Curly Headed Cutie (Original)

Chp. 25: Catching More Than Z's

I stand, staring into Luka's guilt-filled eyes, feeling sad. I swallow hard, remembering that night at the party all too clearly.

"Tiffany, can we please just talk," Luka pleads, taking a step closer. I step back, as Travis steps in front of me.

"I don't think that'd be a good idea, Luka," Travis says, voice low, and shoulders tensed. I grab Travis's arm, "No, it's fine, Travis."

I wanna hear what he has to say...

Regardless of recent events...

Travis looks back at me confused, "Are you sure?"

I nod, "Yeah...It's okay..." He frowns, as he looks back at Luka. Shooting Luka a nasty glare, Travis steps behind me, crossing his arms.

I look back at him, and give a half-smile, before turning back to look at Luka.

And here I hoped not to bump into him today...

"Thank you, Tiffany..." Luka mumbles, awkwardly. "You have 5 minutes," I reply, and he stares at me sadly.

He nods, scratching his chin, "Right...I'll make this quick then..."

He takes a deep breath, "I'm sorry about the other night. I don't know what I was thinking...doing that to you. I was just so angry that you and Travis were hanging out, and doing this project together..."

I narrow my eyes at him, as I ball my hands up into fists.

Why did that statement make me angry???

He continues, "I'm so very sorry, Tiffany. I really am...I don't know what got into me...I hope that you can-"

My hand collides with his cheek with a loud smack. My heart beats quickly, Luka's head whipped in the other direction, eyes widened. My hand stings, a burning sensation lingering behind. Shaking, my fingers tingle.

Did I just slap him?!

I didn't even realize that that's what I had done...

Hot tears come to my eyes, as I bite my bottom lip. I hold my hand, feeling pain, but I ignore it. My eyes close, and as I try to bite back a painful hiss growing in my throat. Travis looks from Luka to me, his green eyes full of worry.

"You...okay???" He leans down and whispers in my ear. I nod vigorously, a tear rolling down my cheek, "Y-Yeah..."

Damn, that shit hurts!!

How hard did I hit him?!?

I take a deep breath, and state firmly, "I don't care how sorry you are, Luka..."

I stare him dead in the eye, and continue, "You think telling me sorry is going to change anything that happened?"

He looks down at his feet as I profess, "You were supposed to be my friend, and instead you turned out to be a big asshole when you claimed Travis was..." My bottom lip quivers as I confess, "Anger and jealousy is not an excuse for what you did..."

I swallow hard, dropping my hand down to my side. "And for that, Luka..." I mumble, "I can't forgive you...I'm sorry..." I walk past him, Travis following close behind.

"BUT TIFFANY!!!" Luka shouts, but I don't turn back. I keep walking forward, my eyes looking downward.

************************

I walk onto the bus and take my seat, Travis filling in next to me. I sigh, leaning my head back against the seat. I stare at the ceiling, lost in thought.

That just happened...

I really slapped him...

"I can't believe...I slapped someone today..." I say aloud, "And it wasn't like a petty slap, it was a brutal one..."