As the full moon shone brightly in the sky against the shimmering blackness of the night, the two teenagers sat in bliss. They had been sitting on the dock with their bare feet ranging over the dock's edge, Amelie sitting atop Gary's lap, both of their hips facing the water. Nothing could ruin the perfect moment.
Gary kept his the cigarette between his fingers and held it up to Amelie's lips once he had taken a few puffs. She was getting the hang of the inhale-exhale, but Gary seemed more seasoned at it. He pulled the cigarette back slowly from her mouth, signaling to her that it was time to stop inhaling. A light air of smoke escaped her lips and floated in the sky above. Oddly enough, Amelie quite liked the smell of the smoke. It reminded her of campfires and snores, two things she loved to do back home.
Amelie was on top of the world. But she still had a few questions left unanswered, so she tried approaching them in a gentle manner. "So," Amelie started timidly, "you never did tell me why you did all that stuff." A strong puff of smoke flew around her head as Gary took in the fresh air. His left arm wrapped tighter around Amelie's waist. "Hmm?"
"You know, you said a while ago that you were the one to save me and all that. You didn't have to, you know." Amelie was thankful that Gary couldn't see the grin creeping up on her face. It would have given her away.
"Well, I figured that it was better to have one new girl safe and several bullies badly beaten, rather than the other way around." Gary rolled his eyes.
"Okay, well, Christy told me that you hated everyone... so why didn't you hate me? You didn't even know me."
Shit, Gary thought. There was no way in hell he was going to tell her that initially, her rescue was his ticket back into Bullworth and Crabblesnitch's trust would be regained. Helping her was technically part of his probation deal. But he was Gary Smith-he could weasel his way out of anything. "Christy? You talked to her?" Gary scoffed. "Don't believe a word she says. And further, don't tell her anything. That girl's just asking for trouble."
"I don't know, she seemed friendly to me," Amelie murmured, leaning herself further into Gary.
"Trust me. She doesn't care about you, she cares about herself and how much attention she can draw from a good bout of 'gossip'." Gary snarled. "Can't trust people like that."
The wind blew gently through Amelie's hair, whipping it softly across Gary's face. This made them both stop talking and the only sounds heard were the slight puffs of cigarette smoke interrupting the silence. Gary didn't want to ruin the moment, so he hugged Amelie closer back to his body, embracing her warmth. He was so unused to the sensation of having someone so close to him and he didn't want to let it go. "I'm glad you came tonight," he whispered into Amelie's ear. She turned her face up to look at Gary. Amelie smiled wide and felt her heart flutter with joy. "Me too," she sighed.
I need her. Gary placed the cigarette under his boot and twisted it to put it out, then flicked the cigarette butt across the dock, never taking his eyes off the beautiful girl in his grasp. His lips presses up against her ear and she rest her head back against his sweater vest. "Are you cold?" The brunette nodded, her chesnut hair bouncing around her. In a swift moment, Gary pulled his thick sweater over his head and held it over Amelie, waiting for her to lift her arms up. She sat straight up against him while he slid the warm cotton over her shivering torso. He was left in a tight white crew neck shirt, but he was warm thanks to the heat of the girl in his lap.
"Better?" he wanted to make sure everything was right for Amelie. Now that he knew how he felt, he would do everything in his power not to let this amazing feeling escape. Amelie put her arms together and leaned herself against Gary's chest. "Yes." she replied dreamily. "Gary..." She started tentatively. "You like me, don't you?" She asked in a teasing voice. Of course, she felt like she already knew the answer, but she wanted to assure herself.
"What would ever give you that idea?" Gary's bare arms wrapped around the small girl huddled in to him. He feigned contemplation, then shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe, a little." A low chuckle vibrated their bodies together. Knowing she had the upper hand, Amelie decided to taunt him some more. Give him a taste of his own medicine. "Prove it, then." Gary raised his eyebrows at her, then a wide smirk crept on his face.
"Alright... what if I did-" he untangled his arms from her and slid his hands under the sweater she wore. "-this?" Creeping up the front of her dress, Gary rest his hands on her supple breasts that lay under her bra. Amelie squirmed slightly, aroused at the contact, but tried to hide it from Gary in hopes of getting more out of him.
"Yawn. Is that all?" She responded, acting bored.
Oh, two can play at this game, he thought. Gary dipped his strong hands under the fabric of her bra and gently toyed with her bare breasts. His fingers searched until he found the slightly raised skin and massaged it roughly. This time, Amelie couldn't contain her pleasure and cried out into the night sky. Grinning devilishly, Gary quickened his pace and ground his lower half against Amelie.
The girl sputtered in bliss and decided to step it up further. "Nope, nothing." she gasped.
In an instant, Gary stopped all movement and spun Amelie around in his lap so he faced her. He touched his forehead to hers, both of their breathing increasing rapidly. "Well, I know what you like." Gary purred, the light smell of smoke lingering from his breath. This made Amelie crazy, wondering what he would do next.
Slowly, Gary tucked his head down to Amelie's exposed neck. She felt his hot breath on her flesh and his mouth hovering only a short distance away. Then, ever so slowly, a wet tongue flicked out across her skin. "How about now," he breathed against her. "Believe me?" She was too shocked to form a reply, so she shook her head furiously. With a low chuckle, he pressed his wet lips along with his tongue against her and began to kiss Amelie in her most sensitive spot. He transitioned between kissing and licking as Amelie arched her back in need. Gary returned to slowly grinding against Amelie's lower half and held her shoulders for easier access to her neck. All Amelie could do was moan and melt into his touch.
Amelie's senses were overloaded, every nerve in her body jumping out of her skin. A deep wave of pleasure rolled from her head to her body causing her body to vibrate with joy.
Just when Gary had slid his tongue up to her jaw, a loud thump was heard in the distance. Gary's face lost all color as he turned around to find the source of the interruption, leaving Amelie in agony. "What the hell are you doing here?" Amelie heard a voice yell.
Once he saw who was speaking to him, Gary stood up suddenly with his face full of rage. "I can very well be wherever I please, James," Gary retorted at the voice with malice. "Now, if you'll excuse me..." he tried to return to Amelie's longing gaze as she saw the source of the noise, a large boy with a buzz cut in the distance.
He seemed to be James. James' face became enraged and he clenched his fists together. "I'll fucking ruin you, you worthless shithead. I told you, if you ever tried to come near me. You might fool everyone else, but not me!" Amelie had never seen this boy, but she assumed it was someone that had been affected by Gary's take-over-Bullworth plan. But it seemed like something much worse. Gary took a step forward, clenching his fists tightly while Amelie lay horrified on the dock. "I don't want to fight you, Jimmy-boy." Gary seethed through his clenched teeth.
"Yeah, 'cause if you do I'll just whoop your ass like last time! Remember? I'm the king! So don't even bother trying to get in my way." Jimmy yelled as he came closer to the dock.
With frightened eyes, Amelie looked up to Gary and felt her heart skip a beat. Then it suddenly all connected in her brain. Jimmy was the boy Christy had told her about; the one that Gary worked so hard to beat in his quest for the power of Bullworth.
This is going to ruin everything. If he fights Jimmy, he could get expelled... or worse. Amelie scrambled to her feet and grabbed Gary's arm lightly. He turned around, jaw clenched, and saw the terrified expression on the girl's face. "Gary," she murmured. "Please. For me. Don't do this."
His expression softened as he gazed into her eyes. Despite his intense hatred towards Jimmy, Gary knew that the smart thing to do was to walk away in order to keep Amelie happy; however, his instincts wouldn't let him back down from a threat. He always had to have the last word.
As Jimmy got closer to the dock, Gary grinned with his usual sardonic smile. "I don't need to argue with you, Hopkins. What's done is done. Can't we all just get on with our lives?"
"No, I don't think we can, Gary. You tried to kill me, and suddenly they decide it's okay to let you out of the nuthouse and back into Bullworth?" The redhead became more furious at Gary's refusal to fight. "I know you're planning something, and I'm gonna find out what it is. And once I do, you'll be back in the psycho ward where you belong, creep." Viciously, Jimmy spat onto Gary's shoes.
Gary's eyes grew wide with contempt and he was just close enough to sock Jimmy in his stupid face. "Come closer, James," he snarled, curling back his lip to show his bared teeth. "See what happens." As Jimmy grew closer, Amelie's breath quickened in fear. She wasn't going to let Gary do this; not when he had finally revealed his feelings to her. Now it would all be taken away from her with one swift punch.
Thinking quickly, Amelie stepped in front of the taller boy and spread her arms behind her around him. "Don't hurt him!" Amelie cried, eyes growing wider with panic. Jimmy's squinty eyes looked at her with confusion with his arm suspended in the air, about to strike Gary. He backed off slightly. "And who are you, exactly?"
"Amelie, the new girl..." she explained breathlessly, clutching to Gary protectively. He looked down at her with a mixture of anger and awe. "Look, I don't want anyone to get in trouble. Could you please just leave? No one wants to hurt anyone."
"What, did he brainwash you too?" Jimmy scoffed. "Piece of advice, new girl: Don't pretend like he wants to be your friend. That's how he gets everyone. People like him don't deserve anyone."
Not true. He's isolated, he's alone, he needs you.
She remained still in front of Gary's tall figure, not backing down. "That's not true," she defended. "Please, leave us alone. Gary isn't trying to hurt you."
Jimmy cocked his head at her with further confusion and dropped his arm. With a snide look to Gary, he stepped back. "I'll let it go this time, but only because she's here. You better watch your back, Gary, 'cause I'm gonna wail on you if I see you again."
"Aw, leaving so soon, darling? We were just getting to the good part." Gary sneered at the back of Jimmy's head as he sulked away but was stopped by Amelie's delicate fingers turning his chin to bring his attention back to her.
"Look, I don't want you to worry about Jimmy right now," she said softly, her honey eyes glowing. "I don't want to worry about anything. I want this to be special. You said it would be a special night," she reminded him, moving closer to his stiff frame. Amelie wrapped her arms around Gary's waist, the soft fabric of his oversize sweater brushing against his cold skin.
Gary was surprised at the sudden warmth he felt and tried to calm his face down. He couldn't control his anger towards Jimmy-after all, he was the one who had ruined his life and got him where he was. Yet he remained tense, eyes locked on where Jimmy had been. Amelie noticed the gears still turning in Gary's brain as he remembered all the plans he had that had been foiled by Jimmy. His mind was completely in another dimension now and couldn't be taken back -by the girl in front of him. Amelie sensed this and removed her arms from the boy's torso.
"Gary, I think it's time to go," she suggested quietly. "it's getting late... I don't want you get more upset."
Eyebrows knit, Gary frowned angrily at her. "Thanks for the tip, but I don't need you to protect me." He replied curtly, sending daggers into Amelie. She bit her lip in an attempt to contain herself. Amelie reached out her arm tenderly to Gary. "But Gary-"
"Leave me alone." he nearly growled at her. "I don't need a girl to fight my battles for me."
Tears began to form in the girl's eyes and she lowered her arms. Just like you thought. Just like Jimmy said. You can't trust anyone, not even Gary. Disgusted, Amelie hastily tangled the sweater off over her head and threw it at Gary. He showed no sign of emotion, standing as stiff as a board. "Thanks a lot," she mumbled at his stony expression. "Guess you don't need me, then."
Amelie's thoughts were running full-throttle through her mind as she began to walk back to the sandy beach behind them. She knew he could be very hot-and-cold, but she didn't expect the cold to hurt so much. Gary was complicated and his attitude would take some getting used to. For now, she thought they both needed to cool down.
Once Gary had realized what had just happened, he instinctively reached into his pocket and took out a second cigarette. He sat down on the pier, upset with himself. Partly due to Jimmy's confrontation; partly due to Amelie's departure.
On one hand, he really did like Amelie; she was unconditionally caring, sweet, innocent; but he didn't properly know how to treat her. All Gary had known his entire life was people turning away, especially when he needed them the most. And now his pride and emotions got the better of him in front of Amelie. Had she not been there, Gary wouldn't have had a problem with fighting Jimmy; but he knew deep down that Amelie was right. He could have gotten expelled, or worse: back in Happy Volts with more meds and more doctors.
It was all so confusing to Gary. Amelie was smart, level headed, and lacked the judgmental nature of everyone else. Just the person he needed to keep him sane. However, she was outwardly sensitive and easy to hurt. And he had never experienced that before. It would be hard, but he would convince her that he needed her because he did, no matter how much he didn't want to admit it. She was like a drug to him.
A puff of smoke escaped Gary's mouth and he looked down at the crumpled sweater at his feet. Picking it up, he could faintly smell the sweet scent of the girl who had worn it. Gary pulled the sweater back over his head and inhaled deeply. He touched his scar absently, feeling the familiar deep ridges of the cut his father had given him so long ago. It was a constant reminder that he shouldn't get close to people. But it was too late. Gary silently cursed himself for letting his emotions get the better of him and letting her get away. No way you're fucking this one up.
After stomping his barely used cigarette intothe ground, Gary raced after Amelie who had only made it a few hundred feet away. She looked at the water solemnly, allowing it to come up against her bare feet gently.
"Hey... I didn't mean that," Gary called, gritting his teeth as he began approaching her back. Amelie continued to walk without looking up. "it's just... it's hard to control. I mean, you have to give me some credit; I've never told anyone those stories. You can't just expect me to be calm and collected."
This caused her to stop in her tracks, still avoiding Gary's gaze. "I said the same personal stuff to you, yet you had no problem telling me off, even after Jimmy left." Amelie murmured matter-of-factly.
Gary went right in her face and huffed. "Well now you know why I am how I am," he reached for Amelie's wrist tenderly, bringing her hand up to his face, right above his scar. She looked at it with apprehension. "It's been a part of me so long. But I do like you," In an act of gentleness, he kissed her curled fingers lightly with his soft lips. "I meant what I said about that. And I'm not used to..." he gestured to them, "this. I promise I'll be a good boy," Gary said sweetly, returning his lips to Amelie's shaking fingers.
"Unless you don't want me to be..." Smirking against her hand, Gary flicked out his tongue and wrapped it around her little finger, all the while gauging her reaction with his dark eyes. Amelie felt her throat go dry and gulped nervously. "Um..." Was all she could manage. He took her pinky in his mouth and sucked at it lightly, allowing his warm tongue to travel its length.
Amelie knew this wasn't what she should have accepted as an apology, but this was as close as she was getting from Gary. She knew what he really wanted to say; he just couldn't find the words to say them yet. Besides, she loved the feeling of being lusted after like an object of affection. Even something as strange as putting Amelie's finger in his mouth turned her on just from the sheer intimacy.
Of course Gary knew what he was doing. She couldn't say no to him and he knew it.
Gary looked down at her with a smart grin, keeping Amelie's finger in his mouth. "So am I forgiven?"
"Mm... I-"
"What are you kids doing? Don't you know it's past curfew?!" A stern voice yelled from behind them. Truthfully, they had lost track of the time but it was nearly midnight, a full hour past the time they should have been in their dorms. The cop began to race towards them, shaking his fist. "Damn kids these days!"
"C'mon." Gary began to sprint towards an abandoned bicycle near the shore. Once Amelie hopped on the back, Gary sped out of the sand and onto the street with a furious pace. They had quickly outrun the pudgy cop who waddled towards them with labored breaths.
A deep laugh emerged from Gary and Amelie smiled into his back. She couldn't explain it. She couldn't explain why this boy, so unpredictable and lively, could attract her, while Amelie herself was overly cautious and bashful. She couldn't explain her relationship with Gary. And maybe that's why she loved it.
Sorry this chapter took so long! I had writer's block and got really hung up on this chapter. Plus I've been busy and generally unmotivated to do anything. Reading your reviews make my day! Let me know how you're enjoying the story :)