Chapter 24

*Piss me off!*

~

“Claudia, I know that we've been apart for a while...” Lacey began, we were having lunch, she glanced at me with a faint smile on her face and then I returned the gesture. Maybe we shouldn’t have had this lunch or this conversation but then I feel like it's necessary after all. l mean after a couple of days of silence, it has been terrible between us and I am slightly excited about it now. I'm hoping that it ends well, with the look of things; she has a lot of things to tell me.

“It's all my fault. I made you feel inferior simply because of the twins. I shouldn't overthink things but I'm glad that you have found something that excites you! Finally!”
 She forced a smile, her apathy was slightly buried behind the smile. Lacey hates Tiffany and Davis so much. 
 I purse my lips and focused my attention on her. 
 “I'm excited too. I miss us, Lacey, can they not be a problem between us? I mean,” I scoffed and continued. “We are great together, you're irreplaceable you know.”
 “Are you trying to coax me now!” she teased

“Yes, Lacey, I want to,” I said and she nodded with a coy smile.

“Sure girl. I'll just try to get along with her,”

“I'd love that but I don't care!” As easy as it seemed, she isn't fancying Tiffany. She asked about Davis and me, and that there have been some rumors about the two of us.

It's hard to be updated, I know, but where are all these coming from?

My brows furrowed, and I was flushed with shock and disbelief

“After all, some think that you all are dating low-key!” she pouted and slurped on her juice. 
 One of the most he things I missed most about Lacey, she's very well-readied with the information that goes in and out of school, and she knows everything.

“What?”

“Yes, what! Is he hitting on you already?” She asked and then I looked away. I rubbed my neck shyly. “...the fuck Claudia, he did yeah?”

“Lacey c’mon, nothing happened at all. We are just... nothing at all. Nothing can ever happen and you know that-”

“Something can fucking happen Claudia, you're in love with that guy and I think that you're too hot for him.” She expressed herself. I agree with her a hundred and one percent, being too hot for Davis may not be a part of the context. He tells me every time that I irritate him. 
 We continued to discuss Davis and strange Johnson, she thinks that Johnson is madly in love with me but is not so sure if I’d ever say yes to him.

“I don't know Lacey, I love Johnny as a friend. He's cute and great but I'm like... yet to find out what it is like to love him.”
 I explained my point but she wouldn't have been down with the idea of Johnson and me being in a relationship.

****

Lacey followed me to the court for practice, she didn’t have much to do. The preparation for the upcoming games was getting heated. I changed into my jersey meanwhile she was in hers. 
 She applied some makeup, just a touch, looking into the mirror while I struggled to tie my hair.

“I heard that Davis got into trouble with his Dad. He wrecker his fathers’ brand-new SUV. True?”

Lacey asked while I shuddered.

“How would I know?”

“Hello…. You live next to them, need I remind you!” She snapped, turning to me abruptly with a disapproving look on her face.

“Fine yes I heard about that, but it died down!” I said, I squatted to adjust my shoelaces.

“What happened? Like, why did his father change his mind…” Lacey pressed on

“You should ask Mason, he should know better. I mean, Davis and I barely speak to each other so…”

She attempted to speak as her phone rang instantly, she was flustered after a glance at her phone’s screen.

I signaled her that I would go ahead and she nodded lightly, signaling that she’d come around in a little while.

I walked towards the girls, they are getting ready for the start of the show. Tiffany leaned toward me and asked.

“Where’s she?”

“Why are you asking? She’s just here to support me,”

“Y’all made up huh?” Tiffany asked, her tone didn’t seem friendly. I rolled my eyes a bit and then she continued, crossing my arms.

“I’m cool trust me, I’m only looking out for you, Claudia, don’t look at me that way!”

Her face loosened into the one I’m used to, jolly and cheerful.

“I know but can not-can we not just talk about it right now? It won’t help that much.” I politely inquired and so she nodded affirmatively.

“My bad! Let’s go!”

We walked over to the rest of the girls, we were taking positions and that was when I sighted the boys, getting ready for theirs. They were having a conversation with the coach, and my eyes skimmed for Davis, unconsciously.

He was standing next to Mason and the twins.

He looked perfect and heavenly. His skin glows more than ever, he’s a sexy model, a hot guy.

I just want to touch and feel his skin, to remind myself of how flawless it is. A part of me misses Davis even if he’s showing the opposite of what I’m feeling for him.

I’m madly in love with him, regardless of the things he’s done or he’s doing to me, every time I feel like I’m able to endure anything…

His eyes met mine from a distance that we both shared, I instantly took it off. Oh my word, he caught me! He caught me!

I can feel his eyes on my skin, cold and piercing. We began to sway in accordance, showcasing every step that I remember. Although the boys were watching us, I wanted Davis to smile at me. 
 He could show me that he was proud of me one way or the other, but it’s never gonna happen. We danced. Danced. Danced. I felt someone from behind touch me, and then boom!
 The next thing that I could remember staring into the ceiling bulbs with eyes looking above me, my eyes had begun to blur when I felt a consistent tap on my face.

“Claudia open your eyes already,” It was Lacey, Tiffany was on my left side. I heard Tiffany scolding one of the girls about what had happened.

“What the fuck Gina, why did you do that?

“I fucking mistook a step, jeez Tiffany!”

Gina revolted rolling her eyes. I was pushed to the ground on purpose, and my ankle hurts badly. Unf! I winced in pain almost loudly, I was hurting and I could feel every sting of it.

Tiffany and Gina moved away, still arguing as Lacey and two other girls lifted my body hand in hand. I insisted that I could walk, but I ended up sitting instead.

“Are you okay, Claudia?” Lacey asked in concern and I nodded positively.

“I tripped I guess,” I said and she defiantly nodded.

“I’m not so sure!” Sherry and a group of other girls approached where we were, they were evilly smiling at us. 
 It instantly gave me a hint about earlier. Tiffany turned to Sherry and asked.

“You did this, didn’t you?”

“Did what?”

Sherry asked back with a smirk on her face, she crossed her arms staring directly at me.

“Does it hurt? It does, I can see it in your feeble eyes darling.”

“Stay off Sherry, she’s hurt!” Lacey said but Sherry wouldn’t give up or back off. “Lacey, you’d go this FAR for this conventional being? She’s not even worth-“
 “Shut the fuck up, Sherry, you made Gina do this right?”

Lacey asked. She was losing her patience as she got up to her feet, I used my arm to stop her but she refused to be held back.

“You’re kidding my ass right now, what would I gain from hurting her? What is so special about her? I mean, she looks better when she cries like a baby-“
 Sherry said and then Lacey hit her on the face. Sherry got furious on the spot, they got physical. I did not want that in as much as I wanted Sherry beaten to death; I didn't want more problems because of me.

I attempted to stand on my feet but I couldn't, my ankle is still sore. I forgot that I sprained it earlier. Why would Sherr

want to hurt me so bad?

Irepeatedly asked myself but the answers aren't forthcoming.

Soon the boys gathered around us, with the coach leading the way. He began to scold Lacey and Sherry.

“How could you both be so irresponsible? Huh? Is this what your lives are about?” He asked and neither of them seemed moved shaken, but rather giving themselves death stares.

“Detention! Now!!”

He instructed as they both walked away. He turned in my direction and asked what had happened and then I narrated to him that I tripped.

“Trip? No, you didn't, Gina pushed you!”

Tiffany stated firmly. Honestly, I had no idea about what had happened, I only realized that I landed on the ground. Whether or not I was pushed, I couldn't prove it.

I'm not so Tiffany caught a glimpse of the incident but there was every possibility that I was pushed by Gina.

“Gina, why would you push her?”

The coach asked but she looked as innocent as a newborn kitten.

“I swear coach, I wouldn't. It wasn't on purpose, I wouldn't.” She claimed. I shrugged at her statement. The coach believed her so there was no evidence that I had been pushed on purpose. Of course, there was none. It couldn't be further and the coach dismissed us all. Tiffany didn't give up, she mumbled about the things that Gina had done, and she was pissed.

“I thought she had ANGEL’S wings, you could have used them to save yourself.” I heard someone tell me from beside me, I turned in that direction. Davis stood there crossing his arms with a smirk tugged on the corners of his pretty lips. Why do I feel like he's the only most attractive opposite sex there is?

His words are completely disturbing.

“Can't answer the question?”

He asked, his frozen slowly settling in.

“Are you afraid that it was you who made the school to believed?!” He chuckled

“I never said I was one,” I snapped defiantly

“It is what you are making the whole school believe. Sherry beat your ass, stand up for yourself. Bubbly Nun!”

He said and Tiffany approached and interrupted.

“Please Dave, not this time.” Tiffany cut him short and I’m thankful for that.

“See you later, nun. Fuck.”

He blurted nonchalantly walking away. Tiffany turned to me slowly with a questionable look on her, why on earth was she staring at me that way though?

“Why do I feel like my brother is a bit nice to you today?”

“What-What do you mean?”

“He doesn’t look that mad at you!” She said and then she took a step near and leaned in a bit.

“Did something happen between the two of you?”

“You not talking out of significance right now!” I snapped turning away from her gaze and she smiled instead without a word. 
 I don't want to visualize her thoughts about Davis and me, good or not, it's not healthy for anyone right now.

“Let's get you to the clinic, you need to be checked upon.” She said lifting me by the arm as gently as ever.

****

The nurse had run a test on me and she said that it wasn't that serious but in the mean, I should suspend dancing. I love the new specialty that I am in and now it has to be put on hold. I'm sad about it, it was one of the things that made m feel like I can do anything.

“Just a few more days. At most, a week.”

The nurse added I appreciated her.

I whispered a little prayer under my breath as we headed out of the room. I had to change into my dress, it was a knee-length red and white floral dress and a pair of ankle boots. While I was in class, I got a text from Johnson, he wanted to know where I was.

*I'm in class!*

*Great, I'll see you in a bit!*

He texted back instantly, I gently placed the phone on my thighs over my dress. I heaved a deep sigh. I thought about my parents, I'm hoping that no one tells me that I'm hurt, or else it would be a different thing. I mean, if they found out about the dance I'm in; it's officially a rap for me.

Dear God!

Minutes earlier, Tiffany had to go because she had something she had to do. In the thought, Lacey too was fit into trouble because of me. 
 I took up my phone and texted her. *Hey Lacey, I'm sorry about the earlier. Call. When you get this!*

I knew that she was in detention and would not be able to reply immediately but then I’d wait. Soon enough, Johnson walked into the class and sighted me. He smiled at me as he approached.

“How are you? Mason told me about everything,” He began and then took a sit beside me. Honestly, I'm not feeling too comfortable with him around me. Ever since Lacey to lf me about his intentions, I kinda felt bizarre.

“I'm fine Johnny, didn't think you were around. I mean, didn’t you have practice?”

“I could always make out time for you.”

He said and I smiled faintly, he rest his hand behind me. This time I could breathe in his perfume, a soft and nice smell.

“Does it hurt that much?” He asked me

“A bit. I’ll be fine after all,” I said and he nodded lightly. Silence struck and it seemed outrageous to me anyways.

“Is he hurting you?” He asked and I knew who was referring to.

“He’s not. Why?”

“I wanna be sure! I don’t like the way he’s treating you…”
 “I’m not complaining-“

“Jeez Claudia, you mustn’t. I’m concerned… everyone is. He’s been talking shitty about you and it doesn’t sit well with any of us. That’s why Lacey has been distant…”

“We made up earlier…”

“But he is shit ass girlfriend hurt you!” He noted. “Ain't you mad about that?”

“I-I don’t know. I forgive her-”

“Don’t try to confuse faith for oblivion!”

“Seriously? What do you know about faith? I'm not trying to be oblivious right now...”

I was pissed at his statement even if it seemed very true. He sighed looking away from his gaze. 
 He's right. Just Davis told me, I should stand up to Sherry but then I'm not able. The guts are weak and I hate to feel that way...

“My bad Claudia, I'm just being transparent. I hate the way he treats you, it's not fair. You're sweet, why would want to ruin your life only because he doesn't fancy you? That's fucking dumb.”

He turned to me, my eyes were still fixated on his. 
 “I know Johnny, you are a nice person, which makes me lucky.”
 He smiled and then he took my hand into his and looked at me intently.

“FYI, I'm in love I love with you Claudia, and I want to be someone dear to you. You mustn't say the words right now, I'll always wait.”

He said. My mind raced faster, if I were in a race then I bet that I would come first place. I smiled in the best way that I could.

“I'm overwhelmed. Positively. Thanks for understanding Johnson, you're awesome.”

“I'd be better if you were next to me!”He teased as we chuckled it off.

“Can I take you out tomorrow? Milkshakes? Froyos? Pizza? Anything you want,”

He asked, he seemed a bit edgy.

“I'll text you how it goes, I hope my patents don’t-”

“That's not a problem, I'll come over...”

“I'm not so sure-”

“We'll talk outside. Whatever it is Claude, I'm down!” He added. He did sweep me off with his persistence. I smiled coyly and he gently placed a warm kiss on my knuckles. These days, strange things are happening to me. Things that I've never experienced before, I'm appalled...

“The fuck!” Someone said out loud, coming from the door. Johnson and I instinctively turned in the direction of the door. Davis. Davis... Davis...
 Is he stalking me or us or something? I muttered to myself. I instantly took off my hands off Johnson's, I was nervous and terrified as though I had seen a ghost. Johnson's hands fisted, the last thing I’d wish for is a fight. He walked in majestically, I hate his guts and cockiness.

“What the fuck is happening?”

“Why do you fucking care?” Johnson asked, he stood.

“Really?” Davis shrugged. He was growing and yet he was smirking.

“I'm gonna tell you this once, leave Davis.”

“Nah dude, you ain't shutting me off for this bitch are you?” Davis asked but Johnson scoffed. I was silent as a silent hill. 
 “I didn't know you liked Johnson too, you're such a hoe!” He said directing his words at me, I swallowed the lump in my throat. I have had enough for today, I swear. 
 I groaned inside. 
 “Let her off of this,” Johnson protested, he was going feral. Davis laughed hysterically. Sinfully handsome! Ugh!!!

I can't believe that I'm gaping at him even at this point. Would I ever learn or not?

“What are you? An ogre or the fucking what?! Stay better stay off Davis, I'm nice.”

Davis raised his voice.

“What else? What are you gonna do? Huh?”

Johnson raised his voice too, he attempted to start a fight but I caught him by the arm and pleaded with him, not to. It would be a nightmare. I don't underestimate either of them.

“Yeah Davis, back off. You're gonna hate me soon for what you're about to do. We...” Davis looked in my direction with a death stare and back to Johnson.

“...both have an unfinished business, she knows what's up.”

He said and Johnson looked at me for validation and then I shyly nodded positively. 
 “I'll explain everything to you tomorrow, I promise,” I said to him and patted him lightly on the arm.

“Call or text me,” Johnson’s voice fell on too low on the spot.

“Yes bitchy nun, that's nice of you. We are five minutes late too!” David said. I took my backpack and walked up to Davis, staring at them like a predator over prey. He smirked and turned to Johnson as I walked further.

“That's chill bro, and don’t be so sure ‘cause I might just fuck her mouth or fuck HER too! Never say never!”

He said. He walked caught up with me, I had made a turn.

I'm so sick and tired of this, I want to hibernate, please!