Take Me Away
By Rosie Real
Disclaimer: Not Mine!
Dedication: To my faithful computer. You'd so be my life mate if you were a human. And a guy.
Author's Note: I have an ear infection. Wah!
Fix it with your magic reviewing powers!
Please?
Chapter Four: My Mistake for Liking You
REAL Title of this Chapter: Teh Bitch Chapter from Hell
As the Irish like to say, the following day was a 'soft day'.
To the Americans, it was a very cloudy Tuesday. A thick fog settled over the city, and surrounded Titan High School, setting off an unwelcoming aura. Inside the building on the top floor, seniors roamed through the halls sluggishly, passing each other with little more than a second glance.
It seemed that the whole of Jump City was off to a very lethargic start. That is, except for Kori Andrews and Rachel Craven. The two girls glided past the crowds, both running on a strangely high energy. People glanced at them with raised eyebrows and jealous stares; both seemed to literally glow with an untouchable prettiness.
"So let me get this straight," Rachel said, her eyebrow furrowed; a habit she had whenever she was thinking deeply, "You went running… hell, I didn't even know you ran," She struggled with looking at Kori expectantly and opening her locker at the same time, fumbling with the lock in the process.
"I do on occasion," Kori responded, twisting with her two braids, securing them with a green ribbon. She wore snug jeans and a lavender sweater over a white t-shirt style leotard. She was going straight to ballet after school and didn't feel like changing later and besides, her leotard was comfortable.
"Okay, and then you run into Zach," Rachel continued, taking out her AP Chemistry text book. She cut off Kori's answer with, "I wonder what he was doing down there anyway…?"
Kori shrugged, leaning against the locker beside Rachel's. She drummed her fingers against the locker to the beat of Sweet Home Alabama, humming the tune to herself as she watched people pass by.
She smiled at Victor Stone, who shot a grin at her, arm in arm with his steady girlfriend; Bethany. If anyone could pull off the gold and white cheerleading uniform, it was her. She wore her hair in two high pig tails, held with gold colored hair ties that stood out in her dark brown hair. Together, they were an extremely attractive couple. No one dared to break them up, or hit on either one, knowing they both had fiery tempers that could bring the emotionally strongest to tears.
Kori held her smile for a moment longer after they passed her, predicting that they would last for many more years, maybe even get married someday?
"Bethany Stone…" she whispered to herself, feeling warmth inside her spread in her body, and she shivered in a brief moment of pure happiness.
Oh, I hope they marry!
Terra waved at Kori as she hurried to go meet with Logan, her long blonde hair in a low pony-tail, wearing khaki Capri's on her long legs and a pale blue wife beader. She was extremely skinny and looked a little young for her age, but her face and hair made up for everything. She could easily be a shampoo model with gorgeous hair like that, and her face was inviting and cute. Kori waved back, turning back towards Rachel when a fast moving blur caught her attention.
Suddenly there was a shrill scream, followed by a feminine voice snapping, "Don't do that!"
Wally smirked, leaning against a locker in a fake innocent expression. "Aw, I didn't scare you, did I?"
Jenny narrowed her magenta eyes at him... Unfortunately, the effect of her cold stare seemed to work perfectly well on everyone but him. "Why of course not," She growled sarcastically, "You only snuck up behind me and pinched my sides while I had my back turned and was practically half asleep. And I thought I was completely composed,"
He grinned boyishly, raking his fingers through his thick red hair. "Is that so? And the scream?"
"For effect only," she replied coolly, giving her locker a good kick with her black wedges, as she tried to unlock it again. Wally raised an eyebrow, cocking his head as he watched her do the combination excruciatingly slowly, her eyes fixed in an almost comical focused stare. He bit back a chuckle when he realized she was murmuring, "Please work, please work, please work,"
At last she pulled.
No success.
Wincing, Wally stepped back, getting ready for a loud, sleep deprived temper tantrum, but surprisingly she kept her cool, clenching and unclenching her fists.
Her pink eyes stared icily at her locker. "If you were a man," she began venomously, "I would drag you into the streets and publicly-,"
"Need help?" Wally cut in, paling slightly.
She turned, turning her cold stare to him, opening her mouth to say no before he continued, "C'mon, I'm pretty good at these things,"
She closed her mouth and raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think you can do it when I can't?"
"Ah…Man's touch?"
She let out a rather unladylike snort of disbelief, crossing her arms. "Yeah, okay…"
"Plus I'm lucky," He added, waggling his eyebrow suggestively. Jenny blinked at him, cocking her head in a sarcastic display of cuteness. "Are you? Truly?"
Wally nodded eagerly. "I'm a walking good luck charm, for serious! What's the combination?"
Mimicking his earlier gesture, she ran her fingers through her soft pink hair, concentrating on the numbers, "Uh, 6…"
"Uh-huh," he turned it quick. "Next?"
"Twenty-seven,"
"Okay,"
"Eighteen,"
He turned it carefully, and opened it with ease. Jenny's mouth fell open, as she stared at him with a strange look in her eyes. "…How did you…?"
Wally chuckled, patting her head which sparked her fresh annoyance. "It's in the genes, Jinx. The West family is a living, breathing good luck charm,"
Snapping out of her brief admiration, she scowled, irritated. "Watch it, Wally; it gets pretty hard to move around when your head swells that big,"
"Ahh, your words injure me," he sighed dramatically, waiting as she gathered her things.
She rolled her eyes at his comment, feeling that daily urge to stomp on his foot with her high heels. Standing, she said, "Heads up, though: from now on, I might have to force you to open my locker everyday,"
Linking his arm with her, he grinned boyishly, "With pleasure, milady!"
Satisfied, she smiled back, as they walked toward the staircase. Wally's hearted skipped a few beats, surprised at how pretty her smile was. "…You know, I think that's the first time you've ever smiled at me,"
That was a mistake, he realized, as he watched it fade a little. She shrugged, "Don't get used to it," she replied, shaking his arm off.
"It's pretty," he complimented, his blue eyes serious.
She stared at him, her cheeks warming from the praise. Slowly, her smile grew, which was more thanks than he could have asked for. But she thanked him as well, which didn't hurt. Not sarcastic, not insulting, but perfectly normal.
And another thing about the West Family, they can't keep their mouths shut. He wrapped an arm around her, and said a little loudly, "So I bet you're picturing me naked right now…"
"And then he gave you a ride home," Rachel continued, leaning against Kori's locker as the redhead hurried to collect her AP Chemistry materials.
Kori began to nod when a loud, hard "Smack!" caught her attention, followed by a surprised shout of pain.
Blinking, she shook her head briefly, and turned back to Rachel. "Yes, on his motorcycle," she replied, stopping for a moment to look up at her friend. Rachel's silky black hair was down today, which only occurred rarely. Kori adored her friend's angled hair style. Rachel wore fitted navy blue jeans, a snug, v-neck black t-shirt, and a silver cross necklace. Kori also noted the tiniest bit of black eye-liner and blush… she beamed. Rachel was absolutely stunning when she wanted to be.
The black haired girl nodded, looking down at her friend. "I still can't believe you rode on a motorcycle… what was it like?"
"Amazing! One of the best experiences of my life, I swear," Kori gushed, flipping a red strand out of her face. She stood, holding her binder and textbooks tightly, hugging them close. "We actually talked for a while… he's nicer than I thought,"
Rachel thought this briefly, smiling a little. "And the helmet?" she questioned, pointing to a red helmet stashed in Kori's freakishly organized locker.
"Oh! It belongs to Zach, I need to give it back later," The locker door slammed shut, and the two began to walk to their first period class.
"Wait today? You mean during school?" Rachel furrowed her eyebrows, wondering if Zachary would act the same way he did yesterday. Cliques and images were ridiculously important at Titan High, although more so in Middle School, freshman, and sophomore year. However, old habits die hard. He probably wouldn't act the same way, with his friends are watching his every move… and she didn't want Kori to be disappointed.
Kori's green eyes softened. "Well, why not?"
"Um, I guess you're right. Go ahead," she replied, watching her friend carefully. Kori looked at her in confusion but shrugged it off, making her way over to Zach's desk. Rachel went to her seat, her eyes never leaving her friend.
Zachary Rex felt particularly pissed.
For one thing, it was Tuesday, and he really didn't like Tuesdays… also, he was tired, he had spent half the night tossing and turning, suffering an annoying case of insomnia. To add on to that misery, he hadn't gotten a chance to get any coffee. Lastly, Fang Myers had taken his favorite parking spot.
The jackass.
Now he had to part in the friggin' sophomore parking lot, and heaven help anyone who dared to touch his baby.
Tired and crabby, he slumped down in his seat, his eyelids getting heavier and heavier and heavier and…
Zzzzzzzzzz…..
"Zach?" a feminine voice called, taking him away from his nearly asleep state.
Well… almost. "Gnarr…?" he grumbled unintelligently, lifting his head to squint at whoever had spoken. He blinked a few times, staring up at Kori Andrews, who looked at him, concerned.
At first she had looked like an angel, with the bright classroom lights surrounding her, making him squint. But as his eyes focused better, he got a better look at her. Her long, red hair was plaited in two long braids, and a very tight fitting white leotard that complimented her figure nicely, as well as setting off an almost golden look to her tan skin.
"Are you okay?" she asked, frowning slightly.
He shook himself awake, straightening as he yawned loudly, "Oh just dandy, Andrews. And how are you?"
Her concerned look disappeared, and she replaced her frown with a vibrant smile. "I'm fine. I have your helmet, by the way," she added, and Zach's dark eyebrows rose. Looking around, he almost flinched as he heard a silence fill the room, many eyes watching them.
The Sweet Girl socializing with (Gasp!) the Bad Boy.
Now, you'd think people would have better things to do with their time but this was Titan High. Cliques and circles were tight and it was a rare moment when someone socialized outside their chosen circles. Basically, if you were in the Goth/Emo/Outcast group, you wouldn't dare willingly talk to anyone in the Prep/Cheerleader/Wanna-Bee group. The Pot/Crack heads stayed away from the Nerds/Bookworms. The Jocks ignored the members of the Chess Club.
So having the school sweetheart talk to the school badass was… well, it wasn't so much shocking, as it was interesting and pure gossip material.
Roy Harper strolled up, taking his seat in front of Zach, chuckling at the scene. "Took Kori for a ride, did you?"
Zachary thought to himself for a moment. He had a choice.
He could defend her from the immature sexual innuendo which would immediately strike up rumors- especially since Kitty Myers was watching the scene with more focus than he had ever assumed capable for her.
Or, he could save himself a week of girlish giggling and annoying stares from Michael by simply joking with Roy, winking at Kori...
And she was wearing a rather tight leotard, that with just a bucket of water…
Need I continue?
He smirked at Roy, winking his playful brown eyes at Kori. "That I did… and how'd you like it, Andrews?"
Kori, looking a little confused, shook her head. "I, um… I loved it, and I hope you didn't forget your promise," she reminded, looking a little confused.
Zachary sighed inwardly… he really just couldn't help himself now. It was her own fault for being so darn innocent. "Right, how could I? You? Me? Another ride? Anytime, anywhere, cutie,"
Instantly, Kori's cute confusion turned straight to embarrassment, as it dawned on her exactly what he was implying. Zach attempting to grin apologetically at her, although it probably looked more like a sneer than anything else.
But the thing is, once he started going… he really couldn't stop. "So I'm thinking… lunchtime? Right here? This desk?"
Her mouth dropped open, finally showing a little anger.
"Can't wait," he finished, raising an eyebrow at her blushing cheeks. Around the room, boys and a few girls laughed at the blushing girl's expense.. Unable to control his eyes, he eyed her up and down… No one should look that hot when they're embarrassed.
However, for a moment he pitied her, almost wishing she'd insult him or smack him
He almost got his wish. "Feeling a little insecure about your sexual preferences, Zach? So much that you feel the need to take it out on Kori?" A quiet voice spoke behind him, "Because that's really not nice,"
He glanced back at Rachel Craven, who eyed him in a disgusted manner. "Besides," she continued, "It really isn't fooling anyone. We all know you're gay,"
There was a murmur of laughter in the room, mostly giggles from the girls. They always loved to hit guys where it hurt most, their pride. And maybe it was the way she had said it so easily, or maybe it was the way her voice had practically dripped with sarcastic concern, but either way, Zachary turned, smiling at the challenge. "Speaking today, are we Rachel?"
She looked at him, in that girlish, haughty I'm-so-much-more-mature-than-you way, that always annoyed him to no end, nodding. "Yes I am, thanks so much for noticing,"
"Well I guess this ruins the theory of you being mute,"
"Speaking of theories… you haven't really argued with my suggestion that you're gay…" She cocked her head and sighed. "This explains so much,"
Alright, he took it back. If Kori Andrew's had said anything like this to him, he'd hate her like he hated Rachel currently. He didn't know the girl was capable of saying so much, let alone insult him.
Before he could retort, the bell rang, taking him away from his focus. It was only then he realized that the entire class was staring at them, Fang, Kitty, Michael, Mr. Watson… all looking at him and Rachel with a mixture of amusement and surprise. Zach honestly didn't blame them. It was probably the most he had ever heard her speak.
The quiet tension was broken by Mr. Watson, as he cleared his throat loudly. "Take your seats, everyone, and please take out your reports and pass them to the first person in each row,"
Still fuming, Rachel returned to her seat. Taking out her report, she passed it to Alex Waters, who shot her a charming smile. "Nice burn, Craven,"
She smiled back hesitantly but inwardly rolled her eyes. What is it with guys and calling girls by their last name?
"I have to agree," Michael said quietly, seductively almost. "I haven't heard you insult anyone before,"
She felt heat in her cheeks rising, and looked down at her desk, staring at random carved in initials. "Oh… he needed to hear it," she said, glancing over at Kori.
She inhaled sharply. Oh God…
Kori had undone her braids so the hair fell in her face, something she always did when she felt as though she was about to start crying. The pencil in her hand shook, but otherwise she looked perfectly fine.
Rachel's eyes softened, and then hardened, glaring at the back of Zachary's head.
Asshole.
"Is Kori okay?"
Rachel jumped, glancing over at Michael who stared at the redheaded girl. She shrugged, "I'm sure she's fine,"
His pale blue eyes bored into hers, but he quirked an arched eyebrow, achieving the look of sexy and concerned with little effort. He smiled crookedly at her, "You're a good friend for sticking up for her like that,"
She looked back down at her desk. She absolutely hated him right now… nothing was worth this kind of nervousness and embarrassment. "…Anyone would have done it,"
Michael raised an eyebrow. He couldn't figure this girl out… shy and sarcastic one moment, fiery and intimidating the next. He turned back to the front board, vowing to understand his lab partner by the end of the year.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"You're sure you're fine?" Rachel pressed as Kori grabbed her bag lunch and the red helmet.
The red helmet. She held it in her hands tightly, dreading when she'd have to give it back to him. To her friend, Kori smiled warmly and honestly, "I'm sure. I'm fine! Really!"
Rachel sighed skeptically but let it go. "Well I'm buying lunch today; want to go ahead to the art room? Just tell Mod you're helping me brainstorm for our big project,"
Kori smiled with curiosity, "Ooh, mysterious. I'll see you there!" She called, waving to Rachel as she heading for the stairs for a shortcut to the usually insanely long lunch line. After grabbing her math textbook and notebook for her following class, she made her way down to the cafeteria, butterflies whirling in her stomach, clutching the red helmet.
She wouldn't let him intimidate her.
…Yeah. Right.
Kori tucked her hair behind her ears, passing a long row of barred windows, feeling that familiar prickle in the back of her neck. Some schools used to be firehouses, or hospitals, or museums.
Titan High used to be a prison.
Irony! She sang inwardly, heading into the loud, brightly white cafeteria. Immediately she spotted Terra, Logan, and Victor who all sat at their usual table by a window, and waved at them. She would sit with them briefly, and then head for the art room-, but first, she had some business to take care of.
Taking a deep breath, she summoned all her courage and walked over to the back of the lunchroom near the janitor's closet where Zach sat with Dick Grayson, Roy Harper, and Alex Waters. He looked up at her in surprise, with that amused twinkle in his brown eyes that made her mouth dry.
So, feeling as though if she were to open her mouth, she'd make a fool out of herself, she smiled politely and shoved the helmet into his hands, and walked away quickly before he could say anything straight to her face.
"Thanks!" he called after her, "Call me about the ride!" he added, sounding taunting but actually meaning to sound friendly. He did that a lot, a little annoyed at how much of a jackass he really sounded sometimes without meaning to.
"You're such a dick," Roy commented, grinning broadly, flashing his perfect white teeth.
Dick Grayson glared briefly at Roy. "Did you have to use that name?"
Roy chuckled. "But of course,"
"Bastard,"
"Virgin,"
"Desperate,"
"Phff… whatever, Family Jewels,"
"What was that, Mrs. Waters?" Dick asked, grinning at the sudden annoyed looks in Alex and Roy's faces, both always testy on the particular touchy subject of lab partners. "Yeah that's right. Keep it up, Rory and Alexis,"
'Rory' stuck his tongue out at him, but grudgingly went back to his sandwich, as 'Alexis' scowled at Dick. "Must you always drag me into this?"
Dick chuckled. "But of course,"
Zach watched the scene with an amused grin, as he fiddled absentmindedly with the straps on the red helmet, remembering the trouble Kori had had with him. He remembered how he had to physically pull her to get her closer to him, and let out a low chuckle.
At the chuckle, Roy glanced up, looking unusually thoughtful. "You know, I think you and Kori would make pretty hot couple,"
He let out a bark of laughter, remembering the last similar conversation. "Been there, discussed that," Zach said nonchalantly, "I'm retiring with her in Florida with Michael and his personal mute bitch, so we can go to Disney World and live happily ever after," Even he knew it was a little harsh to call her a 'personal mute bitch', but he was still a little ticked about her insults from this morning.
Raised eyebrows were his only response, but he wasn't in the mood to explain… besides, the mystery always the fun part.
Rachel eyed the contents of her lunch tray warily.
…Suspects agree that it may have once been alive… She felt her stomach churn as a gray-green gravy mixture bubbled.
…Or could have been revived.
She cautiously poked it.
Definitely some poor stray cat... She mock pondered inwardly.
Grabbing a fork, she paid the frail, sinister looking lunch lady, and continued to ponder the contents of her pile of unidentified 'food' when the sudden contact with her foot sent her sailing over a person's outstretched shoe, and onto the hard tile floor with a smack.
Red flooded into her cheeks, as she began to pick herself, feeling the contents of her tray sink into her t-shirt, and ruin it. She felt, rather than saw, hundreds of eyes turn to her, looking at the girl who tripped and got covered in Gravy Surprise. Even more turned when an outraged shriek filled the cafeteria.
"You little bitch!" Kitty's nasally voice echoed across the sudden quiet lunchroom. "These were brand new leather boots and you ruined them!"
Rachel's face burned with annoyance and mortification, but she turned to face the angry girl. Kitty eyed Rachel with a fiery rage, and the gravy splattered girl took a deep breath, willing herself to ignore the observant eyes on them, waiting for a cat fight.
Just apologize and get it over with.
But no words came out. It was as though God had suddenly turned her voice off, she couldn't speak. But she could feel the stares of people brutally boring into her, and she opened her mouth to say sorry.
Again, nothing came out.
Kitty seethed, "Are you deaf as well as stupid? These cost more money than you'll ever be worth! They were from Italy!" An expression of disgust suddenly formed on Rachel's face, wanting very much to slap her across the face. It was exactly what the spoiled brat deserved.
Just walk away.
But by now, her brother Fang had stood, making his way over to the scene. Rachel faltered for a moment, hoping dearly that she didn't show it as she turned to look at him. She paled slightly. His dirty blonde hair was spiked up to its usual perfectly, glittering dark brown-black eyes staring straight into Rachel's.
He had a few, but memorable, pet peeves. One: Loosing. In fact; he had the worst sportsmanship that she'd ever known possible. Two: Zachary Rex. Both unceasingly hated each other's guts, reasons unknown. Three: His sister in a state of any sort of distress. Kitty and he were the infamous Myers Twins, the twins that got everything they wanted when they wanted. Both were drop dead gorgeous, but with a temper to match their looks, and with voices and glares that sent chills through the body.
His glare was now on her, and she felt a murmur of sympathy from the cafeteria. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kori walking towards her.
But Michael beat her to it. "Oh please, you wouldn't know how much they cost, since your Daddy probably bought them," he smirked snidely from a nearby table, tossing an apple idly in the air.
Kitty's face flushed in anger, and Rachel gaped at him. But Michael continued, unable to help himself, "And moving on, I'm surprised your limited vocabulary contained the word Italy. But please, impress me further and spell it,"
Kori stifled a giggled that sent heads turning, and then a string of laughter started up in the cafeteria. Kitty's hazel eyes burned, looking about ready to strangle Michael. No one stood up to her, no one dared to stand up to her.
Meanwhile, Rachel backed out of the cafeteria, beckoning Kori to follow her. The red head nodded, flouncing to her side, as they silently walked the short distance to the gym, and into the empty girl's locker room. Inside, Kori exploded with, "Oh my God he likes you!"
Suddenly they were back in the happy, gossiping days of middle school. Rachel jumped in surprise, and then blushed brightly. "I don't think so; he was probably just being nice,"
Kori stared at her. "Even you must know how unreasonable you just sounded. C'mon! He didn't have to stick up for you like that. He didn't have to insult Kitty in the process either,"
Ignoring her convinced friend, Rachel slipped out of her black t-shirt, and groaned at the stain on her white satin bra. "Damn, now I smell like… cement and …meat,"
Kori let out a giggled and unzipped her lavender sweat. "You can wear that, and I have a spare black camisole in my locker," She offered, making her way to the opposite row of lockers.
Rachel smiled, "You're a lifesaver,"
"You flatter me! I'm just fulfilling my duty as best friend,"
The black haired girl nodded absentmindedly, catching the soft shirt Kori tossed to her. "And I have Cucumber Melon body spray if you want to get rid of the smell,"
"You are a friend to love," Rachel complimented genuinely, feeling the previous embarrassment wash away with Kori's unfailing treatment. She slipped on the camisole and sweater, giving her hair a good brush before following her friend to the hallway. Kori glanced at the clock, "How about you and I share my lunch?"
Rachel winced inwardly, "Oh thanks, but I'm really not that hungry anymore... at least not for your mustard and peanut butter sandwiches," Kori shrugged, "You don't know what you're missing!"
Her friend chuckled. "Uh, yeah. Sure. I think I'll just go buy a muffin or something… the line's shorter now, so I'll meet you there. Again,"
Kori stopped walking, "Want me to go with you?"
Rachel shook her head, "No, I'll be just fine. No sudden movements around Mod, though," Kori's lively laughter filled the halls, as the redhead skipped her way to the art room.
A smile grew on Rachel's face, and she walked back to the shortened lunch line. Leaning against a wall, she blushed as she remembered Michael's defense for her, saving her from an awful embarrassment that probably would have scarred her for months.
It really was nice of him. He didn't have to do that.
Tucking hair behind her ear, she caught him walking towards her.
…To me?
She looked behind her, wondering if that was who he was heading for. Besides a few Junior girls, who didn't look like people he would talk to.
Would he?
"Hey Rachel," he called, and she felt her face begin to heat immediately. She turned, offering a hesitant smile. "Oh, hi,"
His longish white-blonde hair was tucked into a small pony-tail, his styled bangs hanging in his striking blue eyes. He literally looked like a mix between a storybook prince charming, and a wizard from a book her father had read to her once. She stared up at him, wondering what she could say to him next.
She didn't have to, since he said slyly, "Jeez Craven, bite off Zach's head in science, and now you've ruined the legendary boots of Kitty Myers. You're slowly becoming a celebrity,"
She rolled her amethyst eyes, but let out a giggle. "Thanks for saying those things to her," she said suddenly, blurting it out before she could chicken out. She watched his expression become even more amused, and a thought ran across her head,
Why did you even bother helping me?
She thought about adding that, but he spoke before she could, "She needed to hear it, don't you think?"
Rachel nodded after a short pause, remembering the urge to slap Kitty across the face, hard enough to knock her off those ultra-chic shoes of hers, and to leave a red imprint on her flawless face. "Yeah, but no one ever says things like that to her,"
"Are you afraid of her or something?"
The thought hadn't occurred to her before, and she furrowed her eyebrows. "No, definitely not,"
"Then why did didn't say anything?" he asked, looking at her straight in the eyes. She felt him stare at her, not distracting by their surrounding, just focused completely on her and what she had to say.
"Well, everyone was watching," she said, a little lamely. "Plus, I wouldn't want to make enemies with her brother,"
"So you're scared of him, and what people think," Michael concluded, raising his eyebrows.
"No!" She shook her head, a little frustrated, "I mean, I'm not scared of Fang, I just don't want to be on his Hit List, or really have to deal with him sending me his stupid 'I-hate-you' looks. I don't care what people think of me, but I don't like being watched and observed like their judging me. And I didn't say anything because I didn't want to make a scene," She finished, scowling at him.
Michael smiled at her, knowing very well that she hated how he was watching her, judging her… but she was interesting. Every time he talked to her, she seemed to transform into a strange character that he'd never known existed inside her. "Rachel," he began, "I think that's the most I've ever heard you say, ever,"
There was a short pause, and her scowl slowly disappeared. Rolling her eyes, she giggled unwillingly, and he started to laugh, patting her shoulder. "I'm just kidding. And by the way, it was no trouble defending you,"
For a brief moment, he wondered why he had added that last part. But he forgot it as her cheeks turned a pale pink, and she smiled at him, looking surprisingly sweet. "Well, thank you anyway,"
There was a pause, and Michael thought about leaning in and kissing her. Instead he walked away casually, smirking on the outside, confused in his head.
Kissing Rachel Craven.
He couldn't stop thinking about it, debating whether it would be good or bad, and whether or not he wanted it.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The glorious trill of the final bell rang throughout the schools, along with a unanimous grateful sigh on the senior floor, as students poured into the halls. Wally West eagerly raced out of his Math Class, to see Jenny standing awkwardly at his locker. His trademark thousand watt grin grew on his face, "Locker buddy!"
She rolled her eyes at his eagerness, but didn't insult his intelligence or his cheerful attitude. Instead, she stepped aside, twirling a lock of pink hair around her finger. "You're not going to do that everyday, are you?"
Wally chuckled, "You know how much I love embarrassing you,"
"You show me everyday," she muttered, walking with him as he picked up his backpack, and made their way towards the stairs for her locker. Both walked in a companionable silence until they reached her locker, and he gallantly swept past her.
"The numbers are-," she began, but he waved her off. "No, I remember,"
She a single eyebrow. "Oh do you? Good memory along with speed and luck?"
"And sexiness,"
"Well that's a given," she said sarcastically, but smiled when he opened her locker easily. "Thanks," she said without thinking twice, and he nodded, waiting patiently as she loaded her things into a magenta and navy backpack.
He eyed her locker wall, "You like Nightwish?" he asked, gazing at a small poster. She looked up at him.
"You know who Nightwish are?"
"I like them okay, they're lyrics are great, and they've got powerful music," He said, shrugging, "Not my favorites though,"
Jenny hauled her stuffed backpack to her back, "I love most of their music, but I like anyone really,"
"No favorites?" Wally's pale blue eyes studied her face expectantly, "Everyone has a favorite," She leaned against her now shut locker, shaking her head.
"Well, I'm not everyone," she said, but without her usual snappiness. "Although I might have some, just not a single band or song,"
Wally nodded understandingly, "Yeah, I've got a ton of favorite songs… probably hundreds,"
"Thousands," Jenny added in.
"I don't like country though," He remarked, leaning against the locker next to hers, facing her. "I have a few selected songs I like,"
"Hmm. I can't really get into it… not now anyway. I think country's more of a lazy summer day kind of music, you know?"
"Exactly!" Both grinned at each other until the sudden silence of the hall hit them like a slap across the face. A bunch of people stared at the two, a mixture of curiosity and surprise expressed clearly on their faces. Jenny backed away from Wally as a reflex, but felt annoyed by everyone gawking at them.
I hate cliques. She thought disgustedly, beginning to walk away. To him, she said, "See you tomorrow,"
He smiled back at her, seeming to be oblivious to everyone's stares, "Bye Jenny," he called, heading for the gym for Cross Country practice.
She rushed past everyone, feeling a little relieved as people began to talk again, and move away from the 'Extremely Odd Scene'.
God, get a hobby you bunch of losers… Jinx mouthed the words, longing to shout them at the crowds, but let it go grudgingly. No one was willing to change, so what was the point?
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kori raced past everyone, making a dash for Rachel's car. The dark blue 1999 Pontiac sat in a shaded spot, and surprisingly, Rachel wasn't there waiting for her.
…I beat her? Kori thought incredulously,not knowing whether to be happy or worried. They always raced to see who could be first to the car, and Rachel always won, since she was on the first floor.
She's doing that extra art class… is she? No, that's only on Wednesdays… and she said she'd take me to dance class just this morning!
A little concerned, the red head sat on the hood of the car, watching more and more people pour out of the school, but none of them her friend.
Rachel Craven stood still, her heavy backpack threatening to bring her down. But she remained standing rigid, focusing on the faintest sound or music. It was a piano, someone on a piano; trilling, crashing, pounding, playing a beautiful concerto. She walked onward, heading for the source of the music.
She was on the junior floor, only here to ask Mr. Mod a quick question, and then she'd race back to her car, but she had stopped when she passed the piano music. She walked down the hall, heading for the storage closet that used to be a choir room.
She stood still, captivated. Listened.
Rachel Craven was no expert, but she could tell there was something extremely amazing about the way this person played. She didn't know what they were playing, but it became her favorite song. She didn't know who was playing, and she didn't care. She suddenly had the highest respect for them.
Shyness and curiosity battled inside her, until undefeated curiosity won. Slowly and as quietly as she could, she crept to the door, and reached for the handle. It was a simple door knob, and she turned it slowly, opening it a crack to see an empty, but large room. The music filled her body completely, no longer blocked by the heavy door. Stacks of chairs and folded tables came to view, and the smell of dust and lemons filled her nose. In the center of it all was a painted black grand piano. And at the seat of the piano was Michael.
She backed out of the room slowly and silently, a part of her longing to stay, another part wanting nothing more than to race away to safety. Tucking her black hair behind her ear, she began to walk towards the doors, ignoring the illogical urge to run back to the room, and watch him play.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Critique: IT SUCKS. (Don't assume though, that it means I am craving reassurance. I'm not, really!)
Forced compliments: Well, I liked the ending. :-) And writing Wally/Jenny is always fun!
Authors Note: This might be the last chapter for this summer. And it might not be! I'm going to be mega busy for a while, and once school starts… well…
(Insert funeral theme music)
Reviews equal inspiration!
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Self doubt equals depression.
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…Ever…
XD So you think twice before deciding not to review!
-Miss Rosie Real-