This chapter is rushed and crappy and I apologize in advance. I had a track meet today, and I'm pretty exhausted, but I wanted to get something out for you guys as a thank you for all the reviews/favorites/follows. Thank you all so much- enjoy.
"I'm sorry," Freddie whispers. "She's being a bitch. You know I love you, Sam. I wouldn't trade you for anything in the world." He leans in to kiss me, but I pull back, shaking my head and releasing a soft sigh. Crestfallen, he recoils- eyes filling with hurt. "Did I do something…?"
"No, it's not you, just…I'm trying to process, and I just…I need some time to think," I reply. "The bell's about to ring…we should go…"
Freddie gives a small affirmation, but I can still see the pain in his eyes. I've hurt him, and it's obvious. He doesn't say much as we walk to first period. I can tell his mind is reeling, trying to figure out ways to blame himself, and the mere thought stabs my heart. He shouldn't be berating himself for a fault of mine.
"Listen," I whisper. "I love you. Just… so much has happened, and my mind needs time to digest it all." I lean over and kiss his cheek, trying to hide the tears in my eyes. I'm weak and spineless, but I don't give a damn. I don't have to act like tough girl Sam all the time- sometimes even I need a breather.
"I'll respect that," Freddie replies emotionlessly. He stares straight ahead- and alarm pangs in my head. I don't know if it's me, physical pain, or Carly- but something is wrong with Freddie, and I need to figure out what.
I'd be lying if I said that Sam's words didn't hurt me. It's more of pain- I feel like crap, and my mother isn't as overbearing, so my pain management methods are limited to the prescription medication and Advil. My head hurts and I feel kinda nauseous, but Sam doesn't need to know that- the situation with Carly is already stressing her out.
I release an inaudible sigh, as we walk into the classroom. I slide into my seat and lean my crutches against the wall, resting my head in my arms.
"Freddie!"
I lift my head the slightest inch, and my eyes widen. A group of girls stand before me- all wearing flirtatious grins- they're the popular ones of the school. I have no clue why they're talking to me.
"That was like, so brave, what you like, did for Carly," one of them gushes. I cringe inwardly. This is honestly atrocious, and I just wish I could be anywhere but school.
"Thanks," I mutter awkwardly, pleading inwardly for them to leave me alone. I'm tired and I feel like utter crap, so if they would just get the hell away from me, I'd really appreciate it.
"He's taken, if you haven't noticed. Move along now," Sam snaps, kissing my cheek for emphasis. I smile- a small, rueful smile, but a smile nonetheless- I really do have an amazing girlfriend.
"Whatever, bitch," One of them mumbles, as they shuffle away. Sam sighs, running her fingers through my messy hair. She leans down to kiss my head, and then begins to speak. "I'm gonna put my earbuds in- I need to think. Class is starting in five."
"Since when do you give a crap about school- specifically when class starts?" I grumble, letting my head fall into my arms again.
"I dunno," she replies. "Anyway, your teachers know that you're concussed, so you don't have to do much. Just sit and zone out- which'll be very hard, won't it?" She sends her signature smirk my way, and I smile.
"First- how do you know what 'concussed' means? And second, it's actually not easy. I've tried it before."
She laughs. "I figured. Dream of giggle jam servers and bumping up speed and all of that garbage."
"It is not garbage!"
"Shut up, Fredlumps."
"You alright, Freddie?"
My boyfriend doesn't look so good- that's for one. His face is flushed, he's leaning quite heavily on his crutches, and I can see pure agony in his mocha orbs.
"What hurts, baby?" I whisper, steadying him. I may be overdoing it- but he truly looks like he's in pain, and I need to take it away. He can't suffer- he doesn't deserve to.
We're standing in the hallway- it's time for lunch. We have time- they honestly don't give a damn if we're late to lunch. So, I help Freddie into the lunchroom. We take our usual seats, and I immediately turn to him.
"It's my ribs," he murmurs. "And my head."
"Here, come here. Lay your head on my shoulder- get some rest. You need it," I order, scooting close enough for him to be comfortable. He sighs and nods, leaning his head on my shoulder and wincing.
"Concussions are horrible," Freddie whispers. "Don't ever get one."
"I dunno," I feign deep thought. "Getting outta doing work seems kinda fun, don'tcha think?"
Freddie chuckles. "Somehow I knew you'd say that. You are Sam Puckett, after all." He grins fondly at me, and I return the gesture, smiling widely. However, my smile drops when I see the certain brunette walking toward us.
Carly is balancing a lunch tray in her hands, and she slides onto the bench in front of us, setting her tray down and reaching into her bookbag. She pulls out a stack of cash, and offers it to me. "Fifty bucks to break up with Freddie."
I stare at her- beyond appalled. Does she seriously think I'm going to leave Freddie for fifty dollars? Damn, that girl has a screw loose somewhere. I wouldn't leave Freddie for the world- he is my world.
"No," I say firmly. "No, I am not going to trade my boyfriend for money. How ridiculous can you possibly get? He's mine and I love him. You're so irritating right now. Freddie will not leave me, no matter what."
She scoffs. "Oh, come on, Sam. It's no secret that you're dying for this money. You're the one with a shack that can't even pass under the terms of a habitable house, It's too bad your mother's too busy sluttin' it up to pay the bills."
I'm sorry if this chapter didn't quite measure up- I can barely keep my eyes open right now. Anyway- thoughts?
-Neha