Chapter 13

I'm never the type of person to just sit around and do nothing when I don't like a certain something in my life. I figure my best option is to try and change it. And if I don't succeed, at least I gave it effort.

My relationship with Michael didn't start off like I imagined and hoped it would.

Dad came home two days after Michael became my boyfriend. Mother told him all about that night, but not what Joseph said, because she wasn't there.

Though Dad is not directly telling me to end things with Michael, which, to me, was a surprise, he's trying to make me feel guilty about being with him.

"You know Aniko, that married couples who never dated in high school will stay together longer? I'm sure you want to have a long marriage."

To that, or to some sort of variation of that, I would excuse myself from the room.

Does he not like the idea of me being happy? Can't he accept the fact that Michael makes me happy?

As if that's not enough, Michael has been getting teased by his friends that he can't hold down an older girl. I try to build up his confidence every chance I get.

-

That Wednesday morning after third period, I search through the bustling halls and spot Michael at his locker.

Along the way to him, I don't even see Cera waving me over in her direction.

"Fine then, bitch." I turn my head to the left and she's sitting on one of the black benches.

"I'll talk to you in a minute," I point at her and then walk up to Michael.

"So," I start, moving a green sheet of paper in his direction, "Talent show auditions start on Friday."

He gives me a waning smile and continues shoving textbooks into his already messy locker.

With an eye roll, I hip-bump him out of the way and start to organize his locker.

"That's nice." Michael says shortly, watching me.

I stop momentarily to glance at him. "Aren't you going to perform? That song you showed me would be perfect."

"If I enter, people will believe that it's rigged because I'm already famous." He explains.

My shoulders slump a little because he does have a point.

"Hadn't thought of that," I mutter before shutting his locker.

"Hey, it's okay. Do you want to grab a smoothie after school?" He takes my hand and we walk over to Cera.

I shake my head. "Can't, practice today til 5:00."

"I'll watch and pick you up in Jackie's car right after."

I stop walking. "Watch?"

He nods slowly. "Yeah, at practice. Is there a problem?"

I shrug a shoulder. "It's just... I'm gonna be all sweaty during practice.. and after."

Michael smiles at me. "I won't judge you for that. Obviously, when you run, you sweat. Nothing to be embarrassed about, girl."

I smile back sheepishly and then Michael checks his watch. The bell is about to ring for class.

Michael sighs and kisses my lips. "Gotta go. See you in an hour."

I give him a wave and he turns and walks away.

I'm relieved that he's not still down about the whole Joseph incident. That would make me feel pretty guilty.

"Oooh. Mr. Hottie and you are really hitting it off, huh?" Cera winks once I reach her.

I smile uncontrollably and sit next to her. "Yeah. Cer, he's just amazing." I sigh.

"My best friend is in love, how sweet and touching."

That word makes my stomach flip. Love. Love? Am I truly in love?

The bell rings, loudly and odiously, earning a groan from the two of us.

"I'm going to die in Trig," I say.

"The test is pretty easy if you studied for it." Cera replies.

"Shit! I knew there was something I should have studied for."

"Just wing it Aniko!" She winks at me before we part ways. She heads the other direction.

On my way to class, I wave to Collin in the halls and he beckons me over.

I try to hide my frown as I walk toward him.

What does he want?

"Hey, Aniko," He smiles as I near him.

"Hey." I greet shortly, glancing at the hallway clock to hint to him that I don't want to be late.

"Sorry, this will only take a minute, but I wanted to ask you something."

I nod, signaling for him to continue.

Two boys walk up to him. One is holding a bouquet of flowers, tulips specifically, my favorite.

How the hell did he know that? The only person that knows that is...

Yani.

Collin gives me the bouquet and takes the banner from the other guy's hands.

It reads, "I hope I'm first place... Will you go to homecoming with me?"

There is a picture of me on the banner, I was warming up during the last track meet.

He winks at me. "So, will you?"

My head is reeling. People have gathered around us at such a huge scene Collin made.

I squint my eyes and take a step back.

He knows exactly what he's doing.

He's making a huge scene so I feel forced into saying yes to him.

What an ass!

I don't even know if he knows about Michael and I.

Speaking of Michael, my heart thumps quickly as I see his head turn around to our direction. His eyes widen and the sparkle is instantly gone.

Oh, shit.

"Aniko," Collin calls my attention back to him and I whip around and glare at him.

He frowns slightly. "What's your-"

Michael angrily storms by down the hallway. I push through the forming crowd and walk after him.

"Michael!"

He doesn't even acknowledge that I said his name.

"Oh my fucking.." I grumble and stop walking before kicking off my flip flops and set the bouquet down.

I toss the flip flops in my bag and sprint after him.

"Michael," I quickly catch my breath as I stop in front of him.

"Shouldn't you be making homecoming court with Collin?" He snaps and rolls his eyes.

"Baby," I try again. "This seriously isn't what it looks like."

"I'm not your baby." He says quietly and starts walking off again.

"What? Wait!" I grab his arm.

"Why did you choose to come after me? Huh?"

"Because you're my boyfriend and I-"

"Said yes to Collin!" Michael shouts.

I frown. "You think I said yes?! I didn't!"

"Okay, sure. Aniko, you have a boyfriend but you're going with someone else to homecoming. What does that look like! It looks like you're a hoe!"

I gasp and take a step back, tears pricking at my eyes. "Michael."

He shoves his hands in his pockets, his face showing little remorse but not enough to verbally apologize.

"Listen, forget about smoothies after school. You can go with Collin though." He snarks smartly.

Then he walks quickly down the hallway.

He called me a hoe. His face of anger was burned into my head and his chilling words resonated through my bones.

How could he?

I run to the bathroom and lock myself in a stall once I realize that I'm sobbing.

I clean myself up and examine my blotchy face in the mirror.

"Love ain't easy."

And whoever said it was is a dirty liar.

--

Chapter 13

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~Joy ✌🏼️