Chapter 23

*What has happened, has happened!*

~

Specters. Specters. Specters.

I can not forget what has happened.

Davis has made crossed the line of morals. I mean, I'm not familiar with such things as that.

Sitting and having dinner with my family was a routine but for once in my life, I needed to be around them. Not even Tiffany could help in erasing such a memory.

I stuffed my mouth and chewed carefully, my parents discussed work. They had an upcoming project they wanted to deliberate on, Mom is good at pastries and so father wants to put more into it.

“So Claudia dear, how are classes going?”

Father asked with a warm smile, that one that reminds me of the time I got awarded by acing a Math competition.

“It is perfect Dad, I’m tutoring my fellow student in chemistry. Ms. Winslet thinks that I’m fit for it.” I said it was the kind of thing that they loved to hear after all. I dare not talk about the new exploration that I encountered today, not even my head wants that. “That’s what we love to hear, I’m very proud of you! We all are, honey!” Mom added and I smiled coyly.

“You’re sure taking after me,” Chloe teased with a bragging smile. Yeah whatever, she used to be an A student back in the day, she was the talk of every educational topic. My plan is not to take after my sister or walk in her shadows, I want to be myself, my muse, and my motivation. I want a life for myself and not the cultivated one. Chloe furthered to tell us about her university, she’d be leaving soon since it was time to resume lecture. She’s actually on the verge of graduating from university soon. I’m very proud of her, it suits her after all.

***

I stood next to the booth while Father looked over the bonnet. It didn't start when Dad kicked it five minutes ago. “...What’s happening sweetheart, didn't you service the car?”

Mom began as she walked up to him and then he shuddered.

“...Can someone tell this woman that I'm the car?!” Dad said and after a bit, they began to argue over the car and who contributes to the damage to the car.

“Mom! Dad! It's fine, I'll go with Tiffany instead.” I opted calmly. Mom turned to me abruptly with a judgemental glare.

“No, you're not, you'll go with your sister-”

“Mom c’mon, it's easier for her! I have to stop by the gas station. She'd be late!” Chloe said, I almost jumped on her, for once in a long while; she supported me.

“It's just that-” Mom started again and this time, Dad intervened.

“Let them go together, that's the best bet right now. I'm not so sure if the car would start anytime soon!”

“We could stop a cab...”

“Jeez Mom, it's not like I'm going to get kidnapped. Times you don't make it to my school, they drop me off!” I explained, I leaned closer to Mon and kissed her on the cheek, as well as Dad. I waved at Chloe as she winked back.

Mom asked if she could come along to ask for permission but I stopped her, that would not be necessary. My relationship with that family has surpassed formality. 


 I briskly walked to the apartment and when I was about to knock on the door, the door opened instantly.

Coincidence.

Raphael plopped his head before coming into full view, he was dressed for work. It seemed like he had some urgency.

We exchanged pleasantries, and he promised to text me but before I could tell him that I didn’t own a phone anymore, he had scurried away to his car parked by the curb. Okay. I sighed and walked into the house, the familiar smell of used cigarettes and coffee blended into the air.

I sighted Tiffany’s parents having coffee by the counter, he was smoking a cigarette. Wow, as early as 7 am?

It’s not your problem, I reminded myself. I hollered at them and they warmly welcomed me as I proceeded to the stairs.

I knocked on Tiffany's door but there wasn't a response instead they were loud music coming from the room. I was about to knock on the door again when someone brushed my shoulder. He barged into the room while I slowly walked in from behind.

“Get the fuck outta my way!”I heard him say under his breath, he stopped by the dresser and took a pack of something I couldn't recognize.

I sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.

He stopped to stare at me, our eyes locked as I slowly looked away.

I had made up my mind to talk to him about yesterday, I can't live with myself and it's his fault.

It sucks that he doesn't get enough of making a jest out of everything that concerns me. 


 He's staring at me as though he had left something behind, perhaps on my body. It was slightly harmless but daunting, still.

He’s adorable. Black looked perfect on him, his denim rockstar jacket was fancier than the one I had seen lately. He’s quite fashionable, I would not lie about that but he’s just so domineering.

Could he be domineering around just me?

I asked myself.

He took off his eyes and walked out of the room, I’m guessing that he may be insulted me in his head. 


 Tiffany approached with a hand towel on her left, she was lip-syncing to the song playing.

I’m not familiar with words but it sounded a hot rhythmic.

‘Hold me till dawn, I’m not a sinner but for you, I’m one….’

That’s unbelievable, I reserve my comments anyway. She was shocked to see that, yes, we had a rough time yesterday. 


 I got on my feet and stared at her with my fingers interlacing somewhat nervously.

She walked up to me with a smile, as though we hadn’t argued yesterday. She placed her hands on my shoulders gently and began.

“I’m so sorry about yesterday, I was wrong. I overreacted and I’m so ashamed. You did what you did to protect me right?”

“Of course,” I snapped knowing fully well that it was a blunt lie.

“You love me this much?!” She teased and we laughed it off, she pulled me in for a hug. She was warm, the furry coat did its job. I only had a velvet overcoat though.

“I missed you, I can’t believe I’m saying this,” I said as we slowly pulled away.

She dragged me by the hand as we stopped by the drawer.

She pulled the first one as she took out a box and handed it over to me. Before I could scan through, she stated

“Davis smashed your phone, I was mad at it. I saw it. He was and is a dick and so I got you another one…”

“Tiff you didn’t have to”

“No Claude, it's my apology gift. Please keep it,” She said, I could not contain the joy and so I hugged her tightly but swiftly.

We headed to the car and Davis was face timing his friends, Tiffany took the passengers while I took the back seat.

Dear God, I hope to encounter less or no troubles on this day, I whispered a prayer. It was the least that I could do at this point.

I had logged into my iCloud account, it felt so good to have a cell again. Just a few times of usage, it felt like I could not survive without it. Davis entered the car and to my shock, he didn't say a word to me.

I was getting comfortable a bit, in the hope that I stood a chance.

He started to set in motion, he was still silent.

“Claude, Raph thinks you're interesting you know. I can see proof!” Tiffany began

“That's wild, what do you think? Why did you say so?” I asked barely lifting my head


 “C’mon girl, he got you a diamond necklace. That's hot!” she added positively, I scoffed with a smile. Of course, it was strange and epic to me.

“I think he's nice and courteous!” I said

“Well, you could just say hot instead of courteous!” She teased and we laughed it off.

Soon it was silent, busy with our phones while he drove. I caught a glimpse of him staring at me through the mirror when we met; his gaze stung me. I wish that I could read his mind or hear his thoughts about me this instant, I thought.

Tiffany asked him a question after she showeded him a picture and they guffawed at once, I didn't bother, I was on my phone as well.

Lately, I had accumulated a good number of followers ever since I joined the cheer squad. Some said that I'm superheated, some said I'm cute, others said I'm simply a die-hard wannabe, and that I just wanted to be like Tiffany.

It sounds absurd but I would not care that much, I'm aiming at winning Davis.

Today, we are going to be dancing before the boys play basketball, I'm only wishing that nothing changes or goes wrong.

*Hey Claudia, missed ya. Thought that I should check up on you. How did it go w/ Davis?*

I read from one of the text messages, this was from Johnson. He's acting weird and strange.

*I'll see you at the cafeteria after Math.*

Lacey sent the other and a couple of text messages from Tiffany, I'm guessing the time my cell phone got smashed.

Lately, I've been able to wear minimal makeovers, adapting to the clothes I wore at school, people are beginning to see me for me but most think that I'm walking in Tiffany's shadows..

“...No c’mon, I think Claudia has got a pass. She's adorable!” Tiffany said. “She seems reserved but she's fire!

“...I'd rather fuck Raphael’s ex-girlfriend! Gross!” He snapped. Whatever might have triggered this conversation didn't in my favor.

“Fuck you Davis, you're gross!” He smirked making a turn, leading to our school.

I feigned not understanding why they had been talking about it, driving here took an entire lifetime. We stepped out of the car, I walked over to Tiffany while she took shots.

“Th-Thanks for the ride!”

I said to Davis and he pouted.

“Suck on my dick as you did!”

He blurred and walled away as Tiffany stared at me questionably. 


 “What's that supposed to mean!?”

Her face tweaked a bit, perhaps baffled and shocked as well. 


 “You-You should probably ask him. I have no idea what he meant...” I stuttered and her face loosened with a smile.

“What if it happened with my brother, would you like it? I mean he's cute!” she said and I began to walk away, It a pretty hard to hide my guilt but she didn't seem to notice, Lacey would never suggest that. “Or wait, have you ever done a blowjob?”

She asked and I halted.

“What's a blowjob?”

“You know! It's an oral-”

“We're gonna be late for class talking about sex and the parties, not now Iffy! I'm very uncomfortable.” I said, I continued walking as she fell in step. She cracked up. 


 “You know, my first bj was at 14...”

“And you are?”

“16!” she snapped nonchalantly What?

~

Walking into my class, the first thing I catch a glimpse of is Sherry kissing Davis.


 I dropped into my chair like a log to the floor, wondering, thinking, and imagining. 


 What we had yesterday meant nothing to him?

How could Davis do this to me?

I thought he broke up with this witch.

Where was she when he was the bug trouble that almost cost him his right to the line in New York?

No way, I'm hurt as ever.

I couldn't take my eyes off them until 
 Davis’s eyes met mine. I took it off immediately and suddenly it was getting hot in the classroom. I headed out of class for a minute, the restroom was the best solace at this point. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, all I could was a broken-hearted innocent reserved girl who got played over by a boy she loves very dearly.

I didn't think that I would see this as early as now, I didn't realize the moment my eyes watered.

My eyes flickered, I was fighting the tears that had gathered to disobey my commands.

I've got to chin up, it's only a kiss and nothing else.

Davis would see me someday, soon. The soreness that lingered in my throat could not be defeated, deep-throating his full length and stroking it is not something I can forget or want to forget anytime soon.

Davis is in my head.

I should realize that he is not a guy for me, but no, most times I picture us kissing passionately.

Seeing Sherry do all of that is making me run feral.