Joy

Part 14

The classes are over and I'm at the lockers, talking with Theresa. Martha left with Austin- at the cafe I think. 

Joyce: How was the party on Saturday?
Theresa: Like every other- smoking, drinking, dancing, looking at handsome guys. Where were you anyway? 
Joyce: At home...
Theresa: Too bad, Dylan was there.
Joyce: Why does it matter? You told me not to "mess with him".
Theresa: I know... But I thought you like him after what happened two weeks ago. 
Joyce: I don't. 

Theresa: Too bad. But it looked like he doesn't like you either. He was with some other girl. 
Joyce: Really?
Theresa: Yeah... But what's the matter, you said you don't like him. 

We're leaving the school. Why is she lying to me?

Joyce: Why are you lying?
Theresa: What?

We stop in front of her car. 

Joyce: Why are you lying to me?
Theresa: I'm not...
Joyce: Stop pretending. I wasn't at the party, but Dylan wasn't either. 
Theresa: So you were with him...
Joyce: Yeah. Why would you care? 
Theresa: I...

Joyce: Tell me- why you started hanging with me and Martha all of a sudden? And why is it so important for me to be with Dylan? 
Theresa: I liked you when we met. That's it. 
Joyce: You're lying again. What's really happening, Theresa?
Theresa: Nothing. I just thought you wanted a bit of fun in your life. 
Joyce: You were wrong. I don't need you and I don't need Dylan. And I certainly don't need your type of "fun". 

I start walking toward my car. Theresa was probably in shock since she was just standing in front of her car looking at me. I open the doors of my car and drive away- her eyes still on me. 
I'm done with this. I'm done with Theresa, her parties, with Dylan and his bet. This is too much. On the way home, tears start running my face. And I said I don't care...

Dylan's P.O.V.

Yesterday, I saw Joy and Theresa talking on their way out of the school. I wonder what was that all about, so I'm waiting for Joy by the lockers. Suddenly, Theresa's going toward me. 

Theresa: So... I suppose you won. I'm only waiting for Joyce to tell me that. 
Dylan: What?
Theresa: She told me the two of you were together. You know... this is kinda low, even for you. I knew you were a control freak, but not like this- sleeping with someone because of a bet. The poor girl will have her heartbroken...
Dylan: Stop that.

She's whispering in my ear. 

Theresa: And you'll enjoy it...

Dylan: Enough.

Suddenly, she moves away.

Theresa: Look at this as a favor.
Dylan: As a favor? Sleeping with you is a favor?
Theresa: No, that part is only for me.
Dylan: Stop it, Theresa. I'm not gonna...

Then she kisses me. I push her away and see Joyce walking behind her toward the exit. 

Dylan: What the hell Theresa!?
Theresa: Hey Joy!

Joy is looking at us. 

Theresa: Come here for a second!

She walks up to us-  only looking at Theresa. 

Joyce: What?
Theresa: Common Dylan, tell her. Or I'll have to. 

Joy looked at me then Theresa. I could see she's on the edge of crying. 

Dylan: Why are you doing this?
Theresa: When you were with Dylan this weekend...
Joyce: Nothing happened, Theresa. 
Theresa: What?
Dylan: What...

Joyce: Yeah... I mean, it's not like you were expecting anything. I drink, I made a tattoo... he needs someone like Joyce, doesn't he?
Theresa: This is not about that. Dylan was playing with you.
Dylan: Don't listen to her...
Theresa: He took advantage of you cause he tried to win a bet.
Dylan: She's lying, I can explain...
Theresa: He's a control freak and he'll ruin your life. Isn't that true... Dylan?

Before I can say anything, Joyce starts talking,

Joyce: Why are you even telling me this?
Theresa: I thought you should know since...
Joyce: Since nothing. Your bet, your thing, he's a freak, his problem. Stop trying to ruin everyone's lives Theresa just because you're selfish. Anyways, I don't wanna have anything more with you two. And whoever got that stupid bet, I hope it was worth it.

She walked off- more running than walking.

Theresa: You happy? Now she's broken, because of you. It's all your fault. Doesn't it feel great to see her like that? Just like Emma...
Dylan: She doesn't look so broke to me.
Theresa: But she is... and deep down, you know it. She's just like Emma...
Dylan: Don't you mention Emma ever again!
Theresa: You're right... She's not worth me mentioning her.
Dylan: She was more than you will ever be. The bet is over. Leave me alone!

I run toward the exit to catch up with Joyce.

Joyce's P.O.V.

I'm running out of school. Tears start running my face- if anyone sees me like this, I can consider myself dead for the next few years. I sit in my car, looking for keys- if only I never tried to be someone I'm not. If only I listened to Martha and stayed at home... I look into the mirror. No one can see that tattoo over my hoodie, but I can feel it- if only I never made it. If only I said no to Theresa, nothing would happen... Suddenly, someone's knocking on the window. I wipe my tears and look up, Dylan. I open the window.

Joyce: What do you want?

I try to have a calm and sharp voice, but I can hear my voice trembling. I hope he doesn't hear it.

Dylan: Can we talk?
Joyce: About what?
Dylan: Everything...
Joyce: There's nothing to talk about. Theresa was pretty clear in there.
Dylan: Joy, it's not...
Joyce: Stop calling me that. You don't have to apologize. I understand everything that happened pretty clear.
Dylan: It's not...
Joyce: Look, I don't need any kind of drama in my life, so just... Just leave me alone.

My voice shakes and tears are running down my face again.

Dylan: Joy...

But I start the car and drive away.