It's okay, you don't even have to explain."
"Oh Michael you smell good." A random girl said walking by and then giving him a wink.
Michael nodded, "Aww playa, playa."
Nicole inhaled, "You do smell good, is that Quinn's cologne?"
"I thought we went over this? Yes Nicole, it is. Maybe Quinn got one experiment right."
Nicole glanced over at the guy next to her. He was eating his olives and looking between Michael and Nicole in interest. "Can I have an olive?" Nicole asked.
"Sure," He said.
"Thanks, what is your name?"
"Jack,"
Nicole smiled, "Hi Jack, I am Nicole."
Michael shook his head. Did Nicole like this Jack guy already.
Nicole accepted some olives from Jack and popped them into her mouth.
Jack smiled back at Nicole, "Could you show me around PCA sometime?"
Nicole forced a smile. Jack wasn't her type. His hair was stringy, and he wore thick black glasses. He looked too much like Harry Potter. "Michael can show you around."
"Huh?" Michael asked turning away from the window.
Jack stood up, "That's okay. See ya around." He handed Nicole back her spoon.
"Thanks," Nicole said.
"Do you like him?"
Nicole shook her head, "No, my heart belongs to Sawyer, and only Sawyer. Let's go and find Dana, Zoey, and Chase."
As Nicole and Michael got up Quinn walked down the hallway with a lightbulb in her hand.
Michael crossed his arms, "What are you trying to do?"
"An experiment?" Nicole filled in.
"No, I am trying to get that new kids attention." Quinn replied.
"Jack?" Nicole asked.
Quinn nodded, "Precisely, now do you two have any more questions?"
Nicole shook her head, "No,"
"Good." Quinn walked away while holding the light bulb in her hand.
"Did Quinn just say she is trying to impress a boy?" Michael asked confused.
Nicole nodded, "I think so,"
"What I am trying to figure out is how she is going to do that with that light bulb."
"Maybe she might try to smash it over his head," Nicole said running around the corner and trying to get a better look.
Michael followed behind her.
"Do you know who invented the light bulb?" Quinn asked Jack.
Jack nodded slowly, and gave Quinn an odd look, "Thomas Edison, isn't that basic knowledge."
"Who is your favorite scientist?" Quinn asked next.
"Um…Thomas Edison." Jack answered.
Quinn clapped her hands, "Yay, that's all."
Nicole stared back at Jack and Quinn in confusion. "What just happened?"
"I don't know,"
"He likes me!" Quinn squealed as she walked away.
"What?" Nicole asked.
Jack smiled at Nicole before he disappeared inside.
Michael turned away from Quinn, "I'm convinced she's crazy, and I am also convinced that homeboy has a crush on you."
"Homeboy? Who is that? Do I know him?" Nicole asked. Nicole's eyes widened, "Is homeboy, Sawyer's middle name!"
"No," Michael said slowly.
"Oh," Nicole said in defeat.
"I'm talking about that new kid Jack."
"Harry Potter? Quinn's man?" Nicole asked.
Michael nodded.
"Not my type. Let's go find our friends."
Dear Zoey,
I am a misunderstood genius. I am good at everything except for getting guys to notice me. I have my eye on one special guy and I am not sure how to grab his attention. I have tried reading teeny bopper magazines, but they are a waste of my time. I do not care about the latest fashion trends or makeup, I just want him.
Signed, mini Edison
Quinn stared back at the computer in satisfaction. Until she went public with her crush, she would get advice via e-mail. Quinn never read Zoey's advice column, but she had a feeling that Zoey could help her. Quinn clicked the mouse on send. Before her mail was sent the lights cut out.
"Eeek!" Quinn squealed. Her computer cut off. Quinn slammed her hands on the keyboard, "Not now!"
She shook her head. "Aww, pickles."
Skyler latched onto Logan's arms as soon as the lights turned off.
Logan glanced at Dana. All he could see was the shadow of her face turned towards him and Skyler. Logan smiled satisfied, He was getting under Dana's skin.
"It's okay baby," He said wrapping his arm around Skyler.
Dana placed her hands on her hips. He was doing this on purpose. That ignorant, self-absorbed jerk! He was flirting right in front of her just to get under her skin. She was not going to let him make a fool of her.
"Sawyer, can we go?" Dana asked.
"Um…sure, you don't mind getting wet?"
"I won't, I saw you come in with a rain coat." Dana placed her hand on Sawyer's shoulder, "You don't mind getting wet do you?"
"I guess not," Sawyer said hesitating.
"Good, let's go." Dana flipped her hair off of her shoulder.
Sawyer went over to his gym bag and handed his rain coat to Dana.
Logan scowled, Where were they going. Logan quickly pushed Skyler off of him.
"Ohh, woah," she said falling backwards onto the floor.
"Oh sorry," Logan looked down at her.
Skyler held out her hand for him to help her up, but he ignored her and went over to Dana and Sawyer.
"Sawyer, where are you going?"
Dana tugged on Sawyer's shirt, "He's coming with me."
Logan scowled, "Sawyer, I thought we were going to play…cards later."
Dana scowled, "Cards? How lame. Sawyer come back to my dorm, and let's play truth or dare."
"That's my game." Logan argued.
"Last time I checked, it didn't belong to you. Enjoy your yoga in the dark with her." Dana squinted her eyes at Skyler and then dragged Sawyer out of the activities center.
Sawyer turned around to face Logan and shrugged.
Logan crossed his arms and turned back around to face Skyler. "What do you want to do?"
Skyler shrugged, "Anything goes."
A smile curled across Logan's lips. Make Dana jealous. Is that what you want to do Skyler? Well that's what I want to do, so that's what we are doing.
"Do you want to go back to my place?"
Skyler's smile widened, "Sure,"
Logan held out his hand, "Follow me sweetheart."
Chase could barely see through the pounding rain. His clothes were drenched and he was running out of stamina. I can't stop now. The purse snatcher is so close! I have to get Zoey's purse back. Chase closed his eyes and looked down at his feet. You got to catch him Chase! If you get back Zoey's purse then maybe you'll be able to outshine both Logan and Sawyer. The rain pounded harder, and lightning streaked the sky. Chase closed his eyes and tried to imagine Zoey kissing him, and calling him her hero. Chase smiled to himself. Maybe that was a little too much.
Chase looked back up. He was taken aback when herealized the guy had stopped. Chase's eyes widened. He didn't have time to think how he was going to get the purse back.
The guy grabbed him by the shirt.
Chase stared back at him in fear. Lightning pierced the sky.
"You don't chase after people like me. Do you have some kind of death wish huh?"
"No," Chase said shaking his head frantically.
"Well then why the hell did you follow me for!"
Before Chase could react the guy raised his fist and socked Chase roughly in the face. Chase felt his head bounce backwards and his eyes closed. The guy released him. Everything went black as Chase fell backwards. The last thing he saw before he hit the rain soaked boardwalk was lightning against the sky.
"Chase!" Zoey screamed. Her heart was beating so fast she was positive it was going to jump out of her chest. Zoey ran over to Chase and fell down to him helplessly. She gently picked up his head in her lap, and then started to stroke his damp hair. Zoey started to cry. She struggled to control her tears as she watched the guy make off with her purse.
"Chase," She whispered in his ear.
Chase's eyes fluttered open slowly, and then closed.
Zoey pulled Chase's body closer to her, and rested her face on top of his. "I am so sorry, Oh migosh look at that bruise, Chase, why did you run after him." She cried.
Lightning struck violently.
Zoey looked up. She had to get him out of the rain. She stroked the side of Chase's face. "Your going to be okay, I promise."
Zoey forced herself up. She shielded her eyes from the pouring rain and searched for anywhere that could provide them temporary relief from the rain. Zoey placed her hand under Chase's arms and dragged him with a lot of trouble towards a row of stores. Thankfully these stores had roofs which hung over the door.
Zoey sighed helplessly and brought Chase's head onto her lap. "And I thought yesterday was the worst day of my life?"
Chase moaned. "My face hurts."
Zoey pouted, and gently massaged her hands through Chase's hair, "I know Chase, I know."
Chase closed his eyes.
Zoey wrapped her arms tighter around him. "I won't let anything happen to you."
"I was supposed to be your hero," He murmured.
Zoey looked down at him sadly, "You are, Chase you are my hero. There is only one other guy who would have done that for me…and that's my dad."
Chase held onto Zoey's hand, and closed his eyes trying to forget the incredible pain that was surging through his body.
Sawyer sat down on Zoey's bed, where was she? He was getting worried. "Dana, do you have Zoey's number?" Sawyer asked.
Dana focused on lighting a series of lavender candles, "Of all the nerve,"
"Dana?" Sawyer asked.
"Trying to be Mr. Hot Shot, like he is some prize to women. Ha, Ha, who does he think he is kidding."
"Dana?" Sawyer repeated.
"What!" Dana exclaimed.
Sawyer scowled, "I think I am going to go."
Dana shrugged, "Thanks for your rain jacket."
"No problem, does Zoey always stay out this late?" Sawyer asked tucking his hands in his pockets.
Dana shook her head, "She's usually the first one back unless she is staying with Chase tonight."
Sawyer clenched his jaw, "What do you mean staying with Chase…innocent or something else?"
Dana raised her hand, "Woah…I don't even want to go there. What she does with Chase is her business."
Sawyer scowled, "Well, I guess I'll see you later."
"Bye," Dana said.
Sawyer stepped out and closed the door behind him.
Nicole stared back at him in confusion. "Hi Sawyer,"
"Hi," he said pushing past her.
"Thanks for helping me at work today."
Sawyer rolled his eyes.
Nicole stepped back. "Do you want some extra candles until the lights come back on."
"I think I'll be fine, thanks though." Sawyer said. Sawyer made an attempt to walk around Nicole but she stopped him. "I want to thank you for standing up for me too."
"No problem, now I kind of need to go." Sawyer said.
Nicole nodded, "That guy was such a jerk."
"He was," Sawyer said crossing his arms.
Nicole's eyebrows furrowed low over her eyes. Something was wrong with Sawyer. Oh No, what was wrong with her baby, she had to make it better. "Are you okay,"
"I'm fine," Sawyer said.
"Are…"
"Nicole, can you just get out of my way." Sawyer gently pushed Nicole aside and walked away.
Nicole placed her hand to her heart. "Wow, that was mean. What did I do?"
Dana opened the door. "What does that idiot want!"
Nicole stared at Dana and then walked into the dorm with her head bent.
"Nicole do you have any sharp weapons? Logan is IM-ing me off the hook! I am going to find out what he wants and then I am going to kill him."
Nicole gave Dana a small smile, "No, I don't have any sharp weapons."
Dana watched as Nicole headed back into the room with her head bent. "What's wrong with you."
"Broken Heart," Nicole whispered crawling up to the top bunk bed. "Do me no harm Sawyer, too late for that."
Dana closed the door behind her, "What happened?"
Nicole raised her hand in the air, and then pulled her pillow over her head. "I have to nurse a broken heart."
Dana frowned, "Well okay, talk to me when you are ready. I am going to go and kill Logan."
Logan finished lighting the last of the candles. Skyler sat on the couch by the window. He smiled. Skyler probably thought he had feelings for her. Too bad.
"I hate lightning." Logan said.
Skyler smiled back at him, "Me too."
Logan sat down next to her and reached for her hand, "I have wanted to do something for so long."
"What's that?" Skyler asked.
Logan glanced at the door from the corner of his eye. Perfect, it was cracked. Purposely done so Dana could open the door and see him and Skyler kissing. That would definitely get under her skin.
Logan stroked his hand against Skyler's smooth cocoa skin, and then moved his hand towards her silky raven locks. He smiled as he watched the candles firelight flicker in her dark eyes. Your hot girl, but I don't love you.
Skyler placed her hand against Logan's chest.
Logan smiled. Was he wrong to use this girl? No, she was lucky to even get a chance with him. "Kiss me,"
Skyler leaned forward.
Logan closed his eyes and leaned forward as well to taste Skyler's lips. His eyes partially opened and he glanced towards the door.
Dana stormed down the hallway. She was nervous and angry at the same time. She was nervous because some small part inside of her told her that Logan wanted to apologize to her. Yes, he was a jerk, but for a brief second in the pool the other day she had saw a human side to him. Dana closed her eyes and mentally tried to imagine their kiss once again. It was steamy, romantic…
Dana opened her eyes. "You really got to stop that,"
She was just going to focus on why she was angry. She was mad because Logan used Skyler to make her jealous. Of all the low things he could've done he had to scrape the bottom of the barrel.
"Hey Dana, have you seen Zoey or Chase?" Michael asked.
"No, you haven't seen them either?" Dana asked worried.
"No, I'm starting to get concerned."
Sawyer walked down the hallway towards Michael and Dana, "Michael, where's Zoey?"
Michael crossed his arms, "Don't you mean where is Zoey and Chase?"
Sawyer shook his head, "I don't care about him. I just care about her. I'm about to call campus police."
"No, don't do that." Dana said quickly.
"Why not?" Sawyer asked flipping open his phone.
"Maybe they are fine, and they just wanted to get away together." Dana suggested.
Sawyer closed his eyes, "I don't want to believe that."
With that he walked off.
Michael stared after him surprised, "It seems as if this storm is bringing out the worst in people."
"Yeah, I'll see if I can call Zoey after I see what that fool Logan wants." Dana replied. Michael followed Dana down the hallway towards his dorm.
"The door is opened." Michael pushed the door open.
Lightning flashed as he and Dana stepped inside.
Dana looked back at Logan and Skyler kissing in hurt.
Logan placed his hands at the bottom of Skyler's shirt, and worked on taking it off. Perfect, Perfect.
"Logan stop." Skyler said pulling away from him.
Michael swallowed down a lump in his throat. And then nodded in disbelief.
Dana turned around. She paused and then turned to Logan.
Logan smiled back at her.
"I hate you!" She screamed.
Logan's face dropped. Not exactly the reaction he wanted.
Dana reached for one of the candles and got ready to throw it at Logan, before she could the lights turned back on. Her hands started to shake, and she placed the candle back down. "Both of you don't come near me."
Michael looked down. "That was low Logan,"
Skyler stared back at Dana in guilt, but she didn't acknowledge Michael.
Dana placed her hand to her eyes as tears started to fall and walked out of the dorm. She was so hurt. Never before had she felt like this in her life. Who was she kidding, Logan was a jerk and he would never change.
Dana opened the door to her dorm. She glanced up at Nicole's bed. She was gone. Usually she would be concerned. But not now. She needed Dana time now, she had to get over the heartbreak, and return to her old Logan hating self. Dana flopped onto her bed, and then started to cry. But it was going to be so hard. So, so hard.
Nicole stood outside their dorm. She watched the rain fall in wonder. It was kind of cold outside but she didn't care. She needed to get out and get some air. Why was Sawyer so mad at her. Did he know about her crush, and he didn't like her back?
Nicole looked down sadly. Well if he didn't want her, then she got the message. She got it loud and clear.
Nicole watched as Sawyer stepped outside. She leaned closer to the wall so she could hide in the shadows.
"Zoey, it's me Sawyer. I'm worried about you. Just give me a call when you get this. Bye."
Nicole frowned. Why was Sawyer calling Zoey so much? Did he like her? If he did then she wasn't sure how she was going to handle that added blow.
"I'm cold," Chase whispered.
Zoey looked around in disbelief. She couldn't believe that no one was around. Not even a cop. Zoey brought Chase closer to her. She still couldn't believe all of this happened. Zoey rested her head against Chase's chest and wrapped her arms around him. He acted so heroically on her part. Chasing after that guy that stole her purse, and trying his best to protect her. Zoey sat up and looked at Chase who was sleeping in admiration. His eye was starting to swell. Zoey leaned forward to kiss his eye. "Poor Chase," She whispered.
Zoey then kissed his bruised cheek, "I wish I could heal your wounds…no matter how corny that sounds."
Chase's lips slowly opened.
The rain started to let up.
Zoey smiled. "Hopefully someone will be here soon Chase."
"Mmm…" He murmured.
Zoey rested her cheek against his face and looked out towards the beach. The waves were coming in fiercely. Her eyes slowly closed. She had to stay awake until someone came. Zoey sat up. "I can't go to sleep. It's my turn to protect you Chase, and I'm going to make sure no one else does you any harm."