The Look Of Love

Chapter 47: War And Peace

Two weeks! It's been two weeks and so far January sucks. Between boatloads of projects, and teacher's coming out of the woodwork warning Mary about getting married... she's about to lose it. 

January isn't even close to being over yet. A person shouldn't be this mentally exhausted already. Although there is one thing that rises to the number one spot, on her agitation meter. One thing that really gets under her skin, and makes her as mad as hornet in an old coke can. That thing, or rather a someone, is Johnny. Johnny is a great friend and a good guy. However, his feelings, and obsessive behavior, regarding Daniel is transferring onto Bobby. 

Just as Johnny views Daniel as a threat to his relationship (both past and present), he's convinced Bobby that Mark is a threat to his as well. It seems as soon as she brings Bobby back from the outskirts of crazy town, Johnny drags him back in. One more word from anyone about Daniel, Mark, or how bad Bobby is for her; she will literally scream. Thank goodness it's Friday!

As Mary left her locker, heading for statistics, she met Satan. Her ex made an ugly appearance. Standing as his guard are his football goon friends. Yay January! 

She began reciting her mantra of you are strong. You are brave. You are fantastic. You are strong. You are brave. You are fantastic. You are strong. You are brave. You are— Her ex interrupted her mantra. "Mary, Mary quite contrary. Where's your little lamb? I don't see him following you today."

"Ford you are broke down, like your namesake... Found On Roadside Daily." She will not let him push her around anymore. It's time to face her fears head on.

He rolled his evil eyes. Really, what did she ever see in him? He stepped into her space. His cologne so heavy in the air, it made her ill. "Is it true? Are you engaged to that disqualified loser? You know, you two are so pathetic you're perfect for each other. He's a washed up karate geek. You're an academic nerd. It's meant to be... loser paradise. But seriously, of all the men in the world you pick Bobby Brown. He's about as useful as a white crayon. Hysterical." He began laughing. His goons laughed too.

The minute his words and his hard laughter hit her ears, the chains on her mood swing finally snapped. She may be shorter and tinier, but with her big tote bag as a weapon she is fierce. Mary took her bag and swung it as hard as she could. Ford's face became acquainted with her tote real well. So well, that when she hit him, it left him stunned. 

Then she swung it at him again. It knocked him flat on his back. He was out cold. At the top of her lungs she proclaimed "That is for me, and Bobby, you jerk." Looking around she noticed a crowd had started to gather. Oh crap! Clutching her tote bag tightly, Mary held her head high, but totally fled the scene of her crime. Is it really a crime to stand up for yourself? Absolutely not.  

She wanted to find Bobby, but he had history class. Instead, she went to the one place she knew she'd be welcomed with open arms. Knocking on the door, she heard a kind voice say "Come in". 

"Ms. Careen, I really need to talk to someone," Mary told her with a shaky voice. Dr. Heyman may be her favorite teacher, but Ms. Careen could give him a run for his money any day of the week. 

Straightaway, she stood up from her embellished desk. Her nurturing teacher moved to embrace Mary, in a tight hug. Two weeks worth of tears and frustration came pouring out. Ms. Careen patted her back and led a shattered Mary to, pull up a chair at, her desk. She then closed her Home Ec classroom door. 

Ms. Careen observed one of her favorite students closely. She noticed Mary's sparkle didn't quite shine so brightly. So she said, "Dear Mary do tell me what has you down and dulled." She passed a tissue.