Chapter Six

Rory was stuffing most of her books except for the ones she needed for first period in her locker when she looked up and saw Jeri with an entourage. “You do move quickly,” she commented in a bantering tone but her icy blue eyes were anything but friendly. “You've managed to hook Dalen in just a week.” She tilted her head. “Congratulations,” she added insincerely.

“What—?” Rory was unable to finish her sentence as Jeri continued.

“He told us you quit the squad to spend more time with him. It doesn't make much sense, but it worked out for the best.” A tall brunette stepped forward. “This is Jorgie—your replacement. She's a great dancer,” her tone implied Rory was not. With a sigh she mused, “That’s the last time I do Dalen a favor.”

“What are you talking about?” Rory demanded, totally lost.

Jeri smiled maliciously. “Dalen wanted you on the squad so you could be near him. You don't think I ever would have chosen you otherwise, do you?” She sauntered off with the others following behind her.

“Don't let them get to you,” Carson advised quietly. “They're just a catty bunch of bitches.” He'd been standing behind the girls and heard every word.

“I'm not going to,” Rory said decisively. “I know I'm good. After all, I was in line for captain of the squad in L.A. When it comes to dancing, I'm way better than Jeri. She's just pissed I quit the squad and stole Dalen,” she said scathingly. “She's just trying to diminish me and make me feel bad.”

“Good for you,” Carson whispered as he pushed a strand of hair off her face. “Now that you understand how the socio-political structure at Breckridge Academy works you might even survive it.”

“What a touching scene,” Dalen mocked. He stepped close to Carson, who pushed Rory behind him. “You know, Perry told me you were all over my girl, but I had to see for myself. I just couldn't believe you'd have the balls to do such a thing.”

“She's not your girl,” Carson said evenly. “You know that Dalen. Stop tripping with whatever drug you're taking.” He leaned forward. “And stop dispensing it,” he added in a steady voice.

Dalen's face froze, and he looked furious. “Back off, gutter trash,” he told him threateningly. Then Dalen swung his attention to Rory. “What are you doing hanging out with this loser? You're lucky I'm in a good mood today.” He crooked a finger. “Come along, Rory,” he commanded.

Carson pushed her farther behind him. “She’s not going anywhere with you.”

“Are you going to stop me?” Dalen burst out laughing. “You don't stand a chance against me.”

Rory could see things were getting way out of hand. “Please don't,” she whispered and put a hand on Carson's shoulder. “It's not worth it.”

“She's not going with you,” Carson reiterated and shoved Dalen's arm away when he reached for Rory.

“Do you really want to do this?” Dalen sniggered.

Carson could feel an ass-kicking coming on, but he couldn't let Dalen waltz off with Rory. Balling his fist up, Carson returned. “Bring it on,” with a cocky grin. Before Dalen realized what was happening, he hit him as hard as he could in the gut.

Dalen hunched forward. “You’re dead,” he swore and straightened up within a few seconds. Standing toe to toe with Carson, he was three inches taller and at least thirty pounds heavier. Carson was lean and in good shape, but Dalen was a wall of solid muscles. He lifted Carson off his feet and shoved him against the lockers. Dalen smashed his fist into Carson's face, and blood sprayed everywhere.

Rory gasped and stepped between them. Dalen's forearm struck her on the shoulder and she fell to the floor, smacking her elbow against the cement. Tears came to her eyes, and she cried out. Dalen dropped Carson in a heap and bent down by Rory. “Are you okay, baby?” he asked gently, trying to take her in his arms. “I didn't mean for you to get hurt.”

Rory pulled away from him and scooted backwards until her back was pressed against a locker. She could see Mr. Drayson hurrying toward them and breathed a sigh of relief. “What's going on here?” he demanded.

“Nothing,” Dalen said arrogantly, practically daring Drayson to contradict him. “Let me help you up, buddy,” he offered and lifted Carson to his feet. Drayson averted his eyes and hurried on down the hallway.

Dalen's pretense of friendliness died an abrupt death. “This isn't over,” he told Carson coldly. Then he looked at Rory, who was cradling her elbow. “I'll see you soon,” he promised as the first bell rang and the hallways emptied.

Rory rose to her feet and went to Carson. “How is it?” she asked inanely though she could see it was bleeding profusely.

“Broken,” he said in a nasally voice.

Taking his arm, Rory led him through the school. “I'm taking you to the hospital,” she explained and ignored his protests. They passed a teacher who looked them over but didn't try to stop them. “Don't these teachers care about anything?” she asked after she'd settled Carson in the passenger seat and they were on the way to the hospital.

“Keeping their jobs,” Carson answered as air hissed through his broken nose. “Dalen's mother is the principal and his dad is a board member. Hell, his great-grandfather started Breckridge Academy in 1910.”

“I know, but it's still wrong. No one in this town seems willing to cross the Hudsons. If they committed murder, I don't think anyone would care.” Rory parked in the parking lot of the small hospital and hopped out to open Carson's door.

“That's true. Man, I hope my mom isn't working today,” he commented as they walked inside. Luck wasn't with Carson however. Evie was on duty and since he was three months from eighteen, she was called to admitting to sign him in. She took one look at him and closed her eyes. “Mom, I—” he tried to explain but she held up a hand.

“I don't want to hear it, Carson,” she said wearily. “You don't want to help me or you. Who do you think suffers when you do stuff like this? I got a call from Mr. Drayson saying you started a fight with Dalen. He's not going to press charges this time, but you lucked out. Do what you want but don't involve me in it,” she said evenly and trudged off.

Rory sat with Carson in an exam room and waited for a doctor. “No offense, but your mom is gloomy,” she commented.

“She has reason to be,” he explained. “Since my dad took off two years ago, she hasn't been the same. We're treated as outcasts, as if his leaving was our fault. We never really belonged anyway. I don't know why she doesn't pack up and leave this town but I'm outta here when I graduate.”

“Where will you go?” Rory asked with a pang in her stomach. She didn't want Carson to go anywhere.

“L.A., or maybe Chicago. My dad offered to pay for my college and expenses if I go to the university there.”

“How do you get along with him?”

Carson shrugged. “Okay, I guess. He's tried to stay in touch but it's difficult. Rita, his new wife, had two sons from a previous marriage, and she doesn't like me much. They just had a baby last month, and he wants me to come for the christening in two weeks but I still haven't decided.” He looked down as Rory scooted her chair closer and rested her head on his thigh. “How do you get along with your parents?”

Rory sighed. “Until eighteen months ago, they were the best. I mean, my dad was always sort of oblivious and never really involved with our lives but my mom made up for it. Then the company they started took off, and they changed into pod-people overnight. I don't even know them anymore.”

“Did you tell them about...?” Carson trailed off.

Rory shook her head as he caressed her hair. “I don't think they would want to know. They have some kind of deal with Shuler Hudson. Yesterday, my mom told me to be gentle when I ended things with Dalen.”

Carson realized he was smearing blood through her red-gold hair and awkwardly dabbed at it with a tissue. A man in his late twenties came in and he said, “That looks nasty, Mr. Winslow. I want to get an x-ray.” An orderly followed the doctor in, pushing a wheelchair. Carson was whisked to the x-ray department and Rory stayed behind.

When Carson returned a few minutes later, he took a seat beside her instead of crawling back on the table. The doctor came in after twenty minutes or so. “It's definitely broken, Carson. You lucked out. It could be much worse.” He went to work setting Carson's nose with the help of a male nurse. “Maybe you'll stay out of trouble,” the doctor added when Carson sat up with a stark white bandage across his nose. The doctor gave him a prescription for pain killers, and Carson was discharged.

“I hope I can sing with this thing,” he said, sounding like he was severely congested. “I can't believe I have to wear this.”

“It could have been much worse,” Rory fretted. “You might have needed surgery. He could have killed you, Carson. Promise me you won't take such risks in the future.”

Carson stopped walking and turned her to face him. “I couldn't just let him take you, Rory. I'll protect you however I can, even if I become his personal punching bag.”

Tears swam in her eyes and she hugged him. “Thank you,” she mumbled against his shirt. After a moment she was composed and withdrew a little. “Are you going to school or home?”

“First, I need to go to the pharmacy,” he answered. “My head is killing me.” Rory drove him to the pharmacy and he waited in the car while she filled it. When she brought the pills to him, he popped two in his mouth and swallowed without water. “I'm going home,” he told her abruptly. “I'm beat.”

“Do you need to get your car from the school?” Rory asked.

Carson shook his head gingerly. “Nah, it's not running—again,” he explained wryly. “Would you mind driving me home?”

“Of course not,” Rory told him and left the pharmacy parking lot. They arrived at his house a few minutes later. “Do you need help getting inside?” she asked.

“No, I'll make it,” he answered. “I'll see you tomorrow, Rory.” He got out of the car and leaned back inside. “Be careful today. Don't go anywhere alone,” he warned.

“I won't,” she assured him. “I'm going to stick close to Korith.” She had no idea if Moriah would be expected to hang out with the cheerleaders. “Thanks again, Carson,” she said warmly and waited until he let himself in before driving back to the school.