So Typical

by Martha Greenwood

  "Seven hundred dollars."

  "Round-trip?"

  "Yeah."

  "During Christmas break?"

  "Yes."

  "I'll have to ask my mother."

  "Okay."

  "Do you think it will really help Tristan?"

  "I don't know, but it's worth a shot. And…Tristan sometimes mumbles your name."

  "What?" Scarlett gasped. "Why didn't you tell me that at first? Of course, I'll come."

  "Really?" Ginny asked.

  "Yeah. I just have to ask my mother and Timothy."

  "Great."

  * * *

  Scarlett was surprised when she realized her mother and Timothy were totally up for a trip to see Scarlett's friends down south. And it was even Rosa who suggested that Scarlett was mature and independent enough to travel by herself as long as she stayed with Ginny, Kate, or Meghan while she was there. And Scarlett knew that Timothy had learned about Tristan's condition through Melody, so that was probably a huge factor as to why he agreed to her Christmas break plans.

  But there was still something left unfinished. Christian Cox. What was she supposed to do about him? She had led him on, and now she had no clue how to handle this situation. So there was only one solution. She needed to talk to someone who knew boys back and forth, up and down, through and through. Chloe Levine, Zoey Aron, and Millie Blitch. From what Scarlett had gathered from her first month at Humphrey Day, those girls were very educated on the subject of the opposite sex.

  After Scarlett visited Charles again on Sunday, she called Chloe and asked if she and the girls could meet Scarlett to hang out. Chloe was enthusiastic about spending time with Scarlett since she was feeling better from her depression. Scarlett was glad that she was friends with Chloe. She seemed to simply brighten her day by merely talking to her. Her cheerful voice and optimistic attitude seemed to lighten Scarlett's day.

  All four of the girls met up at some antique store downtown before they started shopping for clothes at neighboring stores. Scarlett didn't mention what had happened after she had gone to see 'Paranormal Activity' at first to the girls, wanting this to seem like a normal shopping trip. But eventually the subject came up when Zoey asked, "So how was the movie with Christian?"

  "Scary as hell," Scarlett answered. "I was jumping at every scene. And I could barely sleep that night." Not that her sleepless night had anything to do with the movie.

  "That's all nice and dandy, but what I really meant was…So how was Christian at that movie?" Zoey grinned.

  "Figured," Scarlett mumbled. "Well, that's kind of why I asked to meet with you guys. I have a serious problem."

  "Oh, God, did he try to make a move on you?" Millie asked with wide eyes.

  "Um, no, not exactly. He kissed me. Well, I kissed him. Okay, so we kind of kissed each other," Scarlett said.

  Zoey let out a loud laugh and raised her palm up for Scarlett to high five. "What did I say?"

  "Excuse me?" Chloe butted in. "You said two weeks. I said until Friday. I believe I was closer."

  "What are you guys talking about?" Scarlett asked.

  "When you and Christian were walking on the beach," Millie explained, "they made a bet about when you two would hook up."

  "But that's not that point." Scarlett seemed worried.

  "What are you so upset about? Christian is the hottest boy at school. You should be very proud of yourself," Chloe replied.

  "I have a boyfriend," Scarlett replied exasperatedly.

  "Who is a thousand miles away and in a coma. It's okay to have a little fun now and again. A girl needs a boy's touch when she's lonely. Nobody's going to blame you. I don't even think your boyfriend will be upset with you when he wakes up. He should understand that you were going through a lot," Millie said, trying to calm Scarlett.

  "But what should I tell Christian?"

  "That's easy," Zoey said. "Tell him that he was a nice stand-in while your boyfriend was knocked out."

  Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Chloe, do you have any advice that is better than this bogus Zoey is giving me?"

  Chloe looked at the dress that was hanging on the rack in front of her, thinking. "Just tell Christian that you weren't really thinking that night. Tell him that it was your fault and you didn't mean to lead him on, but you're sorry that you did. Your excuses will be that you've needed a man's touch ever since you left your boyfriend in Florida. You have been lonely this past month. And with the changes you're going through—your stepfather, the move, separation anxiety, et cetera—your mind has been so confused, you didn't comprehend what you were doing at the time. And who could blame you? I mean, look at him. He is some nice eye candy."

  "You know," Scarlett said thoughtfully. "Most of that was actually really good counsel."

  "I try," Chloe said with a smile as she flipped her brunette curls over her shoulder.

  "I feel really bad still," Scarlett said.

  "Why?" Millie asked.

  "Because I actually kissed him even though I knew I shouldn't."

  "Pssh, if that's the worst you've ever done, girl, you're going down a righteous path," Zoey snorted.

  "What do you mean?"

  "We have all done worse than merely kiss a boy we know we shouldn't kiss. Hell, I've had three boyfriends at one time."

  "How did you juggle that?"

  "Easy. I took some notes from John Tucker in the movie 'John Tucker Must Die' and dated three guys from completely different cliques. They never even knew they were being scammed. I just had to make sure that I didn't show too much affection towards anyone of them at school. And then whenever I went on a date with one of them, I would make up for my lack of attention, if you know what I mean," Zoey said suggestively.

  Chloe and Millie let out a couple of giggles, and even Scarlett had to admit it was actually quite clever. The day continued with the girls browsing and purchasing cute clothes with colorful conversations. Though Scarlett was still nervous to talk to Christian at school, she felt a load better that none of the girls had judged her infidelity harshly.

  Sunday went by quickly for Scarlett, and soon enough Monday was here. She needed to have a nice, long talk with Christian. And it wasn't going to be easy. She decided she needed to get it over with as soon as possible, so when she saw his corvette pull up in the parking lot, she headed over to him.

  "Hey, Chris."

  "Hey, Scar." Christian smiled as he got out of his car and started walking by Scarlett towards the school building.

  "About what happened after the movies," Scarlett began, diving right to the point.

  "Don't worry about it."

  "What?"

  "It was my entire fault. I shouldn't have tried to make a move on you when I know you have a boyfriend," Christian admitted.

  "Wait. Are you serious?"

  "Of course, I am. I had just gotten excited that you hadn't been repulsed when I put my arm around you in the theater. I thought maybe you had feelings for me. But I know you still like your boyfriend. It was late, and I wasn't thinking straight."

  "No, no, no, that was exactly what I was supposed to say," Scarlett replied. "It wasn't just you who made the kiss. I was a part of it. And I'm really sorry that I led you on. It was a rude thing for me to do."

  "It's fine. I just sometimes wish you didn't have a boyfriend, that's all," Christian said, and then as an afterthought added, "No offense."

  "None taken." Scarlett smiled and then turned to look Christian in the eyes with a flutter in her heart. "If Tristan and I ever breakup, you'll be my go to guy. How about that?"

  At first, Christian smiled at what she had said. And then his mind registered something that he should have put together a long time ago. He had a cousin who lived in Florida. And, if he was remembering correctly, went to a school called Watson High. And then something else registered. The look on Scarlett's face when they had first run into each other after Austin had hurt Scarlett had been one of familiarity and recognition.

  "Tristan? As in, Tristan
Cox? As in, my cousin?" Christian asked.

  Scarlett had only then realized that she had never mentioned Tristan's name to Christian.

  "Um. Yeah," she said, suddenly uncertain.

  "I didn't know that your boyfriend was my cousin."

  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. You must think I'm a pig."

  "Why would I think that?" Christian asked.

  "Because I cheated on my boyfriend with his cousin while he was completely helpless, being unconscious and all," Scarlett answered.

  "You didn't cheat on him. That kiss never happened. It was just the product of two lonely and hormonal teenagers, that's all. Besides, it was just a kiss, nothing else," Christian said.

  Scarlett smiled, so relieved and grateful. She threw her arms around Christian and gave him a tight hug. "You're the best."

  Christian's nostrils inhaled her sweet perfume, and he wanted to groan as he closed his eyes, savoring her proximity. He really did want her; but he wouldn't make a move on her unless she was single. For the first time in his life, he was completely jealous of his cousin.

  Scarlett and Christian walked away together, meandering aimlessly around the school while they talked about random things. Christian sat and talked to Scarlett before the warning bell rang in a secluded hallway that was by the gymnasium. And something inside Scarlett spooked her. When his lips moved as he told her a camping-trip-gone-wrong story, her heart did some funny things. It almost reminded her of the way she felt when Tristan had first kissed her in her living room the same day that she had caught Francis cheating on her with What's Her Name. And every time Christian would blink and absentmindedly looked at her from underneath his lashes, Scarlett's breath hitched in her throat. Her mouth became drier and drier with ever breathtaking smile that appeared on Christian's lips. Her chest started beating quicker and quicker with every laugh that escaped Christian's mouth. And soon enough, her brain was completely mesmerized with the idea of his skin against her own. Her mind flashed back to the previous night in his car when his lips had moved against her own.

  Scarlett blinked.

  "Well, what do you think?" Christian asked.

  "I…um…I think that…what were we talking about again?" Scarlett asked.

  Christian chuckled. "Are you always this ADD?"

  "No, it's just I have…this problem where I zone in and out of conversations," Scarlett said distractedly as she continued to marvel at her truly screwed up realization.

  "So, what you're saying is you have a shortage of attention span?" Christian asked with a knowing smile.

  "Yeah, exactly."

  "So, in other words, a sort of deficit in attention? Almost like a disorder?" Christian continued.

  "You nailed it," Scarlett replied, still watching with wonder at how she reacted to every word he spoke.

  "As in Attention Deficit Disorder."

  Scarlett then realized where he had been going with this all along and felt completely stupid for falling for his trick.

  "You suck; I hope you know that."

  "Wasn't me who wasn't paying attention," Christian replied with an easy smile.

  "I was distracted," Scarlett argued.

  "I can tell."

  "I have to tell you something."

  "Sure, go ahead."

  "I'm leaving to visit Florida in a few weeks."

  Christian stopped and gazed at Scarlett. "You mean you're leaving to visit my cousin in a few weeks?"

  Scarlett swallowed. "Yeah."

  "Why didn't you just tell me that? You don't have to act as if you're hiding something from me. We're friends. And friends can hang out with each other. It's not like you're cheating on him with me or anything," Christian replied.

  But I don't want to be just friends.

  Shut up. Shut up. Think of Tristan.

  But Christian is so kind and caring and chivalrous.

  And so is Tristan.

  You were only his girlfriend for one week before you moved! You barely knew him. You've known Christian. And he knows you. And he likes you. And you like him.

  I like Tristan.

  "Scarlett?" Christian snapped his fingers, and Scarlett blinked. "Are you okay?"

  "Yeah. Why?"

  "You seem really distracted. Is it because of the…kiss?" Christian whispered the last word.

  "No, no. I just am worried about going back to Florida, Tristan being in a coma and all."

  "Yeah. I guess that will be weird, huh?"

  "Definitely."

  Just then the warning bell rang, signaling the beginning of homeroom. After Scarlett said goodbye to Christian, she turned around and ran right into Austin Barkings. She felt as if this was her first day of school again, but this time Christian wasn't going to save her because he had already left for homeroom. And not only had she run into Austin alone, but his gang was also with him. Shit was the only thought Scarlett had. She neither apologized nor demand for an apology, instead she clenched her jaw together and glared up at Austin, waiting for him to make the first move.

  "You're such a conceited brat," Austin mumbled.

  Scarlett kept her mouth shut. She remembered she had fought back last time and that had resulted in a small hand-shaped bruise on her upper arm. This time, she was going to let whatever he had to say hit her square on. She was going to be tough.

  "Well, where's your witty, little tongue this time, cunt?"

  Scarlett winced at the depraved nickname, but kept quiet.

  "What? Cat got your tongue?"

  Scarlett glanced at the two boys flanking Austin. She knew their names only because of Christian. Once she and Christian had become really good friends, she had asked him about Austin. And he had told her that Austin and his two buddies, Robert Daring and Neil Handler, thought they were the shit. They were like the gang of Humphrey Day. There was even a rumor going around that Neil had a gun registered under his name.

  "I have to get to homeroom," Scarlett mumbled and tried to shove her way through them, but there was no way she was going to make that happen.

  "No, I don't think you do," Austin said darkly.

  Scarlett took a step backwards. She looked around the hall and suddenly realized they were alone. They were in the lone hallway that connected to the gymnasium. And nobody had physical education first period. The gymnasium didn't open until around lunchtime. There were no classrooms in this part of the school, no teachers' offices, no janitors' closets; nobody would be coming by this hallway anytime soon. And that was when Scarlett really started becoming scared.

  Scarlett did remember something Christian had told her the first time they had met: Don't worry about Austin. He's all talk and no walk. His bark is worse than his bite. Any more clichés?

  "Get the fuck away from me, you fat, perverted, wanna-be gangster!" Scarlett yelled.

  She earned a hard blow to the cheek from Austin for her retort.

  "Say you're sorry," Austin commanded.

  "No."

  He slapped her again.

  "Say it, now!"

  "Not a chance."

  Austin growled. "You stubborn, little bitch," he mumbled under his breath.

  Scarlett's eyes were watering from the hard punches Austin had bestowed upon her. Well, so much for all talk and no walk. Scarlett then began panicking. He obviously wasn't afraid of violence. And Neil supposedly owned a gun. That could mean that they might not be afraid of killing someone? Especially someone who had gotten on their bad side, like Scarlett. Her mouth suddenly became very, very dry.

  "Are you serious, right now?" Scarlett asked. "Are you seriously going to harm me simply because you ran into me? How pathetic is that? It's like you don't have anything better to do with your time. And here I was thinking you guys were this big, famous gang who stalked the streets and committed real crime. Nope, you are all just big losers who can't pick on someone their own size."

  She watched as all of their jaws clenched at her words. Suddenly Robert's fist flew to the side of her head. She fell to the
floor from the impact, but before she could regain the breath she had lost when she had the wind knocked out of her, Austin, Robert, and Neil were kicking her until she was knocked unconscious.

  Chapter Nineteen – Amnesia

  Christian wrinkled his eyebrows together. Scarlett hadn't been in World History today. As soon as he could, he pulled Chloe aside and asked her where Scarlett had gone.

  "I don't know where she is. She probably went home sick or something," Chloe said.

  "She didn't seem sick when I talked to her this morning," Christian argued.

  Chloe smiled. "So, you two talked, huh?"

  "Yeah," Christian said slowly.

  "About what?"

  "Nothing," Christian mumbled.

  Chloe smirked. "I already know, you know. I know that you and Scarlett kissed last night. I know that you always get what you want, but I always thought you were kind enough to stay away from girls who have boyfriends."

  "I didn't mean for it to happen. It just sort of did."

  "Whatever. I'm not one to judge. It's not like I'm an angel or anything—"

  Just then, Christian and Chloe's conversation was interrupted by the sound of screaming and gasping coming from the hallway that connected to the gymnasium. It was the hallway that was by the lunchroom, so plenty of students were in there now, heading to the cafeteria.

  "What's going on?" Christian asked.

  "Well, it's Meatloaf Monday. So, that's probably what the uproar is all about," Chloe replied with an easy smile.

  "I don't know about that," Christian said, completely serious.

  "C'mon, then. Let's go find out," Chloe replied and led the way to the commotion.

  Once they reached the hallway, they saw that over half of the school was crowded around a scene. Chloe and Christian started pushing their way through the mass of students. Finally Chloe found Zoey and Millie standing near the center of the group of teenagers.

  "What's going on?" Christian asked Zoey.

  "It's Scarlett," Zoey whispered back with wide, wet eyes.

  "What?" Chloe asked in a gasp.

  "She was beat up. There's blood everywhere," Millie explained in a choked up voice.

  "Who did it?" Christian's voice came out in a growl, almost a snarl.