Hey everyone!! I know what you're thinking, I took waaay to long to post this. Well, rest assured, the fourth chapter is actually being written right this moment, and will be up soon. So for now, enjoy.
Cross
Chapter 3
It's strange how lies and deception can only make a situation worse.
After Hillary relayed all that she'd witnessed between Tala and Larissa, the entire situation was made clear. But what could they possibly do about it? They were beyond lucky to be able to hold their parties at all, if they told the teachers than their privileges would be gone, because parents would have to be informed, questions would be asked as to the students safety, and so forth. They either gave up all of their unspoken agreements between students and staff or leave it as an accident and never speak of it again. When Mariah was released her and the other girls, and Ray went on a search for Larissa, but she was still nowhere to be found.
Rumours of all sort began to weave their way throughout the school, things like, Mariah had overdosed on ecstasy , or she'd seen some girl kissing Ray and started screaming to get attention. Some people swear they saw her jump out of the window and that was why she was in the hospital, and others still, said that it was all a fake stunt to get the party to end. But When classes resumed on Monday, people forgot the moment more announcements for the dance came on the P.A.
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"Settle down everyone, Please!" miss Hart yelled over the suddenly buzzed class. "Quiet!" she persisted but they continued to chatter incessantly like a flock of birds.
"Everyone Shut up!" Came Kai's bellowing voice over the room and everyone fell immediately silent. Miss Hart looked at Kai a bit shocked but he only winked in response and resumed a blank stare at the air in front of his face.
"Thank you Kai. Anyway, I'm sure it's been an exciting weekend, and the dance is coming up soon, but let's not let our minds stray from the piece of literature before us." she indicated Macbeth in her waving hand. "Now, where did we leave off last time?" Miss's Hart's voice trailed off into the background as she called on a student to start reading from the last thing they'd read in the book. But Ray couldn't focus. His eyes were staring intently at Mariah's profile. The morning light filtered through the class windows adding gold hues to her most unique pink hair. Her liquid amber eyes were unfocused as she listened to the reading. He sighed heavily, running his hands through his silky hair. She was fascinating to him; he could have any girl he wanted, except her. She wasn't expectantly following his every move, or begging him to take her to the dance like the other girls. She was so alluring in an innocent yet exotic way. And after what'd happened at the party he wanted to find Larissa and make her pay for what she'd done. But in any case, the dance was quickly approaching, and then he'd have his chance.
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Marium tapped her pencil on the desk, irritated. Her first class of the day, math, had gone by fairly easily, since she was good at math. Though the curious glances and constant stares were enough to drive her to shoot death glares back. She now found herself in philosophy, not a complete waste of a class, but the teacher was droning on and on about something or the other.
"If the mind is separate from the brain, then what is the mind?" he said in his monotonous voice, and before anyone could answer he continued on. She rolled her emerald eyes exasperated, staring out the window at the vast grounds outside. A few kids were sitting around, pulling up collars against the harsh breeze. Glaring sunlight glinted off the hoods of various expensive cars in the parking lot. She sighed heavily, tucking a piece of bright blue hair behind an ear. She began imagining all the students in the class in some of her old private schools, cowering before the bullies, folding to the temptation of drugs far worse than weed, or even coke, and using more than financial bribery to get the teachers to comply with their wishes. A well known fact was that life was nothing like high school, and Cross seemed to epitomize this. It was a bit like a plastic covered version of the real world. None of the kids knew anything outside of their parents money.
"What is true wealth?" the teacher continued.
Marium was shaken from her daydream by a wad of paper hitting her in the side of the head. She looked up, startled, to see Max looking anxiously staring at her from a few rows behind. She frowned and opened up the piece of paper.
Follow me if you wanna get out of here.
She was confused, but figured anything was better than this, then turned to him and nodded. He smiled back, revealing an angelic face then raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Tate?"
"May I go to the washroom sir?'
"Yes." Max quickly got up and left the room. Marium smirked to herself and waited about five minutes before raising her hand and waiting and asking to go to the washroom too. The teacher simply nodded and she gratefully left her seat and walked out of the suffocating room. On the outside Max was leaning against the wall next to the door waiting for her.
She gave him an inquisitive look, but he simply grinned and began walking down the hallway. She followed him, not wanting to speak in case anyone in the other classes heard. Max continued to walk past open and closed doors until he reached a side door near the end of the hall. He opened it, then turned to her,
"After you." he said. She gave him a half smile then walked through.
It was a bit chilly, the wind nipping at her exposed knees and through the pleated skirt. What faced her was a staircase surrounded by a brick wall. Marium noticed Max waiting behind her and started to climb. Her shoes clanked heavily on the rusty metal of the stairs. The school told her she wasn't supposed to wear her converse anymore, but she just couldn't part with them. When she could see above the brick wall she realized she could see the front parking lot and the road beyond. At the top of the stairs they were on the roof.
"Oh." she murmured. Max nodded, then turned in the other direction behind a huge smoke stack. Marium followed and gasped at what she saw.
They were overlooking the back of the school, off to the left was the large field with it's weeping willows and benches, the grass just beginning to yellow. But directly in front of them a branch of the school directly faced the lake, a mere small patch of grass separating it from the dark water, rippling in the light.
Max sat on the edge of the roof, feet dangling over the water teasingly. She smiled, walking to sit next to him.
"Nice isn't it?" he asked. She nodded, examining the goose bumps over her pale legs.
"A lot better than being in there. How'd you find it?" he laughed nervously,
"I didn't actually. There's ah, this, tradition at Cross. On the last day of school each year, there's this big party on the roof here. Only the "coolest" kids are invited."
"Sweet."
"Yeah. And, all the couples, the brave ones at least, jump." Marium's eyes widened,
"Jump? But what if you miss?"
"It's only ever happened once before. This kid, he was pissed drunk, and he sort've fell. Thank god he didn't actually jump or he would've been dead." Marium laughed, shaking her head.
"I've done some pretty crazy things but….nothing so, retarded…"
"Yeah, well… Apparently if the couples jump that means they'll be together until at least the next year when they jump in again." Marium snorted,
"That's stupid. Why would you think that?" Max shrugged,
"That's what they say. It's been going on at the school for years." Marium nodded slowly,
"Have you ever jumped?" Max suddenly looked into the water, much darker than his aqua eyes.
"Naw, never. None of the guys have, accept Kai, back in grade nine." Marium frowned,
"I, didn't know Kai had a girlfriend." Max shook his head,
"She died, last year."
"Oh my god, what happened?" Marium asked pulling her legs up and away from the water as though it had offended her.
"Cancer.…" he said quietly. He didn't have to explain, it was enough to say one word and instil fear without elaboration,
"I'm, really sorry." Marium said.
"Yeah, it's ok. Kai doesn't really talk about it anymore, or, at all. But they weren't as close as you think. They only jumped because they were both pretty hammered, and they were the favourite couple of the year."
"Then, I guess, the whole jumping thing doesn't really work."
"Yeah, I, guess." The pair remained in an undisturbed silence for a few moments, then Marium said,
"But… if you, were with the right person, would you jump?" Max thought it over,
"Yeah, definitely." Marium looked at him sceptically,
"Really?" she said sarcastically. He nodded. ' why?'
"Because."
"I don't get you Max. One minute you're sharing a joint with me, or sneaking out of class, or going up to the roof… the next minute you're, talking about doing stupid things in the name of love?"
"What's there to get?"
"Are you like some goody two shoes trying to impress me? Or are you really into this stuff?" Max laughed, shaking his head.
"Marium, I don't know if you haven't noticed, but you're not at one of your old schools where everyone's trying to be friends with you to try and gain something from it. I just wanted to share this with you. But it's cool, I know you're not into, pretty boys." he replied shortly, then stood and walked off.
Marium sighed. She was mad at herself. She did this all the time, pushed people away. It wasn't that she didn't like him. She did, a lot, he was sweet and genuine, unlike a lot of people from her past. But her mind had a tendency to be guarded against new people, and she subconsciously never really trusted anyone. She huffed, tucking her hair behind her ears and stood. She stared down into the depths of the lake a final time, shaking her head, and returned to class.
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The cafeteria seemed louder then usual, if that was possible. Friday had come at long last; the night of the dance. Everyone was talking about it; what to wear, what not to wear, who you were going with, and whether or not anyone cared.
Salima shook hear head at all their worries. She wasn't really thinking about the dance. She was thinking about Tyson's obnoxious smirk that was planted on his face at that moment while he read The Count of Monte Cristo across the table from her. Ever since Mariah's incident, the two groups had easily gelled, and usually shared the same table. Salima had to admit she was surprised he'd lasted so long. Perhaps he wasn't who she thought he was.
"Enjoying staring at my handsome face?" he suddenly asked, eyes still on the page. Hillary rolled her eyes from next to a smiling Salima,
"Not particularly, just thinking about what that face will look like when you can't read anymore." Tyson put the book down, his expression the same,
"Oh ye of little faith. I may not be a natural reader, but I'm very stubborn."
"Clearly."
"Hey guys" Ray said, sitting next to Tyson.
"Hey."
"Hey man."
"God, these dances can be so intense," Ray said, " I've been beating the ladies away with a stick."
"Ha ha, nice, nice." Tyson replied.
"Are all guys so cocky?" Hillary asked.
"Only the cute ones." Salima murmured.
"So you think I'm cute?" Tyson asked, grinning. Salima stared, smirking at him,
"I didn't say that." she replied casually.
"But you implied it."
"Shouldn't you be reading?"
"Don't try to use my own bet against me."
"No you're right, you'll probably do that on your own." Ray laughed at Salima's comment, causing Tyson to glare at him and return to his book.
Just then Brooklyn, Kai and Max came and sat down, soon followed by Mariah and Marium.
"So Hill, picked a date for the dance yet?" Mariah asked, taking a bite of her wrap. Hillary sighed, shaking her head.
"Nope. I've had plenty of offers, but… none that I accepted." Mariah laughed,
"Better choose fast Hun, it is tonight after all."
"Is anyone good enough for you?" Salima asked
"It's not like that. I just don't see anything wrong with having high standards."
"But you're in high school." Marium responded, "Nobody in high school has high standards, especially not guys."
"Ouch"
"Hey!" Ray and Tyson said simultaneously.
"Well it's true. Ok I'm not saying everyone is a bunch of sleaze-bags, but we're teenagers, and your flesh is your flesh." Hillary shook her head,
"I think the right person is out there, I just have to find him."
"Whatever." Marium replied.
"Oh Come on Marium, be honest," Mariah said, " you've never met any guy, who was just genuinely a good person in high school before?" Marium thought,
"Ok fine, I have."
"There, you see."
"There's still hope for us!" Tyson exclaimed. Marium laughed,
"I didn't mean it like that." she said, watching Max from the corner of her eye.
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Mariah stared fiercely at the blank lines on the paper. She bit the end of her pencil, thinking. Light from the huge windows shone in and lit up the sheet, it's lack of writing almost screaming at her from the blatant white and blue. She grumbled to herself incoherently, unsure what to write.
"You ok?" she yelped, surprised, then looked up into those familiar golden orbs and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just trying to figure out my English homework."
"You? Having trouble with homework? Well then I guess there's no hope for any of us." Mariah laughed.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, looking down the empty hallway of the less travelled wing.
"Looking for you actually."
"Oh really?" she asked, raising one eyebrow.
"Have you picked what you're wearing to the dance yet?" she shook her head.
"Uummm, I'm between a few choices.. Why do you ask?" Ray shrugged,
"Just wondering. You'll have to look nice if you're going with me." she rolled her eyes at his smirking face.
"Whatever." He laughed,
"I just don't want us to clash." Mariah frowned, standing to face him,
"Well, what colour are you wearing?"
"Black."
"Alright."
The two stood in silence for a long moment, staring into their mirroring eyes.
"So you really think high school guys can have high standards?"
"Mhhmm, like you Ray."
"Oh really? Me? High standards?" Mariah laughed lightly,
"Yeeesss…" Ray smirked, reaching up to toy with a strand of her rosette hair,
"Cause you know… even guys with…"high standards" can slip up sometimes.." Mariah's brow furrowed.
"What do you m-" But before she could finish her sentence she was being roughly pressed against the wall so fast she gasped in surprise. "Ray!" she yelped, though it came out more like, Ra, because his mouth was on hers before she got it out. He kissed her carefully, and purposefully, most unlike she had expected. She quickly kissed him back, her body pressing into every nook and cranny of his. He licked her bottom lip and she openly welcomed him. Their tongues battled for dominance for a few moments, until he pulled away, leaving them both breathless.
"I better go get ready." he breathed. She only nodded numbly. He smiled wonderfully and quickly cupped her cheek, running his thumb over her swollen lips, "I'll be waiting at 7:00."
And then he was gone. Mariah heaved a few more deep breaths, than hurried to her room, utterly puzzled and thrilled.
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"I wouldn't stress if I was you Hill, you'll find the right guy." Salima said kindly. Hillary shook her head, staring at the glinting lake.
"But, what if I've already found him and I don't know it yet?" Salima laughed,
"it's just a silly school day, it's not like finding your soul mate or something."
"Could a dance be like that?" Hillary gasped.
"No! Now stop it! I'm going alone, and I don't mind."
"Psshhh, yeah, but you look good on your own, you have that independent woman-esque about you. I don't"
"Ok Hillary, whatever you say." Salima replied sarcastically, "I'm going to get ready." She gave her a quick hug then stood from the bench and walked off.
Hillary sighed, rubbing her cold arms against the breeze. She had no trouble finding a guy, just not the right one. Maybe she was stressing a bit too much. She shook her head, getting ready to leave, when she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. It was Kai! He was standing on the edge of the water, a most solemn look on his face. She felt bad for him; she was there when his girlfriend had… But then again he never talked about it. To most girls he was just one of the hottest guys in school. Sometimes she wondered what he was really like underneath that mask, and if she'd ever find out.
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"Looking spiffy!" Tyson whistled as Ray walked into the room sporting his black blazer and pants. All the dances at Cross were formal affairs.
Ray smirked at Tyson.
"You think?"
"Yeah man. How do I look?" he asked. He was wearing navy blue, but still had that tousled appearance.
"Fine."
"Excellent."
Brooklyn walked in the room, also wearing black and looking very reserved. He didn't make a sound, only sat on the couch. Just then there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it!" Tyson yelled, and went to open it. It was Marium.
"Umm, hey." she said.
"Hey."
"Is, ah, Max here?"
"Uh, yeah. One sec." Tyson turned away from the door and called into the room, "Max, there's someone here to see you!" the, turning back to Marium, replied, "He'll be right out."
"Ok, thanks." she nodded, and moved to wait in the hall.
A few moments later Max came hurrying out, his tie swinging loosely around his neck, shirt only half buttoned, and hair sticking out at odd angles.
"Hey." he said breathlessly.
"Hi."
"Did you want something?"
"umm.. Yeah." she replied rocking on the balls of her feet.
"Well?" he asked not unkindly, his aqua eyes glinting.
"The thing is… well I was wondering if…. Umm, ok. Here it is." she said, looking up at his face. "I'm, sorry… for how I acted before. I, I didn't mean to be rude, it's just that, well, I've never really had friends who genuinely cared about me. But Mariah and them have been so great, and it's really refreshing for a change, and so have you. So what I'm saying is, or rather, asking is… would you like to go to the dance with me?" He didn't smirk, or laugh, like she thought he would, only smiled,
"Yeah, I'd like that."
"Ok, great!" He nodded. An awkward silence spread between them until she said quickly,
"Well I'd better go, see you at seven!" and hurried off.
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Mariah checked her appearance one last time in the mirror. She was wearing a simply halter-neck black dress that went down to just below her knees, and shorter black sling-backs. Her hair was half up half down, and clipped in place. She wore only mascara and light lip gloss. All in all she looked stunning. She turned to see Hillary in a flashy cherry-red baby-doll dress with the same colour shoes to match. pulling out the colour of her lips and dangling earrings.
"Hurry up Marium!" Salima called from the bed. Her lavender tube style dress hugged her petite form, with strappy white heels that accentuated her legs.
"Ok one sec!" Marium replied. She'd never been to a dance like this before, nor had she ever worn a dress like this. The minute she told the girls that she'd asked Max they convinced her to borrow one of Mariah's dresses to wear. It was emerald green like her eyes, with an Indian cotton look and satin waist-band. It was short and playful, but Marium wasn't sure she could pull it off. She sighed once, smoothing it over, and staring at the simple black ballet flats she'd also borrowed from Mariah. Then, with a quick once over, she stepped out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.
"Oh my God!"
"You look so good!"
"I love it!" the others praised as she came in. Marium smiled,
"Thanks."
"Come on, let's go." Hillary urged, checking the time, 6:54. Salima and Hillary walked out the door, but Mariah pulled Marium back.
"Do you like the dress?" Mariah asked.
"Yeah, of course, it's great." Mariah nodded and held her shoulders,
"Yes, but, do you like it? Do you feel ok in it? I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to." Marium bit her lip; she wasn't used to this kind of consideration.
"Yeah Mari, I love it. And I'm really glad you lent it to me." Mariah broke into a relieved smile,
"Ok great. Now let's get out of here."
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Ray checked his watch again, 7:01.
"Would you quit it, they'll be here man." Kai said. Ray looked at him briefly, nodding.
The entrance hall was filled with people. Everyone smelt like expensive perfume. The sound of swishing dresses and sighs of contentment surrounded them. Music had already begun to play in the cafeteria, which had been cleared for the evening, and balloons and streamers and banners hung everywhere. Ray could already feel the bass in his chest. He turned to see Max running his hand through his hair nervously; at least he wasn't the only one.
Brooklyn glanced into the dance from his leaning position against the wall. He pretended not to know who he was looking for. He felt his heart pounding in anticipation. He sighed, trying to clear his thoughts.
"You know, you look good when you're pissed of." Brooklyn's heart stopped at that voice. He looked to see him standing against the wall next to him, in a sleek black suit. He looked perfect.
"I know you like it that way." Tala smirked at his response,
"Careful babe, you know we can't do that here." Brooklyn's eyes narrowed,
"Where then?!" he said through clenched teeth. Tala laughed lightly,
"Keep your pants on."
"Where?"
"Out back, at eight. Don't make me wait." he whispered into Brooklyn's ear. Brooklyn closed his eyes, trying to suppress the goose bump feeling, and when he opened them Tala was gone.
Max straightened his white dress shirt and checked his black pants. His jacket was over his arm already and his tie was starting to feel tight too. Then he look across the hall to the entrance and she walked in. She looked amazing, long milky legs, toned body, hair cascading over her shoulders.
The girls spotted them easily; they were the group in the room that everyone was keeping a fair distance from, but watching closely enough to see who they were going with. When they had walked over Mariah stared at Ray intensely.
"Well… here I am."
"Yeah…look Mari, just to let you know, I only want you to do this if you want to." Mariah's eyes widened. She took him in, he smelt amazing, and he looked great. But his eyes tugged at her own. She smiled slowly, stepping closer,
"I want to Ray, honestly." she said quietly, kissing his mouth quickly.
"Good." he replied huskily and took her hand firmly before walking through the doors.
Max looked Marium up and down.
"Enjoying the view?" she asked. He nodded,
"You look… wow." She laughed wryly.
"You clean up pretty nicely yourself." He smirked,
"Come on ungrateful girl."
"After you pretty boy." she said. They grinned at each other and followed the others into the pounding dance, not sure what to expect.
A/N: Ok, so it's a bit of a teaser ending, but like I said, next chapter is being written, and will be centered around the dance. There may also be some limey content, so be warned! Please R&R, and special thanks to EtherealButerfly, Bleustray, darkphenoix23,MuLan12365, anas-belonging, and especially suicidedalbeyblader for getting on my butt about this!! You guys are awesome.