the summer things changed

You Can't Escape

After the events of last night, I decided to not let the whole Anthony situation get to me, it was obvious that we both liked each other a lot and there was no need to rush putting a label on things, and who cares what other people think, it's not like I'm going around kissing the whole school.

I was on such a high from last night that I almost forgot what happened with Zack on the bus yesterday and before I could think of how to address the situation, the bus pulled up.  I was kind of uncomfortable around him now, I mean if he can do that in front of people there's no telling what he would do if we were alone.  As I got on the bus I avoided eye contact with all of his friends and focused on the seat next to Anthony. 

"Good morning"

I leaned in for a peck, maybe if Zack saw us being affectionate then he would get that hint.

"What time did you leave last night, I didn't even hear you get up?"

"Probably 3, I almost got caught by Sam but Miguel was leaving too so it worked out alright"

I didn't even see my parents this morning, I doubt they would've noticed if Anthony was there.

"Where were you yesterday LaRusso, Stevie and I really missed you"

Oh shit.

I didn't even consider the possibility of Zack telling Anthony, and he could easily twist it in his favor, Anthony, has known him longer. 

"I had a dentist appointment"

"Well, I guess we should catch you up on what happened yesterday after school, right Stevie?"

This could not be happening right now.

"What is he talking about Stevie?"

I had three options; lie, tell the truth or stay quiet. Either way, I would feel guilty about it. I decided it was probably best to lie, I had no control of the situation, and what if Anthony lashed out at me in front of all these people, or what if he got into a fight with Anthony.

"There were these two dorks practicing karate on the bus, it was hilarious, right Stevie?"

I nodded and turned my attention to the front of my seat, this was a warning, Zack was gonna torture me until I finally cracked, something I really could not afford right now.

"Hey Stevie, we're here"

I was in such a daze I didn't realize that we had already arrived at school, and the bus was practically empty now.

"Sorry"

I was silent the whole walk to first period, all day really, I guess it was really starting to get to Anthony because by the time we got to lunch he was practically begging me to tell him what he did wrong. I mean, I told him that nothing was wrong but of course, he didn't believe me.

" I just don't understand why you can't just tell me what's going on, I thought you trusted me"

"I do, there's nothing wrong Anthony, really"

He was starting to get fed up and I was scared he might start yelling at me if I didn't do something.

"Do you think that I can go home with you today, my parents aren't home anyway so I don't think they'll notice"

"Yeah that works, I need help with my math homework anyways"

When school was over, we shared a very quiet bus ride to Anthony's stop, we exited the bus waving to our bus driver, and started the short walk to Anthony's house, when we got there, Miguel and Sam were already at the kitchen table doing what looked like homework and eating chips and salsa. I sat next to Miguel, popping a chip into my mouth and peering over his shoulder.