Enemies, Mostly

Chapter 9

My week of suspension went by to quick.

Eddie spent the entire time with me. A whole week full of movies, sleepovers, snacks, and kisses lots and lots of kisses. I don't want to go back to school, honestly I hate the idea of walking back into that hell hole.

Being around Jason and Andy.

The thought makes me sick to my stomach. Knowing that I'll have to encounter them in the hallway and in classes. I ultimately decided not the press charges on anyone, figuring it will just makes things worse and I don't have that much longer till I graduate and I won't have to ever see them again.

I hear Eddie's horn outside, so I rush out of my room and head down stairs. "Have a good day, bug." My mom smiles from her spot at the island, her coffee cup and half eaten breakfast in front of her.

"I will, love you momma." I kiss her cheek and rush out the door, closing it behind me. Eddie's standing at the front of his van waiting for me, I jump into his arms making him chuckle. I press my lips to his, kissing him multiple times before he sets me back on my feet.

"Your chariot awaits, my love." He smiles, walking me to the passenger side and opening the door for me. "M'lady." He bows, I giggle as I get in the van.

"Why thank you kind sir." He chuckles and closes the door, he jogs to the driver side and jumps in. He starts the van and backs out of my driveway, his hand resting comfortably on my thigh.

The drive to the school is short, we're soon pealing into the parking lot, windows down and Black Sabbath blasting. Students turning their heads to look in our direction, including the jocks. Eddie shuts off the van and grabs my hand. "You ready?" He asks, rubbing soothing circles with his thumb.

"No." I shake my head, reaching down and grabbing a cigarette, lighting it with a shaky hand. "I'm not ready to face them." I look out his passenger side window, Jason and Andy looking over and laughing.

"I'm not gonna let them do anything to you, I promise." He cups my cheek, wiping a stray tear that I didn't realize had fallen. "Okay, trust me."

"I trust you. It's them I don't trust, and her." I sigh.

"Don't worry about Stephanie." He whispers. "I promised to protect you and that's what I'm going to do." He nods reassuringly. "I love you."

"I love you too." I give his small smile, he closes the small gap between us, kissing my lips sweetly.

I pull away to butt out the spent cigarette that's getting dangerously close to burning my fingers. "Lets go before I change my mind and make you stay home with me for another week." I smile and open my door, he chuckles and get out with me, throwing his arm over my shoulder as we walk side by side to the front doors. "Would that be such a bad thing?" He smirks, kissing my cheek.

As we pass the jocks they make zero attempt to be discrete in their shamming. 'Freaks' and 'Slut' are muttered amongst them along with blatant stares and laughs. "Finally returning after you week suspension, slut?" Jason laughs maniacally.

"Did Chrissy finally realize that you cheat on her with the entire cheer squad?" I spit back a wicked smirk on my face. Eddie laughs beside me as he opens the door for us.

I hear Chrissy yell once we're already inside and walking towards my locker. "Does he actually cheat on her or did you make that up?" He says, between chuckles.

"I mean he probably does." I shrug, laughing with him. I slam my locker closed after grabbing what I need. "Come on, I'll walk you to class." He wraps his arm around the small of my back, as we're walking I catch sight of Stephanie, bruised face and leaning against her locker. She gives me a sad look, before quickly walking in the opposite direction.