Take Me Away
By Rosie Real
Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans.
I am thrilled. Beyond belief. So excited, I cannot begin to explain…
Batman movie is coming out in the summer. That is, the sequel.
(Really does scream happily… it's okay. :) no one's home!)
Chapter Eight: In Over Your Head
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
There are good days, bad days, and nothing-in-particular days.
Some days, however, as you wake up to the ringing alarm clock or the radio host chattering away, you feel yourself unexplainably looking forward to something. The question is: what?
December sixth was no average day.
The snow remained a gray slush and frozen white mass that blanketed Jump City High School lawn. Sans, of course, the snow plowed black asphalt teenagers now trudged on their way to class.
This was common, and had been since that fateful November day where snow started to fall, and then never seemed to stop.
Terra Markov and Logan Beast were talking amiably, exchanging smiles and small good morning pecks on the lips between intervals. Beside them, the immensely tall and built Victor Stone joined their conversation with small comments and a too-wide smile across his face.
Upon looking at the scene, many disregarded it as normal and looked away. Those who happened to catch Bethany Honey a few yards behind raised questioning eyebrows and immediately labeled it as interestingly uncommon.
She plodded slowly and heavily through the un-shoveled sidewalks, suede boots thoroughly and carelessly wet and hazel eyes downcast. She glanced up once, to stare at Victor's back forlornly, and stopped walking. It was as if she was willing him to turn around, to notice her walking behind him, and a few held their breath to see if he would… if they would exchange smiles and everything would be as it should, normal.
But he didn't turn, and she didn't keep walking. Instead, she turned in her tracks with a firm smile plastered on her face and scanned the sea of people for a familiar enough face. Immediately, she headed straight for Roy Harper and Alex Waters, yelling loud, extremely cheerful greetings. The two boys shouted back friendly enough, but exchanged raised eyebrows at the unusual display.
"Think they split?" Roy whispered out of the corner of his mouth conspiratorially. Alex had no time to answer, and hugged the overly vivacious cheerleader with enthusiasm. Taking a swift glance at her ruined boots, her absent makeup, and the bags under her eyes, he nodded affirmative to his friend. With hidden sympathetic smiles, they escorted her into school, pretending that everything was perfect normal.
Jennifer Curse glanced at her sticker studded cell phone and let out a sigh in a misty cloud. It was 7:21 am. Here we go, here we go, here we go… She sang in her mind, trying to ignore the uncomfortable butterflies swirling in her stomach. Today was Monday, and it was time to introduce the newest couple established in JCH. She attempted a smile but grimaced anxiously instead.
She had asked Wally not to say anything, explaining that she thought it would be easier for them to just see it with their own eyes. "Like they'd believe me anyway," She had said with a smirk, stealing another kiss from her new boyfriend. Wally hadn't argued against it, thankfully, and if it had bothered him, it didn't show.
Jenny was about to take her cell phone out again when she heard the crunch of footsteps behind her, and turned to see who it was. An inevitable smile broke across her stressed face. Unfortunately, though, the introduction of kisses and affection had taken a toll on her confidence. While it made her happy, it also made her feel self conscious and irritatingly giggly… it was almost easier to talk to him when she was bitter and mean.
So when she went to greet him, she discovered that she had absolutely no idea what to say. I thought the guys were supposed to be tongue-tied… She mused dryly.
Wally returned her smile and didn't break the silence. He simply stood in front of her, happy to enough have their reunion next to Michael's Wrangler Jeep. He took her bare hands in his red gloved ones, examining them thoroughly. "We might have to invest you in some mittens…" he remarked casually.
And just like that, the shy spell was broken. Jenny snorted and exclaimed proudly, "I haven't worn mittens since I was five,"
"Yes, but they could be pink,"
She raised one eyebrow. "So? …They could be made out of money and I still wouldn't wear them,"
"I thought you loved pink. Alright, fine… How about decorated with unicorns?" He teased with a crooked smile. Jenny scowled and shuddered, throwing him a weak glare.
"That isn't funny," She smiled though, as he laughed. She liked making him laugh; it was such an effective, happy sound to her. She glanced back up, finally taking in the numerous curious stares of passing people. There was a sucking sensation in her chest as she realized many eyes were on her, dissecting every action she made, taking in the intimate scene displayed before everyone's eyes. Her eyes shut tightly, reminding herself that she did not care what people thought of her.
And she didn't.
But she did care about what they thought of Wally.
Suddenly her hands were squeezed. Her eyes opened, searching and immediately finding what she needed. Wally peered into her face without care, and brought her hands to his lips. "Ready?" he asked quietly.
She held his aquamarine gaze and found strength. "When you are," she answered with fake careless bravery. She stood on tiptoe and kissed her boyfriend firmly, lacing her fingers with his warm hands. His forever warm mouth tasted like cinnamon and she felt it tingle on her lips when they pulled away for air. As the kiss ended, she felt silly and embarrassed, but the joy so apparent on his face destroyed all thoughts of self doubt. "Hey," she murmured inadequately.
"Hey," He answered back, "Love," He led her away from the parking lot, wrapping a comfortable arm around her shoulder where it always belonged.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Michael Fires and Zachary Rex were among the staring, dazed and confused crowd in the parking lot. They glanced at each other, and then back at the newly established couple…Then back at each other, and then to the walking couple, and then back to each other once more.
An awkward stunned silence proceeded.
Zachary broke it first with a confused, "Did she-?"
"Did he-?"
"Did they-?"
"When?"
"Where?"
"Why?"
"How ??"
"But he's so-,"
"And she's so…"
""Different!""
Michael stood in mystified silence, contemplating what he had just witnessed. Zachary, however, was anything but silent. "Can you believe this?" He asked his shocked friend, and didn't wait for an answer. He ran an irritated hand through his hair and started walking towards the school doors, plowing through groups of people carelessly. "Seriously, what the hell?" Michael could hear his friend continue to rant.
"She could have mentioned that little life-altering detail. You know she tells us about that kinky dream she had with Kermit the Frog and Larry the frickin' Cucumber, but she forgets about this? What's her problem? Does she think we'll think badly of her or some chick thing like that?" Soon, Zachary was out of Michael's hearing range.
He chuckled at his friend's retreating back, knowing he wouldn't stop until he found Jenny and angrily (while also affectionately) demanded why she didn't tell him. While Michael agreed with his hot-tempered friend, he would try a different approach...
One that involved an icy cold shoulder, and some free coffee to make up for her blunder.
He glanced at his watch casually, noting he had a bit of free time before class. After locking his car, he followed his friend with an air of unease settling in as he spotted Rachel Craven walking up the steps, along with her Siamese twin Kori Andrews.
Best to get a head start on work…
"Hey, Rachel!" He called clearly. Rachel tore away from Kori with a displeased expression on her face, not directed to him, but to her friend. It seems they had been arguing quietly, but he wasn't sure what about.
Well, what do girls argue about? … … … … Yeah, like I'd know.
"Um… yeah?" She answered, reluctantly. Kori coughed heavily into her hands, sounding as though she had caught a bad cold. In fact, as far as Michael could see, Kori didn't look so good. Her glorious red hair only seemed to drastically pale her already flushed face. Her nose was a little red, more proof of a cold. There seemed to be something else hidden behind the cold, the pained, unhappy expression on her face, that went beyond the damage the sickness did to her features.
Michael glanced at her in real concern momentarily, but she glanced away, sniffing. He returned his attention to Rachel, trying to make it seem as thought he couldn't bear to keep his eyes from her that long. It was a tricky thing to do, but done with the right posture and look, it worked magic. However, the dark haired beauty seemed a little distracted at the moment, still obviously mad at her friend. Curiosity was burning inside him, but he stomped it out and tried a different approach.
"C-can I," he stuttered, cleared his throat and smiled a little with a sigh. "Can I please talk to you?" His downcast eyes swept up to hers. They widened unintentionally. Her black coat was wrapped around her tightly, but her dark hair was loose and a little curly. He wondered briefly, Does she straighten it? …Is she wearing lip gloss? Her lips seemed to be coated with a pale glossy substance.
But as quickly as he had slipped into his lusty trance, he jumped out with reason back in control. "Well?" He asked, noticing she was staring at him as well. She just didn't hide it as well.
She faltered slightly, blush blossoming on her cheeks and began blinking repeatedly. "Oh, um… Sure," she said, looking confused but smiling a little shyly.
Gotcha. You're mine, Craven… er, well, you dad is I mean- wait, no- no- no! Um… Ahh shit, screw it- I caught you with my excessive charms- end of story. God, I sound like Zach.
Kori threw him a half hearted smile, but eagerly took the opportunity to escape from her friend and their argument. Rachel watched her go, glaring at her back a little. After a few seconds, she faced Michael again, and her obvious anger fueled her to speak to him without any real nervousness or fear. "So, what is it you wanted?" She asked, almost absentmindedly.
"Actually, I…" He paused a moment. …Wanted to ask you out? This isn't rocket science, Fires. He shook his head briefly. "Ahh, what's going on with you and Kori?"
She scowled, eyes burning with more than just mild fury.
She's kind of passionate, isn't she? Michael smiled slightly.
Rachel tucked hair behind her red-tipped ears, exposing them to the frigid wind. She looked concerned and thoughtful, wondering whether or not it would be wise to tell him.
"I know it isn't any of my business…"
She took piece of truth into consideration.
"Although, I'd like it to be," He offered quietly.
She stopped thinking, looking straight at him. All of her breath came out in a cloud of white. "What did you say?" She asked. Her eyes were huge with apparent disbelief. Funny, in a certain light, they almost looked purple… like glittery gem stones. Amethysts.
Michael took a step closer to her, noticing her stiffen, getting ready to move back. "Rach," He said tenderly, "I'm not going to hurt you, you know,"
"…I do know," She said with an almost surprised smile. Her eyes moved to her feet, and then back up to his. "She fainted this morning,"
Michael blinked. "Huh? Who?"
"Kori,"
"Oh?" He said, trying to mask his confusion. Where has this conversation suddenly turned?
"Oh!" This was part of, or the reason for, Kori and Rachel's fight!
"Oh…" And Rachel is concerned about Kori, but Kori isn't listening even thought she is obviously sick…
Rachel watched the information process through his head as he quickly figured things out. A smile tugged on her lips from the expressions on her face and the variety of tones for the single word 'Oh'. "Caught up?" she asked.
He laughed a little, "Yeah, I think so… is she okay?"
Rachel sighed. "I don't know. She's getting really stressed out with her ballet and college decisions… she really wants to go to Tamaran- but her sister didn't even get into that and she was incredible. I think her mom even tried to go, but they rejected her too," She winced a little, "I don't know what to do… I don't want to give her false hope-," She stopped and scowled, "And I shouldn't even have to say that! She should be good enough- she's amazing and dedicated and they should be happy to have her!" Rachel stopped with an even fiercer scowl, shaking her head.
Michael nodded along, a little amazed. He hadn't even known Kori had done ballet, let alone be talented enough to consider Tamaran as her choice of college. He heard they only let in a couple hundred of girls every year, at most four hundred. He stared at Rachel's cloudy face. "So, she's stressed, and you think that's why she fainted? How did it happen?"
Rachel told the story in a monotonous voice.
Rachel honked her horn again, for the fourth time. "Oh for god's sake, Kori, not today," She growled, opening her car door and marching up to the immense brick house. She opened it as quietly as she could, and glanced around. She figured her friend would be by the door, being irritatingly meticulous about her outfit- making sure her scarf was on straight, or tying the laces on her snow boots.
Instead, it was dimly lit and silent. As though nobody was awake. Brilliant, she thought dryly, turning to the wretched marble staircase to climb up and wake her best friend.
Instead, she stopped dead in her tracks and felt her heart stop. "Kori??" Her voice jumped up a few octaves in her half-shriek.
Her friend lay sprawled on the floor, still in her pajamas. Her face was bloodless and drawn, and if she hadn't woken up in that instant- Rachel was sure she would have assumed her friend was dead.
"R-Rachel?" Kori mumbled distantly.
"Oh my god, Oh my god, what's happened to you?" Rachel was immediately by her friend's side, her voice thick with evident upset. "Did you fall? Does anything hurt?"
Kori shook her head, "No… I think I fainted. I remember coming down to practice, and then I felt light headed, so I sat down on the stairs but I guess I fainted anyway," She smiled a little, "Did you know I've never fainted before?"
Rachel rolled her eyes, "Kori, c'mon, I'm taking you upstairs- there is no way you're going anywhere today," She prepared herself for protest- Kori detested missing school… no, that was incorrect, she detested making up work.
She was right to prepare. Kori narrowed her eyes uncharacteristically and she shook her head. "Absolutely not. I'm fine really, I just didn't wake up properly… I'll be okay, I'm going,"
Rachel opened her mouth, but Kori cut her off quickly with, "How much time do I have?" There was a strange edge to her voice.
Her friend sighed uneasily and answered, "Well, five minutes and we'll still be on time- I was picking you up early for Book Club meeting, remember?"
"Oh yeah, Rachel I'm so sorry-," Kori's face fell as she began to stand shakily.
"It's okay, don't worry about it. Book was terrible anyway," Rachel's blue eyes scanned Kori carefully. "Okay, if you go get ready- I can make you breakfast and-,"
"No, I'm not hungry," The edge was much more audible now. The sweet tempered voice seemed thin and remarkably testy.
Rachel blinked, taken back. "Too bad," She snapped back, "You need sugar in your system so you won't feel light headed and this doesn't happen again,"
Instead of apologizing or smiling sheepishly like Rachel assumed her friend would do, Kori rolled her eyes and stared down at her friend with a scary likeness to her sister. "Fine then, I'll eat an apple or something. Go to the car and I'll be out in a minute,"
Rachel pressed her lips together in annoyance. "Sure. Okay. Whatever,"
Sure enough, five minutes later, Kori had thrown on a coat and some boots, grabbed her backpack, and had walked out of her house with the most grace Rachel had ever seen… as well as the most defeated expression.
"It just…" She trailed off, searching for the right words. "It just freaks me out, you know?"
Before Michael could answer, the bell rang. Both of them jumped, startled, and glanced around them. The crowds had disappeared along with the time. Rachel swore quietly as she turned to race to class. Michael caught her arm quickly before she could start.
"No, wait," He protested. "This conversation isn't finished," The words came out with a bit more force than he meant, and she stared at him incredulous.
"Excuse me?" She narrowed her eyes scrutinizing, but waited for him to explain.
He shook his head, "I mean I still need to talk to you. Besides," He flashed a dazzling smile, "It's healthy to skip class every once in a while…"
Rachel pursued her lips in annoyance. "I'd actually rather not get a detention, if that's okay with you-,"
"You won't get a detention," He promised with so much sincerity she found it difficult to keep her reason.
Instead she turned away, deciding it was much easier to stay on her logical mental plane when she couldn't see him directly. "What do you propose we do then? It's cold," She shivered to prove her point, earning her an amused smile, "It's windy, and we can't go inside or we'll have to go to class…"
"Rach, can I tell you a secret?"
She found her eyes meeting his, despite her every intention of avoiding his irresistible gaze. This is completely ridiculous. Cut it out!
"What?" she half-croaked, her voice suddenly hoarse.
He took a step towards her unexpectedly, and she caught herself before stepping away. No, she would not be intimidated. She craned her neck up to glower at him. "What?" she repeated.
He leaned in towards her face. She could smell his toothpaste and his general clean, boyish scent. His eyes were so blue, they reminded her of the Caribbean ocean waters, so clear and warm… but his weren't always warm. They are now… Rachel blushed, trying to steady her uneasy breathing.
"I…" he said softly, so close she could feel the brush of his snowy hair on her forehead.
"Have…" he continued.
She closed her eyes, tilting her face upward. Kiss me. Please. Please. Kiss me. God, please. There was so much he offered right now. She wondered if he was just a gift from God given to her, a permanent distraction from her father, her best friend, school… she drifted away from everything.
"A car," he finished.
Her eyes opened. "…Huh?"
"I have a car," he repeated. He was hiding a smirk, she could tell. All the color rushed to her cheeks, and she absolutely refused to ask what they had been talking about.
"Oh," she said sourly, thinking to herself. What were we talking about??
"Oh," she repeated, trying to hide the note of remembrance. Oh, we were talking about where to go!
"…Oh!!" she gasped. His CAR!? What?? What does that mean!?
Michael threw his head back and laughed loudly. "Did you do that purposely?" He asked between laughs, grinning widely.
"It wasn't intentional, no," She growled, glaring at him. Despite herself, she couldn't help but note how similar he looked to Zach when he was laughing like this. It was a little surprising… in a good way. "And I am not going to your car, so you can forget that idea," she hissed, turning towards the school.
Michael caught her arm again. "Rach, come on-,"
"Rachel,"
He paused, "…What's wrong with Rach?"
"It's not my name,"
"So? It's my name for you," He hid a victorious smile as he saw her cheeks flame once more. "You know, I'm rather partial to that shade of skin," Michael said, with a chuckle.
Rachel brushed her hands across her cheeks as if to smother the blush. "I really hate that you know,"
"Hate what?"
"When you do that,"
He loved this. "Do what?" He thought he heard her mutter 'Bastard' under her breath.
"Embarrass me," she said through clenched teeth.
"You mean compliment you," He corrected with a very serious expression. The absence of smile on his face seemed to work, she relaxed a bit and drew her hands from her face.
"If that's what it is, yes. Please stop,"
"Never," He muttered. It had slipped out without him realizing it, and his heart skipped when her mouth dropped open in shock. She seemed to struggle with something to reply.
Using the absence of talk, he traced his fingers across her pale cheek before placing his hand on the soft skin, feeling its warmth spread through his hand and the shock of energy race up his arm.
She was hypnotized. A meteorite could have dashed across the sky and she wouldn't have noticed. There was nothing but him, and the stark coldness around them. She felt like she was inside a snow globe and wanted nothing more than to throw away her insecurities and kiss him. For the second time that day, she pleaded for him to lean down and kiss her.
Michael took his hand away and broke the spell.
A terrible awkward silence followed.
She was about to say something, but he cut her off. "Look, Rachel… I don't want to screw anything up, so let's just do this. We'll walk to class and give Mr. Watson late passes- I have tons to spare, don't worry," he added when she opened her mouth to question. She was silent, listening, a strange expression on her face.
"We'll go to class," he continued, and she nodded warily. "Then after classes, I've got a piano lesson," Rachel felt a surge of excitement expand through her body, but listened solemnly as he continued, "And you'll go do whatever it is you do,"
"Art class," she filled in.
"Yes, art class," He cocked his head, studying her for a moment. She waited for a minute, looking a little disappointed.
"And then?" she inquired in a small voice.
"And then I'm going to call you," He told her very seriously.
She smiled. It was unnerving. "Really?"
He smiled back. "Really. And then we are going to meet up somewhere…"
"We are?" She bit her lip in amusement.
"Uh-huh. A social gathering, you know. A… a date, if you will,"
A grin escaped her strong control, and he felt a surge of happiness. "And then what?" She asked.
"Oh, I don't know…" He tapped a finger to his chin and then stared down at her. She stared expectantly, looking positively thrilled. It was the best transition, from her earlier tense, concerned face to this unbelievably happy expression. He felt a rush of warmth spread through him.
He cupped her face and gently raised it to his. "I don't know what will happen after that…" he murmured, "But I do know that I will kiss you… sometime later. I will do this right,"
There was no blush, but a rush of emotions dancing across her face, and the prettiest smile he had ever seen anyone wear. He knew then that he was in way over his head.
As of yet, he wasn't complaining.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The clock read three o'clock, even though it was only seven fifty eight. The heater was broken forcing everyone in the AP Biology room to bundle up in sweaters, scarves, and gloves to keep themselves from getting exposed to the harsh temperatures. Furious cheerleaders crossed their uncovered legs, shivering.
Bethany Honey doodled dazedly in her notebook, looking only a bit short from a complete wreck. She sighed to herself every so often.
Victor Stone seemed intent on copying everything Mr. Watson said, scribbling ferociously to keep himself from getting distracted.
Kitty Myers hugged Dick Grayson's coat around her gratefully, finding it very difficult to pay attention when she was enveloped in the most heavenly scent that could never be bottled… it was simply the scent of her favorite boy. She whispered his name, catching his attention after a moment. She smiled at him tentatively, with a striking friendliness. He looked a little taken back, but eventually returned the smile.
The class was off balance. Everyone could feel it.
Zachary took turns glaring at the door, waiting for Michael to arrive, and then glaring at Jenny and Wally, even though they were way too preoccupied by each other to notice him.
Finally, Zach gave up and turned away. He glanced at Kori, noticing Rachel was not at her seat either.
He smiled a little, fondly. She was wearing white pajama bottoms with little blue snowflakes and snowmen on them. He felt the urge to tease her about it, and wished it was a lab day. She wore a pair of brown over them and a white baby tee-shirt. Her normally flawless appearance was flawed with a slightly red nose and the occasional sniff.
Zach felt a strange protective tug, but was comforted by the fact that even the Good Girl extreme Kori Andrews succumbed to a cold every once in a while. The closest to the teacher's desk, he handed her the tissue box.
She smiled in thanks, somehow still managing to be radiant.
Maybe I'm just getting biased. He thought to himself. His attention drifted.
A little while later, Kori Andrews stopped writing down a note mid sentence, suddenly clutched with the most terrible pain. It spread from her stomach to every direction, and she felt the room spin and brighten to a blinding whiteness.
She blinked repeatedly, trying to make sense of what was happening. Was she unconscious? She didn't think so, and she struggled to stay awake.
Suddenly it was gone, replaced by blissful normalcy. Kori sighed in relief and opened her tightly clenched eyes.
She saw gold brown eyes staring back at her, filled with alarm. Zach's pale face searched hers quickly. "Are you okay?" he whispered. "You looked like you were having a stroke!"
She nodded quickly.
"Are you sure?" he hissed, "You really freaked me out!"
"Mr. Rex, unless you have something to share with the class, I must ask you to keep your mouth shut," Mr. Watson interrupted angrily.
"No, nothing, Mr. Watson, sir," Zachary chirped cheerfully.
The middle aged teacher raised an eyebrow in clear disgust, and then turned back to the board.
Zach immediately glanced back at Kori, who looked much better. "What happened?" He asked, not bothering to keep his voice quiet.
Kori shook her head, "Nothing, just… um… stomach ache," she finished lamely. Zachary stared at her for a long time, and she squirmed uncomfortably.
"Mr. Rex," Mr. Watson snapped, "Will you please inform me what is so interesting about Miss Anders that leads you to deliberately ignore my lesson?"
Kori groaned as she saw Zachary grin broadly. "Well Mr. Watson, as captivating as the population ratio is,"
Could he be more sarcastic? How does he get away with these things?! Kori gripped to herself, trying to not to blush by the sudden attention from everyone in the classroom. She couldn't help but admire Zach's daring, as brash as he was being.
She listened as he continued with, "But Kori Andrews- not Anders as you put it- is just distracting me, what with her eye fluttering and provocative gestures… very inappropriate,"
What???? You obnoxious disgusting prick!
There was laughter, followed with a "Watch your tongue Miss Anders!"
…Oh. Did I say that out loud? She flushed with embarrassment, and glared daggers at Zachary, who rolled his eyes at Mr. Watson. "For God's sake, it's Kori Andrews. Andrews. What the heck is an Anders anyway?"
"Andrews. Whatever, it doesn't matter," Mr. Watson hissed in intense irritation.
"Gee thanks," Kori muttered almost inaudibly. The entire class seemed to suck in a breath of air at the same time. Even Bethany shifted in her seat, attention captured.
"Don't you start, you're on my list," The teacher warned turning to stare scornfully at the harmless redhead. She blushed heatedly.
"What sort of list?" Zachary inquired pleasantly.
Mr. Watson turned his gave-of-hell's-fury to the daring boy. "Just a list of students that… I keep track of,"
Instantly Mr. Watson was aware that all eyes were on the two students, the same two most unlikely to pair up in a verbal spar with a teacher.
Kori shuddered suddenly, a sickened expression crossing her face. Zachary followed with, "Well… um… this conversation has sort of taken an awkward turn,"
Mr. Watson turned a startling shade of purple as everyone erupted into barely contained laughter.
Kori hid a smile, exchanging a glance with her lab partner. "My thoughts exactly," she whispered. Zach grinned at her. "I know, I'm a mind reader,"
Mr. Watson smiled menacingly, "Then read mine. No, I'll translate. Office, both of you. Now,"
Kori's eyes widened. "What??" she shrieked.
Zach didn't seem very surprised. He simply shrugged and started to get up when he caught a glance at Kori. His eyebrows shot up at her stricken expression.
He sighed inwardly. "Really, sir, she didn't do anything," His tone was as respectable as it had ever been.
Mr. Watson's eyes glittered maliciously. "Regardless, you and she will both leave my classroom this instant,"
Zachary glared, incensed as Mr. Watson realized that the best way to get at Zach was to hassle Kori. For a grown man, he looked strangely similar to a kid on Christmas morning.
"Now, both of you will get out of my sight right now. Do I make myself clear, you pathetic little boy?"
There was a thick tension in the room. No one spoke. Everyone waited for Zach's burst of rage.
It never came. He glared coldly at Mr. Watson, watched as Kori stood, gathering her things, perfectly composed. He followed after, making a point to stand to his full height, towering over Mr. Watson easily. "Crystal clear, sir," he answered, following the red haired girl out of the room.
Kori listened to his last words with a sigh. He always had a flair for dramatic entrances and exits… she waited for him though and walked down the hallway with him in silence, thinking.
I hate his arrogance. She thought, knowing this could have all been avoided if he wasn't so rude to Mr. Watson in the first place. But he's more daring than anyone I know.
"Sorry," he offered gruffly, as they headed towards the stairs. Kori smiled a little, glancing sideways at him.
"You just said what I've always been afraid to say to him,"
He paused. "Which part?"
She smiled. "The Anders-Andrews thing,"
The awkward silence broke as he laughed loudly, shaking his head as though it was already a distant memory. "Oh yeah, I'd been wanting to say that for some time… he calls you that nearly every week,"
She stopped mid laughter, as they both came face to face with a pair of familiar faces.
"Hi," Kori greeted in surprise.
"Hello," Rachel answered back.
"Hey," Michael said, with a friendly smile.
"Where the hell have you been?" Zachary demanded. "I could have definitely used some verbal back up in the classroom… really bad day to choose to skip, you know,"
"Sorry," Michael offered with an amused smile.
"Not you, cocky," His friend retorted, "Rachel,"
Both Rachel and Michael's eyebrows shot up, at the same time which made Kori and Zachary chuckle. The dark haired girl couldn't hold back a smirk, "Excuse me?"
Zach grinned at her mischievously. "It's not likely for me to forget a terrific battle of wits… even when the girl acts like a frigid bit-…," he trailed off, noting Michael's stern look and Kori's disapproving sigh.
But Rachel laughed a pretty, ringing laugh. "Oh, that's right, I bitched you out… I had nearly forgotten,"
"I am curious though-," Michael suddenly interrupted, "What happened to you and Kori?"
Kori and Zach exchanged a look. "We were sent to the office,"
"What? Why?" Rachel asked.
"Uh… later," Michael said, looking at the clock. "We'd better go if we don't want to miss the entire first period,"
"Oh…" Rachel was obviously disappointed, but nodded. "Okay," She glanced tentatively at Kori, who stared sheepishly at her friend. Kori squeezed her friend's hand as they passed each other by, and both of them exchanged a smile.
I'm sorry. Kori mouthed.
It's okay. Rachel mouthed back. She still looked, though, clearly worried.
Oblivious to the exchange, Michael and Zach both walked on and the girls separated to catch up with their hallway companions.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The school office was an unpleasant place. It had a strange unpleasant smell clinging to the air. There were two cluttered secretary desks with two snippety ladies sitting at them. One of them greeted Zachary when he walked in, and nastily inquired who Kori was and how she ended up here.
Oh, and absolutely everything was decorated in the school colors gold and white. The decorators had managed to pull it off quite tackily too.
There was a small white couch in the waiting area, and Kori sat down on it neatly. Zachary immediately joined her, sitting in that typical boy fashion. Slouching slightly, legs spread comfortably. Kori glanced at his jean covered thigh, barely an inch from hers. She looked around the room for a distraction.
"I really am sorry," He murmured quietly, head leaning back, eyes closed. He looked perfectly relaxed.
Kori tilted her head to look at him. His dark brown hair contrasted wonderfully with the white couch material. She studied his gray shirt and remembered faintly someone telling her about a tattoo he had on his back. She felt the sudden desire to ask about it now.
Instead she said, "I've never been sent to the principal's office before…" she smiled wryly. "I guess it's normal to go at least once in your life,"
She watched him smile. "Why are you always so optimistic?"
She looked down. "…I don't know," she whispered after a pause. She glanced back up to see his eyes open, watching her with curiosity.
"Mr. Rex, Miss Andrews, the Principal will see you now,"
Kori winced unintentionally, and Zachary stood briskly. "Well, let's get this over with," He held out his hands. "Let's go,"
As Kori took his warm hands, she wondered if he was leading her to the Principal's office or to a new life entirely.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
That took ages!! Arghh!
I am not happy with it at all… but I think this is the closest I'm going to get. I need to move on to the next chapter… something needs to happen. Urgghh!! (Beats head on desk)
School has, once again, swallowed me whole. Updating will be difficult. But, hey, I'll survive. I'm like a cockroach… and that is the only analogy of a cockroach to me that I will ever allow.
(Shudders) Hate those things…
…Why couldn't something nice survive anything? Like Zebras or… or cows? Or Golden Lion Tamarans? (I love those!!)
Please review!
-Rose