I was more than just a little excited for it to finally be Friday; this first week of school was a pain to put it lightly. The rest of the week wasn't as bad as the first day of course, but the attitudes of the students haven't changed all that much.
Judy still tried her best to have me join her and her friends for lunch and for the most part they ignored my existence rather than just plainly be rude towards me.
Eyeball didn't have to show me around anymore, but he still walked with me to our shared Algebra class, and I walked with Ace and him while they went to shop, and I went to Home Ec. Ace and I had small chats in Homeroom, and Literature class when possible. Most of the time though he just did little things to annoy me, and I would play into his game by batting his hand away from my hair or shoving his feet off the back of my chair.
Ace was kind of an enigma to me. He had no qualms annoying me to no end, but he was never straight up mean, and he was actually kind of trustworthy. I noticed throughout the week that not one word about my living situation came out at school; I was still referred to as Robin Young, or the new Lawyer's daughter. Which meant Ace never did tell anyone about what I revealed Monday night.
Though I was still frustrated with the situation I was in having to be seen as some weirdly behaving rich daddy's girl in school. I felt at peace that at least one other person knew the truth, and the interactions with them were genuine; not based purely on my perceived status.
Ace's attitude was kind of a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of this school. It beats being ignored simply because I didn't dress like some rich snob or getting a death glare from big-boobs McGee every day during P.E. from the one time, Charlie Hogan may or may not have whistled in my direction.
I was starting to simply be content with how school was going now, even if the only few people that showed some decency towards me were considered hoods. I guess they were in a self-proclaimed gang; so the reference wasn't too far off. I spotted the matching scars on Ace, Eyeball, and Vince while they wore shirts that had short enough sleeves to reveal the symbol.
It said Cobras, but the bottom of the S was made to be a snake that slithered under the rest of the Name. I asked Ace about it in homeroom once, which was when I found out it was their gang's name. I guess they were considered quite dangerous, in fights often, and of course kind of known to be thieves; stealing parts for their cars, and whatever else they wanted.
Ace mentioned that they have been on the down low recently, but he didn't give me reason, when I asked him why. I didn't press him for it, I figured he had his reasons, and if he wanted to tell me what those might be, he would do so.
The little butterflies haven't left me yet every time I am around him, but I figured it was only a matter of time. As soon as I grew used to his presence my body would realize we were just friendly and that was it; no need to make my heart jump every time he happens to snag a lock of my hair between his fingers. And certainly no need to get jealous every time another girl walks up and starts flirting with him.
There was a moment in our literature class, that a pretty little blonde from across the room came waltzing up to stand beside Ace's desk putting her hand on it and leaning over to practically shove her breasts in his face. I didn't see the look on his face, but just hearing them talking, and hearing her not so subtle giggling made my blood boil.
I was caught off guard with the feeling; to be honest I haven't had many crushes before. The few I remember I never felt jealous seeing them talk to other girls. I mean, I did wish they'd be talking to me instead of them, but I never wanted to snap at the other girls.
I chastised myself for the unnecessary anger and tried to focus on whatever I was doing that day.
I hated to admit it, but I felt just a tad bit of pride when I felt a tug at my hair again. I happened to turn and face Ace with my usual accusatory look, to see his signature grin, and the peppy blonde with a rather unattractive frown.
I shouldn't have felt good about her possibly sharing the same bout jealously I was feeling not even a minute before, but I did. I kept my face under control though, not wanting to give away my thoughts. Instead, I leaned over his desk, reaching a hand out to give him a small flick of my fingers to his forehead.
It was my "punishment" for his annoyance that I started to initiate the second day of school. He seemed to find it as a treat though, I swear he did things purposely for me to give him that lick flick to his forehead, nose or ear.
"Behave." Was all I would say, as If talking to a dog then turning to face the front again, with a triumphant smile on my face. I was real pathetic sometimes I know, but I liked our dynamics right now.
This all happened just yesterday, and I was just hoping the pretty blonde stayed on her side of the room today. I really didn't enjoy feeling that angry little seed grow in my chest, just because Ace was talking to her with her chest all up in his face.
"Hey earth to Robin?"
I was shaken from my train of thought, seeing a larger tanned hand wave in front of my eyes. I blushed being caught practically daydreaming and shut my locker.
"Sorry Eyeball, lost in thought."
He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets and giving me a wolfish grin.
"About Ace?"
That jerk! I gave a swift punch to his gut, causing him to grunt in discomfort and let out a small laugh. Eyeball was rather observant it would seem; he almost instantly assumed that I had liked his best friend, something I of course denied vehemently. It didn't have any effect on his opinion though, he was sure that I was practically in love with the guy.
"Ace doesn't occupy all my thoughts." I said quietly with a huff, looking over my shoulder as if speaking about him will summon his presence.
"Not all, just most..and all the good ones."
I pushed on his shoulder, softly shoving him away. He caught his balance instantly and laughed it off in his normal nasally guff.
"Alright, I'll let it go, for now." He conceded. I rolled my eyes, at the statement.
"Thanks." I shot back sarcastically.
Jackie came meeting up with us in the hall only a short walk away from our shared class.
"What did I miss?" He asked giving Eyeball a friendly punch to his shoulder, and looking between the two of us.
"Nothing." Eyeball replied. I was thankful that, even though he teased me mercilessly, he had the decency not to tell everyone else about the little crush he "knew" I had.
"Did you get your work done?" I asked them both, not at all surprised when I was met with a groan from Vince, and a non-committal shrug from Eyeball. Eyeball didn't seem to care whether he passed or failed the class, and Vince though he didn't seem to like to admit it, struggled quite a bit in the class.
Once in the class we all took our seats, the boys laughing at something they did a night or two ago, before our teacher entered the room. The class went off as per our normal, The teacher walking in, Jackie giving an appreciative howl, whistle or whatever he decided to do for the day. Our teacher would make a point to ignore him and start her class by asking us to hand in the homework from the day before and then start on some problems on the board.
Jackie stayed silent during this time, keeping his head low, to avoid from being called on for an answer. Algebra was not his forte of course, and he didn't want to seem dumb in front of everyone in class. Usually this works for him, but today Mrs. Marshall had other plans it would seem.
I watched as her eyes scanned over all the students with their hands up and narrowed as they landed on Vince, who was currently slouching in his seat, and his face was turned towards the ground next to his desk.
"Mudgett." She called out.
Jackie froze and slowly looked up to her at the front of the room.
"Hm?"
Playing dumb only earned a few giggles from the students around us.
"Care to answer the question on the board."
Jackie looked up at the equation, brows furrowing as he concentrated on the problem. He looked as if he was trying to will the answer to appear out of thin air, before Mrs. Marshall spoke back up.
"You can do the work on your paper Mr. Mudgett, I will wait."
"Oh yeah." He nearly stuttered out.
More giggles erupted around us as the Flustered Jackie looked down at his blank piece of paper. He looked like he might start sweating soon, and I felt a little bad for his predicament. I worked the problem out really quick myself and wrote the answer big enough to be seen from where he sat no problem.
I nonchalantly tapped my pencil against my desk trying to gain Jackie's attention, but he didn't look my way, eyes too focused on whatever he was trying to work out on his own sheet. I made an effort to fake a cough, and clear my throat, this time not being as subtle but at least it got his attention, as I watched his head slowly shift to look at me.
I lifted my paper to face him, shifting my eyes to him without turning my head to make sure he got it. He looked quizzically between me and the paper for a bit longer than I expected. I thought I was going to have to hiss the answer to him, but he finally understood and looked wide eyed at my paper, before facing the front.
"56?" Came his timid answer.
"What?" Mrs. Marshall asked her eyes widening a bit and blinking as if shocked. I was surprised she honestly didn't see me give him the answer, but I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"56?" He said again a little louder. Our teacher turned to look back at the equation on the board, going through the steps in her head before turning to face the class once more. She gave a curt nod, a small frown on her lips, disappointed that he succeeded.
"That's correct." She said defeatedly before going on to the next problem, and her next victim.
Jackie turned to give me a smile and mouthing a thank you, and I returned it with a thumbs up. I was more than happy that I could help him not get totally embarrassed in front of the entire class.
I held the nice feeling all throughout my next few classes. I felt an odd sense of pride when I am able to actually help someone out, no matter how small the task really was. I didn't even care if it was something kept between Jackie and I, I was just delighted he appreciated my efforts.
However, I was a little shocked that Ace brought it up in class later that day, while we were supposed to be reading our personal choices for the quarter.
"I heard you saved Jackie's pride earlier today." Ace's voice rang out behind me.
I turned my face away just slightly from my novel of choice, "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe", to show him I was listening.
"He told you about that? It wasn't no big deal, just gave him an answer." I whispered to keep from distracting the few people around us. I doubted it mattered though seeing the few students around us were already attentive to their own conversations.
"Good to know your nerd skills come in handy for something." He replied childishly. I rolled my eyes at his antics.
"I'm not a nerd." I whispered to him.
"Kind of are."
"Nope, Nerds live for school, strive to be the smartest, and have an overbearing thirst for knowledge that exceeds anything else in their life. I am just decent at working through problems, retain information for as long as needed, and am a decently fast learner." I explained, trying to go back to my story. I would eventually have to do a synopsis on this book, and whatever else so I really should be paying attention to the task at hand.
"That was the nerdiest thing you've said yet."
The comment was followed by a jab to the back of my neck by the spongy eraser at the end of his pencil. I leaned back in my chair and laid my head all the way back till it was resting on his desk to look at him.
"Do you make it your life's mission to be insufferable?" I asked him, tapping my pencil against his nose. He only grinned down at me, and was about to answer before my attention was taken away by a rather loud "Hrumph!" from a few seats away from us.
I turned my head towards the rest of the class, scanning multiple students who were chatting amongst themselves, or reading their own books. There was one girl just a few seats away though that I noticed was pointedly looking towards us, her arms cross over her chest, and a steely glare towards me. I face my head forwards again to see Ace was facing forwards, and I had a good view of his jaw as it clenched.
"Angry Girlfriend Merrill?" I asked, quirking an eyebrow, mentally giving my self a pat on the back as it came out purely teasing and not at all nosey.
"No, never was." He answered not looking her way.
"She seems mighty pissed for you two never being involved." I pressed looking between her angry glare to the underside of Ace's chin.
"We both had our fun, she has no claim to me." Was his retort. I couldn't help but frown while reading in-between the lines of his confession. They may not have been official but that reply does mean they had something, even if it was simply sex. Ace seemed to look down just enough to catch a flash of my frown, before I could fix my face.
"Why you asking, Jealous princess?" He asked looking back down at me with his usual mischievous grin. I gave him my signature glare and eyeroll.
"You Wish." I retorted, poking his nose once again with my pencil before sitting up right in my chair once more, wanting to go back to my story. I heard him give a small huff of a laugh after that but nothing else was really said between us for the rest of our class together.
It wasn't awkward silence though, he still made a point to kick his feet up on the back or sides of my chair like he normally did. This really kept my mind at ease throughout the rest of class. He may have been joking about it but, the truth was is I was jealous over him. I didn't have the right to be, I admit, but I was all the same.
After class was over, I walked with Ace to Eyeball's locker than joined them both to make our way down to the west side of the building, Like we have been doing all week. Sometimes I'd join them in conversation if I was able, and other times they talked about things I wasn't a part of. Like their progress with the vehicles out by Ace's house, or what they all will be doing tonight, or what trouble they got into recently. I listened to them silently, entertained by most of what they discussed, sometimes wishing I was there with them whenever they told a particularly interesting story.
This was my time to really relax before I entered Home Ec. After just one week of the class, I found out that my sewing skills are dreadful. I am a decent cook, thanks to my mom's teachings as a kid, and cleaning is a synch, but when it comes to having to patch clothing, or knit and sew together simple things like hats, scarves, gloves? Ha! I don't stand a chance compared to some of these other girls.
What made it worse is the teacher seems to think that despite my accomplishments elsewhere, I am a failure at life because I can't make a pretty stitch. I mean the stuff I put together still held up, it just wasn't straight and pretty. I think that is better than nothing, but Mrs. Vaughn thinks otherwise.
I was physically relieved when I finally entered the class to see that everything was set out to bake today, rather than the sewing machines. I took a seat on the edge of a table closer to the back and waited for the time to come to finally start baking.
The end of school came quickly today and I was more than eager to rush out of the school. It wasn't all that bad today, I was even currently carrying a small bag of cookies that I baked in Home Economics. In fact despite that being one of my least favorite classes this year (aside from Biology), I managed to impress Mrs. Vaughn with my skills today.
I ended up veering off from the directions in the book today, since I preferred the way my mom baked cookies, over the cook book she wanted us to follow. My teacher was peeved at first when she found out I was "winging" it, but after tasting one of the final cookies she changed her tune. Her eyes widening slightly before nodding in approval.
She even gave me extra credits points for my creativity, and ability to succeed without needing to follow instructions. How many classes could that actually be a good thing? Not many, let me tell you!
Nah, I had an exceptionally decent day at school, I was only itching to get out because it was Friday after all, and it was still one of those really hot summer days. I just wanted to embrace my weekend fully. I decided against going home, wanting to avoid my mother and Tom a bit longer; they have been acting awfully weird the past few days.
I thought about what I could possibly do to keep myself busy, and then remembered the little creek Ace drove me by on Monday. It wasn't to far out of town, and from the school itself it would only be about a thirty to forty-five minute walk west from here.
With that in mind I set off towards the creek. I didn't have any homework with me today since I was able to finish it all up during my free time in school, so it would be so easy to get down to the creek and relax and maybe even swim.
The heat from the sun pretty much confirming that the latter will be happening as soon as I got close to the water. The walk was rather peaceful, and as soon as the road turned from pavement to dirt, no one else was around to distract me from the day. There was a light breeze today, not strong enough to calm the burning sensation of the sun's rays, but I bet after taking a dip it would feel absolutely wonderful.
I lifted my hand out to brush against the high cat-tails that littered both sides of the road, loving the way they tickled against my palms. Then the winds picked up for a few seconds, to brush past my heated face, and tousle through my hair, giving me a much needed relief from the blazing heat. I looked up to watch the few white fluffy clouds move across the expanse of the sky lazily, and was instantly taken over by a calming peace.
I enjoyed the littlest things that this day brought me during my little walk until I finally started hearing the sounds of water running over some pebbles. I veered off the road a few feet to the Right to see the starting of the creek, the waters were shallow here but I knew if I followed it down a little longer it would become deep enough to actually swim.
I followed the creek's shoreline another twenty minutes or so and finally came across a wider portion of the creek as it filtered into a small lake of sorts. I knew this would be deep enough for me, seeing as no one was nearby I would be able to relax as much as I wanted here for the day.
I reached down, slipping off my shoes, then my socks, folding them up and placing them back inside my shoes and setting them off on the shore where the grasses were shorter so I could spot them easily.
I was already wearing a pair of shorts, and a red button down short sleeve shirt. I debated stripping down to my skivvies, but decided against it; I would dry off fast after walking home, so walking in wet clothes wouldn't be too bothersome. With that in mind I waded into the water.
The surface of the water was heated up by the sun, but the deeper and deeper I went in the cooler the water felt. I relished in the feeling of the water lapping over my skin, and quickly got far enough into the water that the water reached my neck. I ducked my head in a few times to get my hair and face cooled off and soaked along with the rest of my body.
Once I was able to fully submerge, I was fully satisfied. I started to paddle along the lake going further and further out so my feet no longer touched the ground. I was quickly reminded of the times Masie, Anna, Molly and I would go swimming out by the lake by the camping grounds.
We weren't suppose to be on the grounds without paying to set up camp there, but there was an easy place to sneak in and swim in the lake nearby. Sometimes the boys would come along and swim with us, but I was sure it was just an excuse to see us all half naked. Before I left nothing was going on between the girls and them, besides a few crushes. But the boys were still just boys, and weren't going to pass up the opportunity to see a bunch of girls in their underwear.
Not my words, That was Jackson's excuse as to why he gave into joining us the first time we snuck into the lake. That was actually right before I got him to admit that he was crushing on Anna hard. I really don't think Anna shared his feelings, but I wasn't going to go crushing spirits like that. If he ever grew a pair and asked her out, he would find out himself, and who knows, maybe by then she might start to reciprocate his feelings.
I ducked into the water once more to rewet my hair and cool off my face again. Once I resurfaced I wiped the lake water from my eyes, and heard a distinctive low whistle. Opening my eyes and turning my body to look around towards the banks I saw about five guys, some I just vaguely know of, but two were absolutely unmistakable.
Ace was standing sort of in the middle of the group, cigarette loosely placed between his lips, Eyeball next to his waving his fingers playfully at me. The other three guys were between laughter and just jeering at me. It seems they came down here to fish, as a couple of them had poles in their hands, but it seemed odd. Ace mentioned they usually fish out by the river on the bridge, but I guess they decided to make a change today.
"Hey why don't you come over here!" One of the ones, I am pretty sure I've only seen in the halls a couple times yelled. I didn't know his name and I am almost certain I never spoke to him before.
I shook my head.
"Not a chance I just got in here." I yelled back, treading the water a bit more.
"You got to come out some time, I wouldn't mind seeing what's under the water." The scrawny blonde piped up with a smile. I believe his name was Charlie, if I was remembering Judy right. I watched Ace give him a good smack to the back of his head, causing Charlie to yelp and hold on to the now sore area.
I shook my head at the boys, and rolled my eyes.
"You won't be getting an eyeful even if I did get out, I'm clothed." I said nonchalantly, wading in the water slowly.
I eventually took a peak back at the shore watching as the boys looked between each other, discussing something that I couldn't hear.
I wasn't sure what possessed me to say anything, but felt it would be polite to at least invite them in.
"I don't think you will be catching any fish in this lake now, pretty sure I would have scared them all away." I said my feet splashing in the water to prove my point.
"You guys are welcome to hop in if you'd like."
I was more so expecting them to pass and decide to go to their usual spot to fish, ignoring the crazy lady that ruined their fun. I looked on as they all looked to eachother, but was taken off guard when some of them started to strip their shirts off. I shielded my eyes away, not expecting to be bombarded by the view of a bunch of half dressed guys so soon.
Once I heard a few splashes I chanced a peak back towards the shore to see that all but Ace seemed to have hoped right in, and started goofing off instantly. Holding each other under and splashing copious amounts of water into each other's faces.
I was a bit disappointed that Ace wasn't one of the guys deciding to go shirtless in the lake, but then again I wasn't shocked. He seemed like the "Too Cool" type, he wouldn't be stooping so low to play in the water like the rest of them.
And my want to bare witness to something like that was purely selfish in reason.
Ace was currently sitting in the grass by the bank now, smoking his cigarette and rolling his eyes at the antics of his boys. After I knew the other guys were preoccupied being idiots with each other, I started to wade my way to the shore. Ace's attention was drawn to me, as I made my way to him.
I was able to slowly walk up to the shore, and the light breeze cooled my skin as I exited the water. The sun was still bright and hot though, not allowing me to feel any amount of chill. Once I got to Ace, I turned around and took a seat in the grass beside him, stretching out my legs and leaning back on my hands. I raised my head to the sky and closed my eyes to keep the sun from blinding me, as I took in the warmth, drying my skin.
"Too cool to swim huh?" I asked, eyes still closed and facing towards the sun.
"I will not be swimming around with a bunch of assholes."
I laughed, and finally rolled my head over to look at him.
"What a kind way to refer to your friends." I replied, my sarcasm ever present in my voice.
Ace shrugged and took another drag from him ciggarette looking down and back up to my face.
"I'm rather enjoying this view though."
I continued to stare at him a bit longer my eyebrows furrowing before looking down and remembering that with my top being so wet, and clingy, it really put my dark bra on display. I quickly grabbed the front of my shirt, and fanned it out away from my body a bit, to keep it from sticking to my bra and silhouette so tightly. A blush creeping on my face, and cursing myself for not realizing that a lot sooner.
Ace only smirked in return and changed his attention to the lake front, where his friends were still currently trying to shove each other under the water.
"Idiots." He mumbled out.
I looked over and smiled at the display. These guys were in a feared gang in this small town, where they had to seem tough and dangerous in front of many. I'm sure they really need times like these where they can just be stupid 17 year old boys together.
"They're just having fun. You should try it sometime." I teased, lifting a hand to shove him over a little. He only raised a brow at me, before looking at my body once again. I was sure he was just looking at the state of my clothes, but I still hoped that even though I felt like a drowned rat, He saw me as something more attractive.
"What's your mother gonna say when you walk in looking like that?" He asked pointing to my situation. I looked down and though it looked kind of bad now, I could already feel the clothes were starting to dry off from the blazing sun.
"That's why I am out of the water now. They will dry by the time I have to make it home." I explained with a shrug.
"Oh and hear I thought you came over here, just cause you liked my company." He teased. I laughed nervously, and shrugged as well.
"You're just a bonus." I was teasing him, but it was sort of the truth. I would take any opportunity to sit and talk with Ace, but I did also need to get out of the water soon enough to dry off. It worked perfectly this way; I thought I would just have to walk around a bit longer to make sure I was dried off before I entered my house, but instead I can sit here and start the drying process all while being by Ace's side. Lucky me.
A good half an hour passed by before the boys decided they had enough fun and also started making it towards the shore, ready to head over to their next adventure. I stood up, wiping down my still damp backside to hopefully brush off all the grass that stuck to my clothes.
"Well I better start home. You guys have fun." I said, getting ready to turn back from where I came.
"Where are you going? I'm driving you home." Ace said taking my shoulder and pushing me ever so lightly towards the road where his car would be parked.
"Hell yeah, I'd like to see where you live." The guy from earlier commented, I believe the boys called him Fuzzy, from what I gathered from their shouts in the water. What a stupid name. He was the other guy on the fence with Charlie that day.
"Nope, you fags are sitting in Vince's car." Ace cut him down quick, and earned a few groans from the boys who were still getting their shirts back on their wet bodies.
"We want to ride with her too." Charlie whined like a 5 year old boy, not getting his way. That jealous girl was kind of right, I did feel like a new toy at this point.
"You're not ruining my seats assholes." Ace spat out, as we grew closer to his vehicle. I could see another car, White, and it wasn't a convertible, parked right behind his off to the side of the road.
"She's wet too." Vince shot back, not really caring since he'd be driving his own car anyway, but he must have felt a duty to fight their case anyway.
"She's hot."
Was Ace's final words, as he opened the passenger side door for me to get in, and immediately walked around to his side. My face heated up fast with his words, and a bit of pride started to swell up in my chest.
I knew it wasn't much, I can think many guys were hot, and not like them, and I am sure Ace could think the same of women, but it felt good all the same to hear that compliment. Eyeball gave his signature laugh, and gave me a look that I was expecting from him. Him having a suspicion about my little crush, must think of it as a win, to see me turn scarlet over something Ace said.
I just raised a choice finger at him in return, but that only made him laugh harder on his way to Vince's car. Before any of the boys could argue anymore, Ace was back on the road, and we were off heading towards town.
I did my best to calm my red face before turning over to face Ace. I watched his profile as he took a toothpick from his shirt's pocket and stuck it in his mouth. I was starting to think he had some kind of oral fixation, since I haven't seem him more than a couple minutes without chewing on something.
He noticed my stare after a few silent moments during the drive, and finally gave in.
"What?"
I chose this time to play off my embarrassment as coolly as possible and just turned my body to face him in the passenger seat. Laying an arm on the back of the seat and resting my chin in my palms while throwing him a Cheshire grin of my own.
"I'm hot huh?"
