Disclaimer: I don't own Kickin it
Now onto the story
Tuesday, December 4th, 2012
Seaford High
"-in Jesus name, amen." The group leader, Grayson says as he finishes the prayer, "great meeting everyone. See you Thursday."
Once the prayer ends Jack let's go of his neighbour's hand and starts packing up his stuff. Once again came the end of another Amplified club meeting. It was one of the few privileges he still had after being grounded for life by his mom. After the whole dojo getting trashed incident and Rudy finding out Jerry and him were partly responsible, his sensei told their parents.
To say his mom wasn't happy would be an understatement.
The thing about his mom was she wasn't the type who yells when she gets angry. His mom gets quiet which makes it ten times more scary in his opinion. With yelling you know what to expect and by the time they're done yelling they've calmed down. When they get quiet you have no idea what's going on in their head. His mom's face goes horribly blank and it makes Audrey and him sweat profusely. She shuts down, eyes narrow, and turns monosyllabic.
After Rudy called his and Jerry's mom the boys waited for them scared out of their minds. Jerry was a nervous wreck, muttering to himself in Spanish, praying, and looked ready to jump out of his skin. He thinks the dancer was contemplating making a run for it. Not that Jack blames him, he was too.
When they're moms finally arrived Rudy took them into his office. After an estimated fifteen minutes later their moms came out. Mrs. Martinez came out with a ferocious glare that scared even him. Jerry paled and his mama grabbed him by the ear and started yelling at him in a tirade of Spanish. Jack's mom on the other hand walked straight out of Rudy's office not once looking at him. She made a beeline out of the dojo, him and Audrey followed after her. He stumbled over his words, wanting to explain himself despite knowing there weren't any words to. After rambling for a good five minutes his mom frostily told him to stop talking.
Those were the only words she said to him on the car ride home. The ride was completely silent. He sat in the back with Audrey who looked torn between being amused at him being in trouble or scared. In the end the seventh grader decided to pull out her phone and keep her mouth shut. The Christian radio station usually played during car rides but for once his mom didn't turn it on. That was just more proof of how pissed his mom was. When they made it home, his mom continued her silent treatment. She walked to her bedroom and closed the door. Jack and Audrey did the same and the latter looked like she was leaning to being worried over amused.
It felt like Jack waited in his room forever though it was probably more like an hour. His mom came inside his room still blank faced but finally ready to talk. She didn't talk about what happened to the dojo or the pranks he pulled. She just told him that he was grounded for a month. He could only go to and from school. No hanging out with friends, no cell phone, and no karate practice. She didn't ask him what he was thinking or why he did it. Worse, she didn't even look at him. Jack hated how emotionless his mom was and he once again tried to apologize and explain himself. When his mom finally looked at him it made him stop. She looked so...disappointed in him. His mom never looked at him like that.
All the times he got in trouble for skating in the mall she never looked at him like that. Exasperated sure but not disappointed. Not as if she didn't know him. No punishment was worse than his mom looking at him with such disappointment. He'd prefer her blank look over that. That was when he started rethinking a lot of his actions over the past few months.
Once his bible was packed away in his backpack he zipped it up, stood up, and swung his backpack over his shoulder. He glanced over at Audrey who sat a few seats down from him next to a girl in her grade. The two of them looked to be engaged in a conversation. Jack will never admit it out loud but it always made it happy seeing his sister talking to someone. She was a very shy girl when it came to talking to strangers. Heck it took her a while to warm up to his friends even though she met them a handful of times when she stayed with his mom and him during summer vacation. Even now she was still kind of shy around them but not as much. So whenever he sees her actively talking to someone it makes him stupidly happy.
Not wanting to interrupt his sister's conversation he looked for other ways to occupy himself. He spots Brad across from him in the circle also packing up. Jack wouldn't call Brad a friend, they were more like acquaintances. The type of people to nod to one another in the hall or in their shared classes partner with one another if their friends weren't in the class. So Jack decides to walk over towards him while he waits for his sister.
"Hey Brad."
The blonde haired boy looks up from his backpack and smiles at him, "Jack hey how's it going?"
Jack smiles back, "I'm blessed so I can't complain."
Brad nodded in agreement, "Amen to that."
The person that was occupying the seat next to Brad left so Jack took the seat, "Though I'm gonna need all the prayers I can get to pass Mrs. Blankenship's test." Jack continues, halfway joking as he thought about his Algebra teacher
Brad's eyes widened, "Wait the test was today?!"
Jack frowned a little in confusion, "Yeah, that's why she had us do those review packets," Jack tells him but Brad still had the panicked look on his face, "did you not finish the packet?"
Brad slowly shook his head, "No."
Jack chuckles then reaches his arm out to clap Brad on his shoulder. "Well buddy I think you're gonna need prayer more than me."
"Yeah," the blonde agrees with a slow nod, "yeah I think so," Brad frantically finishes zipping up his backpack, "I need to go and try to finish this packet."
"Hey you want to look through mine? Milton helped me with it so don't worry it's right."
"Uh," Brad hesitated. Debating if he was desperate enough to technically 'cheat' since you were supposed to do the review packet as homework. "Yeah that'll be great."
Jack unzipped his backpack and grabbed the folder with said review packet in it. He opened it and pulled out the homework assignment and handed it over to the panicked blonde boy.
Brad took it with eager hands, "Thank you so much Jack, you're a lifesaver."
Jack waved the sentiment off, "No problem man. When it comes to Mrs. Blankenship, we need to stick together."
"I promise I'll give it back to you before class starts."
"Okay. Good luck."
With one last wave Brad hurried out of the room. When the boy was gone Jack looked back over to Audrey and saw that the girl she was talking to left. His sister has now pulled out one of her many books. The skater placed the folder back in his backpack, stood up, then swung his bag back on his shoulder.
He made his way back over to Audrey, "Hey Bambi, you ready to go?"
The girl in question looked up at him and nodded, "Oh uh yeah." She closed her book, grabbed her backpack and stood up. Once she was ready the two were off.
"So what book are you reading now?"
"It's called the Fault in Our Stars. It's about these two teens Gus and Hazel and they both have cancer and met at a cancer support group. They eventually fall in love."
"That sounds," Jack trails off, trying to find the nice way to put it, but failing, "really depressing."
Audrey laughs, she lightly swats at him with her book, "It's a little sad, yes but it's not depressing."
"Let me guess, one of them dies at the end?" Jack asks as he continued down the path to the staircase
From the few chick flicks he was forced to watch in his fifteen years of existence he knows in some of them, one lover ends up tragically dying. For one there was Romeo and Juliet. Then the time when the gang had a movie night at Milton's house and Kim ended up choosing the movie after drawing straws. She chose The Notebook much to their horror and they had no choice in the matter. Jerry fell asleep ten minutes into the movie, Eddie was more interested in the food and playing Angry Birds on his phone, but Milton was actually invested in the movie. Jack himself half heartedly watched it and won't admit to anyone but felt a little something when the main couple died together in their sleep when they were.
Another example was last summer when Audrey stayed with him and his mom. They had a movie night and she wanted to watch A Walk to Remember. Jack fell asleep halfway through the movie but woke up before it ended and put together the main girl died of cancer. Audrey was an inconsolable mess and even his mom got misty eyed. Jack was once again reminded that he was the only guy in the house.
Audrey shrugs, "I don't know. I haven't finished it yet."
"Well considering they both have cancer I'm betting one of them will."
"We'll see."
Aa Jack continued down the hall a classmate greets him. Jack nods to them even though he has no idea who that person was. Finally he reached the staircase and started his descent down them. Audrey followed behind him.
"So I bet you're jumping for joy now that you can come back to the dojo."
Three weeks later and his mom finally started letting up on some of his punishments. One of them being he was allowed to go back to the Wasabi dojo. Karate meant so much to their family, her included, so she relented. He unfortunately still didn't have his phone though. "Jumping no, but I am happy to continue training after the long break."
"And by break you mean being grounded for life for being an idiot."
Jack went down the first short flight of stairs and was now on the landing platform in between the flight of stairs. He turns to glare at his sister, "Audrey," he says waringly
Audrey met his gaze undeterred by his glare. "What it's true. I still don't understand what the heck you were thinking."
The ninth grader huffs out an irritated breath then turns to continue down the final flight of stairs, "I wasn't okay? I wasn't thinking," he snaps, "I know it was stupid okay?" Jack sighed, "I know."
Jack had a lot of time to think about his actions. He realizes now that all the anger he had against Frank wasn't completely warranted. Some of that anger wasn't really for Frank, but actually for his dad. He was distracting himself. If he focuses on Frank he won't have time to think about his absent dad who is dating a woman he never introduced to them. Or the fact he's no longer best in the dojo.
Now that Jack was off the stairs he walks over to the seating area next to the stairs and sits, "Which is why I'm gonna to apologize to Frank."
Audrey pauses mid stride in shock, her eyes rounding, "You're doing what now?"
Jack nods,"Yeah. It's what he deserves and the least that I could do."
The seventh grader blinks a few times before breaking out of her shock and sitting next to her brother. "Ah well uh how noble of you."
Jack shrugs, it's not exactly something he wants to do but it's something he knows he has to do. He just wants to make amends and put a stop to this war before it really begins.
"It sounds like you're finally putting on your big boy pants Jackie." She teases with a sly smirk
Jack ruffles her hair in retaliation causing the seventh grader to squawk and push his hands away.
Mid laugh Jack gaze drifts away and he spots her. She was standing by her locker pulling out her books while chatting with Kelsey and Donna.
Audrey follows her brother's gaze, "And what about Kim?" she asks him, "you're still avoiding her?"
Just like Jack feared, things between Kim and him were awkward. The one good thing about being grounded for life was that he had a reason not to see Kim. As soon as school ended he got in the car line to head home. Home to the list of chores he had to do and the frostiness from his mom. With his phone being taken away he didn't have any way to contact her or the gang. He was allowed to use the home computer but for schoolwork only. Jack was already filled with guilt and shame that he couldn't bring it in himself to create another tab to check Facebook.
He could only talk to his friends at school. Before, after, or in between classes. He didn't share lunch with Milton, Eddie, or Jerry. He only shared it with Kim so he sat at her table with Donna and Kelsey. Only of course now he couldn't sit with her, instead he had to sit with acquaintances which wasn't a problem because he had quite a few. Now in their shared English class they sat far away from each other.
Jack finally looks away. "Avoiding, that's such a," he flounders thinking of what to say, "strong word." Is what he settles for
His sister gives him an unimpressed look, "But it's what you're doing."
Jack sighs, "I don't know what to say to her," he shamefully admits, "I was awful to her."
"That's a little dramatic, you weren't awful to her." Audrey disagrees
"I ignored her for most of our relationship. After spending two years crushing on her when I finally had her, I blew it. Big time." He says flatly
"Okay yeah," Audrey concedes, "but I believe you guys can work it out. I still think you guys should be together."
Jack smiles sadly, "I'm not sure about that anymore Bambi." Like a magnet, his gaze was drawn back to Kim. The blonde was now closing her locker and locking it back up. Once finished she walked down the hall with Kelsey and Donna in the opposite direction of him.
Audrey shoots him a sympathetic look. "Jack," she begins but the older boy didn't want to hear any of it
He abruptly stands up, "I gotta go. I see Frank." He didn't wait for his sister to respond and quickly hurried away
Frank and his two goons Victor and Brian were standing in front of the lockers across from where Kim's was located. They were huddled around Frank's phone laughing at whatever video was playing.
Victor was the one who spotted him first, "Uh oh, here comes church boy."
Jack hated that nickname so freaking much but refused to rise to the bait. He comes in peace. No matter what annoying thinking Victor says, he won't reply back.
Frank glared at him, "You have a lot of nerve coming over here Brewer."
"I didn't come over here to start a fight."
"Good because it'll be a three on one fight and no matter how good you are at karate you'd still lose." Victor- the loyal lapdog- once again butts in
Jack tightened his grip on his backpack straps but still ignored his fellow ninth grader.
This time Brian was the one to respond, "Then what did you come over here for?"
It took a lot of effort to say what he was about to say. With all the sordid history between the two of them he still holds resentment towards him. He spits out, "To apologize."
That threw the trio for a loop as they all stood there in shocked silence. Out of all the things they were preparing for, an apology wasn't something they guessed. But of course Victor was the one who recovered first, "For what? The fake ID? Pretending you wanna make amdensa? Provoking a fight and calling the cops?"
Jack inhales then exhales a long breath. Praying for patience. "For all of it."
Frank finally decided to speak for himself, "You're sorry? You think a lame ass apology will fix things? You got me arrested!"
"I know and I went too far with that. I shouldn't have ever done that."
"Oh you're just now realizing that?" Victor interjected once again and this time Jack had enough
Jack glares at his fellow brunette, "Unless your name was suddenly changed to Frank, I'm not talking to you Straffman." He snapped
Victor steps into Jack's space, "Well I'm talking to you asswipe."
Frank and Brian watched the interplay in interest. Jack wasn't going to give them a show.
Jack closed his eyes and forced himself to take a calming breath. He wasn't going to react. He wasn't going to react. "Victor, let's not do this now. I just want to talk to Frank alone."
"Oh is church boy backing down? You afraid Brewer?" Victor challenged
Afraid of embarrassing you, Jack thought but didn't voice. He's trying to be a bigger person. He already caused enough trouble and he won't be responsible any more because he can't be the bigger person.
Thankfully the junior had enough of the show and lays a calming hand on his ninth granth minion's shoulder, "Easy now Vic," Frank tells the younger boy, "Alright Brewer I'll bite. Let's talk."
Jack huffs a sigh of relief, "Thank you." he says even though he was thinking that the curly haired bully could've stepped in from the beginning and avoided all of that
The freshman and junior walked a few lockers down from the Black Dragons in the right direction towards the stairs. Frank leans against a locker and nods at Jack in a get on with it look.
"Frank I really am sorry for the whole fake id thing. It was stupid and immature and I never should of done it in the first place. It was way too far."
Frank stares at him blankly, not offering any sort of response. So Jack continues, "Let me try to make it up to you. Whatever you want," he promises before taking a second to realize how scary that promise was, "that's within reason." He quickly adds
Frank's blank looks slowly morphs into a smile. A sinister smile if you ask Jack, "Okay," he says, "I'll bite. Come meet me tomorrow at Shore Park at four. Let's talk more then."
Jack wanted to immediately disagree. Four is when karate practice starts and that'll be his first karate practice after his three week break. He's already so far behind as it is, showing up late is just gonna make it worse. But he can't do that, he owes Frank after getting him freaking arrested.
So what came out of his mouth was, "Deal. I'll see you then."
Frank smiles that smarmy, sinister smile again that made Jack feel like he just made a deal with the devil. He really hoped he didn't.
Seaford High
2nd Period Spanish
It's been about a month since The Incident and life continued on. There were karate tournaments, the gymnastic season started, and yearbook meetings. Also schoolwork started piling up as the end of the semester neared with final exams. When Sloane started her freshman year she can say for certain this wasn't how she pictured the semester going. She found two new people that she doesn't find unbearable and are kinda her friends now. She started dating her first boyfriend and then there's the change in her relationship with Ana. She went ahead and fell in love with her best friend.
Which means what? She's into girls? She's bi? Sloane isn't sure, she never gave it much thought. Well she never allowed herself to give it much thought. She was always more than happy to ignore that elephant in the room, she spent all summer repressing that shit. Did whatever she could to ignore it and act like everything was okay. Try and push away any of the dreams she had about Ana. Threw herself into her relationship with Brad and tries to feel anything when they kiss. Tries to ignore the feelings of anger, resentment, and jealousy when she sees Ana with Brett. She hoped dating Brad would change her feelings, fix it, only it didn't.
When she kissed Ana she felt the sparks and fireworks that girls gushed about in the teen magazines Ana loves to read. Which again brings up the question what does that mean for Sloane and her sexuality? Sure she found girls pretty but that doesn't mean anything right? Girls can find other girls pretty without being into them. Maybe Sloane wasn't into Ana because she's a girl but because she's Ana.
The sound of a timer going off snapped Sloane out of her thoughts.
"Okay everyone pencils down. Pass your quizzes to the front."
Sloane looked down at her quiz to see she still had three unanswered questions left. Shit. She got so wrapped up in her thoughts she forgot she was even taking a quiz. She blows out an irritated breath then reluctantly passes her quiz forward. Oh well the quiz shouldn't bring her grade down too much, maybe to like a C.
Her gaze shifts over to a girl two rows over in the third row. Ana.
Things have been weird between them since The Incident. Ana and her had hardly talked since then. The two of them have been avoiding each other the week after the fateful sleepover. Sloane didn't know what to say to Ana if they crossed paths so she figured it was better she doesn't say anything to her at all. Luckily the diva felt the same way. Sloane caught glimpses of Ana in the hall laughing with Grace and Lyndsey or worse kissing Brett. Then of course they shared Spanish together but Ana decided to move seats two rows over from her.
When two weeks hit Sloane debated if she should try to make contact. Maybe apologize? Say it was an accident? Beg her to just please pretend it never happened and move past it? Or there was the other option. The nuclear option.
Confess her feelings.
Sloane has no delusional fantasy of Ana loving her back and them becoming girlfriends. Frankly Sloane is not even sure if she's ready for that move. She just barely allowed herself to admit that she loved Ana. She's still unsure what this means for her sexuality or if she's ready to even date a girl or even worse go public with it. She knows Ana is infatuated with Brett and only has eyes for him. Then on top of that she was born in a conservative Christian family that were against the LGBT+ community.
"We're going to spend the last ten minutes of class going over your semester project," their teacher states, "this'll take the place of your test. It'll be a partner project and I will allow you to pick your partner. But before you do, let me tell you what your assignment is about."
Sloane sent a simple, hey, text to Ana two weeks after the kiss. She waited three days with bated breath for a reply back. She shot anxious looks to the girl in their Spanish class but she never glanced back. As soon as class ended Ana rushed out of the class like a bat out of hell. Sloane tried not to feel hurt by it. Or that when she checked for a reply 3 days later she saw that Ana read the message but didn't text back. She tried to rationalize that maybe it was just because Ana was busy with family since it was Thanksgiving.
She was terrified of talking to Ana again but she was also anxious every second they didn't talk. What if Ana blabbers about the kiss to her two new besties Grace and Lyndsey? Or even worse to her parents? They'd be scandalized and definitely tell her dad. Maybe even try and push for him to send her to one of those straight camps. Not that she thinks he'd do that because he's not like them. He's supportive of the LGBT community so she knows realistically she doesn't need to be afraid to tell him about her feelings for Ana who happens to be a girl. She's just not sure about what exactly to hell him.
After returning to school from Thanksgiving break Sloane decided it was time for them to talk. They can't keep avoiding each other. They need to face it head on so that hopefully they can move past it. They should be able to move past it. They've been best friends since forever really, this is just a blip in the road. So Sloane made the decision to come to The Addams Family opening night. She went with Ro and Rhyland, the latter two going to cheer on Remy and Ashanti.
The play wasn't as bad as Sloane thought it'll be. There were still some annoying songs and some of the acting wasn't that great but it wasn't that bad. To be honest she wasn't paying that much attention to it because all she could think of was talking to Ana after the play ended. She rehearsed what she was going to say a million times in her head and tried to convince herself that it'll be okay. She has nothing to worry about because they can make it past this. The brunette can admit that she was pessimistic as hell but she didn't want to believe that things would end badly. She didn't want to be pessimistic about this.
After the play ended and the cast did their bows, Ro and Rhyland went to congratulate Remy and Ashanti while Sloane left to find Ana. It took a few minutes of shoving people out the way but she found the diva. She was chatting with another ancestor, Erica she thinks? She doesn't know or frankly care. As soon as she laid eyes on the girl, the speech she rehearsed over and over in her head wiped away. She just stood there in her spot as if her feet were glued on the ground. She couldn't make her mouth form any words. Erica was the one who spotted her then nudged Ana in her direction. As soon as the diva saw her, her entire smile was wiped clean off her face.
Erica left them alone. Sloane finally regained movement of her feet and hesitantly walked closer to her best friend. She never broke eye contact with Ana so she noted the girl tracking her movements with fearful eyes. Sloane tried not to be hurt by it (she failed). All her planning and rehearing failed her now that she was face to face with the girl. Her mind couldn't remember a single damn word and her mouth was dry and frozen. Ana finally broke eye contact and glanced anywhere but at her. Obviously looking for an escape. Sloane wasn't sure how long she stood there staring at Ana in silence, maybe three or five minutes. When she finally could unstick her tongue from the top of her mouth the only word she could say was 'hi'.
Unfortunately before Sloane could say anything else Brett interrupted them. He came swooping in, showering Ana in compliments then kissing her. Sloane looked away from them, jealousy rearing its ugly head. She also couldn't help remembering what it was like to kiss Ana, how soft her lips were and how they tasted.
"...your projects will be due December 14th. The Friday before exam week. Now you guys may find your partner and since we have an odd number there will be one group of three. Only one."
Sloane's eyes were still locked on Ana in determination as she rose from her seat. The black belt has reached the end of her patience for Ana's avoidance. She was determined to talk to her. Opening night might've been a bust but Sloane wanted to try again. She had to. She believed she could fix things if only Ana would talk to her.
"Ana."
The diva looked up from her paper with round eyes, "Sloane h-hi."
"Do you wanna be partners?"
Ana looks back down. Body language screaming how uncomfortable she was. She keeps fiddling with her paper on her desk, "Oh uh, sorry I'm partnering with Erica."
"Erica? You think she'll actually be a good partner? Does she actually pay attention to anything other than her nails?" Sloane asks jokingly
To Sloane's surprise, Ana actually got upset, "She's actually pretty good in Spanish. She may not be getting A's and B's all the time but she passes. You don't have to be so judgemental of everyone."
Sloane was taken back by Ana's anger. The self proclaimed diva rarely snapped at her over her bitchiness. Now the girl looked angry instead of uncomfortable, Sloane's not sure which was worse.
The Wasabi Warrior swallows. This was not how she wanted the conversation to go at all, "I'm, I'm sorry you're right."
Ana still looks less than pleased, "I should go over to Erica." She grabs her stuff then scoots her chair back to stand up
How did this conversation go so wrong so fast?
"Wait!" Sloane says, stopping the other girl much to her surprise, "your birthday," she begins, "it's coming up. Do you know what you're doing for it?"
"Um yeah."
There was an awkward pause. When it was clear Ana wasn't going to continue Sloane presses, "Care to share?"
That looked like the last thing Ana wanted to do. "Uh you know just hanging out with my friends and...Brett. Gonna go out to eat then spend the rest of the night at my place."
"Your friends?" Sloane dumbly repeats. Friends? Sloane was Ana's best and only friend since forever. Two peas in a pod and whatever bullshit saying goes. Ana was her's until the bitch squad entered her life.
Ana looked down uncomfortably, "Yeah."
Impulsively the next words fell out of the black belt's mouth, "You mean the bitch squad?"
Anger flashed in Ana's eyes at the insult, "I really need to get to Erica."
Sloane shouldn't have said that. Any chance she had at sweet talking the diva was now gone. Sloane numbly walks back over to her seat. This can't be it, how they end. She needs to do something, anything to salvage it.
So caught up in her spiraling thoughts she didn't notice the person that got up from their seat a few rows down to move to the seat behind her. They watched the interaction between her and Anan and pieced together they weren't working together.
"Hey Sloane." The girl's eyes widened at the voice
Shit. It was Brad.
Sloane honestly forgot that the boy even existed. After The Kiss Sloane started avoiding him. She tried her hardest to make it work with him but her efforts were useless. She feels nothing for him so she just started avoiding him. She knew it was rude to string him along. She needed to break up with him but she kept prolonging it. To her breaking up with Brad meant admitting what she desperately tried to fight. Her feelings for Ana.
Which means she wasn't straight.
Sloane reluctantly turned around in her seat to come face-to-face with the blonde haired boy. "Hey."
The boy was nervously tapping his fingers against the desk, "Hey um I take it you're not partnering with Ana?"
Sloane sucked her teeth and against her better judgement glazed back over to said girl. The diva was talking and smiling with Erica the same way she used to do with her. Sloane quickly looked away, "No I'm not."
Brad nodded, "Cool uh, would you wanna partner with me then instead?"
Sloane knew the question was coming but it didn't stop the feeling of dread coming. Her first instinct was to say no and flee out of the room. She still wasn't ready to face him yet and do the right thing and the implications that come with it. Only she needs a partner for the stupid project. Unfortunately the only person she wants to partner with doesn't want to do it with her. Brad was the only other person in the class she didn't hate.
Sloane bit the inside of her cheek, debating her answer despite already knowing the answer. She released her cheek and reluctantly agreed, "I uh I guess."
Brad visibly brightened at that. It was pathetically hopeful. "Cool. Great, that's great."
Sloane thought it was anything but that. That means they have to spend time together again and talk. That means she has to deal with Brad and his kindness and how he stupidly still wants to date her even though she treats him pretty badly. "Yeah."
Thankfully the bell rang before anything else could be said. "Okay class see you tomorrow."
That was what Sloane was desperately waiting for. She quickly shoved her notebook and pencil in her backpack then hightailed it out of there. She didn't need to deal with her conscience right now. Her attention needs to be on how to find a way to make things right with Ana. Nothing else.
"Sloane, wait!" Brad called after her but that just made her pick up speed
Unfortunately with there being a crowd of students it made her escape difficult. It wasn't long before Brad caught up with her and she internally cursed. "Hey I've been calling and texting you but you haven't replied back."
Sloane continued speed walking, her destination the staircase. "I've been really busy with karate and gymnastics."
Brad still managed to keep up, "Yeah I figured that. I was just wondering if I- did I do something wrong?" He stammered over his last sentence, insecurity tinging his words
Damn him and his sincerity. He sounded so pathetic and scared that even her and her hardened heart wasn't unaffected by it. Like she said before she doesn't hate Brad or have any ill feelings towards him. She kinda likes him- as a friend of course- and seeing him like that, does stuff to her. She wasn't a complete heartless bitch.
She slowed her pace even though she noticed longingly that she wasn't that far from the staircase. She also turned towards him, "No you didn't," Sloane assures him. She tried to think of an excuse to give him but came up short, "like I said, I've just been really busy." That was all she could give him
Brad's face scrunched in confusion, "Then why-" he began but Sloane swiftly cuts him off
"I can't have this conversation right now. I really need to get my stuff for my next class." Before he could say another word the black belt sped off towards the stairs
She has to find a way to fix things with Ana. She has to.
Football Field
Behind the bleachers
Milton was once again staying later at school than usual.
He had an after school student council meeting discussing the upcoming talent show. A lot more people signed up for it than he thought. They decided to make it a competition so they were spitballing ideas for what the three prizes will be. Auditions were held last Friday so now their focus was on getting a backstage staff for the show and determining the prizes.
After the meeting ended he headed over to the locker room to talk to Coach Marmur. After mulling it over for weeks Milton decided to quit the football team. He never felt passionate while playing the sport and to be honest it didn't have a good impact on his life. He started making solid B's in most of his classes because he was swamped with football and karate practices. One time he even made a 78 in his AP bio class. A 78. That's a C, he made a C. That's what sealed the deal on his decision.
He exited the locker room which led him out to the track and football field. He stood there for a moment, letting the decision really soak in. Coach Marmur was disappointed but accepted his decision with little argument. Their season is already over so it's not like it'll affect the team. Milton handed in his helmet and jersey then was off on his way. He proved to himself that he was capable of joining the team and being pretty good at it too. That was all that matters.
The locker room was a few feet behind the bleachers. So when he stepped out of the room the field was blocked by the large bleachers. He started walking forward, not really walking in a direction. He pulled his phone out to check if his mom was on his way. He was so busy in the meeting he didn't get to text her until the meeting was over. Sure enough his mom didn't reply back to him.
"- meeting up with him at Shore Park."
Milton recognized that voice. It sent shivers down his spine and caused his heart to pump faster. Frank. The ninth grader looked up from his phone to see that somehow he ended up near the back of the bleachers. He apparently was so invested in his phone he didn't realize how far he walked.
"Yeah he wants to apologize or whatever he has no idea what I'm gonna do to him."
Sounds like Frank is planning a plan of attack on another poor, unsuspecting lad. What else is new? Milton shook his head in sympathy. Why doesn't Frank have anything better to do than cause fear and misery?
"What are you gonna do?" Another male voice Milton recognizes as Brian asks
In answer it sounds like Frank unzipped his backpack. Milton assumes he pulls something out of it that causes someone to gasp. Maybe Brian?
"Holy shit." Victor breathes
"Frank that's a-" Brian adds in a panicked voice
Victor interrupts, "What are you doing with-"
"Relax guys, relax."
"Relax? Frank you have a-"
"I know what I have, thank you."
Milton frowned, he wondered what Frank had that caused such a reaction from his two cronies.
"Frank are you actually gonna try to, are you really gonna k-"
"No I'm not,' Frank injerhects before Brian finishes, "of course not that's too far even for me," he reassures his minions, "I'm just gonna scare him a little. Maybe rough him up and hurt him a bit."
There was an uneasy silence after the sentence.
"Hey he deserves it after what he did to me. He needs to know I'm not to be messed with. Don't tell me you guys suddenly grew a conscience."
Milton figured he heard enough of whatever evil plan the bully was planning. He quietly stepped away from the bleachers to head back into the locker room.
Wednesday, December 4th, 2012
Winnie's Residence
"Since your dad is going to be out late with the guys, that leaves me to take you over to Ana's." Her aunt says from where she was in her kitchen
Sloane froze at that. School just ended and her aunt picked her up because Sloane didn't wanna ride the bus home today. She just couldn't deal with loud, obnoxious idiots for twenty minutes straight. Someone would've gotten hurt and Sloane wouldn't be regretful in the slightest. So thankfully her amaIng aunt agreed to pick her up today and now they were over at her aunt's house. The ninth grader was lounging on the living room couch with her favorite snack sitting on her lap; cheese and jalapeno popcorn. On the tv played Real Housewives, one of her aunt's guilty pleasure shows. Was it a good idea to eat this before karate practice? Probably not. Did she care? No.
It was an innocent assumption. Ana and her have spent every birthday together ever since they became friends in second grade. The Walters hosted the party at Hijinx and invited all of her and Ana's classmates. Half the class showed up but Ana didn't really interact with them, instead she spent her time with Sloane. For the next few birthdays the Walters continued inviting Ana's classmates until her 6th grade birthday. The majority of the classmates that went to Ana's birthday parties were forced to be there by their parents.
For the past three years Ana's birthday consisted of Sloane sleeping over her house. They spent the night eating junk food (vegetarian friendly), playing on the Wii, Ana bringing in the karaoke machine, and watching one of her many favorite musical movies. It was essentially just another one of their many sleepovers; the only difference is they eat cake and Ana opens presents.
Though considering how things are between them now Sloane knows there won't be a sleepover between them. There might be one with Grace and the Ice Princess since they're her new bffs.
"There's not going to be a sleepover. Ana's doing something different this year." Sloane opted for her voice to sound casual as she said that. She wasn't entirely sure she succeeded
She heard the fridge close, "Oh?" her aunt asks
"Yeah and I'm not sure if I'm going over to her house."
Winnie stepped out of the kitchen and into the living room, "What? What do you mean you're not sure you're going over there?"
Sloane shrugs. Refusing to raise her gaze from the popcorn bowl in her lap. She was trying her hardest to radiate cool and casualness even as her heart was beating fast like a hummingbird's. She didn't want to make this be a big thing even though realistically she knows it is. Ana and her have never spent a birthday apart in their seven years of friendship.
"I wasn't going to mention it because I was hoping I was just reading into things or you two would've worked it out by now but alas. Ana hasn't been around here lately and you haven't mentioned her. Is everything okay between you two?"
Sloane wanted to laugh. Were things okay between them? Things were far from okay between them. So far they weren't even on the same continent. Sloane hoped that they would be able to patch things up but at this rate she was starting to lose hope. Ana didn't reply back to any of her texts or Facebook messages, and avoids her like the plague whenever they cross paths in schools. The worst thing of all, she didn't invite her to her birthday party tonight. Something she didn't even know was happening until she checked Ana's Facebook update. Ana and her always celebrated together yet Ana didn't think or want to invite her to. That right there showed Sloane just how serious this fight or break or whatever it was between them was.
But of course the ninth grader couldn't tell her aunt all that. She pops a popcorn kernel in her mouth and nods, "Uh yeah, yeah, or it will be, eventually. We're just uh taking a break from one another right now. We're working through something."
Her aunt hummed. Sloane could tell the woman was debating pressing for more information. "Well whatever it is you two are going through I'm sure she'll still want you to be there with her on her birthday."
Sloane doubts that. She doubts that a lot. The way Ana's been acting, the girl wants absolutely nothing to do with her. She doesn't want to tell her aunt that and let her know just how bad things are between them. Then her aunt will push and Sloane will have to tell her what exactly happened between them.
"Maybe you're right."
"I am," her aunt says smugly, "so I'm dropping you off at five thiry okay?'
Sloane nods. It's not like her aunt would've taken no for an answer anyway. Besides this could be her last chance to make things right with Ana, "Okay."
Bayview Mall
Bobby Wasabi Dojo
It felt good to be back in the Bobby Wasabi dojo. During their impromptu three week break Milton found that he deeply missed the dojo. He missed his eccentric sensei and his gentle pushing for him to do his best. Being wowed by Jack once again perfecting a move or bo staff routine. Even sparring with Eddie or Jerry. He found he missed it all.
Though The ginger haired boy will admit break helped him get back on track with his grades at school. Since he didn't have an obligation to go to after school it helped him do makeup work for his biology class. He now proudly has a solid 90 in the class and started making A's again. It had Lorie sending him death glares again but it was worth it to him.
When Milton first entered the dojo he was happy to see it looked perfectly normal. None of the previous damage was there, it looked brand new. Then the next thing he noticed was he didn't see Jack. He was surprised the black belt wasn't on the mat. He saw Sloane using a punching dummy, Kim and Audrey stretching on the mat, Brody at his locker, and Eddie and Jerry sitting on one of the newly fixed benches. No signs of their star student. He reasoned with himself that maybe he was in the locker room getting ready.
After saying his round of hellos to the gang he entered the locker room to get changed. Only there was no sign of the boy in the locker room either. The locker room ws kinda small so he should've been able to see him if he was there but he wasn't. Now Milton grew a little more concerned. It wasn't like Jack at all to be late or miss a karate practice. Milton knew his karate suspension ended today, it was all Jack would talk about during breakfast at school. So where was he?
After he left the locker room he joined Audrey and Kim on the mat. The two girls were talking amongst themselves about some artist Milton doesn't know. "Hey Audrey, do you know where Jack is? He should be here right now."
"I don't know why he's not here yet. He told me he was going to Shore Park to meet up with Frank at four."
Kim's eyes widened, she instantly stopped stretching. "Wait what?"
Milton blinked, not able to comprehend what the younger Brewer just said, "Come again?"
Audrey shrugged helplessly, "He wanted to apologize to Frank for the pranks he pulled."
The memory of Frank yesterday suddenly flashed in his mind. Frank excitedly boasted to his cronies about meeting some punk and showing him his place. The fear in said cronies' voice when Frank showed them something. Milton felt a pit growing in his stomach. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all.
"Holy christmas nuts." Milton whispered
Milton looked back up to the girls. Worry was etched in both of their faces at the fear in his, "Guys I think Jack might be in trouble."
Walters Residence
Wicked theme party
Sloane had been over at Ana's house more times than she could count. It was kind of a second home to her and Mrs. Walters was kind of a mother figure to her as well. After her aunt Winnie because to Sloane that's her mom. But in a way so was Mrs. Walters, she was a warm, friendly, affectionate plump woman that was almost always in a chipper mood. That was where Ana got her bubbly personality from only her mom was a little more toned down compared to her.
The point was that Ana's house was a second home to Sloane, but this was the first time Sloane felt nervous going in. She felt as if she didn't belong here. Sloane stared at the front door internally debating if maybe she should just call her aunt back. She shouldn't be too far away yet. She stared at the house as if it was the first time she saw it. It was a three bedroom, one story brick house with two garages and an attic.
Sloane gained the nerve and rang the doorbell. She wasn't going to pussy out of this, she isn't a pussy. She will go through with this and she will be fine, she is a Jennings.
The front door opened to the sight of Mrs. Walters. The Walters matriarch was a plump woman with graying black hair and the same light brown skin as her daughter. Despite being in her forties she was wrinkle free and could pass for being in her mid thirties. The woman smiled at her, "Sloane! I haven't seen you in a while."
"Yeah, I've been really busy."
"I missed seeing your aloof face around here."
Sloane smiles awkwardly, never knowing what to say to any sort of compliments or words of affections.
"Come on in," the Walter matriarch says, "They're all in the living room. I'm sure Ana can't wait to see you."
"Hopefully." Sloane mutters as she enters the house
The smell of delivery pizza hit her nose. She heard laughing and singing. Clearly the karaoke machine was brought out but the person singing wasn't Ana. Right next to the front door was a two door closet with mirrors on each door. The front entrance then separated into a hall with two directions. The left had the staircase to upstairs, Ana's dad's office study, and the backyard. The right was the living room and the middle was the kitchen. Sloane obviously took the right side to see the group.
The Walters living room was set up with two light blue couches facing each other and a white table in between them. Next to each of the sofas sat a single seat sofa facing one another as well. Personally Sloane found them an eye sore because they were some flower pattern design. A flat screen TV was hung on the wall in between two tall gold shelves. To finish off the living room below the TV was a white and yellow dresser type thing that had a fancy name she forgot. The white table that was usually there was pushed behind the farther single sofa. On said table was a half full pizza box.
Lyndsey was dancing in the open space with the microphone in her hand. She was the one Sloane heard singing. Sloane instantly zeroed in on Ana. The diva was on the farther couch facing towards her. She was curled comfortably into Parker's side, smiling and clapping along to the Ice Princess' performance. Sloane stared at them for a beat longer, at Parker's arm draped over Ana's shoulder. She looked so comfortable tucked under his arm as if she belonged there. It was another punch in the gut, another reminder that'll never be Ana with her.
Sloane tore her eyes away from them and to the couch that was facing backwards to her. The first head had long brown hair, the next short blonde hair, and the last had long dirty blonde hair. Sloane assumes those three were Grace, Brad, and Katie with half eaten plates on their lap. In the chair next to the couch facing towards was Carlson from the dojo.
"Only girl in the world. Girl in the world. Only girl in the world. Girl in the world." Lyndsey finishes the song dragging out the last word. Clapping was soon followed after by everyone except Parker.
"That was wonderful Lynds!" Grace praises
"You're gonna kill the talent show." Katie adds
"For real." Anna chimes in
"Oh you guys, stop." Lyndsey says, faking humility
"Yeah her head can't get any bigger." Brett snipes
"Bite me Jason."
"Ooh she first named you Brett." Brad teased
Brett rolled his eyes, "Not in your dreams Pryce."
Ana laughs at the two bickering. She raises her pizza slice to her mouth and takes a delicate bite from it. Her eyes drifted forward and made direct contact with Sloane's. The smil was instantly wiped off her face. "Sloane."
Sloane walks fully into the living room. Crossing her arms for some armor against the cold welcome.
"Hey."
Then of course Brad comes into view and smiles at her, "Sloane hey."
Sloane tries but fails to muster up some enthusiasm for him, "Hi."
"Come sit next to me." Brad says enthusiastically
Sloane obliges. Trying to convince herself she did the right thing coming here despite the fear in Ana's face and the death stares from both Overland and the Ice Princess. This'll be a fun night. Besides it's too late to back out now.
Brewer Residence
Jack's Bedroom
A knife.
Frank had a knife.
Frank was going to stab him with a knife.
Jack came to Shore Park not really knowing what to expect. Maybe the Black Dragons assaulting him with water balloons or shaving cream. Heck maybe Frank would dress up as a clown to try to scare him. Jack prepared himself for those scenarios. He'll take it, won't retaliate then hopefully they'll be even. He wasn't prepared for Frank's sadistic grin and a knife in his left hand.
"Somebody's gotta shut you up." Franks sneers reeling the knife back and it speeding inches from his side
"-ack. Jack!"
The boy in call jumped. He instinctively flinches, mind still at Shore Park and bracing for the impact of the knife in his side.
Kim was standing next to his bed and held her free left hand up in surrender. Her right hand held a plate of food. "Hey it's ok. It's just me. You're safe," she tries to soothe him with her voice. Rightfully thinking touching him wouldn't be a good idea
He's safe. He wasn't at Shore Park, he was at home in his room. Frank and his knife weren't anywhere near him. His friends saved him. He was safe, Jack slowly relaxed his shoulders, "Oh."
Kim awkwardly held the plate of food out to him. Watching him with concerned eyes, "I have tamales. Your mom let me bring it up to you."
Jack dispassionately stares at the plate, "Surprised. My mom doesn't like Audrey and I eating in our room." He says blankly
Kim forces an encouraging smile on her lips. "Well this is a special circumstance."
Jack bitterly smiles, "That's one way to put it," he says then looks down at his lap, "I'm not hungry."
Kim nods and walks to the table in his room to set the plate down, "Okay well I'll just leave it here for when you are." She says in a chipper tone
Jack doesn't reply to that as he continues to stare at his lap. He can't stop seeing the knife inches from his side, he was inches from getting stabbed. Frank's face was branded in his mind. His sadistic grin and crazy glint in his eye. He could've died. He almost died. He pushed Frank that far. It was all his fault. His fault.
Kim nervously twists her fingers together as she stares at the unresponsive boy. She walks back over to him, "Your mom said that your dad should be calling you in an hour. She told him about what happened."
He still didn't look at her. The words kind of washed over him, "Great." He says tonelessly
Kim sits across from him on his bed. She drops the perky act, "Jack I'm a be honest. You're kind of scaring me."
Jack didn't say anything at first. The words taking a moment to get through to him. To push Frank's face out of his mind. He finally looks back up to the girl. Kim The fearless blonde beauty was admitting he was scaring her.
He blinks, "I'm a black belt. I'm trained for self defense," he begins, "but as soon as I saw the knife I froze like a coward." He shamefully admits
Kim didn't say anything, sensing he wasn't finished and not wanting to interrupt him when he's finally talking.
Jack criss crosses his legs, "Why did I freeze? I could've kicked the knife out of his hand or or or I dunno do something but I didn't. I just stood there like a statue basically asking to get stabbed."
Kim reaches over to grab his hands, "Hey, hey don't say that," she chastised, "and don't be so hard on yourself. Lots of people react differently in dangerous situations. Haven't you heard of flight or fight or freeze? It's common. Nothing to be embarrassed about."
Jack shakes his head. Not wanting to hear it. He trains his gaze to the Kung Fu Lighting poster on the left side of his bed. He didn't want to look at Kim when he says his next sentence, "But if I can't even fight when I'm in danger then what's the point of even learning karate?"
Kim purses her lip then sits back and removes her hands from his. Jack quietly mourns the loss of the touch. "Have you ever actually been in a dangerous situation before this?"
The question took Jack by surprise enough that he looks back at her, "No."
"Then don't you think it's normal in your first situation you freeze?" Kim reasonably asks
Jack could see where the girl was coming from but still argued, "Maybe but-"
"No but's Jackson Brewer," Kim says with all the authority a fourteen year old girl can have and it shuts him up instantly. She met his gaze, "You're a fifteen year old boy who was attacked by a curly haired psychopath that should've graduated high school by now. No one expected you to be able to defend yourself like some superhero. So don't be mad at yourself for not acting like one."
He wanted to believe her. He really did. What she said makes enough sense. Of course someone would freeze in the situation he was in. Maybe someone that isn't training in karate and knows nothing about self defense. But he's a black belt. He dreamt about the time he finally used what he learned. Only the time he was finally given a chance he froze.
"It's not that simple."
"Yes it is. Don't overthink it."
Despite himself, Jack felt a smile tugging at lips. This was one of the reasons he adored Kim so much. Her fire and stubbornness. She would argue until she's blue in the face if she was passionate about something. Right now she was passionate about him believing his response was normal.
"You know I'm starting to think there might be more to you than just being a blonde cheerleader." Jack teased
Kim barks out a surprise laugh, "Watch it Brewer." she playfully growled
They share a laugh. For a moment Frank and his knife were pushed out of his mind. Right now all he was thinking about was the beautiful blonde sitting in front of him and how much he still likes her. They haven't properly talked since their breakup and this wasn't how he thought they would speak again. To be honest he wasn't sure he'd ever build up the courage to talk to her. Now that didn't seem so scary anymore.
"Look Kim," he begins drawing her gaze back to him, "I haven't properly apologized for how I acted when we were dating."
Kim stiffens and holds out a hand to stop him, "Jack you don't-"
"Yes I do," he needed to get this out, "there's no excuse for it. I didn't treat you the way I should have and I am really sorry for that."
Kim looks at him with a fragile look on her face. Their roles were reversed, now she was the vulnerable one.
"You were right. I wasn't in the right frame of mind to be dating anyone. All I could think about was my dad and fighting Frank. I took you for granted and that will be a mistake I'll regret for maybe the rest of my life. I probably would've broken up with me too."
Kim continues to just stare at him in stunned silence. Different emotions flashed across her face and Jack could't place them.
"For the time being we're probably better off as friends. I can admit I shouldn't be dating anyone right now." He finishes, feeling good to finally lay it all out there. Now he just nervously watches Kim for a response
The blonde was hugging herself and biting her lip. She wasn't looking at him again, "I don't really know what to say," Kim finally replies
"You don't have to say anything," Jacks assures her, "I just needed you to know that."
She gives him a shaky smile, "Thanks Jack."
"Of course. Even though we didn't work out, you're still one of my best friends and I don't want to lose that."
"You're one of mine too," Kim vulnerably admits, shly meeting his gaze, "I don't want to lose that either."
The two just smiled at each other. A lot of unspoken words floated between them. Unresolved feelings as obvious as ever along with regret. For the first time since the breakup Jack was positive things would be okay between them. They'll recover from this.
Eventually Jack asks, "So how long will you stay here?"
"Until 8. That's when Chuck gets off work," Kim answers, "unless this is your subtle way of saying you wanna be alone."
"No!" Jack exclaims, "no that's not it at all," he assures her, "would you wanna watch Duck Dynasty with me and eat some of my tamales?"
Kim smiles, "I thought you'd never ask."
Walters Residence
It was a little more difficult to talk to Ana alone than she thought. Ana stayed glued to Brett's side. It was like the two were inseparable, the only time they were apart was when Brett went to the bathroom, the kitchen to get more food or to refill Ana's cup. Sloane couldn't bounce at those chances because the diva would just get involved in a conversation with Grace or the Ice Princess. Or Ana would sing another song.
Even if there was a chance Brad didn't seem to want to leave her alone. He enthusiastically encouraged her to sit next to him on the couch. He eagerly offered to get her a plate of food and drink. He was just so enthusiastic and overly kind about everything that it was frankly annoying. Sloane tried to keep her cool because she knew that was just Brad's desperate attempts to get her to talk to him. She was still avoiding him and kind of acting as if he didn't exist.
Again she knew it was a completely bitchy, kind of heartless thing to do but so what? She could only focus on one thing at a time and right now her focus was on Ana. The only reason she was acknowledging his existence now was because he was the only other person in the group she tolerates. Well Carlson was also okay but she doesn't know them that well. She only talks to him when they're sparring in the dojo and even then it's only a few brief sentences. It's more sparring than talking, really.
Sloane was finally able to escape Brad when Grace basically forced him to sing a duet with her. The pair were now up and singing some 80s song- Grace confidently but Brad seemed uncomfortable and unsure- while the group watched on in delight. Brett couldn't contain his laughter and was filming the performance along with Lyndsey. Katie whoops in support, Carlson was more interested in his pizza slice, and Ana watches with a grin.
Sloane sees her chance to talk to Ana when the diva gets up from her seat to head into the kitchen. The brunette seizes her chance to follow after the shorter girl. Ana's back was turned towards Sloane as she reached into the bottom drawer of her refrigerator. The brunette girl cleared her throat to get the other's attention. Ana righted herself and turned with a smile that slid off when she saw who it was.
The Wasabi warrior tried not to let that hurt her. She really did. "Ana," she says hesitantly, "can we talk? Alone? In your room?"
"Sloane I really-" Ana began, filled with excuses but she cut quickly cut the diva off
"Please. Just five minutes that's all. Please."
There was a long pause before Ana relented, "Okay."
The two left the kitchen and headed down the hall to the stairs. The pair took the stairs in tense silence. They walked down the hall to the diva's room in silence and continued the silence when they entered it. Sloane glances around the room, a room she's been in for so many years. Before the walls were painted blue and instead were pink. When the bedspread was full of Disney princesses and she had a huge dollhouse tucked away in the corner.
Now everything was different. They were different. They will never be those innocent kids from back then when Ana played with dolls and Sloane watched Cartoon Network. Before everything became complicated and unwanted feelings came brewed up. Before they had awkward silences and couldn't even stand close to each other in the same room. Ana was sitting at her bay window with her arms crossed and Sloane was still standing awkwardly by the door.
Ana was the one to break the silence, "So what's up?" She was looking out her window and not at Sloane. Her body language screamed how much she doesn't wanna be here
Even worse was Ana's casual tone. She sounds as if she hasn't been avoiding her. Ignoring her messages. Steadily pushing her out in order to make more room for the bitch squad and her lover boy. As if she wasn't turning her back on her. A mixture of anger and hurt boiled in her. She glared at the shorter girl who was still pointedly not looking at her.
"What's up?" Sloane laughs a little hysterically, "what's up is that you've been avoiding me."
Ana flinched a little at the blunt accusation. She tightened her crossed arms and looked away from the window and into her lap. "I-I've been busy." was her weak argument
"Busy? Really? That's your excuse?" Sloane felt anger spike in her veins at the lame excuse
Ana still avoided her gaze but uncrossed her arms and laid them in her lap. How could she be so calm and unaffected? None of this seems to bother her at all? Why was she so unemotional? That only riled the wasabi warrior even more.
"It's been nearly a month. A month of you not answering my texts or calls. Avoiding me in the halls and Spanish class." Sloane ranted
That seemed to spark some time from the diva. She finally looked at her, "What do you want me to say Sloane?" Ana snaps. She breaks eye contact for a few seconds then looks at her again, "you know what you did."
Sloane swallowed heavily. The way Ana said that, as if it was some dirty secret. Something she didn't want to even say but was forced to. Something that she was disgusted by. Sloane felt a crack in her defensive armor.
The brunette also crossed her arms. She needed some form or protection, "Yes, I do," she agrees, "and I didn't mean for that to happen."
Ana gives her a disbelieving look. It said you accidentally kissed me without her verbalising it. A big part of Sloane wants to tuck tail and run. She didn't want to face this or have this conversation now or ever. Not dealing with emotional shit was her thing, it kept her safe. She hated being vulnerable. But she also knew if they didn't talk about it then things between Ana and her would remain awkward. If they talk then there's a chance they could fix this.
"I believe we can move past this. We just have to talk about what happened."
Ana shakes her head, "No we don't. We really, really don't."
Who would've thought that their roles would be reversed. Ana refusing to talk about something in favor of forgetting it ever happened while Sloane willingly wants to tak about it.
"So what, that's it then?" Sloane challenges, "you're gonna let seven years of friendship end over that? Instead of just talking to me?"
"Don't try to make me the bad guy!" Ana snapped as she stood up. Glaring at Sloane in a way she hasn't before. Many different emotions flashed in her eyes; anger, fear, guilt, and maybe even disgust. "You're the one that decided to change everything. You're the one that made things...weird."
Sloane recoiled slightly at the wording. It hit her harder than she'd like to admit. She knew Ana wouldn't like the kiss but she didn't think she'll be mean about it. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't...things got out of hand." Things being her emotions
Ana laughs harshly, "Things got out of hand? What the heck does that even mean?"
Ana stares at her, and Sloane stares right back. She debated saying what she was about to say. The Wasabi warrior breaks eye contact and uncrosses her arms. She clears her throat, "I just- I got caught up in the moment and-" she trails off
Slowly realization dawned Ana's face and she shakes her head. "Oh my gosh," she whispers, "you were always so mean to Brett. And about Brett. Meaner than usual. I always had to force you to meet up with Brad," her breathing intensifies as she continues rambling, "You never seemed to like him the way he liked you." She raises her eyes back to Sloane
Sloane's heart was beating so fast she felt like she was going to have a panic attack. Stupidly enough her eyes were starting to get misty. She starts nervously rubbing her right arm. "Ana."
Sloane will never forget the way Ana is looking at her right now. She's looking at her as if she's never seen Sloane before. She hated it. She hated it so much. Her eyes were starting to well up causing her vision to blur. She knew at that moment things weren't going to end well. Any hope she had just died.
She was afraid Ana wouldn't take this well given her background. She came from a baptist family and her dad was a pastor of a baptist church. Her parents were pretty conserative and didn't support the LGBT community. Ana didn't seem to mind gay guys, in fact one of her favorite characters in that singing show about a glee club was a gay guy. She guesses girls liking girls was totally different for the diva.
Sloane hoped that the fact she was Ana's best friend would change things. Would change things and make Ana at least try to understand. Believe that their friendship meant more than Sloane's questioning her sexuality. But the way Ana was looking now just proved that she was wrong. Ana wouldn't be able to move past this. Sloane's tears were falling now and she felt her heart cracking. She couldn't lose Ana. She just couldn't.
Sloane inhales a shaky breath, "Can we just pretend that that never happened?" She begs, "just forget about it and continue on like we used to? Please?"
Ana's brown eyes also turn glossy. "I don't think I can," she softly disagrees. She looked to the side of her, "I'm not like that."
"I know that already!" Sloane snaps, "I never deluded myself into thinking you would."
Ana still wasn't looking at her. Sloane continued trying to get through to her. Get her to fight for their friendship.
"It didn't mean anything okay? It was stupid. I was stupid. That won't ever happen again I promise. I'll make Brad the number one fucking center of my universe."
Ana sighs. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and looks down, "Sometimes friends grow apart in high school right?" she asks rhetorically, "well maybe we should just speed up the process."
Sloane shook her head. Not liking where this was going. Not liking where this was going. Each word was a sucker punch to her gut. She realistically knew this was always going to be the outcome but she foolishly had hope. Hope was for fucking suckers.
"It's gonna happen eventually. We're two very different people. I know I heard a few times people asking how we're even friends. My dad even asked that question a few times. It's a surprise that our friendship even lasted this long." She chuckles nervously
"I think it's best that we just end it here. I mean you have your new friends and I have my new friends. For seven years it was just us against the world and... I want more. It's good for both of us if we let each other go. Grow without the other."
Grow without each other? Let each other go? She was talking nonsense. They can't do that. It's always Sloane and Ana together. Two peas in a pod. Ana was her best friend, her other half. Better half.
Sloane roughly wipes away her tears, "What can I say or do to fix this? Just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it."
"There's nothing you can do or say. We will never be able to go back to how we used to be," Ana paused again. Then inhaled a shaky breath, "and honestly I don't want to. My life is better now."
It was as if Ana was trying to hurt her. All of her walls were smashed down and she had no way to protect herself from Ana's harsh words. How could she say those things?
Ana steps away from the bay window and towards her. Or more specifically towards her bedroom door. Her escape. She steps around to open her door. Sloane just stood there and didn't try to touch her. She was frozen.
Ana opens the door but stalls for a moment. Conflicting emotions crossed her face and she seemed to want to say something. She settled for, "Goodbye Sloane." Then stepped out the room and closed the door
Sloane stood frozen.
She wasn't sure how long she stood in that place. It was as if time ceased to stop. She couldn't hear the loud music blaring from down stairs. Or the laughter of the partygoers. It was as if everything was silent and life stopped for a minute. All she knew was that the heart beating in her chest was broken and her eyes were blurry from the tears falling from them.
She just lost her best friend.
Anastasia Walters was no longer hers. She now belonged to Brett and the bitch squad. She was one of them. She walked away from Sloane because she found out the one thing Sloane tried desperately to suppress.
The time Sloane finally gains the strength to move, the tears have dried on her face. She wipes them away anyway before opening Ana's door to leave. She instantly went into defense mode. She needed to put her walls back up and shove all her pain away in a box far in mind. She had to leave now. She never should've agreed to come here. She bounded down the staircase and turned a sharp corner to the front door. Unfortunately Brad heard her coming down the stairs and rushed out of the living room to talk to her.
"Hey Sloane," she distantly hears Brad call after her, "you leaving already? The cake hasn't been served yet. I heard it's-"
Sloane loses it, "Fuck off Brad!" she snaps turning on him
"Can't you take a hint?!" Sloane continues. If she was in a better mood she would've found a way to say this gentler. She may be a bitch but she's not completely heartless and she knows Brad is a good guy
But this was absolutely awful timing. Sloane was feeling too emotional right now and her defenses were shattered at the moment. She needed time to build them back up before she could face anything at the moment.
She's staring at Brad's confused, hurt face but feels nothing about it. She's hurt so she wants him to hurt too, "I've been ignoring you because I don't want to talk to you or have anything to do with you. Let me spell it out for you: we're done. Now leave me the hell alone!"
Not waiting for a reply Sloane continues storming to the front door, opening it, then slamming it behind her.
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