I raised an eyebrow.
I said “no you didn't and I'm going to cook something for you right now.”
My father beamed.
He looked exhausted. We had dinner together.
I was about to retire for the night, when I got a text from Carrie.
It read:
You need to call me right now.
I swallowed.
My God what could be happening now?
I turned to dad and said “Dad, I should get some sleep.”
Dad said go ahead sweetheart. And thanks for the meal. it was great. you are a great cook. You know the way to a man's heart.”
I laughed. Dad might be traditional but he was incredibly caring.
I said “yes oh i heard that before.”
My father understood I found the whole notion funny.
He said, "it is true though it's not a lie."
With that I smiled, kissed him goodnight and hurried to my room. My sisters were fast asleep.
I pulled up my device and text Carrie.
I text her, "this better be good.”
She replied, "you're not asleep are you.”
“I’m not”
“Call me.”
I called her.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
She paused and said, “your picture is all over social media with the hashtag loser.”
I gasped and said, “what are you talking about my picture all over the web why?”
I quickly Scroll through my phone to my social media page and sure enough, I noticed a lot of hashtags attached to my name.
There were some hateful comments telling everyone to stay away from me.
They claimed I tried to take away the cheerleaders boyfriend. That wasn't the truth that all.
It made me realize that regardless of our hard I try, I will never fit in with the so called in crowd.
I don't know what they're talking about but I didn't try to take anybody away.
I said to Carrie she said, "I know but do they know this?" I swallowed and stayed silent for a moment she said, "you there?"
I said to her “yes I'm still here.”
Carrie sighed and said “listen I'm just looking out for your best interests you have to be careful with those girls. when they want something badly, they will do anything to get ahead.
And said “no, that's not it it's just.”
Owen
I spent all night thinking about her, wondering what she was up to.
I still ponder why she wouldn’t let me drop her off at home?
I mean honestly it would have been best to do so.
I tossed and turned all night. I felt terrible about what happened the night before.
I got up early and headed out to class only to find Blake standing there ready to say whatever he wanted to say. He pulled me aside and said, “what were you thinking?” I shrugged and looked at my best friend for a moment.
Then I asked, “What do you mean?”
He said you know what I mean. Why would you go on a date with her? She can’t even come to our own makeup and not only that she has no style, and she isn’t broke you don’t you know what you’re doing.
You’re ruining your reputation has one of the hottest guys in the school. I took a deep breath any more words from him I don’t know what I would have done. Blake then ran his hands through his hair he said, “you are taking a cheerleader to the prom right? you’re taking Emily right?”
I replied: “listen I will take whoever I damn well please.”
You do not understand what she’s about. She’s smart she’s brilliant and he caught me off in that moment and said she’s also a factory worker's daughter yeah go ask your dad about it you’re that close down the factory he probably doesn’t have A job and you going to tell your dad you’re dating someone like that’s daughter give me a break you know where you come from and I think you need to step back and get yourself together. Because whatever it is, you’re thinking it will not work. She’s not one of us.
I shook my head and looked at my best friend for a moment and said, "what do you mean? She’s not one of us, Blake? She’s a human being. I like her. I don’t care what my father does that’s his business.”
“Oh yeah, his business really and who is the heir to the throne you are not your father”
Silence followed for a moment.
Then he finally said “listen I’m not trying to be difficult. But you’re making a big mistake here. You need to think about the future. I know it seems like prom is just a prom date and that’s all there is to it but you know that there’s more. The more you act this way, you will lose everything your friends including me.”
I pushed Blake aside. I have no time for this besides I will meet her later on today. I could barely sit still through class. I noticed her upfront; she was quiet. She looked totally focused on what she was working on while I zoned off.
“Are you with us?” The voice of the professor jolted me back to reality. No! All I could think about was Avery and no one else. She turned and smiled. I smiled back. Then she nodded. I don’t know what came over me but in that moment, I suddenly became alive. It might sound unbelievable but I discussed Shakespeare to the teacher’s surprise. I guess nothing like getting encouragement from a great girl. I turned and noticed Blake had his mouth open in shock. I am not just some Jock, I read a lot of literature and honestly I love the arts too,
The professor clapped and smiled. He said, “Why you amaze us Mr. Forbes. Great work!”
I said, “Thanks, Mr. Carter.”
He nodded and then he said to the class that will be all. I couldn’t wait for the day to be over. I walked over to Avery and reminded her about our date. She laughed and said, “How could I forget? I am looking forward to it!”
The minute she turned, I pounded a fist in the air. But then the moment I placed my hand down, there he was Blake shaking his head. He did not approve.
But we have already been through this. What he says does not matter. I plan on meeting Avery tonight, with any luck I might get a scholarship based on my skills and not have to rely on my dad’s money to go to college.
I was about to walk off when Blake stopped me. He said, “Remember girls like her do not belong in our lives. Don’t get caught up! You will make a huge mistake.”
And with that he walked away with his girlfriend hanging on to his arm. I sighed and thought well who cares. But then I do why do I need to study when my dad can buy my way into any university?
Maybe Blake was right, well once I see her at the library, I will make that decision.
Avery
I could tell something was definitely wrong from the way he acted around me.
I asked, “is everything okay?”
He looked at me and raise an eyebrow. Then he nodded and said, “everything’s fine why would anything be wrong?”
I swallowed and said “well for starters you’re not saying anything, it’s unlike you.”
He leaned back against the chair and said, “I’m just trying to stay focused on what where studying here. Just trying to stay focused?”
Right! I thought to myself something is definitely going on here.
We continue studying and discussing literature. but honestly I knew for a fact that something was not right. Something bothered him. But I couldn’t put my hands on it what could he be?
I must admit that I was nice to be next to him reading then it felt great to be alone again even though we were at the library, I felt butterflies in my stomach seated next to him.
He turned and looked at me and smiled and I smiled back.
Honestly, after a while he lightened up. Once we got done studying, he asked if I wanted to see his place.
I said why sounds like a plan. Besides it would definitely lighten the mood.
We got up and left the library.
We got into his car.
I thought here goes nothing.
He looked at me and could tell I
was hesitant about going over to his home.
He laughed and said listen nothing will happen. I just want to show you my place, that’s all.
Besides my parents are home.
I swallowed oh my God this is big this is major, I might meet his parents? He laughed and said the really nice .that’s really cool they will be there for a little while and then they're headed out on some business trip or something.
I swallowed and said, “That is nice, your parents are well-traveled.”
I thought to myself what a silly statement to make. It couldn’t have been any more obvious, I was nervous? He didn’t take long there for us to arrive at his mansion
the moment we arrived at his mansion, We walked in to meet not only he’s parents but Emily.
I gasped and thought what was she doing here?
That’s the moment him believe walked up towards him and said oh my God there you are. I was just telling your dad how excited I am to be your prom date.
His parents looked pleased listening to her. but then Owen wasn’t pleased.
he said to her, “I Already have a date for the prom. That’s the moment Emily shot me a dark stare.
He turned towards me and said, “I’m taking Avery she’s my date.”
Emily gasped his mother could not hide her disappointment have faced looked upset to be honest she frowned. He’s dad rubbed his jaw. He looked me up and down trying to figure out what Owen sees in me?
I understood after all Owen is his only son and he likes me.
But before I neither one could say anything, Owen placed a protective around me. Then he ushered me out the house into his car.
I turned towards him and said, “what was that all about? He said, "I don’t know what games Emily’s is playing. but I’m not having any of it.”
I said, “maybe it’s for the best. maybe you should probably end up with Emily. Maybe you should take her to the prom instead.”
He turned towards me and said, “I would do no such thing. You are my date for the prom unless you don’t want to?”
I never felt so in love with someone before I was taken by him.
Of course I replied: “I do. I want to be your prom date.”
And with that he cupped my face and lowered his lips on mine. I couldn‘t believe it was happening. Yeah call me a late bloomer but this was my first kiss!
I kissed him back.
It felt real.
I now have a boyfriend, his name is Owen.
Owen pulled back for a moment and said “you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I’m glad you like me because I like you a lot."
I smiled and said “Oh no, it is getting late! I have to be at work, or I will get laid off. oh no I completely forgot.”
He laughed and said “wow I didn’t know you work.”
I looked up at him and said “yes I do. I work at the diner not your fancy diner. But hmm some other place.”
He chuckled and said, “okay I’ll take you back to work, if that is okay.” I thought about it for a moment, then I said “That would be great.”
He leaned close and kissed me once more. Then he let go and we got in his car.
The moment we arrived at my job. I hurried out the car.
He asked “do you need a ride home?”
If you do is you call me. I will pick you up. I can’t wait for Prom.”
I nodded and said “I can’t either."
I waved goodbye to him. I watched him drive off. Then I happily made my way into the restaurant.
Everything seemed to work as planned.
Avery
I hurried into work.
everyone turned to look at me.
my friend Emma said “okay you have to tell us who that hot guy is standing out there. He looks amazing. He looks freaking rich where did you score that one now. Is he one of your classmates in that prep school of yours?”
I laughed and said, “wouldn’t you like to know?”
She looked around and said “we all would love to know how you got this handsome hunk to drop you off at work. Please enlighten us.”
I laughed.
Emma was such a comedian.
she loved making fun and honestly.
I didn’t mind at all.
It was great to have great friends at work it made things easier. It made the day go by faster.
But then I’ll be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to getting off work in going out again with Owen.
Of course, I was.
Everything was perfect. I couldn’t believe I was with someone as amazing as Owen. Especially when you consider, we are both from different worlds.
And Emma said “jokes aside we are all thrilled to see you happy that’s all that matters deserve a nice guy. you are a good-looking girl. you smart and intelligent. A girl who codes too? I hope he realizes what he has!”
I laughed and said, “Okay keep saying you always believed in me.”
she laughed and said, "I do you are the best. I wish you would understand that. No one compares to you. You work so well with us and everyone adores you here he better not hurt you because we will come after him. I laughed and said I don’t think he will do that he seems really nice. I feel so lucky to have someone like him in my life.
She smiled and said “I’m glad to see you happy.”
I said “I’m the happiest I have been in a long time. Everything is falling into place. I am going to Stanford I mean what else could be better.”
She nodded and said “well just take it easy okay.”
I said “I will I’ll be careful. you know I will.”
She said “I trust you. you’ve always been careful.
And with that I got straight to work, taking orders from different tables. I beamed. Life is great. The hours went by quickly. I had no complaints.
That’s the moment Emma asked me again “no seriously who is and what is he about?”
I said to her he’s a high school jock.
Are you serious? You scored one of the hottest guys in your school?
I said giddily, “yes and he’s taking me to the prom. Isn’t that amazing?”
She gasped and said “more than amazing everyone Avery is going to the prom with the hottest guy at her school.”
Everyone laughed and clapped I was on cloud nine everything seemed perfect nothing could ruin the day I took the orders from everyone that came by my table.
They all seemed to notice how happy I looked.
My favorite customer an older gentleman who stopped by all the time said “he is one hell of a lucky guy. He has to be good to you. He does not want to mess with us. We love Avery here.”
Everyone in the restaurant agreed.
I laughed and said “you guys are just too nice. you are always looking out for me.”
They laughed and said “no you are the best and you know it to. we are looking out for ourselves. where would we be if we don’t have our dear sweet Avery?”
Their words brought tears to my eyes and honestly I thank them for it.
Avery
The weeks went by quickly.
I couldn’t believe it Prom was a few days away already. I decided to order a dress from an online store selling clothes for $5.
What I got was completely different from what I expected. The dress did not look like the picture. I couldn’t order another one now.
I decided to fix it using DIY videos.
Mom gave me my grandmother’s old sewing machine. I pictured what he would say when Owen sees me in it. He has been trying to find out about the dress.
But of course I said no each and every time! He will just have to wait until the prom to see it. He stays sending text messages with silly emoji’s.
And believe this or not studying with him has been a blast. But of course, I see Blake disapproving look when he walks into the library to see us studying. But we ignore him. We are in love. At least that is the way I see it.
“Studying again, what time do
you have for practice these days? Who still reads books?” Blake asked walking up. Owen frowned.
“Don’t you have something else to do Blake?” Owen asked.
“Well no not really, that is why I have google. I have a trust fund that will ensure I will not worry about the future.”
I took in a deep breath and exhaled. I kept my face down staring at the pages in the book.
Blake then whispered in to Owen’s ears and walked away. I wanted to know what he said. So I asked.
“What did he tell you?”
Owen sighed and laughed nervously. He said, “Don’t worry about him. It is not important. Shall we continue?”
I nodded.
I decided Owen was right there was no need to pursue it further. We had fun studying then we headed out to the local fair and had a great time together. It was hard saying good bye but we both knew it would not be long. Besides, I had to get home to work on my dress some more.
I got home and guess what? Dad got me a new mini sewing machine. He said no one does this anymore. I figured it would be easier for you to use this instead. And boy was he right. I made use of that sewing machine, I thought my hands would fall off. My little sister laughed and joked around pretending to be a prince swooping me off my feet.
“Knock it off. I joked But she continued. She thought it was hilarious. She said, “you are so lucky. You have a date to the prom! Not just any date but a popular guy. The best. I want to be like you some day.”
I chuckled. I thought yeah she is just like me. I loved how everyone seemed so excited for me. It pleased me to know how loved I was. I couldn’t wait for the prom and honestly, I think Owen felt the same way too. He kept sending messages of how lucky he is to have me and how the prom would show me how he truly feels. I guess the feeling is definitely mutual.
Kendall still seemed a little guarded though. But she wished me the best. She said, “I am happy to see you so excited. He must go through with it or be prepared to face my wrath!”
I giggled and said, “Of course he will. I know he will!”
She laughed and hugged me.
Avery And The Popular Bad Boy: A BAD BOY HIGH SCHOOL ROMANCE Page 3
