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Emmy
It’s Friday morning. Five days have passed since the gym incident. I've been able to avoid Brittany without any more problems so far. Other than her giving me the stink eye, which is her new favorite thing to do, she’s kept her distance.
I’m quite certain it has something to do with me making sure not to look at Oliver when she’s around. I know I shouldn't let her win by doing what she told me to do, but I'm gonna pick my battles. What's the point in pissing her off if I don't need to?
It seems like whenever I'm not in my room, Oliver is wherever I am. I caught him looking at me in the dining hall a few times. He bumped into me after class the other day. And I swear I could feel him drilling holes in the back of my head during math.
There were a few times where I could tell he wanted to say something, but before any words came out of his mouth, he turned around and left with his friends.
So far the only one to say anything to me is Talon.
Yesterday, in class he told me that my nose looked like it was healing well and that you could hardly even tell that it was bruised.
It’s a big fat lie, but it was nice of him to say.
He also told me not to worry about Brittany too much and then made sure to state the fact that Oliver and Brittany are not together and that she's just a crazy bitch.
I mean he's not wrong about that last part.
I woke up with a small headache and my nose is still sore when I touch it, but thanks to the ice packs and pain killers, the swelling has gone down a lot.
Makeup is my best friend right now though.
I put on a few layers of concealer and foundation and it does wonders for covering up the blue, green, and yellow bruises that cover my nose and under my eyes.
“Wow, today you can't even tell you got smashed in the face with a volleyball," Charlie says, as she enters the room, having just finished showering. Her hair is still wet and her face is makeup free. She's a natural beauty.
"Thanks," I deadpan.
She chuckles at that. "Cheer up, Buttercup,” she says, tossing her wet towel in the dirty laundry basket then turning to look at me. “Tonight, we get to party!" Charlie says with an evil gleam in her eye.
"Party? Where? We can't leave campus."
"After curfew, the guards only check on us again one other time in the middle of the night. So, we all sneak down to the basement to listen to music and have a few drinks. You can't hear anything down there. It's kind of creepy but also awesome, because we can just relax and forget about everything for a night. Some guy here has a brother who's friends with one of the guards and he sneaks in booze every few months,” Charlie says. She's rambling a bit but I just listen and enjoy the sound of her musical voice.
Over the past week, Charlie and I have grown even closer. She took it upon herself to be my personal nurse, and the more time I spent with her, the harder I fall for her.
I want her. I want her bad. I keep catching myself staring at her and imagining all the sexy, dirty things I could do to her. I think she's starting to notice too.
She caught me looking at her ass yesterday but was totally cool about it. She just smiled but didn't say anything.
Sometimes I catch her looking at me when she thinks I'm not paying attention, so I hope she’s having the same feelings for me that I'm having for her.
"We get a few hours of fun, then we go back to our rooms before the guard goes out on his next set of rounds. It's the weekend, so even if we get hungover there aren't any repercussions. We're allowed to do what we want on weekends and the dining hall stays open until after lunch, so we can eat any time until then."
"For a reform school, they sure do allow a lot of freedom," I say, not really complaining but more curious than anything.
"I wouldn't really call it a reform school, more like a fresh start away from all the temptations of the outside world. We are still on probation and have rules, chores, and therapy," she says with a shrug.
This party might be just what I need. "Awesome, tonight sounds like fun. Some music and dancing sound good right about now."
"That's my girl. It's gonna be fun. You can borrow something of mine to wear, and we can get something this weekend for you to wear to the next party," Charlie says.
She grabs my bag, then my arm, and drags me out the door. "Come on, Girly, I need a coffee and some food before I become a grumpy bitch," she says with a giggle.
AFTER GETTING FOOD and most importantly coffee, Charlie and I sit at our table with Lissy.
I still have headaches a few times throughout the day and I have the pain pills the nurse gave me, but I'm trying to only take them when I really need to. The fear of becoming addicted, like my mother, sits in the back of my mind every time I take one. I don't want to become anything like that woman.
It’s only my first week here, and I've already made an enemy, gotten hurt, and my ex best friend/first love just happens to be everywhere I turn. He is in all of my classes, except Art. Thank god. Art and Music are the only two things I look forward to.
I love Art. Drawing is one of my favorite things to do. Most of my tattoos are my own designs. The only tattoos that I haven’t designed myself, are the ones on my right leg. It’s covered in all my favorite Disney characters. I got some of the experienced artists at my work to do those for me.
And then there is Music. It's my escape from life.
Back when Oliver left, I started writing my feelings down. After a while, I turned them into songs. I saved up some money and bought a used guitar from the pawnshop down the street from my work and started writing music to my lyrics.
I'd spend hours in my room singing my own songs or blasting the radio, belting out whatever was playing, dancing around my room without a care in the world.
I miss those times.
It's only been a few weeks, but I'm dying to pick up a guitar and start playing again.
WE SPEND ENGLISH CLASS reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream and discussing the play. "I thought it was funny when they started on Hermia about her height," Talon comments with a laugh after the teacher asks what we like best about the play.
A little annoyed with his comment, I feel the need to comment back. "Why? Do you think it's funny to make fun of people? To make someone feel less about themselves because of how they look?" I ask, cocking a brow with a side of sass.
Talon turns and looks at me with a panty melting smile. "Nah, I love short chicks. They're feisty little things. Aren't they?" he replies with a wink.
I roll my eyes but I can feel my cheeks burning. Is he flirting with me?
His smile grows the longer he looks at me. Yup, he could totally tell I was blushing.
How is he getting to me so easily? Talon is a player. He flirts as easily as people breathe. I should not be so affected by it.
His dirty blonde hair falls forward covering a little bit of his left eye as he leans his arm on the back of his chair. He pulls one of his snake bites into his mouth and starts to chew on it, never taking his eyes off of me or dropping that sexy smile he's sporting.
Squirming in my chair, I have to avert my eyes to somewhere else before I end up even more embarrassed at how much he’s affecting me.
"Alright, class. Now that we’ve read the play, I’ll split you up into groups of two. You will have all of next week to learn your lines and we will start class performances the following Monday. You will have time to study your lines during class and work with your partner but, if need be, please use the free period to work on it as well." He grabs a piece of paper off his desk and starts calling out people's names.
After a while, there are only four names left: mine, Brittany, Oliver, and the quiet but really sexy redhead Ben.
Every time I look at him, I get goosebumps all over my body. The man is hotter than hell and he doesn't even seem to notice or care.
On more than one occasion I’ve found myself daydreaming about what it would be like running my hands through his soft wavy hair while holding his head down as he eats me out like I’m his last meal...
"Brittany."
I shake my head, clearing all the dirty thoughts about the yummy man, and look at the teacher. I really have no idea what's going on with me lately.
Crossing my fingers, I pray to the gods that my name is not the next thing out of his mouth.
"You're partnered with Oliver."
I sigh with relief because I won’t have to be paired with that bitch. But it is quickly replaced with a queasy feeling.
This means Oliver will be spending time alone with her. School assignment or not, the idea of them alone together makes my stomach drop.
I look over at Brittany and see her face light up like a Christmas tree.
Oliver's body is tense and I swear I hear him curse under this breath.
He looks back at me with his jaw locked and an anxious look on his face. Like he’s worried that I'd be upset about this. And, for some reason, I am.
Brittany, on the other hand, turns around with the biggest, cockiest smirk on her face. No doubt trying to rub it in.
"The scene you both will be doing is Act 2 Scene 2. Helena and Demetrius’ lines," Mr. Luckson says as he hands them their lines.
Brittany looks over the scene and her face morphs into pure anger. "Are you kidding me? This whole scene is the girl begging the guy to love her, and he's rejecting her for another woman while he's being an asshole to her," she says furiously.
Trying really hard to hold back a laugh, I let a little chuckle slip.
Brittany turns to me, looking like she’s ready to murder me.
Well, avoiding her crazy ass was nice while it lasted.
I just smile back, big and bright. Probably not the best idea to poke the beast but come on, that scene works so well in this case.
This makes me feel a little bit better. Sure, I still hate the fact that the bitch is going to be spending time alone with Oliver but knowing the whole time that they are learning their lines and reading them out loud to each other that it’s him rejecting her and her begging him to love her.
Yeah, that’s karma, bitch! Although, it’s not much of a change from reality from what I hear.
"Sorry, Miss Lockheart, it's just a play. No need to take it to heart," he replies to her outburst.
I giggle again because it applies to her more than he thinks.
As if Oliver could read my mind, he looks over at me with a small smile and, without even realizing it, I give him one back before letting it drop.
"That leaves Emmy and Ben. Your scene is Act 1 Scene 1. Hermia and Lysander's lines."
I hear someone snicker and I look over to see Talon smirking at me.
"Perfect fit. Short and feisty," he says, just loud enough for me and the girls to hear. I narrow my eyes and give him the middle finger when the teacher isn't looking. But I find myself grinning at his comment.
Talon laughs harder and gives me another wink before turning around. His laugh is like a seductive siren’s call and is making my already damp panties even more wet.
Get ahold of yourself, woman! You’re acting like a sex crazed vixen!
I look over at Ben. His head is lowered while he whispers to Oliver.
Oliver looks really annoyed.
Ben lets out a sigh. "Chill man, it's just a class assignment," he says as he rolls his eyes and Oliver turns around in his seat, slinking down like a scolded child.
Ben looks my way and gives me a shy smile before packing up his books. The bell rings and the class rushes to pack up and leave. Grabbing my bag, I head over to Ben as he gets up. Stopping in front of his desk, I give him a small wave then tuck my hair behind my ear, feeling a bit of shyness take over me.
"Hey. I'm Emmy. We haven't officially met yet, but I'm assuming you know who I am?"
He gives me a small amused smile.
"Oh really? Why would you think that?'' he asks.
I huff out a laugh. "Well, you’re best friends with my ex best friend. I'm sure he already told you all about me?"
"I cannot confirm or deny that," he says with a playful tone. "It's nice to meet you though, Emmy, I'm Ben." He holds out his hand and I take it in mine.
I shiver at the electricity from his touch. My lips part as I let out a small gasp before looking up to Ben’s eyes.
His emerald green eyes explore mine as he slowly pulls his hand out of mine, and his cheeks light up with a light tint of pink.
Clearing my throat, I try to ignore the butterflies in my belly.
What the hell are these guys doing to me? Where the fuck is my self control and dignity?
"It’s nice to meet you, Ben. So, about this assignment. If you're okay with it, could we work on it by ourselves during class and work on it together during the free period? I'd like to learn my lines a bit before embarrassing myself," I say with a playful smile. "No need to make an ass out of myself in front of a cute guy if I don't have to, right?"
Ben's eyes widen slightly at the comment. His already pink cheeks turn red.
Where the heck did that come from, Emmy?
I do happen to enjoy the fact that this drop dead gorgeous man is affected by me.
I'm definitely not complaining.
A moment later, it’s his turn to clear his throat. "Umm yeah, that's cool. Yeah, sure. Whatever works best for you," he rambles out, trying to hide his sudden blush.
This tattoo covered man is blushing like a little schoolboy.
It’s adorable.
I can't help but beam at him while we leave the classroom.
He walks me to our next class while telling me about his favorite plays by Shakespeare. I hang on every word that comes out of his alluring mouth.
His voice is hypnotic and mesmerizing.
When we get to my next class, Science, I turn to face him as we stop by the door. "Well, we better get in there. It was nice talking to you. Are you going to the party tonight?"
He leans against the locker across from me. “Yeah, the guys and I will be there. We like to go to relax and unwind. Sometimes the music is not too bad,” he says with a teasing smile.
I smile back at him. “Awesome, I'll see you there then,” I say, tucking my hair behind my ear again. We head into the class. Ben takes off towards the back, sitting next to Oliver.
I feel like a virgin schoolgirl right now. Well, I mean I kind of am. I’ve only had sex once. This is all virtually new to me.
I've never had feelings for anyone other than Oliver. And now I'm finding myself getting giddy and shy around three people on top of still being attracted to the one I've been in love with for most of my life.
I may hate him for what he did to me but he is still stunning to look at. Also, you can't just shut off years of feelings, no matter how much you want to. Sometimes you never truly get over someone.
I can't help being attracted to the others and I don't feel bad about it. I'm single, no harm in looking. But if I do end up dating Charlie, I'm going to have to tone the hormones down somehow. It’s not like Charlie will let me date the guys too...right?
This is reality, Emmy, things like that only happen in books.
I make my way over to the first empty seat I see. Dropping my bag on the floor next to me, I start getting my books out.
The chatter around the room stops, the moment the teacher makes her way into the classroom.
"Hey, Shorty, fancy meeting you here," Talon whispers, leaning over the side of his desk.
I didn't even notice who I sat next to. I was so flustered over Ben that I wasn't paying attention. Now I have to sit here for an hour with an overly arrogant hottie. How am I going to get anything done in this class?
"Umm yeah,” is all I can get out. I can't think with the way he's smiling at me.
"Lucky me that this was the only free seat, huh?" he asks with a smile, leaning back into his seat.
Ben could have easily sat next to his friend, yet he went right to the back next to Oliver. How...odd. Ben seems closer with Talon than with Oliver.
The teacher starts talking. "Look at the person sitting next to you." The sound of her voice breaks me out of the Talon bubble. "That person will be your new lab partner for this semester."
Looking back over at Talon, I see his eyes are facing the front but his smile grows into a wide amused grin. It's like he planned this somehow. I don't know how, but the look on his face says he did.
I turn and face the front before sliding down my chair a little bit and crossing my arms over my chest. Talon is silently laughing to himself, no doubt he can see how he's affecting me.
The rest of class goes by fast. We sit and look at the work list and read a few chapters from a textbook.
As the bell rings, Talon leans over his desk and places his head in his hand. "So, Shorty, are you going to the party tonight?"
I look up at him.
He’s biting one of his snake bites like he always seems to do when he's flirting with me. I have yet to see him do that with another girl.
He’s drool worthy and he knows it. He has this cocksure attitude. But the guy is a player and I need to watch myself with this one.
"As a matter of fact, I am. And stop calling me Shorty!" I say, finding my fire again.
His eyes widen slightly at my change in demeanor, then he smiles as he gets up from his desk and slings his bag over his shoulder. Still facing me, he starts to back away towards the door.
"Nah, I don't think I will," he taunts before turning around and lifting his hand in a wave. "Later, Shorty! See you tonight."
I shake my head, smiling. I don't know what that man is up to, but I think I just might want to find out.