Our Classic Christmas Story

Chapter 12: Bad news (Aiko)

Conner begged me to meet him in the Library, and idiotically I agreed.

I walk in and he's standing across the room, he looks to me and smiles, "Aiko!" he yells.

Ten people shush him and he shrinks, "Aiko" he whispers.

I roll my eyes, how did I not see what an idiot he is before? I walk up to him, "What the hell do you want, Conner?" I ask in a low voice.

"Aiko, I'm so sorry for what I did. Me and Jinx aren't seeing each other anymore and all I want now is to get you back."

"As if I'd want you back." I say, crossing my arms.

"It wasn't even my fault!" he argues, trying to keep his voice low as well.

"Really? So you just accidentally made out with her?"

"She made me!"

I shove him, "No one has ever or will ever make you do anything because you can't even control yourself from cheating!" I shout.

"Shhh!"

I ignore it, I'm so close to beating this man up to be quiet now.

"Babe... I didn't want to cheat on you, I love you," he grabs my waist.

Our lips meet and I feel my eyes widen, they feel like they might pop out. He pulls away with a smile.

I hit him so hard across the face that he falls to the floor. He looks up at me, first with fear, but it slowly changes to anger, "WHAT THE FUCK AIKO!?"
I step on the phone that fell out of his pocket, "If you ever come near me again, I'll throw you in the dumpsters."

His face returns to shock.

"Fuck you." I say.

I turn and leave. I can feel people watching me but I ignore it, I'm proud. Proud for getting him away from me, proud for proving to him that I'm my own person and not his girlfriend anymore.

I get my book bag and storm out of the school, I need some fresh air. Now.

I see Bennet going to a nice car, is he sick? My stomach does a summersault. Or did he see me and Conner's shitty kiss. My heart skips beats. No. No no NO. I sit down at a bench, I feel like I'm going to throw up. If he saw... he'll hate me...

I run back inside, I need to find someone, anyone, who knows Bennet.

Dexter, the derpy kid who hangs around Bennet at lunch. We used to be friends in middle school. I find him sitting in the library (Conner nowhere to be found).

"DEXTER!"

He looks up from his book, "Aiko"

I get to him, slightly out of breath, "Dexter, I..." I take a breath, "You gotta help me..." breath, "Bennet, I messed up..."

"Yeah, I saw the whole thing, both you and Conner's debate and Bennet's heart getting crushed in the corner."

I feel shattered, "He... so... he did?"

"He liked you, yeah"

I sit on the floor.

"I can help you though, I know it's not your fault."

I look up, "Really? How?"

"There's a party this Friday at Jinx's house." he says, "You're invited I heard, and so is Bennet. He'll go- or I'll make him -and you can try to explain."

I'm surprised he knows this much, "Also," he adds, "He had a pretty wild ex, so if you ask her what he'd be most likely like then you'd better ask her. She's kinda internet famous so just look up Carter Roberts."

"Oh my lord Dexter," I get up and hug him, "Thank you!"

He pats me on the back, "No problem dude."

I pull away and run home, not bothering to worry about school, or literally anything. I need to make a plan of what to say and text this Carter girl. Now.

-

I get home and scramble through the door, ignoring my moma's calls. I get to my room and look up Carter Roberts on my laptop. Sure enough, an internet famous girl from Britain pops up. I get her facebook and message her,

Hey! This is Aiko, from Bennet's school. A friend of his told me you knew Bennet the most so I was wondering if you could help me?

Now all I need is a response.

I got one.

Hi, Aiko! I've heard about you! What do you need to know?

I'm surprised she knows me, I mean, they are exes, aren't they? Well, I guess not all broken up couples are like me and Conner.

I know this may seem weird but I messed up, and I need to appologize to him, otherwise I'll never forgive myself.

Well, he's a nerd, if you don't know that by now, I'm worried. But he likes poems and Shakespeare, so try a quote maybe?

Alright! Thanks... also... this is even weirder but... what kinda dress does he like?

LOL! He likes a nice white dress, to help imagine the future ;)

WE'RE 16!

LOL!

Thanks though, Carter!

Anytime! Go get 'em!

Well that went better than I thought it would. And now I know alot more.

 I run downstairs, "MOMA!" I scream.

"AIKO. What in the world are you doing home?!" She asks angrily.

"Moma, I messed up, and I need a new dress!"

"What are you talking about?!"

"Bennet, I messed up."

Her face turns, now she's determined, "Let's go." She grabs her purse and we run out the door, the party is only in two days, not counting the day it actually is. I feel like we're running on the clock, but really we have more than enough time.

-

We're home, and it's time for tutoring. I know he's not going to come but I sit in the living room anyway.

A black van pulls up and Bruce gets out, I jump up and open the door. No one else gets out of the car.

Bruce hands me a practice test and walks back to the car, tears well up in my eyes. I fall to the ground like in the library, what is wrong with me?! I wipe my tears away. I'm everything everyone, including me, knew I was. A fraud, a horrible human being. I faked everything I ever said about how great I was. I'm terrible.