Surviving High School: Cliché Cliques
A/N: Hello my pixie sticks (note that this is not an insult it's my term of endearment for reviewers because just like the sugar rush I get from eating to many pixie sticks you guys keep me going). See how I didn't make you wait as long as last time? I'm trying to keep up with my stories and not keep my fans waiting. So how am I doing? Aren't you guys happy? No? Well French toast you guys! (I'm made a bet that I wouldn't curse for a week. It's so hard. Especially since there's so many dumbarsed people in the world. And no arse is not a cuss word….right? Right. On with the fic!
Chapter 5: What the Hell
"You look like you just saw a ghost." Ashley says as soon as I sit down. I wish it was a ghost I saw. But no, I saw a CeCe much worse.
"Oh no I was just…..thinking." She furrows her brow at me.
"Okaaaaay that's a shoddy lie but I'll let it go because it's obvious you don't want totalk about it." I look up from the salad I don't even remember grabbing and stare at her.
"I-"
"It's alright. I mean we just met so it'd be kind of weird telling a stranger you probably don't trust-"
"I trust you." I interrupt her. Her sapphire orbs flick towards me. It's a small white harmless lie. Actually it isn't completely a lie.
"Good, cause I'd never hurt you." She stares at me then clears her throat. "You're too sickeningly sweet to hurt. Like a wounded bird or something." She muttered while her cheeks tinted a bit. 3 words to describe the image. Too. Freaking. Adorable.
"I hope you won't." That's not a lie. I really do hope she won't.
"So how was your phycology class?" She asks while eating a fry, clearly trying to change the subject.
"Interesting. Or as interesting as learning about mentally unstable people can get." And seeing so many symptoms in me. Ashley nods.
"So you wanna hit the library after school? I have a ton of homework. I thought first days were supposed to be easy." She grumbled.
"Technically it's the second day but yeah I got some stuff to do too."
"Alright meet me at your locker?" I nod and smile. We continue lunch with easy conversations and lots of laughs.
English class is probably the easiest subject for me right now. All we're doing is writing short stories, which is good because I'm not short on imagination. Heh? See what I did there? Wasn't a symptom of losing your mind was creating full conversations with yourself? Yes. Yes it was. I'm caught up in my insanity driven thoughts to the point where I don't even realize CeCe sitting beside me. Nor do I realize the hoodlum who threatened to beat me up for CeCe sitting on the other side of me. My life sucks so badly.
"Hey four eyes, how bout you help me with my story?" The brunette leaned over and asked harshly. Out of the corner of my eye I see CeCe texting only stopping to giggle at the comment her friend made.
"Not really." I answer trying to ignore them.
"Leah do your own damn work and leave the loser be." I flinch at CeCe's comment. I may have heard every vulgar term in the book thrown at me but it was never from CeCe. She always tried to defend me and get her friends to leave me alone. CeCe can say some harsh things but they were never aimed at me.
"What? I'm just saying she's smart enough to do 2 papers." CeCe smiled at Leah.
"Maybe she can do three." CeCe says her eyes flickering toward me. Ow. That really hurts. They both laugh and my heart feels like it's dying but is purposely being preserved for torture.
"So what do you say loser?" CeCe asks.
"No." I try to continue my paper but their stares make it hard. I sigh.
"You know you're just making this difficult for yourself." Leah says matter-of-factly.
"Yeah I mean all you have to do is write a little more than you already are." I wonder if I ignore them if they'd leave me alone. When they continue staring at me I get my answer.
"Look why don't you guys just leave me alone?" Everyone turns towards us after I say this not too quietly.
"Ahh, Rocky. I'm going to go ahead and guess that the reason you chose to interrupt class is because of your enthusiasm to be the first person to read their story and not because you want a detention." Mr. Ackard's booming voice rang out to me. Beside me Leah and CeCe snicker.
"Don't worry Miss Crew and Miss Jones, you guys are after Rocky." They immediately stop after that and I can't help but smirk after that. My story is done and they don't have squat. Oh karma how I love you so. I'm sorry I doubted My name is Earl. I walk up to the front of the class almost falling on my face because some guy thought it'd be funny to trip me.
"Alright Miss Blue, start with your title and name then speak loud and clear." Mr. Ackard said. I clear my throat.
"Saying Goodbye by Rocky Blue. The grass was exceptionally dewy the morning Agatha chose to walk barefooted to the cemetery." Leah did a louder than necessary yawn. Mr. Ackard glared at her.
"She didn't know what possessed her to keep going to the same old tomb stone; after all there was nothing special about it. There were only painful memories associated with it, but that didn't matter. She rather feel pain than nothing at all." By this time the room went quiet and everyone was staring.
"As she came upon the thing she's named devil stone, with her father's name in big bold block letters, she couldn't help but feel resentment. Resentment toward her father for leaving her." This story of course was indirectly related to me. It feels like my dad died instead of just leaving. We no longer have that close father/daughter relationship. I am no longer daddy's little girl. And as much as I want to deny it, I did resent him for that. Only one person in this whole room would know what I'm talking about, and she's staring at me intensely trying to gauge my demeanor.
"Wait, so let me get this straight. You're so lame that your own dad doesn't want you?" Leah interrupted again. People around the room oohed and laughed.
"Quiet." The teacher warned.
"How do you know it's about her?" Some random boy asked. Leah rolled her eyes.
"People always take events from their actual lives to inspire them with stories. So Rocky, why doesn't your daddy want you?" She finished in a condescending tone. That's a good question. I wish I knew the answer. I feel bitterness rush through my veins.
"Well Leah," I give her my full attention. "Not everybody has a dad that bribes them with expensive gifts just as a distraction to the fact he doesn't really give a shit about you." She smirks at that. "At least my dad would be there if I died, but you, you'd probably only get his assistant." Leah's smugness falters a bit but is quickly replaced. The room is dead quiet.
"My dad cares about me. You're just lime green jello because you're a nobody." Leah gave me a fake smile and I returned it with an equally fake smile.
"How do you figure that Leah, that you're father cares? When was the last time he asked you how you were? Or more importantly, when was the last time you guys had an actual conversation that was longer than 5 minutes and didn't involve him throwing a little cash you're way to not so subtly get you to shut up. If I have this straight, you try to be perfect so your dad notices you right? So Leah, why doesn't your daddy love you?" In the next 5 seconds Leah gets up and lunges for me only to be caught around the waist by CeCe.
"I'll kill you! You don't know anything you bitch!" Leah growled out at me still lunging to get her hands around my neck. I guess I hit a nerve.
"I know enough to get under your skin." I say haughtily.
"That is enough! Girls to the office!" Oh you'll say that now but not when she was openly calling me out. You're an awesome teacher Mr. Numb Nuts.
"Gladly." I say smiling before grabbing my things and walking out feeling freer than I ever had.
"Miss Blue?" Principal Lone called me. I sigh and got up to walk into the principal's office. As soon as I sat down I got the look of disappointment from Principal Lone.
"Rocky I'm surprised at you. Foul language and bullying? This isn't like you." All I can do is gape at him. Where was this attitude when I was the one getting bullied?
"Sir with all due respect but Leah Crew was the one who came at me. I know you've heard this a thousand times before but she started it and I was simply defending myself since it was pretty clear that Mr. Ackard wasn't going to do anything about the situation." Principal Lone sighed, took off his glasses and pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Even so Miss Blue you have to face consequences. This school has a no tolerance rule for bullying." I snort at that. He glares. "With that said you have two weeks of detention starting tomorrow." My eyes widen.
"I'm guessing that Leah gets off scot free because her dad can throw a few thousand dollars here and there that will benefit this school and its double standards." This is complete and utter bull. All the people that have bullied me and have received no consequence is just unbelievable.
"I assure you Rocky that both Leah and CeCe have the same consequence in which will be spent cleaning graffiti, cleaning boards, and shelving books in the library." Oh yeah that makes me feel so much better Mr. Lone.
"But-"
"No buts Rocky. You can go now." I shake my head and leave making sure to slam his door extra hard.
"What took you so long?" Ashley asks when I finally make it to my locker with a deep scowl on my face. I open my locker to grab the books I need then close it.
"I had to talk to the principal." I mumble out and start walking in the direction of the library. Library. Ugh. I should probably get well acquainted with it since I'll be spending two whole weeks there.
"Why?" She asks trying to keep up with my rushed pace.
"Because of this girl in class who insulted me and I retaliated." I scoff. This is stupid. I have never gotten a detention, ever.
"Who was the girl?" Ashley now has a scowl on her face that I imagine matches mine.
"That doesn't matter." I sigh. She stops which makes me stop.
"It does matter if I plan on egging her house or putting a not so nice surprise in her locker." I can't stop the smile that comes to my face. I chuckle and shake my head at her.
"That isn't necessary Ash." She smiles too.
"Hey Sasquatch!" I cringe at the familiar voice.
"What CeCe?" I hiss at her when I turn around. Ashley crosses her arms beside me.
"We need to start on our project." She says strutting towards me. I groan. Crap. I forgot all about that.
"Can't we start on that tomorrow? I have plans." CeCe rolls her eyes,
"No. We have detention remember?" She says accusingly.
"That's not my fault, blame you're rude friend." CeCe glared at me and stalked closer.
"Keep bad mouthing my friend like that and see what happens." At this time Ashley stepped in front of me and shoved CeCe back glaring just as harsh.
"Yeah I'd like to see what happens too." CeCe's eyes stay trained on me.
"Rocky how about you call your guard dog off so we can talk." I could see Ashley about to hit her so quickly I pulled her hand back and put myself in between them. People also have noticed the tiff between the two and stare.
"Stop, it's not worth it." I said to Ashley.
"No let her come at me. I'll put her ass down faster than Rebecca Black's singing career." What? Okay Rebecca Black isn't that…bad. I mean Friday is…catchy? No it's horrible. My ears bled when I heard it.
"You know what princess I'd like to see you try." Ashley was pushing me to get to CeCe. I grab her waist and push her back.
"Ash, please. We'll just go to the library and CeCe and I will work on our project then me and you can just hang out." I try to bargain with the furious blonde. She takes her glare off of CeCe to stare into my eyes. Man her eyes are even bluer up close.
"Alright, only for you though." I grin at that. The moment is ruined by an impatient red-head clearing her throat.
"If you guys are gonna make out can you at least warn me so I have something the throw up in. Like blondie's hideous bag.' I feel Ash tense up.
"Be calm." I whisper to her then I throw a glare at CeCe before pulling Ashley with me toward the library. Catching on CeCe followed us.
"We need to get some footage around school. I can get some of the freshmen and sophomores. Do you think you can get some of the juniors and seniors?" I receive no response. "CeCe?" Still no response. I glance toward her and see her texting. I look toward Ashley who just rolls her eyes.
"Hey princess you're the one who wanted to tag along to work on your project. So how bout you, I don't know, work on your project?" CeCe immediately stops texting and glares at Ash.
"Do not call me princess butch." As Ashley was about to rise out of her seat possibly to sock CeCe in the face, I grabbed her hand from across the table (since CeCe insisted on sitting next to me).
"Calm." I say rubbing my thumb over the back of her hand. She instantly relaxes.
"Bark, bark." CeCe snickered.
"At least a dog knows of what loyalty is." Ashley growled. CeCe and I both freeze. Ashley isn't aware of how significantly that statement applies to us.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" CeCe asked in a menacing tone.
"It means-"
"That we have to go." I say quickly gathering my things. I don't want to remember this. I hear CeCe scoff.
"Okay Rocky run away. That's what you're best at." CeCe spat. I look at her in disbelief.
"I'm certainly not gonna stay here so you can abandon me again since that's what you do best." CeCe stared, mouth agape.
"Rocky, I don't-I don't know what you want me to say." For a millisecond I actually feel bad. I actually think of taking back the words that left my mouth. For some reason though, I don't.
"There's nothing to say CeCe. Ash let's go please." Ashley nods and stands up. A hand grabs my arm halting me.
"No. Rocky we need to talk. Now." I can faintly hear Ashley growl.
"She doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to." Ash says. She grabs my other arm and tries to pull me to her.
"You know what stay out of this. Rocky's a big girl she can speak for herself." CeCe doesn't budge. They both turn to look at me.
"Just give us a minute please?" I say looking toward the blonde. Ashley reluctantly nods.
"I'll be out front." She walks by CeCe and me glaring at CeCe.
"Make this quick." I say as soon as Ashley's out of earshot.
"Stop that." She demands trying to look into my eyes.
"Stop what?"
"The whole I-don't-give-a-shit-about-anyone act. It's not a good look on you." I just shake my head. I hate that she can look right through me.
"If you're just going to be a bitch then I'm leaving." I hear CeCe growl and then I'm pushed against a book shelf.
"I'm not the one being a bitch right now. Why are you acting like this? What do you have to be so sad about?" Did she really just ask that? Does she not know about my status in school? Did she forget about what happened to my whole life?
"I have everything to be sad about!" I push her away from me.
"And I don't? Do you think I have the picture perfect life Rocky?" Yes I do CeCe. I think you have everything you could ever want.
"Yeah I do." She lets my arm go and sits down. She has this far off look in her eyes.
"You know the thing about pictures is that they're just a second frozen in time. You don't get the whole story. Really, how can you see what someone goes through in a second?" I look at her in confusion. She's talking as though she's been through this before. That thought makes me frown. She can throw all the insults she wants at me, she can kick me when I'm down, hell she can beat the living shit out of me, I don't care. In the great words of Bruno Mars, I'd catch a grenade for her even though I know she won't do the same.
"Is there something you need to tell me CeCe? I don't want to keep Ashley waiting." I ask rather impatiently. The words feel like acid on my tongue because what I really want to ask is if she's ok.
"Right. Your new puppy." Why do I always go back to feeling bad for her? She always lets me down.
"What's your problem with her?" This question has been plaguing my mind all day.
"You're mine Rocky. I was here first okay? Way before that punk wannabe." My heart speeds up. She called me hers. Something about the possessiveness in her voice makes me warm and fuzzy.
"I am not property Cecelia. You were here first but you decided popularity was more important than I was." She cringes when I call her by her full name.
"No it wasn't Rocky. I've been trying to show you that I can change. Okay I'll admit sometimes I do care more about what people think than I should but I'd change if-"
"If what CeCe?" I finally snap. It's a little too late for her to be sorry.
"If I had you." She says getting up and taking steps toward me. "If I had you I wouldn't need all these materialistic things that I thought I wanted to fill the void you left. Rocky I lo-"
"Ce! Why the hell are you talking to the freak?" None other than Leah yells across the library. CeCe sighs. I feel my stomach sink. She'll never care about me more than her image.
"Popularity's calling you."
"Rocky….."
"Ash is probably wondering where I am." I walk pass her only to be shoulder checked by Leah.
"I have beef with you slut." Oh slut. How original. Now I have another name to add to the growing lists of insults. I smile kindly at her.
"Sorry I'm a vegetarian." I shoulder check her back then leave the library behind.
-X-
Ashley and I's walk to my house is silent. She knows that something happened between me and CeCe but she won't pry. I appreciate that. Once we're to my front door I invite her in but she declines.
"But um, how about we go to the movies tomorrow?" She asks me. I take note of the nervousness in her voice.
"Yeah sure. We should do some friend bonding." I smile at her.
"I mean as a date." I freeze. A date. "I really like you Rocky and I'd like to get to know you better."
"Aren't you moving all the time?" She cringes. Obviously she hadn't thought about that. I did. I always think about all the things that could go wrong. All the things that can hurt me.
"Yeah. I try not to get close to people. It hurts less that way. But Rocky, I've never wanted to know anybody like I want to know you. So please let me get the chance to." It only takes me a minute to figure out my answer.
"Okay." All my life I've been good, but now? I'm thinking what the hell.
A/N: Drum roll please! Now Rocky has taken a liking to Ashley. A virtual cupcake for anyone who can guess why. Bonus points if you can figure out the song I quoted and the artist.
And also shout out to 3 of my favorite writers: ParaWhore2514, XxSonXXofXXaXBananaXx, and That Random Writer. It's an honor to have you read my story.
ParaWhore2514-You're proud of me? *sniffle sniffle* Thank you so much. Your reviews always brighten my day.
XxSonXXofXXaXBananaXx- I hope your heartburn is cured. Thanks for the review. Ty is an ass-wipe. Will he get nicer? Maybe. Only reviews will tell.
That Random Writer- Maybe it's a love triangle or perhaps it will become a square? And isn't Britt Robertson something? I'm so pissed Secret Circle was canceled. Am I the only one? I mean come on. There was a chance for Chamberlake, or Fayana. I would say Cassie/Diana but they became sisters. That pissed me off also. Oh CW you suck so much. Anywho thank you for the kind words.
Also redneck rock-a-h- I meant no offense toward you. I think band people are awesome. But to be fair most of them are geeks which there is nothing wrong with. In the words of my unhealthy obsession, Lea Michele, let your geek flag fly.
And I hope this was up to your liking. I thought I was the only one who knew that movie.
Thank you to the rest of my reviewers. And if you would like a shout out you need a specific name I can call you by. R&R.