Love to Hate You

Hate This Place

I watched Eddie as he took another drag from the joint. His ring-clad hands covered half of his face whenever he put the joint to his mouth. I had never noticed them – huge and calloused from playing in his stupid band. I watched him fidget with the large silver one on his pointer finger.

"You say I have a staring problem?" he finally said. I flushed and glanced away, looking back up to the night sky. I heard him chuckle lowly and felt his stare on me. I turned back and smiled once I noticed him grinning at me.

It wasn't his normal menacing smile – it was genuine and kind and made me feel like I wanted to be in on the joke with him. He was handsome, that I always objectively knew. His dark eyes crinkled as he watched me, his curly hair wild and askew.

I shook my head – I had to be stoned to be thinking this.

"So, where's your other half?" Eddie asked. I looked up at the stars.

"She's off with a friend," I answered evasively. Robin was pretty comfortable with her dating life, but I never wanted to share information that wasn't mine to give. Eddie nodded.

"That cute band girl, right? The other Vickie?"

I smiled and nodded my head.

"I call her that, too," I commented. He laughed and leaned forward in his chair, taking another hit. He glanced at me nervously.

"Someone said something to you?" he asked quietly. I felt my face burn and looked ahead. I remembered all of the stares when I walked in, everyone whispering as I walked by. I had grabbed a drink, settled in a corner as Robin and Vickie traipsed off with one another. Patrick from the basketball team had stopped me, grabbing my elbow and leaning close to my ear.

"Is Steve cashing in tonight?" Patrick asked, referring to the beer Steve was providing and Eddie's message on the stall door. I shoved him and stormed outside, where I had found Eddie all alone.

"Yeah, someone did," I answered Eddie. He nodded, guilt flashing across his face.

"I'm sorry, again," he said. I nodded. His apologies didn't mean much, especially since everyone was talking about me like this. I hadn't even smoked weed before tonight, and now everyone thought that I would go down on any guy that gave me shitty reefer. All because of Eddie.

"Too late now," I answered, leaning back in the chair. "Why are you out here alone?"

Eddie shrugged, putting his joint out.

"I'm just here to deal. I'm not typically allowed inside," he answered. He grinned. "Like an outdoor dog – not allowed on the furniture."

I laughed and shook my head.

"That sucks. Makes sense, but still sucks," I said. He shrugged again.

"One of the many quirks of being the school's resident freak," he replied. I stood, nodding towards the house.

"Come on, Fido. Let's go get more beer," I ordered. He laughed and stood, following close behind me. I was suddenly aware of his presence, tall and overwhelming. I could still smell his cologne through the skunky haze. I opened the door and Eddie followed me in. He suddenly grabbed my shoulders and put his lips close to my ear.

"I promise I won't let anyone say anything to you," he said lowly, ensuring he would be heard over the music. I felt my face heat and mouth dry – he kept his hands on my shoulders as he grinned down at me. "Only I get to be an asshole to you."

I grinned and nodded, making my way to the beer. I handed one to Eddie and he cracked it open, handing it back to me before taking the unopened one in my hand and opening it for himself. I smiled at the gesture.