The next few days At school were unfortunately no better than Monday, in fact I'd argue that it only got worse. Tuesday, I walked into the school early hoping to just get into class and get in my seat to avoid the stares, but when I spotted my locker, I knew that wasn't going to be the case.
Like the locker in the gym locker rooms, it had some colorful descriptive words written all over it. Luckily for me it was written in lipstick and not something more permanent, so I was able to talk the janitor into giving me a rag and a spray bottle and wipe it off before school began.
Some of the students have been getting bolder these last couple days, hissing threats and insults my way as I walked by them in the halls. I have a feeling most of this was simply due to jealousy, since every single person I came across acting this way has been another girl. Mostly those that are supposed to be the prim and proper type.
I thought it odd that this many girls would be fighting for Will's affections, but maybe I underestimated the power behind his family name. Even if we did sleep together, I think our attitude towards each other, has been obvious enough that we aren't on good terms, so why continue to tear me down? There is also no way these girls honestly think he hasn't slept with other girls in this school, so did they act this crazy to his past conquests?
Maybe It is just exaggerated because I am the new girl here and moving in on their "territory". Either way, these girls were getting out of control. Yesterday at lunch I had someone spill their drink all down my front; fortunately for me it was just water, and Bev had a spare sweater in her locker for me to wear until my top dried.
I was tripped in P.E. scraping up both my palms and knees, however the stupid girls didn't think anything about hiding their plans. The teacher saw, and those girls ended up running extra laps, while I was sent to the nurse's office to get my bleeding knees and scraped up palms taken care of.
Through all of this Ace hasn't seemed to notice a thing. In English he and Holly flirt constantly, even when they couldn't sit next to each other, Holly would just come to his desk and continue. That was probably the worst, because with them right behind me I had to hear everything, and it hurt to know that Ace was interested in someone else.
I missed him kicking his old boots up on my desk to catch my attention. I miss him pulling gently on a strand of hair, to annoy the crap out of me. I miss him whispering teases in my ear, whether about me or about other students, or the teacher, just trying to get me to talk back to him or laugh.
I just wanted my best friend back if anything else. He doesn't walk with us to our last couple classes, anymore. I barely get to talk to him in homeroom too, as it seems he hardly ever wants to show up for it this week, after Monday. The few times I finally did get to talk to him, it's been short, and to the point.
He wasn't mean to me by any means, but I did get the impression he was trying to avoid me or limit our contact. I also never got to spend any time with him outside of school, we never went back to the motor shop he worked in recently, nor to his yard to see the progress on his vehicle.
I kept telling myself that I was over exaggerating, and that it hasn't been long enough to assume he was avoiding me, but rarely is my gut feeling ever wrong. Most of the time that I get hurt, it's because I ignored my gut feeling entirely; So, I was leaning towards the idea that Ace for some reason really didn't want to talk to me.
Later on in the week I finally gathered the courage to at least ask him about it; it was a rare day where he showed up in homeroom. I walked up to our desks, taking a deep breath, then sat down slowly. Ace was sitting in his seat, actually reading the book I pointed out to him so long ago, it seems he hasn't been reading it lately, as he hasn't made much progress since Monday.
"Hey Ace." I called softly, he did not greet me back with words, instead he lifted three fingers in a little-effort wave. We sat in silence for a few seconds me looking at him, and him avoiding my gaze entirely.
"Ace are you upset with me?" I blurted, I was wanting to ease into the subject, not just ask it out right, but I guess my mouth had other plans. Ace finally graced me with the curtesy of meeting my gaze this time, the first time in a few days now. He looked shocked, perplexed even.
"What are you talking about?" He pulled his head back, his eyes narrowing slightly. I can tell he was getting into his defensive mode already.
"You have barely talked to me all week, aside from Monday you barely spoke 3 words to me." I said softly, trying to defend my question, before he could deny it. I didn't want him to think I was accusing him of anything, I just wanted to know what was going on.
Ace was in a foul mood already though and I wasn't sure how to word everything to calm him back down. So instead, I was just opting to be bluntly Honest. Ace only seemed to roll his eyes and go back to his book, wanting to ignore me entirely, I pressed on though.
"I'm serious Ace, it really feels like your, I don't know… trying to avoid me?" I was so quiet by the end of the sentence I was shocked he even heard me, but he did.
"Really, I show a little more attention to someone other than you, and now I am avoiding you?" He spat out, his eyes practically little slits now. If I didn't know Ace, or thought I knew him I could see why people feared him.
"That isn't what I meant." I said, leaning back in my seat with a sigh. I don't know why he had to bring up Holly, I never mentioned her at all, I just wanted to know why he was so silent towards me. He didn't seem to think they were separate issues though.
"That's what it sounds like. I have other prospects in life, than being your little savior any and every time life gets a little rough." He spat out, before going back to his book, griping it into his hands so hard that his knuckles were turning white. Whether he was truly read it or not I wasn't sure anymore.
All I knew was, his words hurt. I didn't expect him to come after me that first day, after storming out of the malt shop. I didn't expect him to come out and get the drunk creep off me outside the bar. I didn't even know he was in that bar, and I didn't know he was going to just be cruising so close to the school after Will came on to me in his car. I really thought Ace would be drunk off his ass in a bar or at home that night.
I was happy to see him, he made me feel safe, and I did appreciate his care for me, but it wasn't anything expected from him.
"I didn't ask you to rescue me Ace, you did that on your own." I told him softly, before getting up from my seat, and walking up to the teacher's desk to ask her to visit the Nurses' office. That was the only excuse I could think of to get out of the class, and just spend a bit of time alone.
Luckily for me I must have looked a bit under the weather, since she took one look at me and waved me out. When I finally got to the nurse's office, I complained about the chronic headache I have been having, and I was able to take something for it, then rest on their little cot they had set up with a curtain to give me privacy.
This worked well, since sleep hasn't been coming easily lately, I finally got time to rest my eyes a bit, and I really did have a chronic headache. It was something that I was used to in high times of stress, but paired with the lack of sleep, it was worse than normal.
Unfortunately, though it saved me from reality for the rest of home room, and most of History, I had to join society again eventually. I told eyeball what happened between Ace and I in our shared class, after he mentioned Ace seemed pissed the last time he saw him.
Though Eyeball wasn't the best at comforting he did try his best, saying 'Ace was struggling with some things and it wasn't really me he was mad at', but I found it hard to believe him. I felt like he just wanted to let me down "gently" but in reality, I think Ace probably just can't stand me. Whether because Holly, who I knew didn't like me very much was telling him things, or if he really was annoyed and tired of playing the knight in shining armor. It didn't matter, either way he was tired of me, and I was just going to have to accept that now.
I was dreading literature for the first time in my life, but it was an inevitable class to enter. At least I was able to always enter early, and get seated, so I can dive my nose into a book and ignore everything around me. Once I took out my book and got situated, Ace came walking in.
He walked by my seat just as the final bell rang, but I kept silent in my seat, not bothering to even chance a glance. A small piece of me hoped he'd talk to me; he didn't even have to apologize. I just wished he'd talk to me or maybe bother me like he normally did, to let me know we were alright. That did not happen of course, and hopeful jumping nerves turned into the sinking pit in my stomach all over again.
I tried to read the book in my hands, the second in the Narnia series that I started, but I was only able to focus so much. We weren't but 3 minutes into class when the peppy girl came over to our end of the classroom. It was disturbing right from the start as the first thing I heard was an exaggerated smacking of lips, clearly her planting a kiss on his cheek in greeting.
It could have been his lips for all I know, I wasn't looking at the couple, but the past few days it has always been his cheek. It was followed by her normal conversation starter, which was relaying what happened last night and earlier today, that Ace wasn't a part of. This time that was followed by her annoying whines.
He spends too much time with his buddies after school, she rarely gets to see him, when will she get to spend the day with him, etc. It was annoying to hear, but at least it gave me hope that she and him haven't gone too far into their relationship yet.
"What are you doing tonight?" She asked huffily.
"Irby's bar, playing pool." Came Ace reply. I felt a little bit of relief that he didn't seem too enthused or interested in the conversation they were having, but it didn't help me much.
"Well, Can I go with?" She asked. It was in such a snotty way, as if he was just expected to agree, or was supposed to invite her, rather than her ask to go. I wanted to tell her to chill with the attitude myself, but I knew it wasn't any of my business, and it would only come back to bite me in the butt.
"Sure."
I knew the answer sounded uninterested, I knew it sounded more like an agreement to get her to shut up, but it didn't change the fact that now I knew she was going to be with him tonight. I could see it now, her hanging off his arm like an ornament. Ready to give him every "prize" She could possibly come up with every time he won, or simply needed "Encouragement". Whatever the excuse ended up being she would be ready her to throw herself at him.
Or worse, maybe Ace will "teach" her how to play, as in line up behind her and put his arm around hers to show her how to shoot. It was the oldest trick in the book, to get the ball rolling in sexual tension, and I feared this situation. Most likely this would be the case, especially with Ace's reputation, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.
It was hard to focus on my book after that, I felt more crushed in this moment than I did all week. The longer this kept up the more I started to think this wasn't going to be a quick fling like Bev suggested.
I wanted to tell myself that I was just upset with the fact that Ace was ignoring me, but I knew that wasn't all of it. I was Jealous, and I was hurt by the rejection, but I wasn't lying when I thought that Holly had nothing to do with how I felt with him avoiding me recently. I could ignore the flirting, and innuendos, as long as we were still on friendly terms.
I wouldn't let my own jealousy or heartache from unreciprocated love ruin a friendship, but I was sure that when Holly wasn't around, he was still avoiding me. That wasn't just my imagination getting the best of me due to the jealousy. Ugh, I hate it when I am second guessing myself!
I took a few deep breath's and tried to focus my brain.
'The past few days aside from Monday, he hasn't spoken much to me. Most answers weren't even verbal, and those that were, were one worded. I wasn't being crazy and making things up.'
I repeated this in my mind over and over to keep me grounded in truth. If I wasn't careful, I would drive myself mad questioning my own thoughts and feelings. I needed to restate truths to myself if I wanted to keep a clear mind.
"We are going to have so much fun babe! Maybe after we're done, we can go somewhere? Alone."
She was talking loudly; in that tone you know was meant for you to hear. That wench was trying to torture me! I started to feel the jealousy take a nasty turn into anger, a more violent anger. I strengthened my grip on the cover of my book, and clamped my mouth shut as hard as I can to keep myself from saying a word or even making a sound.
The last thing I needed was to explode on her and hit her just because she was dating Ace. Though she had no right to be rubbing my nose in it and being a little witch, flaunting her position. Actually, Ace and I were never together, just friends, so what reason does she even have to be bragging about things like that so loudly.
Sure, she could guess I like him, but there should be no actual proof. I relaxed once more, almost leaning back in my chair and hummed a soft tune. Call it petty but I knew what would get to her the best, is to simply act like what she does, doesn't bother me at all.
"Babe do you want to come to my house, for a study date?" She asked this one a little louder. I smirked into my book, knowing the maneuver worked; the less interested I seemed in their business the more pissed she got. She really was just trying to get under my skin, that witch.
"I don't do study dates."
That almost made me laugh, finally she was turned down for something! I am sure he knew what study date was code for. That was always just an excuse for boys and girls to be alone together so they can make out on some couch or on a bed, where it can be escalated. However, if a guy like him gets caught in the home of a girl like Holly, he will have a lot more hell to pay by her parents.
The rest of class it was a little easier for me to ignore the two, knowing for sure that it was the best way to get under Holly's skin. It was a little bit of revenge, and that consoled me ever so slightly, I know that sounds petty and immature of me, but it was what I needed at this moment.
It was so much easier in fact, that time finally seemed to rush by, and the bell rang to end class. I gathered everything I needed, not wanting to be seen as in a hurry, to break the allusion of my content. What really worked out for me was when I exited the room right in front of Ace and Holly, Eyeball happened to be leaning against the wall, waiting for me.
"Eyeball!" I exclaimed a little shock, but more so happy to see the guy.
"Hey princess, miss me?" Eyeball asked with that mischievous grin on his face. He started using Ace's typical nickname for me when Ace started acting so odd. Eyeball claims that he knows it bothers Ace when he does so, and he wants to remind the idiot that he likes me. I thought that was total bull crap, but you try telling Eyeball that he is wrong.
"I just saw you a few classes ago, usually I meet you at your locker." I said, looking at him curiously.
"Eh cut out of gym Early and decided to wait for ya." He answered, and out of character for him, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and started guiding me back to his locker.
"Ace." Eyeball greeted with a grin, and nod as we walked on by. I didn't mean to look, but I did notice as we passed by that Ace and Holly were still in the hall, and it seems Ace was just as caught off guard with the odd behavior as I was. Though I couldn't read his expression, I knew it caught his attention at the very least.
"Eyeball?" I questioned as we walked further down the hall. He gave out a hearty laugh, throwing his head back as we grew closer to where his locker would be.
"Just wanted to prove a point is all." He answered, but he didn't give any further explanation to what point he was trying to prove. When his locker was in sight, I noticed that Beverly was already waiting for us, and raised an eyebrow as we came up.
"Should I be concerned?"
"Absolutely not." I said, almost before she could finished her sentence. Eyeball took his arm off me, and walked over to Bev, to wrap her in his arms and lean in closer to her.
"No worries babe, just doing what I told you about earlier." He said, giving her a chaste kiss to her lips.
"Ah, good." She said confidently, pulling him in closer for a deeper kiss. I then proceeded to make disgusted mock gagging noises behind the two, until they separated.
"Really? What are you, A child?" Bev asked between giggles, as Eyeball grabbed what he needed out of his locker. I shrugged and threw her a sassy grin. Eyeball shut his locker door, and put a hand on Bev's hip as we all walked down to our final classes.
I tried asking Bev what exactly her and Eyeball were "talking about earlier" that needed Eyeball to put an arm around me, but she didn't budge. She kept changing the subject on me, and after about six tries I finally gave in, knowing she wasn't going to be spilling the beans.
We were just starting on our little project of sewing together a small pouch to act as a coin purse, when this girl came strolling Up to Bev and I. Barbara, the one in my literature class who glared at me from the middle of the classroom.
"So, I guess you weren't so special after all." She said with a sly smile. Bev and I looked at her with eyebrows raised, and our jaws set.
"What is that supposed to mean Barb." Bev hissed out.
"It seems Ace all but forgot you even existed." She said keeping her eyes solely on me, as if ignoring Bev's existence beside me.
"I don't know what you're talking about, but it seems you are projecting your own issues." I said, focusing back on my project, wanting to end the conversation there. What did this girl even know about what was going on between Ace and I besides what she sees from across the room?
"Actually, you're not too far off." Bev said from beside me.
"Hasn't Ace turned you down multiple times this year? Really can't take no for an answer can you?" Bev giggled.
"I wouldn't be laughing; I had your boyfriend once too Beverly." Barbara sneered. Bev's giggle stopped, replaced with self-consciousness it would seem. I wasn't going to let her make Beverly feel inferior like that though.
"There is no pride in being the town bicycle." I shot back, relishing in the look on her face as it dropped into a scowl. Beverly started to giggle beside me once again, as we both watched the dejected girl walk off with her tail between her legs.
I looked over at Beverly and gave her a smile clapping a hand to her back.
"Just remember girls like her were for cheap release, Richard loves you." I teased her, though it was certainly a true statement. She blushed a dark scarlet at the word love, but soon broke out in a goofy grin.
"You're right. It doesn't matter what he did and with who before." She said with a sigh, going back to her own pouch.
"Did she really try to get with Ace multiple times this semester?" I asked, after the question ate at me for a good few silent minutes.
Bev nodded, moving the two fabrics around under the sewing machine carefully.
"Oh yeah, well a few years ago she bragged about sleeping with him, however, so has every other pretty girl with a decent rack." She said with a snort, then realized what she said about the guy I liked and blushed, feeling a bit of shame.
"Sorry."
I shook my head and laughed.
"Don't worry about it, continue." I pressed, going back to my own work, going much slower than Beverly while I ran the needle through, not wanting to completely botch my project.
"Well, she was one of those girls that wanted to have as many of the Cobras under her belt, and Ace was the cherry on top. However, like every other girl, as soon as she put out, he dropped her." Bev explained, as she already was unhooking her pouch and cutting the string like a pro.
"Recently this year she has been trying to get back at him. I think she felt threatened by you."
I stopped what I was doing and looked up at her incredulously.
"Me? Why me?" I asked. I haven't been with Ace like she has, not even close. Bev motioned for me to get up off my seat, and when I did, she sat down in my spot, and had me sit in hers. I blushed and thanked her, as she started working on my own pouch, while I set to turning hers back right-side out, and checking the zipper.
"I told you, Ace really does like you. He hasn't shown any interest in a girl before besides sex, until you came around. I think she is jealous of you for it." She said, busting through all the sewing on my own project. I shook my head sadly, pulling the zipper on the pouch, closing slowly.
"I really don't think he does Bev. Why would he avoid me like he has been. And I know Eyeball told you about what happened between us in Homeroom."
Bevery flinched, proving me right that Eyeball has already told her the story.
"He's just being an idiot. I have lived in this town my entire life Robin, and I am telling you the boy cares for you, he's just being stuborn." She said, already finished with my pouch, and disconnecting it from the sewing maching like she did her own.
She handed me my own pouch, and I handed her back. I started to pull mine right side out like I did hers and rubbed the material between my fingers. I wanted to believe her, but it just didn't feel like that was the case right now.
"Hey I'm dead serious." Bev said, placing a hand on my shoulder, getting me to look her in the eye.
"Now what YOU need to do, is continue doing well in school, and being a bright little ray of sunshine; show him what he is missing. Make him come running back and begging for your forgiveness and attention."
I nearly snorted at that, Beverly joining me in good laugh at the mental image of a Begging Ace. It wasn't ever going to happen, but it would be nice for him to just start talking to me again.
