by K. Walker
“Yes, she is,” Mom said as she came over to me.
“Oh, nice to meet you,” she smiled, revealing her million-dollar teeth set inside perfect Botox lips.
“You, too.”
“So I have to get going. I’ll leave you to it.”
“Mom! Mom!” Callie screamed after the woman like a petulant child.
“Callie, we’ll talk later,” she replied and walked out.
And I could feel her eyes on me, finding a target for her rage.
“So are you two friends?” Mom asked, tucking a brown lock behind her ear.
“Mom, don’t you need this?” I asked her and tried to steer the conversation in a different direction before she thought of inviting her over for a girls’ night.
“Yes,” she said and took the case. I rolled my eyes at her, and she pursed her lips and looked awkwardly at Callie.
“So I’ll see you at home,” I said and gave her a sideways hug before walking off. I hoped to make it to the car before Callie followed me.
I almost did but not quite.
“Well, isn’t this delicious,” her annoying, chirpy voice sounded behind me. “Sophia, the poor girl. I would have never guessed.”
I clenched my jaw and opened the car door. Not there. I couldn’t kick her there. I yanked it open and got inside. I saw her gloating when I drove off, and I revved the engine, anxious to get off of the property before the stain of the Humprys’ residence stuck to me.
What the hell is her problem? I refused to join the cheerleading squad, but does she really have nothing better to do?
Apparently not.
When I arrived at school the following day, it was public news that Mom was Callie’s uncle’s nurse, and I was suddenly the new poor girl of Madison Falls High.
“Don’t let it get to you,” Alexi said as she narrowed her eyes at the cheer table in the cafeteria. “She’s just looking for someone to throw her problems at. If you deflect long enough, she’ll get bored and find another target.”
I slurped on the mango smoothie. “Doubt it.”
“She’s just mad because she’s really alone. She surrounds herself with all these girls because they are all she has. Her mom barely pays her any attention,” Amanda said with a roll of her eyes. “I kinda feel sorry for her.”
“Yeah? I’m not there yet. I’m trying really hard not to throttle her.” I didn’t comment on it, but I had seen a little of what Amanda had said. She had been begging her mom to stay, or talk to her, or something, and she had walked out without batting an eye. That would have killed me if my mom acted that way with me. I was fortunate though to have such a strong bond with my mom. She was everything to me and I kind of felt really sad for Callie in the moment. There was no affection between the two that I had witnessed, but then, when had there ever been warmth between the cold grips of dead presidents on paper?
Money didn’t bring people together. It only ripped them apart. And I was proof of that. I didn’t want to be in their circle anymore. It was the one good thing that came of my parents’ divorce – I could stop pretending to be one of them.
“It’ll blow over,” Liz assured me. “Trust me, she does this to anyone she sees as a threat to her position.”
“Me?” I asked and tapped my chest. “I don’t think she’s threatened by me. I’m just the new girl she thinks she should pick on. I’m the only one who hasn’t felt her influence so she gets a hard on when she sees me.”
Liz snickered. “I love the way you say that. Hear what? Let’s just hang out at the beach later, get some drinks…”
“Good idea,” Amanda said. “We can do something, anything, to forget about this bitch,” she stated in a perky voice like she had just announced that year’s pageant winner.
I wasn’t sure how much deflecting would make Callie forget about me, but I tried. All week long – through her knocking things off my desk ‘unintentionally,’ taking the last of the salad she didn’t even eat just because she knew I wanted it, oh, and signing up for literature, just so she could add to my torment.
I was gasping for air by the time the second week came to an end. I was at my wit’s end and losing it really fast.
“I can’t take much more of this,” I complained and slammed my locker door shut. “There’s no end in sight. I need to take this fight to her.”
“Hey, ladies,” Chad said as he walked over to our locker. “Party at my house later,” he murmured close to my ear. “Break out the bikinis.”
And then he walked off.
They all gasped and looked around at each other like they had just won something. “You’re not all seriously thinking about going, are you?”
“Do you even understand the words coming out of your mouth? Chad just asked us to a party at his house.”
“I know, and I’m not interested. I’m tired of this scene already. It’s old.”
“I know I’m going.” Liz beamed.
“We know,” Alexi scoffed. “Lucky you. Has he called you?”
“Actually, yes,” Liz replied and her rosy cheeks lit up.
They all looked hopeful at me. “Still not going,” I said while fishing a binder out of my locker.
It was Friday, and nothing good happened at a high School party for rich kids on a weekend. It would only involve booze, nakedness, weed, and sex, and I didn’t want any part of it. God only knew what type of video would pop up on everyone’s phone Monday morning.
Plus, Callie would be there, and I just wanted to stay drama free for at least 48 hours.
“Is this about the picture?” Amanda asked, cocking her head.
“Uh, yeah,” I smirked. “That’s one of the reasons.”
She rubbed the back of my hand. “I get it. But don’t let her win,” she coaxed.
“Too late,” I replied and started to walk.
“Come on,” Stacey pleaded as she jumped up and held on to my arm. “Are you really going to stay home on a Friday night?”
“Yep,” I replied and sidestepped her.
I heard the sighs and the groans after I walked off, but I didn’t care.
“Well, if it isn’t the poor girl,” Callie said from behind me, and I lost it. My chest swelled and I tightened my fist and turned.
Amanda and Liz jumped up right away and swept me out of her vision like a typhoon. “I swear to God, I’m going to put a dent in her face one of these days,” I snarled.
“Sophia, please. You can’t take her on,” Amanda begged. “Trust me.”
I looked her dead in the eyes. “You all can be afraid of her all you want. But she is wearing me down.” A wicked thought crept into my mind. “But I know how to get back at her. I think I will be at the party after all.”
“Sophia,” Amanda drawled, “whatever is going on in your head, forget about it.”
“What? Nothing’s going on. I just think tonight is the perfect night for a drink and some fun. That’s what you all were trying to tell me just now, right?”
“Yes, but…” Liz began.
“Well, there you have it,” I replied, a big smile radiating on my face. “Problem solved. Tonight, we party.”
“Ugh,” Liz groaned. “Have you always been this stubborn?”
I gripped her shoulder and scrunched up my face. “Only when I’m breathing.”
Amanda laughed. “I’ve got to give it to you. You’re something else.”
The bell rang and interrupted our little chat, which was just as well. I didn’t have to go back into the cafeteria, nor did I have to face Callie again.
I half expected to see poop on my car when school was dismissed. If I even saw the car at all. To my surprise, it was right there, in the middle of the school parking lot, clean as a whistle, and no Callie or her goons in sight.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I waved goodbye to the girls and headed home.
I hadn’t been that pumped up over a party since Rachel. We used to party all the time at the beach, or at some friend’s house, or wherever. We had bee
n to a party the night she died. Maybe if she’d had a clear head before we went surfing…maybe if I hadn’t gone too far, or too close to the reef…maybe…
I shook my head as I tried to dispel the thoughts. Thinking about it wouldn’t change the fact that she was gone, was what Mom always told me. And guilt certainly wouldn’t help. But how could I not feel guilty? How did I miss her hitting her head against a coral? All the blood?
I could feel the lump in my throat as I fell back against the bed and stared at the ceiling. Too much was happening and too fast.
New Rachel.
New city.
New school.
And Callie.
Something had to give or I was going to blow a fuse.
I breathed deeply and tried to steer my mind on the party. What to wear? I squeezed my eyes tightly to block out Rachel’s face. I couldn’t take her with me. She would have been successful in keeping me away. It’s for your own good, and you don’t know it, so I’ll do it for you.
She had always been like my moral guide – my very own Jiminy Cricket.
“Ugh!” I groaned and pressed the pillow against my face. I just wanted the darkness to go away. I jumped when my phone started vibrating on the bed. I felt around for it without removing the pillow.
I stared blankly at the phone when I saw the name Jack. “Oh, hell no,” I said and tossed the phone back onto the bed.
Five minutes later, Mom called. “Honey, your dad…”
“Jack,” I corrected her.
She paused. “Your dad said he was trying to reach you. Did you ignore his call again?”
“Mom, I don’t want to talk to him.”
“Sophia, he’s your father. Don’t be rude,” she yelled out.
“I wasn’t being rude. I just don’t have anything to say, and I don’t want to listen to his bullshit or lies.”
She sighed. “Just because he cheated on me doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. Those are different things.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, whatever. Oh, I’m heading to a party in an hour or so. I won’t be here when you get home.”
“Why are you changing the subject?”
“This is a better subject,” I told her.
“Sophia…”
I could hear the dejection in her voice, but it was too soon. “Mom, I just don’t want to talk to him. Not yet anyway. He made his choice. Now I get to make mine. You can’t make me talk to him.”
“I know, but you’re going to have to someday.”
We’ll see about that.
“Anyway, I’ll talk to you later,” I said quickly. “Love you.”
“Love you, too. And don’t stay out too late.”
“I won’t.”
Probably. Depends on how long it takes to end this nonsense once and for all.
Suddenly, I was in the mood to party, and I sprang from my bed and headed toward the closet.
Chapter 15
“Party in the back, ladies!” Zeke said as he ushered some girls into the room. “Damn, you girls are fine! Where are you from?” A smile was splayed on his lips from ear to ear.
“Belair,” a tall blonde replied.
I swiveled on the stool to watch them as they passed. They didn’t. They came right up to me. “Chad, I take it,” she said as she placed her hands on each of my thighs and lowered herself. Her breasts poured over her wonder bra and I reached in and trailed a finger on one.
“Chad it is,” I said and locked eyes with her. “Welcome to Madison Falls. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Oh, you can be sure about that,” she said and air-kissed me. “I’ll be around, if you need me.”
She walked off, her ass swinging in the short shorts she wore, and her toned legs calling to every man in the room.
“Fuckin’ hell!” Brody chuckled as he came up beside me. “Sign me up for Belair High next year.”
Every now and then the word would get out about any of parties that I or some of the other boys would have and some of the hottest chicks would show up from high schools in the surrounding counties.
I laughed. “Don’t you have enough girls here at Madison Falls?” I took up the cup and downed the drink.
“Can’t have enough,” Brody replied in a telegraphic way. “Need more.”
I patted him on the back. “Well, for tonight, you have your fill. Let’s get this party started!” I hollered, and a wave of cheers and hoots wafted throughout the house.
My dad and his bimbo were out of town, and I had dropped Sylvia off at her best friend’s. I would have the house all night to myself. But who was I to be selfish? I grinned as I pressed through the gathering throng, the sounds of ‘shots, shots’ echoing in the background.
“Hey, Chad,” Callie said as I walked right into her.
“What the fuck?”
Her perky smile reminded me of how she had tried to control me – manipulate me into being her boy toy. Wasn’t going to happen.
“So, come to your senses yet?” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and shot me a smile.
“Really, Callie?” She couldn’t really be serious. I folded my arms as the music blared in the background. Apparently, not loud enough.
“See, I see you running around, chasing skirts and all. You know they’ll never satisfy you like I did. Remember that time in my car?” she asked and bit her lower lip as she lifted her hand and reached for my face.
I pulled back and grabbed her frail hand in my grip. I couldn’t believe that I had been into her at one point. How fucked up was I?
“Ow,” she narrowed her eyebrows and yelped.
“Callie, get this into that thick head of yours. I know you think you run this world, but I have my own world, and you’re not in it. Now back the fuck off! It’s over.”
“It’s. Not. Over. Until. I. Say. It’s. Over!” she shot through clenched teeth like she was counting her words. She looked like she was about to bust a vein in her neck.
“All right. Whatever,” I said and pushed past her and her mini crew.
That was the same shit that had led me to dumping her ass in the first place, and she kept reminding me that I had made the right decision. Some girls just didn’t have a clue.
“Hey, over here, man,” Cody called and raised his arm.
I could go for a joint now. Callie had that effect on people – made you want to smash your head in. Or hers. “What do you have?”
“Nothing much.” He grinned and handed me a rolled joint. “Only this.”
“Sweet.” I grinned and took it from him. “Where’s the light?”
Cody flicked a lighter at me. I lit the joint and placed it in my mouth, closing my eyes as I inhaled and smoked Callie out of my head. “Where are all the drinks?” I asked when I turned around and saw no red cups. “Hey, I need some drinks over here!” I shouted into the space and grabbed a chair as I sat down hard in it.
“What the fuck did she want?” Deven asked and leaned forward.
“What do you think she wanted?” I grunted. “Same thing Callie always wants.”
Brody waved his hand. “She’s old news anyway. And did you see the chicks from Belair?”
I nodded and puffed some more. “I did.” I glanced across the pool and saw them sitting together, staring at us. “I think that redhead likes you, Zeke.”
Zeke shot her a glance. “I know, but Zeke doesn’t come so easy.”
We burst out laughing. “You don’t what? Man, cut the crap and please don’t refer to yourself in the first person. That’s just fucking creepy.” We all continued to laugh. “You know you want to skip over that water right now.”
Zeke looked wistful for a moment, and then he set his cup down. “You’re right. I’ll be right back.”
“Me, too,” Cody replied with a grin as his eyes glued on something to his right, and behind me. I turned, and I saw her. “I’ll be back.” He took another sip of his drink as he rushed off toward Liz.
Then I looked over and saw her. She seemed out of
place – looked too decent for a rough crowd like this. I wanted her near me, where I could protect her – but I also wanted her far away from me. From my influence.
I tapped out the joint and got up. “Where are you going?” Deven asked. I snapped my head around, and he held his hands up.
“Just keep the drinks coming,” I said and walked off.
Her face lit up when she turned and saw me, and I wondered if the smile was for me. She bothered me, more than most girls were allowed to. I took her in from head to toe. God, she was gorgeous—her bright blue eyes and thick chocolate locks fell naturally half way down her back. She had legs for days and curves I wanted to touch. Jesus, she was a sight! I bit my fist just looking at her.
“Chad.” She said and flashed me a gorgeous smile.
It was meant for me. “Glad you could make it.”
She stepped right up to me, looped her arm around my neck and pressed her body up against mine. That was a mistake. My cock and everything else sprang to life, and my hand moved to hold her around her middle.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she beamed before I felt her pressing her palms against the back of my head, bringing my lips closer to hers. She was trying to kiss me.
And why in the hell did that feel so weird?
“Are you really going to make me stand here and beg?” she asked, her blue eyes sparkling and getting darker.
“Sophia, what are you doing?” I knew I would hate myself for asking that later, but her behavior didn’t make sense. And she was the one girl I didn’t want to fuck around with.
She didn’t answer. She reached up and pressed her lips to mine. And it was all over. Every thought that had been swirling around in my head, all the ones that told me she was too good for me, that I needed to stay away, were lost when her lips touched mine.
My hands tightened around her waist, and I heard her friends gasp behind her. I could swear the music stopped playing as we kissed. It was unlike anything that had ever happened to me, and then the cheers and clapping started and broke the spell.
We pulled back, and her eyes opened slowly. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
