The One That Matters (complete)

Chapter 16

Mark was waiting for me by my locker the next morning in school. “Morning Mark.” I greeted him

  “Morning your highness.” He smiled. “So how did yesterday went?” He asked.

  I handed him $90 from the three guys I went out with. “I hope this is worth it.” I told him

  “Wow!” His eyes widened. “I think we could save the dance with your services alone. How much more dates do you have?” He asked.

  “Twenty.” I groaned.

  “You can do it Amy! It’s for a good reason too. Everyoneappreciates you doing this for them. ” He winked and left. Easy for you to say! Why don’t you go out on twenty-three dates!

  Then I saw Chris walking towards homeroom. “Hey Chris! I need to talk to you!” I called after him.

  Chris glanced back at me but strangely he still continued walking away, faster this time. Is he avoiding me? I quickened my steps and caught up with him. “Chris! Wait up!” I pulled back his hand.

  “What?” He asked, looking impatient.

  “What is your problem? Why are you giving me the cold shoulder?” I demanded an answer.

   He looked at me incredulously. “You really don’t know do you?”

   I shook my head. “Not a clue. If there’s something bothering you, tell me!”

   He laced his fingers through his hair in frustration. “It’s this fund raiser you volunteered! That’s the problem!”

  My face went blank. “How does volunteering to raise funds for the school’s dance affect you? Don’t you want to keep the dance too?”

  “It’s not particularly about you volunteering to raise funds that bother me. It’s how you are doing it that’s driving me insane!” He snapped.

  “You mean by going on dates?” I asked.

  “Yes!” He confirmed it. “You’re going on dates with numerous guys for money. They’re making you like a freaking prostitute! Like a slu-” I stick out my hand to stop him from saying anything else that would make me lose my temper.

   “Is that really how you see me as? A prostitute?” I crossed my arms. “Do you think I enjoy this? Do you think I like going out with random guys?” My voice was rising. “No, I don’t Chris! But do you know why I agreed to it? Because everyone is expecting me to save the dance for them! Do you know how it feels like to feel the weight of everyone’s expectations on your shoulders?!” I shouted. I walked pass him and started walking to homeroom.

   “Amy, wait!” He pulled back my hand. “Don’t walk away from me! I’m no-” I cut him off, pulled my hand away from him and went in to the homeroom, leaving him standing in the hallway alone. I was furious! How could he say those words to me!

   The final bell rang. I was at my locker putting my books away when I saw Nora standing in the middle of the hallway, staring at something. Or someone. I followed the direction of her gaze and realised that she was staring at Jarred walking. Wait, not just walking. But walking towards me.

    “Hey Amy! I’m your next date!” Jarred said once he reached me.

   I glanced back at Nora. Hurt flashed on her face seeing Jarred talking to another girl. At that particular moment, I decided that I’m going to help her. I face Jarred back. “We need to talk.”