Salty Licorice

Chapter 63

Marisa's POV

This has been an interesting week so far and it's only Thursday, the day of the baby archer and his dumb heart arrows. But my favorite part of this holiday has nothing to do with love but instead a massacre. It's a mystery why this holiday is beloved so much and made about love, when it has more to do with death than anything else. I mean February 14 is the day that St. Valentine dude died plus the St Valentine's day massacre and roman men whipping women and I'm not even gonna get into the debate about the whole Cupid and Psyche story, but you get the idea. Dark origins, but still made to seem like a day of romance and love.

Some might argue and say I'm just acting bitter because the one I love is basically in love with my best friend, and I'm lonely. But sad to admit I've never found any interest or relevance in this holiday even as a little kid. I just don't see the point, maybe one day when I'm in love with someone who loves me back, and i'm happy or whatever I might have a different opinion. But as of right now, no, I still find this holiday to be annoying and basically a massive marketing ploy.

But besides the point, it's still valentines day so the school decided to hold an assembly. I don't even know what it's all about, probably the same thing as last year. They call us all down to the gymnasium by our classes, starting with the seniors and ending with the freshmen. They have us sit in the bleachers in our grades, like a horse shoe. As we shuffle in I push through a few people and step up the seats through the middle of the senior class after finding Avery sitting near the top in the middle. It doesn't take long before I'm glaring at the kid sitting next to Avery, poor kid looking torn after seeming to have been clearly flirting with her. I hold back my laughter at his pailing face as he recognizes me. He gets up and just walks to the end of the row clearly not knowing where to sit. I sit next to Avery as she's snickering.

"You didn't have to scare the dude, he probably needs new underwear now," Avery gets out as her laughter dies down.

"Serves him right, sitting in my seat," I deadpan.

"Your seat? I didn't know there was assigned seating at these things," Avery shakes her head at me.

"No, but clearly the freshman think so," I point out, dragging Avery's attention across the gym.

I found Liz quickly after the freshmen were filed in, but I feel a humorous realization. I watch as a girl stands up as a group of guys try to sit next to her with Liz on her other side. Clearly showing a lack of space she sees Liz and talks animatedly with her, before she just sits on Liz's lap. She kisses Liz's cheek and drapes her arms around her shoulder. It's obvious at least for me, the girl feels comfortable with Liz and is seeking her for safety from the group of guys. Unfortunately Avery doesn't get the memo, which is clear in her clenched jaw and irrational move to stand up. I grip her arm and pull her back down. Knowing full well she can very very easily over power myself but also know full well she would never do anything to inflict even the possibility of harming me. I hold her in her seat as she stares burning holes into the side of the girl's head.

"She isn't doing anything. That girl feels comfortable with Liz and safe with her, there's no funny business. Calm down," I whisper, completely ignoring the announcer.

"But," Avery is struggling to defend her disposition, but there's nothing left for her to argue. It's not like they're dating, even if they should just get over themselves. But Avery has no clear pull over Liz's life choices, including the choices of others around Liz.

"What are you planning for your birthday," I ask, not at all caring about this long winded speech from the principal or some random speaker they have called in.

"Same as last year, dinner with my family cause they're forcing me," She shrugs.

"Well you wanna do something Saturday then? We can do something you wanna do, I'll pay," I ask.