by MB Mulhall
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist! Besides, I owed you for your damned big mouth.” Jazz finally tore the damp cloth off her head and glared at Darcy.
“You’re lucky you just took a bath, otherwise I’d be giving you one right now, you bitch.”
“Ooooh, you love me. Who doesn’t love a clown, besides the glam bitch squad from earlier?” Darcy slipped into Judd’s hoodie and before she could turn, she felt a surprisingly strong pair of arms grab her from behind in a tight hug.
“I’m really sorry that happened. I wish I needed to pee sooner so I could have helped you. From now on I’m going to drink a gallon of water every morning so I have to go between each class.”
“I think your bladder would explode.”
“It would be worth it if it stopped something like that from ever happening again.” Darcy grasped the other girl’s hands.
“Thanks.” Jazz squeezed Darcy’s middle again.
“We’ll find a way to get them back. Promise.” Darcy turned with an evil grin.
“I’ve already got a couple of ideas brewing.”
After using the hand dryer to get her hair back to some semblance of normal, Darcy and Jazz exited the bathroom. They found the two boys leaning on opposite walls, anyone could see they were not happy being out there with each other.
Before they could open their mouths the bell rang, signifying the end of the lunch period. No one had eaten. It was going to be a long afternoon.
Judd let his bag slip off his shoulder so he could unzip it. Rummaging around for a few moments, he produced a baggie of fruit snacks, some trail mix and a granola bar.
“Who wants what?” Jazz snatched up the fruit snacks before anyone else could get to them.
“What?” she asked innocently. “They’re my favorite.” Darcy reached a hand out to take something, but then pulled back. Judd nudged her.
“Go ahead. You need to eat something.” Darcy shook her head.
“Only two things left and three of us.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Chaz said. “I brought my lunch so I can sneak some in my next class.”
“You sure?” Chaz nodded.
“Positive. As much as I hate to admit it, Judd’s right. You should eat. Have the trail mix, it’ll give you some energy.”
“Thanks.” She grabbed the mix and stood, unsure of what they were doing next. No one moved. Darcy sighed. She turned to head towards her next class. Lord knew she couldn’t afford to miss any more classes. The others turned to follow her. Darcy stopped short.
“You all need to accompany me?”
“Well…if you don’t want us to…,” Jazz said kicking her toe into the floor like a little kid.
“No! It’s not that. I mean what better way to strike fear into the hearts of our fellow classmates by having the Riders of the Apocalypse walk the halls together, but don’t you all have classes at the other end of the building? You’ll be late…”
“So?” Jazz defiantly put her hands on her hips.
“She’s right Jazz, we don’t all need to go.” Judd grabbed Darcy’s bag and threw it over his shoulder with his own. “We all know I can flirt my way out of anything, so I’ll walk with her.”
Chaz opened his mouth to say something and changed his mind, turning and stomping off without another word. Darcy was hurt by his actions. She understood why he didn’t want to be around Judd, but that had nothing to do with her. He could have at least said goodbye or even asked her how she was. His behavior was odd. Regardless of whether or not Judd was around, he was always nice and polite to her. Now he was just acting like a jerk. Darcy watched him walk around the corner before she let Judd lead her away. They called their goodbyes to Jazz, who also left pouting.
Judd, playing the gentleman, held the door to her classroom open when they arrived. Darcy held her hand out for her bag.
“Oh, right.” He slid it off his arm and handed it over. Darcy felt a little happy jolt when his hand touched hers.
“Thanks Judd…for everything.”
“Anytime. You’ll wait here for me after class? I really don’t want you walking alone anywhere those dumb bitches can get to you.” Darcy nodded that she’d wait. Turning to head into the class, he surprised her by pulling her into a tight hug. Those twins certainly liked their random drive by huggings.
“Glad you’re okay,” he said in her ear. She blushed furiously, not knowing how to respond. Luckily the second bell rang signifying that she needed to get in the class. He released her and swatted her on the butt as she walked in. With a quick look over her shoulder, she stuck her tongue out at him and entered the room before he could respond.
With Judd taking over the bodyguard duties, Darcy didn’t have a chance to talk with Chaz and see what was up with his behavior. She had a feeling she’d be walking home today. Her emotions were conflicted. On one hand, Chaz seemed to like and care about her. On the other hand, they had never actually discussed going out or being a couple. Regardless, she didn’t deserve his cold behavior. It’s not like she asked to be involved in the bathroom dunk tank. It’s not like she called out for Judd to come be her savior. It’s not like she had any control over that whole situation, yet he seemed to be blaming her for ending up in his enemy’s arms. It wasn’t fair. Life wasn’t fair. Darcy was learning that in spades lately.
As the last bell of the day rang, Darcy stood by the classroom door, waiting for her escort. She saw Mandy coming down the hall, heading towards the gym. Darcy ducked back into the classroom so she wouldn’t be spotted. The fact that her step-sister had just stood by and almost let her friends kill her didn’t sit too well with Darcy. It made her almost regret ever stepping in and helping her last week.
Peering out the door, she saw Judd striding up to Mandy. It was obvious he was a man on a mission. To Mandy’s credit, she stood her ground and didn’t back down when he got in her face. Darcy leaned out to try and hear the conversation.
“What the hell Mandy? Since when did you want to become an accessory to murder?” Mandy rolled her eyes and tossed her hair. To Darcy it looked very fake, like she was trying to exude a confidence that wasn’t really there.
“Murder? I think you’re exaggerating just a tad, Judd.”
“You think? Did you feel how cold she was? How clammy her skin was? Did you see her pass out after? Dammit Mandy, you used to be the kind of girl who stuck up for others. Who didn’t care about labels or groups or what others thought. Now you’ve turned into this plastic doll wanna-be and you stand by while someone is hurting a family member. It’s like you’re a completely different person.”
Darcy saw Mandy’s lower lip tremble, tears starting to fill her big blue eyes. Even though she knew she shouldn’t, she felt sorry for her step-sister. Not giving herself a chance to second think her actions, she stepped out of the room and walked to Judd’s side. Sliding an arm under his, she looked up at him and smiled.
“Hey, I was waiting for you. Let’s get going, all right?” He looked down at her, his brow furrowed, before looking back at Mandy, who was doing an award winning job of ignoring Darcy.
“Yeah, okay. Let’s get you home.” Darcy kept smiling like she didn’t have a care in the world as Judd led her away from Mandy. When they got around the corner, Darcy let out her breath and the smile slid off her face. She was glad nothing more had come from that confrontation. As pissed as she was at Mandy, she didn’t want to see her hurt. She knew it was irrational and that her step-sister deserved it, but Darcy was a softy when it came to family members, even those she didn’t especially like.
Once in the parking lot, Darcy couldn’t help but look around for Chaz’s car. Of course it wasn’t there. She felt the sharp pain of abandonment in her chest. He obviously didn’t care that much for her if he didn’t even wait to see if she had a ride home. Figuring that was that, she mentally washed her hands of him. From the conversation she overheard in the bathroom, it was obvious Chaz had trust issues, and possibly with good reason, but Darcy didn’t know i
f she wanted to be with someone who wouldn’t even let her explain what happened.
Not really paying attention, she was surprised when they came upon Judd’s shiny, lethal looking bike. He handed her a helmet, which she took and held.
“You have to wear that ya know. I think you’ve had enough brain damage for the day. I don’t want to be the cause of more should we hit something.” Darcy’s eyes grew wide and she handed the helmet back.
“If you think we’re going to hit something, I’m going to walk. I heard how many times you’ve crashed this thing. Regardless of all the black I wear, I really don’t have a death wish.” Judd handed the helmet back.
“I haven’t crashed in years. You think my folks would allow me to ride this AND cart my sister around if I did?”
“I suppose not.” She reached for the helmet again and stopped. “Wait. What about Jazz? How is she going to get home? Where is she anyway?”
“She’s getting tutored after school to help catch up since she missed so much while she was… away.” He took the helmet out of her hands and plopped it on her head, fastening the strap below her chin. He threw his long jean clad leg over the bike and cocked his head for her to do the same. With extreme caution, Darcy climbed on behind him. She looked for something to hold on to, deciding the seat she was sitting on as the best option. Judd reached behind him and grabbed her arms. He brought them around his waist, where he connected her hands. Her face was flush against his broad back. The smell of the soft leather jacket was comforting.
“Hold on tight,” he called over his shoulder before starting up the machine. It roared like an angry dinosaur and the vibrations made her stomach tighten.
The bike took off like a shot with Darcy clutching Judd’s middle like it was her life line. When he turned on to the main road, they picked up speed. The scenery blurred and she had to shut her eyes. That almost made it worse, not knowing what was coming. She peeked with one eye and slowly opened the other. The breeze cause by their speed was refreshing. She rubbed her cheek on his back, trying to relax and enjoy the ride. It was scary, but exhilarating.
Lifting her head to look around, she noticed they were heading in the opposite direction of her house. Darcy wondered where they were going. She opened her mouth to ask and promptly swallowed a bug. The coughing was automatic, like she thought she could cough up the bug. Judd must have realized she was having an issue. He slowed down and pulled over.
“Problem?” She leaned over and, very unlady like, spit.
“I swallowed a bug!” Judd raised an eyebrow and started laughing.
“Not funny! I might puke!”
“Oooh, stop silly girl. It’s protein! Protein is good for you.” She glared at him.
“That’s not the kind of protein I like!” Judd raised both eyebrows this time.
“I uhh have some protein you might like.” He winked at her. Darcy sat there for a moment, wondering what he was referring to. He glanced down at his crotch and then back at her face, a wicked grin appearing.
“Geeez-us! I am not that kind of girl!” She smacked his back so hard her hand stung. Judd pouted, which looked ridiculously adorable on him.
“That’s a shame…” She rolled her eyes and he laughed. He grabbed her arms and put them back around his waist before starting up the bike and taking off again.
They drove for a while before ending up at an idyllic little lake in the middle of nowhere. Judd parked the bike next to a lone wooden bench. He slid off with ease, holding out a hand to help Darcy. She struggled to get her short leg over the seat without falling. Once standing, she was surprised to find herself a bit bow-legged and sore. Judd grinned at her.
“You’ll get used to that,” he said nodding towards her legs. He reached around her and lifted her seat revealing a little compartment. He pulled out a folded blanket. Darcy took a step back, unsure of what his motives were.
Grabbing her hand, he led her to a weeping willow at the water’s edge. Expertly flicking the blanket so it unfolded itself, he laid it flat on the spongy moss. He sat, his back against the trunk, and motioned for Darcy to join him. She hesitated.
“I’m not going to bite, ya know…Well, not unless you’re into that sort of thing.” Darcy took another step back.
“Why did you bring me here? Is this where you bring all your girls to deflower them?” Judd raised an eyebrow. It really annoyed her that he could do that. That everyone seemed to be able to do that well but her.
“I haven’t been with a virgin since I was 13 and no, I haven’t brought anyone here. Not even Jazz.”
“Oh…”
He lounged, putting his hands behind his head and crossing his long legs at the ankles. He looked like the cover of some cheesy romance novel. It was a story Darcy would want to read.
“Sit. Please.” Still cautious, Darcy sat on the far edge of the blanket. They were silent for a while. Judd closed his eyes. Thinking it safe, Darcy inched up the blanket a little and laid her head down on her arms. Without opening his eyes, Judd reached out and stroked her hair. She would totally fall asleep if he kept it up, it was that soothing. Eventually, he broke the silence.
“Can I ask you a question?” She opened her eyes to see that his were still closed.
“Sure…I guess.”
“Are you dating Chaz?” It was the last thing she had expected him to ask. When she didn’t answer right away, he opened his eyes and looked down, wordlessly questioning her. She averted her eyes, unable to take his penetrating stare.
“I…don’t know. I guess not. We never said it officially and then after everything that went down today, I don’t think he wants anything to do with me anymore.” Judd slid down so that they were lying face to face. He reached out and caressed her cheek. Fluttering butterflies took flight in her stomach. Cupping the back of her head, he moved in, his lips brushing hers, a fleeting kiss.
“If that’s the case, then I think,” he said stopping to brush kisses on her cheek and forehead, “that you should date me.”
Darcy pulled back, not sure she heard him right. Had Judd really just said she should date him? The boy who had told her to keep their Home Ec. room canoodling a secret? She sat up.
“Why would you want to date me?” Judd propped himself up on one elbow and looked up with a smile.
“Well, I’ve been with a lot of girls before, but never a clown. I figured it’d be a fun notch to make in my belt,” he joked.
Darcy flashed back to the story Jazz told her about Judd and his secret. His comment did not sit well with her.
“I know all about your secret little clown fetish, so I’m guessing you only want to date me because I wear my makeup a certain way. Thanks for the…tantalizing offer, but I don’t think I want to be the type of girl to fill someone’s notch.”
Judd sat up slowly, anger darkening his face.
“My sister needs her mouth sewn shut.”
“Don’t blame her! I’d rather know that you’re just attracted to the makeup and not the real me. That way I won’t go ahead and get my heart broken!”
He shot to his feet, grabbing the corner of the blanket, yanking it harshly out from under her. She stumbled to get off of it before she fell over. Judd crumpled the blanket into a ball and strode over to the bike, his body tense with fury. Opening her seat, he threw the wad of blanket in and slammed the lid shut before turning back to face her.
“If you think I’m only attracted to the makeup then you really don’t know me at all. I get I’ve got the bad boy thing going on, but you’d think all the times I came to your aid, showed you concern, might have proven there’s more to me than being a stud. I may hook up with a lot of girls, but you go ahead and ask my sister how many of them I’ve actually ever dated. I think you’ll be surprised at how low the number is.”
Darcy didn’t know what to say. Was she wrong to make a snap judgment? It was true; she really didn’t know him very well. How was she supposed to know he had a non-playboy side?
He held out
the helmet to her.
“I need to get you home so I can pick Jazz up.” Darcy took her time joining him. Her emotions and thoughts were a jumbled mess. She opened her mouth several times to say something, but closed it, not knowing if she should say anything at all. She took the sleek helmet from his hand and put it on. As she fumbled with the strap, he gently brushed her hand aside and closed it for her. He tipped her chin up, so she was looking at his face. Shaking his head slightly, his words pierced a deep hole in her heart.
“Ya know Darcy, you’re the last person I would have expected to be so shallow.”
Judd dropped Darcy off at the corner of her block so no one saw them come home together. Darcy didn’t think it mattered much after the conversation they had at the lake, but she knew her dad would still flip if he had known she was on a bike. She also had no doubt her step-mom would squeal if she witnessed the drop off. Thankfully Mandy wasn’t home yet, so Darcy was able to grab a snack and trek up to her room. She locked the door behind her and threw herself down on the black and white comforter. Running her fingers through her hair, she grabbed handfuls and yanked hard, taking out her frustration on her mop of curls.
Why are boys so confusing?!?
First Chaz pulled his disappearing act, then Judd gets all serious and accuses her of being shallow. She scrunched up her face, closing her eyes. What was she going to do? She didn’t mean to hurt him. Either of them. Darcy had to admit she felt something for them both. With Judd she felt alive and daring and, dare she say it, sexy. With Chaz she felt special, important, cared about.
Her mind played back the events of the day. It wasn’t a pretty picture show, but when she got to her rescue, she was surprised to recall how gentle Judd had been with her, how concerned he was, how sweet his actions were. She remembered the tight hug he had given her, saying he was glad she was okay. They didn’t seem like the actions of a guy who just wanted to get in her pants.
Then he took her to a special place he had never taken anyone else, not even his twin sister. She wished she had seriously asked why he had brought her there before they got into their fight. Sighing, she stretched her arms above her head and grabbed the head board. Arching her back, she gave herself a good long stretch, listening to her joints pop.
