Knee Socks | Billy Hargrove AU

10

I am left shocked by Billy's spectacle and confrontation with the principal. The entire cafeteria stares at the scene as Billy exists the room followed by the principal, a devious smile never leaving his features.

At this point, I'm ready to walk out of the school and never show my face here again, but Nikki's despairing look in my direction reminds me of why I walked over here in the first place.

"What happened to my best friend? You know, Nikki? The one who always looked out for me and cared about my feelings?" I say harshly once the cafeteria becomes loud again. She looks speechless at my defensive tone, saying nothing. "Well, let me know when you find her." I walk away without another word because my nerves were getting to me.

I stepped out of the lunchroom and immediately breathe in the air from the stuffy high school hallway. It didn't help much but it was a lot better than the crowded cafeteria full of people who would believe anything they hear.

I hear yelling from the other end of the hallway coming from the principal's office. Before I can stop myself, my feet are leading me in the direction of the last place I should be.

"Mr. Hargrove, you cannot smoke at school!" Mrs. Davis, the principal, shouts. I can tell that Billy has definitely been getting on her nerves.

I hear his laugh, making my stomach tighten.

"What are cigarettes for if you can't smoke them anywhere you want?" Billy retorts, and even though I can't see his face I can feel the smirk that lingers.

I want to roll my eyes at his ignorant comment. Why can't he ever just be compliant? He always has to make things harder for everyone.

I hear the loud sigh of Mrs. Davis, and if I had to guess she'd definitely have her head in her hands due to frustration.

"Listen, Billy, I'm not here to lecture you. I'm actually concerned about the bruise on your temple." The principal speaks in a more soft, empathetic tone.

Billy scoffs and I can picture his eyes rolling, "Come on now, Anne. I know you don't give a shit about anything that happens to me." I cringe at his use of the principal's first name; he really has no shame.

"I really don't want to punish you Billy but my options are running out. You smoke in school, cause a scene in the cafeteria, inappropriately call me by my first name, and swear aimlessly. These things aren't allowed here," Mrs. Davis says, sternness evident in her words.

I decided that I couldn't listen any longer and instead walked into the office myself, uninvited and nervous about what would happen next.

Both faces turn in my direction as I abruptly enter the room. "Miss. Myers, we are in the middle of something right now. Please come back later unless it is an emergency" says Mrs. Davis, looking annoyed with my entrance.

I glance at Billy to see his eyebrows furrowed in confusion, looking almost concerned.

"It... It is an emergency, Mrs. Davis. There are people about to fight in the cafeteria and no one knows what to do. You really need to go back there!" I exclaim, trying my best to act alarmed and panicked.

She sighs, grabbing her keys and walkie talking quickly, "Hargrove, you don't go anywhere. I will be right back." Mrs. Davis takes a swift exit and I know I will have minimal time to get Billy out of the office.

Once she's gone, Billy towers over me and places a hand on my cheek. I lean into his touch, it's warm and safe.

"Was there really a fight in the-"

"No, but we have to figure out a way for you to not get detention or suspended. Quickly. Before she comes back" I tell him and a proud smile arises on his lips.

"Are you saying you lied to get me out of trouble, sweetheart?" The pet name that falls from his lips makes my cheeks turn hot.

"Maybe but that doesn't matter! Can we please go?" I grab a hold on his forearm that holds his hand on my cheek, leading him out of the room.

"Woah, woah, woah, Myers slow down. You do realize we'll just get suspended tomorrow anyways right? I can't have you getting in trouble for me," Billy replies, unmoving but sounding serious.

"Oh. Shoot," I feel stupid for this plan that never would've worked out in the first place, but part of me didn't even care. "Oh well. Let's go anyways!" I suggest and finally get him to budge.

"Lace, are you sure?" Billy inquires, moving along more willingly at my fast pace.

"Yes, I'm sure!" If he would've kept asking, I definitely would've had second thoughts. Something in me wanted to leave, just the two of us, even if it meant getting in trouble.

We manage to make it outside the building, nearly running to his car. Once we get to his car, we slip in quickly, and before I can even blink we are driving away.

Billy wastes no time in putting a hand on my thigh, causing the spot to warm up. My cheeks flushed pink at the touch.

"So, where are we off to sweetheart?" He asks softly. I hadn't thought that far ahead.

"My place? My dad shouldn't be home," I offer, feeling nervous that we'd be home alone at my house if he agreed.

I think he noticed my apprehension because he responds with, "How about a walk down by the river? It's nice enough outside for us to walk around and if you get cold you can borrow my jacket." 

I try my hardest not to blush at his chivalrous offer. "The river sounds nice." 

"Alright beautiful, to the river we go." 

~~~

Lol hey besties it's been a while since I've published anything but this story lowkey blew up so I'm trying to get some inspiration for writing it back. Figured finally finishing this chapter and moving onto a new one could help. Let me know if I should keep writing! XO