by Hart, Rebel
Then we hopped into a hot-ass shower.
Clint’s hands wandered, but he didn’t try to distract me. He washed me down like he had last night, taking great care with my inner thighs. I narrowed my eyes at him. I silently scolded him as he slipped to his knees. He kissed random parts of my body, causing my skin to flush as my eyes slowly closed.
Teasing me. Relentlessly.
A few minutes before we needed to start getting dressed.
“Clint.”
He chuckled. “Just giving you a taste of what you could have had.”
I moaned. “Please, we have to go—”
“I know. I know. We do. I know.”
He punctuated his sentences with kisses, though. Against my hips. Inside my thighs. Against my lips.
My lower lips, at least.
I gripped his hair and pulled him up from his knees. I crashed our lips together, seeking some sort of a release. I needed it. I couldn't go to school like this. But I’d have to. I got out of the shower without washing Clint down. I wouldn’t be able to touch him without forcing him back between my legs. He chuckled as he washed himself down, and I stewed in my frustration as I dried myself off.
It was good frustration, though.
Frustration I couldn't wait to relieve after the day was done.
Clint hopped out of the shower and I handed him a towel. He dried himself off and we crept back down the hallway, greeted with the sounds of my mother’s awful snoring. How any man slept beside her with that nonsense was beyond me. And together, we quickly got dressed. I slipped my phone into my back pocket, threw my hair up into a ponytail, slipped my backpack over my shoulders and led Clint down the hallway, trying to maneuver around the creaky steps. I didn’t want to risk waking my mother up. I didn’t want to deal with any of her bullshit on such a perfect morning. After such a perfect evening.
With the boy I adored.
“Come on. We can still find Allison and Michael. If they’re waiting for me.”
He paused. “What do you mean ‘if’?”
I sighed. “It’s a long story.”
His fingers threaded through mine. “Care to fill me in on the punchline?”
“They’re together now and can’t keep their hands off one another.”
“Ah, the honeymoon stage. I like that stage.”
I snickered. “I know you do.”
“I mean, good for them. They seem like a cute couple. I take it they’ve kind of… set you off to the side, though?”
I shrugged. “I mean, I get it. Just kind of came at a shit time. Them making out all the damn time while I’m nursing a broken heart.”
He kissed the back of my hand. “Well, no more of those.”
“Promise?”
He kissed my cheek. “I promise with all I am.”
I smiled. “Good.”
“Is that Clint!?”
Allison’s squeal made me smile.
“Guess they’re waiting this morning,” I said.
Michael waved at us. “Hey! Clint! Good to see you, man.”
Clint squeezed my hand. “You think he’s serious?”
I nodded. “I think Michael’s loosened up a lot since he and Allison started officially dating.”
Allison came running at me and I wrapped my arms around her in a massive hug. Part of me was still hurt, but the bulk of me was simply happy to have my friend back. I saw Michael walk up and give Clint a pat on the back. One of those dude hugs I saw around school. Allison released me and wrapped her arms around Clint’s waist. And I saw a look of jealousy flash behind Michael’s eyes. It was cute, really. How protective he’d become of her.
Clint made sure to do nothing but pat Allison’s back, though.
“Good to see you, Mike. Aly. How you guys been?”
Allison pulled away. “Oh, my gosh. We have so much to catch you up on.”
Clint grinned. “Like how you two are an item?”
Allison smacked her lips. “You told him already?”
My eyebrows rose. “Was I not supposed to?”
Michael grinned. “She wanted to tell him. Well, she wants to tell everybody. I’m assuming that also included Clint.”
Allison nodded. “If he ever got his butt back to school. Really, it’s good to see you.”
Clint smiled. “It’s good to see you two as well. And I’m happy for you guys. Congrats.”
Michael clapped his back again. “Thanks, man.”
Silence fell around us before Clint sighed.
“So I take it you guys know?”
I looked up at him. “They don’t know everything.”
Michael cleared his throat. “You know where you’re moving to?”
Clint snickered. “Who said my father wants me moving with him?”
Allison sighed. “Oh, Clint. Really?”
He nodded slowly. “Really.”
Michael’s face fell. “Well, we’ve got an extra room at my place. My parents can fix you up. You can stay there until graduation. You know, finish out the school year and everything.”
Clint shook his head. “I don’t wanna put you and your family out.”
Allison furrowed her brow. “Who said you are? I mean, you have to graduate. With us, you know?”
I linked my arm within his and looked up at him.
“Think about it, at least? Michael’s parents are really nice. You’d like them.”
Clint looked down at me. “You sure about that? My own father doesn’t even like me.”
Michael put his hand on Clint’s shoulder. “I’m sure. You take my word for it. All you do is let me know, and I’ll have it fixed up for you. Okay? If you need a place to stay, I’ve got you.”
Clint sighed. “Why, though?”
Allison shrugged. “Because that’s what friends do.”
Michael nodded. “Yep. It’s what friends do for one another. Though, if you break Rae’s heart again, we’re going to have to have a talk.”
Allison’s face fell. “No hurting my best friend again. Got it?”
Clint grinned. “I read you loud and clear.”
Michael smiled. “Good. Now, let’s get the hell out of Dodge before we’re all late for class.”
21
Clinton
Aly linked her arm with Mike. “So I can help you get caught up in the classes we have. I mean, other than history. Out of all the subjects, I’m terrible at history. And Rae’s great with dates.”
Mike nodded. “Yep. I’ll shoot my dad a text during class changes to see about you staying in the guest bedroom. I’ll just let him know your parents are moving and you need a place to crash to get to and from school.”
“Oh, oh! I can get you notes as well in your classes. I’m sure I know someone that can photocopy things for me. I’ll get you copies so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“And you can ride with me to and from school. Since I’m assuming you haven’t replaced your bike or anything.”
“Are you going to replace your bike? I don’t know if I could, after what you’ve been through.”
“You’re going to need some money, too. I mean, unless you’ve already got that worked out.”
I paused. “Actually, I do. But that puts me in a bind.”
Aly furrowed her brow. “Why?”
Rae gasped. “Oh, shit.”
I rubbed her back. “It’s okay. It’s fine. Let’s just get to school and we can figure it out.”
Mike started walking. “What puts you in a bind? What’s going on?”
I sighed. “I need to check something first. Hold on.”
Him mentioning money reminded me of that damn bank account. As we continued walking toward school, I pulled out my phone, checked my email notifications and smiled. I went and checked my current bank account and laughed when I saw an account balance of zero. I threw my fists into the air and Rae started clapping. Then, she leapt at me and wrapped me up in a massive hug.
Leaving Aly and Mike in confusion.
“Yes! Yes! This is a great step in the right direction.”
I snickered. “If only I had time to get to the bank.”
Rae shook her head. “No, no. No focusing on the negative for now. Promise me.”
I grinned. “I promise.”
Mike paused the walk. “Someone want to fill us in now?”
Aly nodded. “Yeah. I want to celebrate with you guys, too.”
I sighed. “So, this whole thing with selling the house? It’s kind of a backlash from my father. You know, from what happened. I take it you told Aly?”
Mike nodded. “I told her some of it, yeah.”
“Yeah. He’s doing it out of spite. Because he’s not in control anymore and that pisses him off. He’s told my stepmother she’s moving with him, but I’m not welcome. So I’ve been scrambling for money.”
Aly held up her hand. “Wait a second. He actually told you that you can’t go with him?”
Rae scoffed. “Yeah. It’s been a massive thing. He’s an absolute asshole.”
Mike murmured. “You can say that again.”
I held my hand up. “Anyway, long story short? I’m selling things off I have a right to in order to pick up some money. The good news is that I sold off a lot yesterday. But I haven’t been able to get to a bank yet.”
Mike narrowed his eyes. “So you have that money on you right now?”
Rae nodded. “He does, yeah.”
Aly shook her head. “Do you have a bank account you can put it in?”
I smiled. “That’s why Rae and I are celebrating. I opened up my own bank account that my father can’t touch and transferred everything from my old account to my new one.”
Mike patted my back. “Dude, that’s awesome. But keep that money stowed away in your locker. You know, in case something happens at school today. And after classes I’ll get you to a bank so you can deposit it.”
“That means more to me than you realize. Thanks, Mike.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “Anything I can do to help, you just let me know.”
I felt loved again, like I had friends again. I didn’t know what the fuck I did to deserve these people in my life. But I was determined not to fuck it up again. We all rushed into school and the girls darted off to go to homeroom. And Mike? Well, he did exactly as he said he would. He escorted me to my locker and stood guard while I stashed the wads of cash I had on my person. I placed it under a stack of books and shoved it all the way back. I piled some shit in front of it before grabbing my books. Then I slammed my locker closed and booked it to homeroom, getting there just before the late bell rang.
And as I dropped into my seat, I felt all eyes on me.
Even though people kept giving me funny looks, it felt good for things to be returning to normal. Well, not really normal. But a sort-of-kind-of normal. School felt familiar. Mike and Aly felt familiar. Rae felt very familiar. And I needed familiar in my life right now. I needed something I could count on. Depend on. Lean on.
Even if that ‘something’ was school.
The one thing on this planet I hated more than my own father.
My phone kept vibrating in class, so I turned it on silent. But the vibrations were good. People were snatching up these things I was selling left and right. If I could get Mike to drop me off at my house, I had the potential to make another seven grand before tonight was over. That had me smiling all throughout the morning. I had a pep in my step and slowly, things felt less and less overwhelming. I had money in a bank account my father couldn't touch. I had a little over fifteen grand in checks and cash in my locker, waiting to be deposited. And if I could get my hands on one last decent sale, I’d be set for a while.
At least, until I got back on my feet again after graduation.
I liked this kind of normal. The kind where Mike waved at me in the hallways and Rae rushed up to kiss me between classes. Roy and Marina weren’t aimlessly laughing at stupid jokes and trying to rile me up over dumb, useless shit. This reality was much better. I had friends that gave a shit. I had my girl back. I had money coming in to help me once my father abandoned me for good.
And this time, I wouldn't fuck it up.
Or let someone else fuck it up, either.
I’m all in, Rae. One hundred percent.
The bell for lunch rang and I rushed to the cafeteria. I found Mike already sitting down with his food tray while Aly unpacked their lunchbox. I waved at them before hopping in the food line, finding myself standing behind Rae. I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around. And very quickly, I captured her lips.
“Mmm, hello there.”
I grinned. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Ahem.”
The lunch lady cleared her throat and she blushed. Which pulled a smile across my cheeks. We walked through the line and got our lunch. I even had the cashier charge Rae’s lunch to my account. Despite her protests, I did it anyway, winking at her as we picked up our trays. We walked over to were Mike and Aly were already cuddled up, smiling as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
As I sat my tray down, I leaned over to whisper in Rae’s ear. “Is that what we look like?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. But if it is, I don’t mind it one bit.”
I smiled. “Neither do I.”
I kissed the top of her head before we sat down with them. Mike and Aly paid us no mind. Which didn’t bother me one bit. They deserved some time with one another, just like Rae deserved some time with me. So as I picked at my pathetic hamburger, I turned my attention to the beautiful girl sitting next to me.
“So are you free tonight?”
Rae sighed dramatically. “No, I have to work.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “You sound overly thrilled at the idea.”
“Really? Should I try that sigh again?”
And before I could stop her, she sighed and leaned against me. She placed the back of her hand against her forehead, causing me to chuckle. Wrapping my arm around her, I kissed the top of her head again. I breathed in the smell of her conditioner, letting it pull me back to the memories of last night. This morning. Memories of having her whenever I wanted her and making love to her every waking moment she’d let me.
I held her close as she rested her head against my shoulder.
“I wish I was free, though. I’m having to close again tonight.”
I nodded softly. “Well, that’s all right. I’ll come visit you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I’ll get a taxi or something. We can go get a milkshake afterward at the diner up the road from where you work.”
“Mmm, that sounds like heaven.”
I smiled. “Only if you’re there, though.”
I closed my eyes and let myself slip into another world. Another place. Another time. Where nothing existed except Rae and me, trying to make a way for ourselves in the world. I wanted her by my side. Always. Now more than ever, I understood how much I needed her. She was my rock. My shelter. My safe place to fall. The one person I felt I could be weak with and not be judged for it.
I needed her in my life for as long as she’d stick around.
Mike sighed. “So how are classes going for you two?”
I snickered. “As good as they can for now. I’m completely lost in them, though. It’ll take me some time to catch back up.”
Rae kissed my chest. “Don’t worry. We’ll help.”
Aly smiled brightly. “Yep! Study sessions at my place in the basement. We have all the good snacks, too.”
Mike nodded. “They really do. I’m jealous. My parents are health freaks. You’ll have to watch out for that.”
I shrugged. “I can go and buy myself some ice cream and chips whenever I need them. That’s not an issue. And with this stuff I’m selling off, I can help with—”
“Oh! That reminds me! I sent the text off to my dad and he said he wanted to talk with Mom before they made a decision. But he also said it shouldn't be an issue. I should know by the end of the day today. We can t
alk about it while I take you to the bank.”
I nodded. “It’s appreciated more than you realize. Seriously.”
Aly leaned against Mike. “It’s really not a problem. We just wish you would’ve talked to us sooner.”
Rae nudged me. “Yeah, Clint. You should’ve talked to us sooner.”
“Yeah, Clint. You should’ve talked to us sooner.”
The mocking voice made me swivel around, although I already knew who it was. I’d never forget the voice of Marina. That piercing, tinny, Valley girl voice. There she was, chomping on that banana like she was sucking down Roy’s dick. I eyed her closely before I looked over at Roy, watching him practically hover over the four of us.
“Enjoying lunch, losers?”
I shrugged. “Of course. Are you?”
Marina snickered. “We always enjoy lunch until you assholes show up.”
Aly rolled her eyes. “Nice one, Marina.”
Mike nodded. “Yep. Very creative. A-plus for effort.”
Marina glared at them. “At least I’m not a pathetic loser that goes around helping charity cases just to feel better about myself.”
Rae cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. Do you mean ‘charity cases’ as in us? Or ‘charity cases’ as in you? Because I’m pretty sure the two of you can’t be helped.”
Marina jumped at Rae and she stood out of her chair. Like lightning. I’d never seen her move so quickly, and I shot up from my own seat to step in front of her. To shield her from the nonsense of the crew I used to run these halls with. I stared Roy down, refusing to look over at Marina. Because I didn’t believe in intimidating a girl, no matter how much I figured she deserved it.
“What? The two of you are back together now? Rumor had it you dumped her for another piece of ass.”
Marina grinned. “Yeah. People are talking about how you’re fucking your stepmom now. That how you roll over there in the Clarke household? Fucking family members.”
Rae growled. “I’ll claw your damn eyes out.”
Marina stepped forward. “You want to try that statement again?”
I moved with her and felt her shove me in the chest. I slowly looked over at Roy, but all he did was fold his arms over his chest.
