Through It All

Confrontation

I almost didn't want to wake up when my alarm went off. The thought of dealing with today seemed even more exhausting than it just being any other Monday. I have no reason to go other than a test I have in precalculus. And to of course bring Drake his jacket. With a large out-take of breath, I begin what feels like the longest day of my senior year. I find my black turtle neck and a pair of white distressed jeans that fits every curve just right. I pair my outfit with a pair of black chunky-heeled combat boots. And to finish the outfit I grab my bag and keys and head out

15 minutes later I'm sitting in my car watching as students are finding their friends and then head into their designated classes. I am free for my first 2 periods because I'm basically caught up on all the credits but yet I just couldn't bring myself to go in. I almost start the car back up and head home but before I can the passager door is opened and the one person I dreaded seeing the most got in. 

"Where do you think you're going?" Drake smirks. Facing the window, never looking at me. "I am leaving. Your clothes are in the back. Please take them and go." The lot is almost empty by now. 

"If you're going somewhere what makes you think I am staying here. And we have the third period together so we'll miss that test we're losing half our score to the final grade, but you know it's okay. You have a free ride already anyways don't you?" he pushed. I didn't know he knew that about me. I haven't told anyone that yet. "How did you...who told you... I'm not.." I try to get the words out but it's like I can't form full sentences. He'd just keep giving me this look. Testing to see if I was going to keep going. And was getting amusement out of my stuttering. 

"I pay attention Ally. To you at least." That caught me off guard. Why would he pay attention to me? I'm nobody. "Come on, Let me treat you to some breakfast before we take that test today. He maintains eye contact while putting on his seatbelt but at that moment I realize that I'd once again be left alone with him. 

"Actually, I think I'm gonna go inside." I take the keys out of the ignition and start gathering my things "Besides, I've already eaten this morning" And just because the universe is against me, my stomach growls. I act like I didn't hear it and open the door. 

"Then I'll follow you to the library and bring you something from the cafeteria because for as long as we've gone to school together, you've never eaten in the mornings." He trails behind me. I stop at the door and face him. "How do you know so much about me? Why do you watch me? What makes me important? And finally, why are you here?" I try to look as serious as I can but I haven't even had coffee this morning so it's pretty difficult. 

"I told you I pay attention, I don't watch you, I just notice things. You've always been important. You just haven't given someone the chance to show you how important you actually are. And I'm here because it's Monday and we have school." He has this huge grin on his face as he knows he avoided the truth and he isn't even hiding it. He reaches past me and grabs the door handle, opening the door while smiling. I just roll my eyes and continue. 

~Lunch Time~

That test was almost too easy. I spent most of my time doing other work from different classes. Once class was over I headed to my locker and put everything away for the day. I wasn't planning on staying any longer than I needed to so once I was done, I began my way back to the parking lot. I only got outside when I was blocked by Molly and her friends. 

"You were there over the weekend, weren't you? Don't even try to deny it because I saw you leaving his house." She states.

"Well, then why even ask me if I was there?"

"I wanna hear you say it! Tell everyone here that you're a snake and get with men in relationships!"

"Okay. One, if anyone is a snake here, it's not me. I vaguely remember Drake telling you to leave. Not me. That was his decision. Actually, I remember him telling you to leave and not come back while you begged. And two, if you feel like you have to have me confirm your statements for gratification then you have much bigger problems than boy issues."

"YOU BITCH!" She reaches for me but before she even had the chance someone is standing between us like a wall. "Oh, baby! You should've heard the things she said about me."

"I heard everything, Molly," Drake replies. I feel his hands reach behind him and grab mine. When the contact between us was established his breathing evened out. "If I need to spell it out for you in front of everyone I will. I never liked you. I only accepted your offers. I never asked because I never wanted you. It's her that I want. And you knew that from the beginning. Now fuck off and leave her alone"

He pulls me away without saying another word and with determination in his steps. But, he's walking in the wrong direction of my car.

'Where are you taking me?" 

It's only then I see his car at the end of the parking lot. Once we reach it he just stops walking but continues to stare out. I notice how his breathing is still fast and he still has ahold of my hand. 

"Drake?" I push. He almost freezes as I reach out to him. He looks at me and I see the pure worry in his eyes. I pull him in for a hug and hold him as he settles down. He doesn't grab me back until he realizes it was okay. That I was okay. That's when he grabbed me and squeezed. Holding me close for a moment the spins me around causing me to yell out in laughter. 

"I like your laugh" he smiles as he sets me back down. 

"Thank you. For the compliment. For making me laugh. For standing up for me. Just...thank you" I look down at the ground bc I don't want him to see the color in my cheeks that's risen to the surface as his hand does the same from my wrist to my chin. Making me look at him. 

"Don't hide from me, not anymore. I just finally got you. I'm not ready to lose you" he chuckles. I remember what he said back there. 

"What did you mean "it's always been her'? "I can see his smile falter but it's still high on his face. 

"That's a story to have over lunch and since we've seemed to miss the lunch here, let me take you out finally. You don't have an excuse this time." 

"Just take me home. We'll eat there." 

"Deal" He smiles.