Surviving High School: Cliché Cliques
A/N: Hello fellow humans…..yeah I just watched War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise and needless to say it's stuck in my mind. Well since it seems as though you guys actually don't hate this fic, yet anyway, I'll continue. And in return for my story I ask only one thing…REVIEWS.
Chapter 3: When No One Knows Your Name
I watch car after car pass by in a blur. There's only one thing on my mind. Or one person. CeCe. The way she acted so vicious. Like a lion. Then again high school is like a jungle. Kids scratch and bite to get to the top of the food chain. It's sickening.
"So…..you alright?" Dina's question breaks me out of my reverie.
"No. I was mauled and my thigh is starting to chafe due to the liquid that was so kindly dumped on me by a lovely blonde." I squirm in the seat trying to make the best of a bad situation.
"You mean Trish." Dina says as if remembering a good friend. The way Dina's reputation is I'm not surprised.
"So you know her?" I ask looking back out the window.
"Oh I know Trish. Once I forgot my bra at Deuce's house after we," she trails off, "had relations." I make a face as if I had just tasted the worst thing in the world. I wish she'd hurry up and get to the store because I really need that Listerine.
"And Trishy girl let the entire student body know it by pulling my shirt up. I was called sour nipples for a whole month. Ahhhh, good times." Dina sighs while smiling. I remember hearing about that, only I was too depressed at that time to care. A thought hits me.
"Wait, were you the one who changed her bottle of shampoo to glue in the girls locker room?" I remember I had heard something about a girl who got her hair glued together. I realize that that girl's name was Trish Kilten. AKA the girl who just poured whatever the hell this is in my lap. Her hair had to be cut off making her sport a butch look for 2 months.
"Good ole grizzly glue. It can't be removed without a solution that needs to be imported from China and cost 1,000 dollars. Plus it has a cute picture of a bear." I gape at her. I'm so envious of her no bullshit attitude.
"Dude, she looked worse than a rabid cat on crack." At my comment Dina snorts out laughter.
"I know. So many chicks hit on her that month that they called her Samantha Ronson." This time we both laugh and it feels good. I haven't laughed like this in a while. It feels good to finally let my guard down even if it is just a little. It feels good to talk to someone. I was afraid if I didn't have contact with a human being soon then I'd forget the English language. Our laughs subside soon after. I stare out the window again, watching more things pass us by quickly. I wish I could spend the rest of my life in a car, having time pass by just as fast.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Dina asks quietly. I sigh.
"My thoughts are worth more than a penny." Hoping she'd get the hint I continue to stare out the window.
"Then how about I buy you lunch since none really made it to your mouth." She chuckles slightly when she says this. I turn to glare at her and as if on cue, my stomach starts to growl. I am hungry. The thought of being alone with Dina for more than a 15 minute drive scares the shit out of me.
"No, just take me home please." Dina frowns at that. She sighs and continues to drive. I take this as her giving up on trying to get me to talk. And I thought this for a good while, until she took a left off the road leading to my house. Immediately I think the worst and start to panic.
"Dina…." I start to say but she cuts me off.
"I know where I'm going. It's not to your house but it's not anywhere bad either." She explains. It does little to calm my frazzled nerves, for some reason though I don't protest. We pull into a dirt parking lot.
"Come on." Dina commands while getting out. I get out and follow her up the dirt road, memorizing every turn in case I have to escape.
"Rocks come on, I promise it's not bad." Dina encourages once she notices my hesitance. I still move slowly and cautiously. She sighs and tugs my hand, forcing me to follow her. We reach what must be the desired destination because Dina slows down. We stand before a beautiful lake. The blue contrasts wonderfully with the sand around it. The sun shines off of it, making it look as though it's sparkling and clearer than it really is.
"Whoa." Is the only word that I can use to sum up the sight before me. There's a sense of safety about this place.
"That's what I said the first time I came here." Dina's voice comes from beside me. I'm startled because I had forgotten that she was there.
"What exactly is this place?" I ask slowly walking towards the water.
"It's where I come to think. This was my Uncle Ernesto's lake house; he left it to me before he died. Well it's not legally mine until I turn 18 but still, it's like my sanctuary." I nod in understanding. She takes off her shoes and walks to the water's edge. She puts her feet in the water then looks out to the sunset. I feel awkward watching this seemingly private moment.
"You can join me ya know? I don't mind." She says not even looking back at me. Should I? She's been nice to me so far so, why not? Because I know how fast that can change. I know how fast people can change.
"I don't think I should." I answer quietly. Dina turns around to look at me intently. She rolls her eyes then stands up. As she starts walking towards me I'm confused but terrified.
"What are you-ahh!" Dina has lost her freaking mind. She has picked me up bridal style and is now walking toward the water.
"Dina! Put me down!" I squealed in horror. This must have been amusing to her because she started laughing and kept walking. I squirmed in her hold but that only made her tighten her grip.
"Calm down Rocky. I'm not gonna hurt you. Just relax." Dina said softly as she started to walk into the water. Easy for her to say. She isn't the one dangling from a person whom she barley trust's arms. Once she was waist deep she gave me a sinister grin. I frantically shook my head side to side and yelped," NO!" before I was submerged in freezing water. Dina still had a firm grip on me hindering me from escaping her arms. Just like that we were up and I was gasping in air.
"See that wasn't so bad was it?" Dina laughed. I glared at her.
"Put me down. Now." My voice is low. There is no smile on my face. Dina frowns but obeys my request. She grabbed my shoulders after putting me down and stared directly into my eyes. My vision was blurry due to my wet glasses.
"Rocky, I know I abandoned you when you needed me the most. There were times where I saw you sitting alone at a lunch table and I wanted to say something. But I fell into the artificialness of high school and I just want to say I'm sorry Rocky. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." I don't know if I should trust her. If I'm wounded like last time, if I'm left in the dark again, I don't know what I'll do. So I keep my walls up.
"What brought on this sudden realization Dina? You spent a good amount of time ignoring me so why am I suddenly a subject of interest? Did you join a church or something and you're trying to right your sins? Or maybe you think karma is out to get you. My Name is Earl is a bunch of bullshit Dina, you don't have to apologize." I sound raw. Today was not how I wanted to start the school year. I wanted to go by unnoticed. I just wanted to survive high school. Well 2 more years left. I should make my will and figure out where I want my ashes scattered. I push past Dina and start to wade to shore, fully intending on walking home. I'm stopped by her hand grabbing the back of my shirt.
"My best friend committed suicide." I can here deep sorrow and regret in that short statement. I glance at her and see water running down her cheeks mixing with tears. I wasn't sure of what to say. Every time I saw Dina she looked so happy, like nothing bad ever happened to her. Then again a smile can hide wonders. I should know.
"She never gave the impression that she was depressed or…...maybe she did and I wasn't listening. No one was listening and- God Rocky just tell me you're not thinking about that. Tell me I don't have to go to another funeral completely dumfounded and blindsided as to why I was in a suicide letter. Tell me I'll see you tomorrow at school." I can feel the hand holding my shirt trembling. Suddenly the scars under my wristband burn even though they haven't been reopened. Yet.
"I'll see you tomorrow Dina." And with that I continue to shore, walk along the path I hastily remembered back to Dina's car. The door is still unlocked so I open it and pull out my bag then set off to my house, all the while thinking of how close I was to talking. To revealing. To opening up. I should just stop speaking.
When I make it to my front door, my feet are tired and I'm ready to collapse. Slowly I open the door, walk inside, and then shut it softly.
"Hey ass face, where were you after school? I waited almost 4 minutes before I left." Wow, thanks Ty. You really are a loving brother. I'm surprised he even waited that long. He must have gotten laid.
"I left early." I muttered while walking past him.
"Mom didn't say she was getting you early." Ty said, following me to my room. As if you'd notice anything that wasn't about yourself, you conceited douche.
"She didn't. I just left." I walk into my room and try to shut the door but Ty stops me.
"You just left? When did you start skipping class, lametard?" After the events of today I had a low tolerance level. Something inside me snapped to the point where I had to restrain myself from picking up my trophy for archery, in which I lost first place to Candy stinking Cho, and beating him to a bloody pulp. Instead I went for a more civilized approach. I kneed him in the stomach and pushed him into the hallway. His back collided with the wall making him hunch over in pain and slide to the floor.
"What the hell you crazy b-"I slam my door ignoring his muffled insults and obscene words. I sigh and cover my face with my favorite pillow. If only I could suffocate myself. Suddenly I hear vibrating coming from my book bag. It's my cellphone. Who the hell could that be? I've only used it to order pizza or call businesses. I don't know anybody and I have no friends. My mom is in the kitchen, I can smell the tofu meatloaf. Maybe…..maybe it's my dad. Daddy! Quickly I get to my bag and pull out my phone. I unlock my touch screen and see that it's not from my dad. But it makes my heart grow and warm all the same. It's CeCe.
Blue Bear are you alright? You weren't in any of your classes and I'm worried. Just txt me back when you get the chance.
-Love your little fireball
I can't believe she remembers the nickname I gave her, or my number for that fact. Should I text her back? Yes. CeCe has never been patient and it will absolutely kill her if I don't.
I'm fine.
Short and simple. I don't want her thinking that I want her to care, because I don't. It only leads to heartbreak. My phone beeps. I open up the text a little too eagerly.
Good. I was worried you did something stupid because of me and the dumb blonde that dumped that drink on you. Can you meet me at the park?
My heart starts pounding while blood rushes through my ears. It doesn't even register that I text 'sure'. Omfg what the hell did I just do? Well can't take it back now. We have a project together so I'm bound to see her anyway. I pull on my jacket and leave not even flinching when Ty glares at me from the couch.
"Where are you going?" My mom asks from the kitchen.
"I'll be back before dinner." I mutter and she says something that sounds like she agrees.
The entire walk to the park was excruciating. I'm not really sure why I'm actually coming to meet her, or why the hell I didn't bring a weapon in case she has her pack of lions with her again. All I know was that I was going to the park because the love of my life asked me to. Isn't it funny how people fall for the ones that hurt them the most? Love is a sick game that everyone plays. I'm getting my ass kicked in it. The outcome is inevitable. During my thoughts it doesn't quite hit me that I am now in the park. That was until I heard my name being called. I turn to see CeCe jogging up to me. For a moment I falter. It's 60 degrees out here and CeCe is wearing sinfully short shorts with grey high tops. To top it off she has a tight blue shirt on that shows off her curves in all the right ways. Oh dear lord kill me
"I didn't think you'd come." CeCe says when she finally reaches me, slightly out of breath. Yeah her panting is not helping anyone right now.
"Why wouldn't I?" I ask distractedly. My attention was elsewhere. A little more south to be exact.
"Well after what happened at school I wasn't sure. Then you weren't in any of your other classes, I just kept getting anxious every time the teacher called your name and you weren't there to say 'here' in that cute little voice you do." I blush when she says this. My ears are on fire and I can hear the blood pumping in them. I looked down at the pavement because it suddenly became really interesting. CeCe stepped closer making my breath hitch. Slowly my eyes rose to meet hers. She stared at me curiously. It made me feel uneasy and…turned on. The black eyeliner made her gaze look more intense. Jesus what this girl does to me.
"You're wet." She states. I splutter out unintelligible words.
"Wh-What?" I finally manage to ask. Her eyebrows scrunch up and she reaches over and grabs a tendril of my hair.
"You're wet. Plus you're whole body's shivering. What happened?" She asked. Of course that's what she meant. Get your head out of the gutter Blue! I wonder if she knew the real reason my body was shivering because of how close she was. I realized instead of answering her question I'm just kind of staring at her.
"Dina." I answer without much thought. Her face turns from curious to a scowl.
"What did she do to you?" Was it just me or did her voice drop a few octaves lower than it was before?
"Um, she took me too her-" I stop myself because the place Dina showed me was private. Even if the girl left me in the dust, I still couldn't do that to her, or anyone for that matter. I clear my throat.
"She took me to a place." I finish lamely. It's not my fault I'm no good at lying.
"What kind of place?" CeCe asked her voice now dangerously low. Oh sweet gondola please make her stop. Her hand drops from where it was in my hair and it makes me shiver again. CeCe notices this and pulls me flush against her. All coherent thoughts left me as I felt her chest press against mine. I'm going to have a heart attack. I am 15 years old and I'm going to have a heart attack. This will surely be in the newspaper.
"Shit you're freezing Rocks. Come on, let's go to my house and get you into something warm." She says already pulling me in a direction. Oh no. I can't do this to myself. I have to resist this. There is no way I'm getting hurt again.
"That isn't necessary CeCe. I can go to my own house. So…" I trail off and turn away from her face because I can't take the look of hurt on it.
"Ro-"
"So yeah I should start going." I interrupt, withdrawing my arm away from her.
"But….I mean why can't you just come stay with me for a while? Am I that bad?" No you're perfect. Absolutely perfect. You have flaws and imperfections but that's why you're perfect. I want to say these words so desperately but the lid that I've put on the jar of my emotions is eternally sealed.
"I'd love too, really I would but I got so much work to do and I should start on it." I silently curse at another one of my horrible lies. It's the first freaking day of school what could I possibly be working on besides the film project we have to do together.
"Today's the first day of school. Who the hell would give you homework on the first day?" She states with a face that says she doesn't believe the obvious lie I just told. I knew she wouldn't buy it. CeCe might be thick at times but she's a genius when it comes to something she wants.
"No teachers gave me any homework. I'm doing work for…my new job! I'm an intern for a fashion magazine and I have to organize the files." Finally a decent excuse. CeCe seems to believe this because her face relaxes. But it soon becomes tense again. Damn it!
"Wait are you leaving 'Shake It Up Chicago!'?" She asks quietly. My eyes widen. Leave 'Shake It Up Chicago!'? I would never do that. The studio is like my safe place. It's the only place where instead of feeling weird, awkward and ugly, I felt graceful and beautiful. I was free.
"No, of course not. I just need a little extra money is all. And it'll look good on a college application." This lie comes out easier than the other ones. It's not entirely a lie. I did apply for an internship at Geekly Chic magazine but they haven't gotten back to me yet.
"You need money? Why didn't you tell me? I can help you with money." I would say money. The one thing she has plenty of, and I would say it.
"No CeCe, really its fine." I give her a tight smile as I again try to make my escape. But I won't get far because CeCe is very persistent.
"Hey wait!" Told you. Welp, since she won't make this easy on me then I have no choice but to run. Is it a good idea? No. Will it blow up in my face? Probably. Do I care at this moment? No. With that thought I run as fast as I can heading straight for my house. I run through a few alley ways to try and lose her. Since I was always more athletic than CeCe, this was an easy task. I keep my hood up and continue my way home. I hate my life so much.
As soon as I get back home again I'm so drained that I don't respond to anything. Not my mom's complaint on how late I am or my tool of a brother's threat to get me back for kneeing him. My phone beeps and I cautiously look down at it. It's a text from my dad.
I'm not gonna be able to make it to your birthday party Buttercup. I'm so sorry but with work and the baby arriving I'm swamped. Hope you understand.
-Love Daddy
Oh a text? He couldn't call because a five minute call would be so much of a nuisance. I just want my bed, my best friend Mr. Fluffles the stuffed dog, and to cry my eyes out. But I don't do that. Slowly I walk to my desk and feel for the duct taped item hidden underneath it. It's with tears in my eyes that I grab towels and peroxide from the bathroom. Silently I close and lock my door. The first cut is the worst, the second is still bad but better, after that I'm in a euphoric haze. That is until I hear a gasp from my window. All I need to see is red hair to know who has seen me. CeCe. Shit.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I've been having medical troubles but I was determined to get this up today for all my faithful fans. And some of you asked me questions and I will answer them.
Natalie-Thank you for your kind reviews and I will try to update as much as I can.
Firefly and ParaWhore2514-If I told you if Dina likes Rocky then it wouldn't be much of a suspenseful story now would it?
Perhaps Rocky will find another character to get buddy buddy with that isn't CeCe or Dina. Only your reviews will tell.
Thank you to all my other reviewers too! If you have any questions on chapters you can ask in reviews or PM me. And for those of you waiting for an update on my Liley story then your wait will be over Tuesday. I hope you like this chapter and have a bully day! (I'm trying out a British accent. Yes or No?)
P.S: Review!