When class ends, I gather my stuff and walk out to my locker.
“Megan, what’s wrong?” I hear him behind me.
I turn the dial on my locker and once it opens, I grab my history book and backpack.
“Are you ignoring me now?”
I shove the book in my backpack, close the locker, and sidestep him.
“Megan, talk to me.” He catches me by the elbow, but I push him back.
“Don’t touch me.” I warn and he holds up his hands. “You’re such a joke. You know that? I can’t believe you told people what I did. I’m sorry, okay? I can’t believe you would go through so much just to get into my pants.”
“Whoa, what are you talking about? I haven’t—”
“Stop lying. You know what? It doesn’t matter anymore. We were never friends and we never will be. You’ve won, okay? You fooled me. Leave me alone.” I storm out the door, hoping he finally takes the hint. But I know we have to see each other again for this stupid assignment.
“Megan, please. What happened?” Casper asks before I unlock my door.
I spin around, and the wind lifts my hair from my face, exposing my bruise. “You told them about me running to your house that day. Now they all think I have this crazy obsession with you. How could you? What did I ever do to you?”
His eyes are remorseful and a soft crease forms in between them. He pauses and sighs. “The day it happened, I told Brad. But at the time I was so freaked out that the only way I coped with it was laughing about it.”
Tears blur my vision.
“It was wrong and stupid. I’m so sorry I upset you. But tell me honestly, if I had come to your house like that you would’ve laughed to Cherry about it.” His voice is stern.
I hope I’m a better person than that, but I probably would have done the same. Except Cherry wouldn’t have told everyone. “Even if we had, no one would’ve believed us. Because you’re you and I’m me. Didn’t you think Brad would tell everyone?” My voice wavers.
“He’s been my best friend my whole life. So no, I didn’t think he’d tell anyone. Maybe his girlfriend. I’m sorry. I really am.”
“Your friends think I’m a psycho obsessed with you.”
“I don’t care what they think.”
“I do. I mean, have you ever set them straight? Have you ever stood up for me when they’re talking about me?”
His silence is my answer.
I let out a frustrated groan. “I gotta go.” I slide behind the wheel.
I try to remain upbeat with the customers at work, but I’m moody. As the night continues, my bad mood improves. I tell Cherry what Casper said this afternoon, but she tells me to forget about him because he’s trouble. I think about Vincent and wonder if he’ll visit me. I know he spends a lot of time with his mom and I don’t blame him. I feel bad that I miss him so much.
Ten o’clock finally comes and Cherry and I walk out together. “You’ll be okay, Megan. I’m sorry all this crap is going on, but you have me and Vincent. Don’t forget that.”
“Thanks, Cher. I appreciate that a lot. It sucks because I thought for a second Casper and I could be friends.”
She stops me. “I’m only telling you this because I’m your friend, but you have to forget Casper. He’s bad news. Finish the project with him and move on.”
I nod, but she doesn’t get it. I’m sharing dreams with him. I want to move on, but it doesn’t seem like the dreams will let me.
Cherry gasps. “Is that Vincent at your car?”
I turn and see him leaning against my car. Every time I see him, a rush of excitement burns throughout me. His sweet smile draws me closer and he uncrosses his arms.
“Hey you. Hey, Cherry.”
“Y’all have a good night,” Cherry says. “Call me.”
“Good night,” I tell her, and she leaves.
It’s freezing outside and I fold into Vincent’s arms. He smells like cigarette smoke, which almost makes me gag. He kisses me but doesn’t taste like cigarettes, thankfully.
“How was your night?”
“It was busy, but okay.” I shiver.
“Do you wanna sit in the car?”
I nod. He tows me toward his car, and we settle in the seats. He turns the ignition and blasts the heat. “What did you get into tonight?”
“Just hung around.”
Way to be specific as always. I glance at the clock, silently moaning that I can’t stay too long.
“I missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” I confess. “It’s been a bad week.”
I feel his hand on my back. “What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.”
“I’m tired of people treating me like crap. Casper and his little friend Amber are spreading rumors about me.” I lean back against the seat and he takes my hand.
“What kind of rumors?” I don’t miss the anger in his voice.
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
“Megan.”
“It’s nothing. How are you?”
He shrugs. “Fine.” Vincent pulls me into a tight hug and kisses the top of my head. “Are you off tomorrow?”
“No.”
“You should skip one day.”
“I value my life,” I joke.
“One night won’t hurt though, will it?”
“My parents will know my check is short.”
“I’ll give you the money you lose.”
“Paying me for my time?” I tease.
“You know it’s not like that. I feel like you need a break. That’s all. I know I could use
