Boxer Beast

by Marci Fawn

  “Make it a night to remember,” dad says awkwardly. And in the next second, the stern expression is back on his face and he’s scowling at me. “Treat Faith nicely, son. And tomorrow, it’s right back to practice. No more skipping, y’hear?”

  “Yes, sir,” I say with a wide grin. I wave and I’m out in the next second. I can’t believe it. The old man’s gone soft.

  I head for my bike in the garage, my baby. It was something I’d been saving up for, and when I got the chance to get a used bike last summer, I jumped on it. I’ve been working on fixing her up for months now, and I can finally say she’s ready.

  Tonight’s the first night I’m taking her out. It only seems appropriate, being such a special night and all.

  I rev the engine and can’t stop smiling as I take the bike for a spin. This is incredibly stupid, because Faith lives next door, but I still pull up on their driveway a moment later. I readjust my leather jacket, smooth down my mess of a hairdo, and ring the doorbell.

  My heart’s beating fast as fuck, and my hands are sweating. I can’t believe this is finally happening. Faith and my first date… Better make it one to remember.

  “Coming!”

  The grumpy shout belongs to Faith’s father, Mr. Collins, whom I’ve gotten pretty close with during my time as his neighbor. He’s a good guy, and I really felt for him when Faith’s mom passed away. Her battle with cancer was long and difficult, and it made all of their lives hell.

  I still remember the way something inside Faith broke on the day her mother died. I remember holding her, soothing her, even though I was only sixteen years old. In a way, it felt like the tragedy was my own. I’d been close with Mrs. Collins, like she was an aunt of some sort. Seeing her grow pale, lose her hair, and finally, her life, had left its mark on me as well. But Faith… she suffered the most.

  I swallow the lump that’s lodged its way in my throat just as the front door flies open. Mr. Collins is standing on the doorstep, glaring at me. When he realizes it’s just me, he stops scowling and smiles in surprise, clapping me on the back.

  “River! How good it is to see you.”

  “Likewise, Mr. C,” I reply with a grin, sticking my hand out for a firm handshake. I’ve missed the man, ever since Faith decided to cut me off. Hopefully, tonight gives us a chance to rekindle the relationship. “How’ve you been?”

  “Can’t complain,” he says with a smile. Except I know he can and should complain. I learned from my mom that Mr. C lost his job a few months back, and he’s been struggling to find work ever since with an injury he got at his previous job. He had a home improvement company that went bust, and it’s been difficult ever since. Especially with the load of medical bills still left over…

  “Can’t say I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here, River?” Mr. C asks with a confused grin.

  “Oh, I came to pick Faith up,” I say with a wide grin, winking at Mr. C like he’s an old friend. “She didn’t tell you? She finally agreed to go out with me! Picked the perfect day, too.”

  “Faith?” Mr. C gives me an apologetic look. “Son, she left thirty minutes ago.”

  My look is one of confusion as I stare at Faith’s father. “What do you mean? I was supposed to pick her up at…” I look at my cellphone. “Eight. It’s now a few minutes past. Am I too early or too late?”

  Mr. C looks awkward as hell, shifting his weight from one foot to another. “I’m so sorry, River… Had no idea you were supposed to go out tonight, otherwise I would’ve talked some sense into her.”

  “I don’t get it,” I reply with furrowed eyebrows.

  “She left with this guy, Jason, said they were going to a party?” Mr. C gives me an apologetic look, just in time for my heart to sink down to my stomach. “Sorry, River.”

  “Oh,” I say lamely. “Well… It’s no big deal, I guess. I’ll just… leave then.”

  Mr. C gives me a look that knows exactly what’s going on. Once again, Faith’s left me feeling like a fool. “Why don’t you come in for a moment, River?” he offers kindly.

  “That’s okay,” I shake my head. “I should really get going. You’re doing okay, though, Mr. C? I noticed your lawn needs mowing. I’d be happy to do that for you, if you don’t have the time.”

  He visibly cringes at my words and I regret them right away. “That’s okay, River. I’ll get to it tomorrow. You’re a good guy, kid. Now get to that party and show my daughter how big of a mistake she made by standing you up.”

  I’m grinning from ear to ear as I walk away with a hand raised in goodbye. “Thanks, Mr. C. I’ll see you around!”

  “Not if I see you first!” Faith’s dad jokes, and I laugh as I get on my bike. Faith may have stood me up, but that doesn’t mean the party’s over. I know Becky, the girl who’s throwing the whole thing, has been into me for months now, and I’m in the perfect mood to show Faith she’s not the only girl for me.

  My face is a mix of regret and gloating as I ride my bike to Becky’s house. It’s already booming, with loads of cars parked outside and a crowd gathering on their porch. As soon as I get off my bike, a girlish scream pierces my ears and someone throws their hands around me.

  “River! You came!”

  The girl moves away, leaving a cloud of sweet, girly perfume in her wake. “Yep, told ya I’d come,” I tell Becky with a weak grin. She looks frigging delighted, and I guess she’s happy to see me. That becomes even more apparent when she steps on her tiptoes to reach my mouth and kisses the hell out of me.

  I try to resist, but she’s unrelenting. And judging by the taste of her mouth, she’s also a little drunk on… vodka, is it?

  I finally manage to move away and shake my head at Becky, laughing. “So I take it the party’s a hoot?” I tease her. It looks like she’s had her fair share of fun already.

  “It wasn’t until you came along.” She’s flirting with me, batting her mascara-encrusted lashes and licking her glossy lips. Becky is pretty – tall, sexy, with a great rack and long dark hair. But really, she has nothing on Faith.

  Speak of the devil…

  I feel a gaze burning into my flesh and I raise my eyes to find Faith standing on the porch, her hand intertwined with some preppy guy. She looks furious, but I don’t give a fuck. I give her an enthusiastic wave, right before pulling Becky into my side and planting a wet kiss on her mouth. My make out partner is more than happy about that, and I can see Faith seething from afar. Mission accomplished.

  For the rest of the night, I try to stay close to Faith.

  One reason is I want her to see Becky throw herself all over me.

  Another, I don’t trust any guy Faith’s with. This preppy guy looks older, and he has a weird look on his face that I don’t really trust. I’m ignoring the fact Faith has neglected to apologize for standing me up. Instead, I raise my red plastic cup to her every time she looks in my direction. And that’s quite a few times, actually.

  Her date finally removes her from his grip, and from his gestures I manage to make out he’s going to the bathroom. Becky’s off getting drinks for us, and for a short while, Faith and I have a staring contest. I’m daring her to look away, and she looks pissed as hell, staring right back at me.

  Fuck knows why she’s the one getting upset. I’m the one who got stood up – again.

  Finally, Faith motions for me to come closer. I look around, feigning ignorance, and pressing a hand to my chest, mouthing the words ‘me?’ Faith nods furiously. And I just shake my head, shrugging with a grin on my face. “Come and get it,” I shout across the room.

  A deep blush colors her cheeks and she looks angrier than ever. She looks like she’s about to leave the room, when she finally gathers the courage to start walking up to me. Not really walking, actually, she’s more like stomping on the floor as she gets across the room.

  Faith’s only a few steps away when a gaggle of girls with Becky in the lead step between us. I look over the girls’ shoulders, just in time to see Faith’s fearless e
xpression change into a scared one. And I’m fucking furious already. No one, and I mean no-fucking-one, messes with my girl.

  I can't hear the girls talking, so I step a little closer, my eyes fixed on Faith. I won't let these girls taunt her, but I'm not about to step in just yet.

  "Oh, if it isn't the little nerdy girl," Becky smirks at Faith, and my blood boils in my veins. God fucking damn it, girls really can be rude as hell.

  "I'm surprised you know who I am," Faith replies, a smile plastered on her lips. "I didn't mean to crash your party, Becky..."

  "Then why are you here?" Becky cuts her off sharply, glaring at her. "I don't remember telling you about it, and I sure as hell didn't tell anyone to invite you, either."

  Faith's blushing, her gaze now turned downwards towards the floor. "I came here with Jason," she says softly.

  "Jason?" One of Becky's friends raises her brows. "Bex, that's the hot college guy who leads the debate team or some other stupid shit. He sure as hell didn't come here with this girl. She's way too ugly for him."

  I can see Faith flinch at her words, but it's like I'm glued to the spot. I can't approach them, can't defend my girl. I need her to stand up for herself, for fuck's sake. If she doesn't learn how to do that, she's going to have a helluva hard time in life.

  "Yeah, I should've figured," Becky laughs in her face. "Why don't you get lost, geek girl? I'm assuming you followed River here. Everyone knows your obsession with him, you stupid boring bitch."

  Apparently, she's not aware of me standing only a few feet away. Becky steps closer to Faith, glaring at her with a threatening expression on her face.

  "Leave. My house. Now. Or would you rather be humiliated further? I can call everyone here, make them know what a trespasser you are," she hisses at Faith. "You're pathetic, Faith. River will never, ever like you. What's there to like?"

  Her eyes go over Faith's features. The thick glasses in the dark frame. So damn cute. The too-long hair, falling down her back. The baggy clothes that hide a body I grew up seeing blossom. The freckled face that is now blushing something fierce.

  I've finally found the strength to move my legs. I know Faith well, and I can read her face like an open book. She's on the verge of crying, her eyes puffy and her face red. She's not about to step up for herself, but I'll be damned before I let these girls bully her.

  "Step aside, Becky," I say coldly to the girl I was kissing only moments before. She looks up at me with surprise, followed by a triumphant look.

  "Oh, look, Faith, it's your imaginary boyfriend," she chirps with a syrupy-sweet voice. "He's probably here to help me throw you out, aren't you, River?"

  She gives me an expectant look, and Faith raises her eyes to mine, her bottom lip quivering. She's so damn beautiful, even like this, when she's vulnerable and upset as fuck.

  "Becky, calm down," I tell my make out partner. "I invited her. I don't get why she shouldn't be here, and you're being a total bitch to her. But it's your house, so I guess she'd better leave."

  Becky grins at me like she's proud of what I've said. "That's right, little Faith. Walk on out of here," she hisses at Faith, making a rude motion for Faith to get lost. "You're not wanted."

  "Yeah, Faith, this place isn't worthy of you," I wink at my best friend, grab her by the arm and lead her to the front door. The whole room's gone quiet now, apart from the music blasting through the speakers. Everyone's staring at us.

  "River!" Becky says angrily, obviously upset at me. "Get back here. She can get out by herself, the door's right there."

  "I'm afraid we," I point from Faith to myself, feeling her shiver in my grip. "Are a package deal. Any party unworthy of Faith doesn't deserve my attention. But you guys have fun!"

  I wink at Becky, grinning at her shocked expression, right before leading Faith outside. I can feel her trembling, her whole body shaken by tremors. She's not crying, though, and for that, I'm proud of her.

  "Are you okay?" I ask her softly once we've made our way into the front yard of Becky's house. Suddenly, Faith throws her arm out of my embrace and glares at me.

  "I didn't need your help in there, River!" she spits out. "I can handle my damn self."

  "I wasn't handling you," I tell her calmly. "I was getting rid of an obstacle for you, that's all. You don't need to listen to some lame prom queen's bullshit. Do you really care what Becky thinks?"

  Faith looks furious, her cheeks blushing something fierce. "Of course not," she lies through gritted teeth, hesitating for a moment before going on. "But my date's in there, River!"

  "Right, the oh-so-mysterious Jason," I roll my eyes. "Wasn't he supposed to keep you company? I didn't see him anywhere when those girls were attacking you."

  "Those girls?" Faith laughs out loud, the sound bitter and angry. "Let's not forget you had your tongue down one of their throats only minutes before stopping them."

  "Yeah, I didn't know they'd pick on you, did I?" I say, rubbing my eyes. "Look, Faith, let's not fight. I'll go in there and get your date, if that's what you want. Just don't make this day shittier than it already is, not today - please."

  "Fine, get him!" Faith screams at me. "I don't want to be stuck here with you, River. Just get Jason, and leave me alone."

  She's being unreasonable, and I'm a stupid prick for nodding and heading inside. I'm a jerk for actually finding Jason deep in conversation with another girl who doesn't hold a candle to Faith's beauty. And I'm a dumbass for bringing him outside and letting him save the day.

  I leave the lovebirds chatting on the lawn and head back to the party. I should just get over her. It's becoming painfully obvious Faith wants nothing to do with me... Yet I'm more in love with her than ever.

  Faith

  As soon as River leaves and I'm left staring at his retreating back, I feel empty and drained of all emotions. I'm already regretting sending him away, but it seems to be my default whenever I'm near him. I'm just so afraid... Of his new status at the 'cool guy', his new popular friends, his bike, his boxing. I'm just scared I don't measure up, and I'll never be good enough. I guess he just proved me right, because he walked away.

  My mom used to say, any guy who is worth having will fight for you. And while River sometimes puts up a fight, he never really sticks around long enough to make sure I'm okay. He always leaves that job to someone else - usually my dad, or in this case, Jason.

  I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from begging him to come back, and he disappears amidst the other people at the party in the next second. I'm too afraid to go back inside, so I just cross my arms in front of my body and sulk on the lawn, freezing in my T-shirt and jeans.

  Finally, River comes back outside in what seems like hours later, even though it's probably only been minutes. I give him an angry look and we lock eyes, his gaze just as enraged as mine. It’s only when he reaches me that I notice he brought Jason with him.

  "Hey, Faith!" Jason says with an awkward smile. "Where'd you go? Spent so much time looking for you."

  I mumble back something incoherent and Jason grins at River. "Thanks for telling me where she was, man. See you around?"

  River looks like he's about to knock Jason out, but he just nods with his lips in a thin line before disappearing back into the house. And even though I don't want it to, it still hurts like hell. It seems that however hard I try to deny it, I will always have a thing for River Xavier.

  "...so I'm really sorry, but I'll have to head back home now. Faith? Is that okay? Faith?"

  Jason's words finally reach me and I look up at him. "Sorry, what?"

  He laughs at me and ruffles my hair, something I've always hated. "Went someplace else in your mind, did you?" he teases me, and it rubs me the wrong way. I hate it when people use a patronizing tone with me.

  "Yeah, sorry," I say in a clipped tone. "You were saying?"

  "I said I just got a phone call from my mom. My little brother apparently crashed dad's car, and I have to head there to smooth things over. I don't want the next t
ime I see Quentin to be in a casket."

  He laughs easily, and I give him an uncertain look. "So, you're leaving?"

  "Afraid so. Anything else I can do for you before I go?" he asks, giving me a deep look.

  "No, that's okay," I say moodily. "Thanks for bringing me here. It was nice hanging out with you."

  One part of me is disappointed he didn't try to make a move, while the other is still preoccupied with thoughts of River. But when Jason leans forward to hug me, he goes in for a kiss. Before I can stop myself, I instinctively turn my head to the side so it only ends up being a peck.

  "Hope to see you again soon, Faith," Jason whispers in my ear. Next thing I know, he winks at me and he's gone, leaving me at the party. Only when he's pulling away in his car do I realize he was my ride.

  Today is really not turning out to be the best day. I sigh heavily and head to the back of the house. There's a huge pool there, but also an area with an empty playground. I think Becky has a younger sister - she must be the one using the swing set and the slide.

  I plop down on one of the swings and stare at the ground. Even though I fight them hard, the tears are threatening to spill from my eyes. And really, it's no one's fault but mine.

  I messed everything up. I stood River up and was so rude I didn't even tell him I'd made other plans for the party. I assumed he'd just forget to pick me up, anyway. But dad's call from an hour ago proved me otherwise - River had been at my house and apparently looked 'a bit upset' when I wasn't there to meet him.

  And Jason was perfectly nice to me as well, while I treated him horribly.

  I deserve everything that happened, I decide with resolution and sigh heavily. I messed up this night royally, all because of my horrible insecurities. I kick at the grass on the ground, mumbling something to myself.

  "Who's the stupid, stupid idiot?"

  I look up, blushing. River's leaning against the metal rod of the swing set, his eyes gleaming with mischief. And for the first time in months, I feel like I can open up to him.

  "Me," I say softly. "I was mean to Jason, and... I let you down. I'm sorry, River."