CHAPTER THREE

"Ace Merrill?" Teddy asked incredulously, "You took this from Ace Merrill?"

"If that's the blonde kid who thinks he's the shit, then yeah," I said slowly, "What's the big deal?"

"Ace Merrill," he repeated, "Christ."

"I think we've established I took it from him," I muttered dryly and he smiled sheepishly, giving me the blade back.

"What'd you need to talk about?" Chris inquired, shuffling the cards.

"This morning," I sighed, "I'm not exactly a morning person-."

"Ya don't have to explain yourself to me, Corey," he stated, "We just met yesterday."

"Whatever," I shrugged, shaking my head. Instead of making them move, I climbed out the window and down the side of the tree. I didn't care. He could go fuck a pole for all I cared.

"Corey?"

"What?" I snapped, looking at my older brother.

"I'm going out, can you watch the store?" he asked and I sighed, nodding, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I muttered, "You want me to do anything while you're gone?"

"You can put the stuff in the boxes over there away?"

"Can I swipe a Root Beer?"

"If you get the sad look off your face, yeah," he grinned and I smiled weakly as he left. Picking up the glass bottle I took a sip before turning up the radio and found myself singing along. As I spun around, I saw Chris, Teddy, Gordie, and some kid I didn't know standing in the doorway.

"Uh," I laughed uneasily as the all smiled at me, "Hi?"

"You look like a scared rabbit," Teddy cackled and I plastered a glare on my face.

"What'd you want," I growled, folding my arms.

"Jeez, chill, Ice," he smirked and I rolled my eyes, "Hey you still got his knife?"

"Who's knife?" the mystery kid questioned, "Should you be carrying around a knife, I mean-."

"Shut up, Vern," they chorused, making me smile slightly as I turned to put the stuff away.

"She can fend herself just fine," I heard Chris state.

"Right," Teddy scoffed.

"Shut up," Chris said before I heard something drop. Turning around, I was met with a ball of boys. Good God.

"For Christ's', break it up," I yelled, kicking one of them, yeah, they were that meshed. They fell apart and I pulled them up before pointing a finger at Teddy. "I will kick your ass next time." Then turned to Chris. "I can fight my own battles, thank you very much. If anything, you should learn how to."

"Jesus, you're fucking bi-polar," Teddy stated.

"Fuck off," I muttered, walking back to the fridge. Sliding down the door, I took a sip of the Root Beer again, breathing deeply. Maybe I just shouldn't make friends. I don't do well with people.

"Hey Corey?" My head snapped up to see Chris, standing with his hands in his pockets. "We're gonna go swimming."

"Okay," I muttered slowly, raising an eyebrow.

"I was wondering if you wanted to come."

"I'd have to wait until my brother gets back and I don't know if he'd let me." The look of disappointment in his eyes made my stomach twinge with guilt and I sighed. "I'll ask."

"Alright," he grinned.

"See you later," I smiled back. I couldn't help it. When he smiled, I just, I really couldn't help it. Damn it . . .

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A/N: I know it's short and it seems somewhat pointless and well, weird but it's got a meaning, i was having a little trouble with this chapter but the next might be easier, hope you liked it :-) Review please :-)