CRAZY FOR YOU | Johnny Lawrence

Chapter 2: Cruel Summer

Today marked the beginning of a new era for me as I entered my senior year of high school. I have had many first days in my life, but there was something different about this one. Perhaps it was the realization that my childhood was ending and my future was rapidly approaching. Or maybe it was the knowledge that these next few months would shape my college applications and ultimately determine the course of my life.

The struggle of picking a decent outfit to impress my peers may seem superficial, but it takes on another value when said peers are snobby California teenagers. I manically dug through the piled-up clothes in my wardrobe in hopes of finding something that would soothe the occasion. I eventually gave up, given the time, and surrendered myself to a black tank top that I tucked into my jeans and topped off with a belt, a slight hint that some effort was made. I combed my hair and threw my bag over my shoulder, embracing myself for what was to come.

As I pulled up in the parking lot, I spotted a familiar head of dark hair and approached him reminiscing the events of the past night. «Love the glasses, you blend right in!» I exclaimed from the driver's seat, in hopes of bearing some relief. Daniel hopped off his bike and we walked together to the bicycles' parking spaces.

He stopped in his tracks as soon as he detected the Cobra Kais who, thankfully, were too busy chatting to notice him. «What's up with those guys anyways, who are they?» he inquired hollowly, «The Cobra Kais» I respond, not wanting to engage my time into talking about them. «Cobra-what?» Daniel asks confusedly, to which I sigh, «They're trainees at the Cobra Kai dojo in town. Karate. They sure may be lacking in intellect, but they can definitely pick a fight. You don't wanna mess with them Danny», I explain, praying that what happened at the beach was just an unfortunate one-timer, but I knew, Johnny and his friends weren't ready to give up any time soon.

Before he could talk again, Susan called from me, making me snap my head in her direction, near the lockers. Instinctively, I started jogging toward her but then as soon as I realized I was leaving Daniel behind, I turned around to see him standing awkwardly in the same spot as a few seconds prior, «I gotta go, but I'll catch you later. You're going to the tryouts, yeah?». He shrugged and mumbled a sure, and even though I knew he was feeling uneasy I turned around and reached for my friend.

-

The field was crammed with people. I ran down to catch up with my friends from the cheerleading squad. «It sucks so bad that you quit, Y/n,» Judy says to me in a sad tone; «Tell me about it, I wish my father never forced me to» I reply likewise dismally.

I reminisce the memory of that early summer evening when my father came home from work and took ahold of the letter containing my junior year report card that was scattered on the foyer's console. I heard his steps approaching in the kitchen where I was setting the table for dinner; when I looked up, a delighted smile on my lips, I was met with a cold scowl of reproach. I gulped when I noticed the paper that he was shuffling bitterly between his fingers. «What's wrong Daddy?» I asked innocently but still somewhat aware of what was about to happen. «You got a B in physics» he states stoically. I huff in incredulity, knowing well that it was the only grade below A level on my report card. My cheeks were stinging and a sharp feeling grew in my throat as I watched disappointment fill his expression. «This is what happens when you rather hang out with your friends than focus on school. How do you expect to get into college with this behavior, Y/n?». My words were caught up but I managed to spit out a weak attempt at protesting, but I was cut off soon enough, «No 'buts'. Next year I better see straight A's on this report» he concluded. I looked at my feet feeling beaten because I knew it was no use arguing with him. Later he went on to say how he believed that cheerleading was a distraction and how it took away time from my studies, so I was forced to quit the team as soon as the application for the senior year came in the mail.

I was brought back to reality when a poke hit my shoulder, and I saw Susan nodding her head in the direction of the soccer pitch. Ali and Daniel were conversating blithely and I couldn't help but smile to myself at the view. The girls called for Ali as practice was about to start, and I bounced over to the bleachers where I caught up with a few friends I knew from my English Literature Class.

With Bobby and a few others on the pitch, the situation quickly took a turn for the worst when he made Daniel trip and got punched back right in the face in response. Everyone hurried to separate the two, but it was all over as soon as Danny stormed off angrily.

I ran after him while a few whistles and murmurs were audible in the background. Once I was at the right distance for him to hear me, I called out for him trying to catch my breath, but as if he was deaf he didn't turn around and went on his own way.

I was so ready to go home and end this day when Susan approached me as I was gathering my things from my locker; «Hey Y/n! Me, Tommy, and the boys wanted to grab a bite a the new burger place in town, wanna join?» my eyes widen at her words, «That's new Sue, since when are you and Tommy so tight uh?» I ask teasingly. She just giggles dumbly and runs a hand through her hair, «Well are you coming or not?» she insists, and I know how much she cares about hanging out with them, and I sure don't want her to be alone, «Sure, whatever!» I reply, not particularly thrilled. «Great! Let's go they should already be there waiting for us» she exclaims jitterily before locking her arm with mine and running toward my car.

«There's our Madonna!» Bobby howled when he spotted me and Susan approaching their table. I roll my eyes as they all chuckled in unison. While Tommy scooted over to make space for Sue, I was staring daggers at Johnny Lawrence who had a stupid smug smirk on his face as he watched the scene unfold; «D'you mind jackass?» I hint annoyed, signaling him to move his legs so I could get through and sit down in the only empty spot next to him. He raised his hands in innocent defeat as I slid past him. «That's a nice one you guys pulled on the field today» I comment sarcastically, referring to the brawl with Daniel. «Glad you liked it princess» Johnny chimes in and the table goes wild with laughter, «When will you assholes grow up,» I say in a sigh of exasperation as I elbowed Johhny's ribs from beside, causing him to wince in pain.

«How do you even know the guy?» Tommy asks me as I was busy stealing fries from Bobby's plate, «Our mothers went to high school together, we used to visit them during the holidays», I reply, but they all give me a petty look in response. «I don't understand, you barely know him, why can't you just leave him alone?» I turn to Johnny so that he knows my words are meant for him especially; he raises his eyebrow as if it was an obvious thing, «Cause, where's the fun in that Y/n!» he beams and highs five with Bobby. «Fuck you!» I spit out while throwing a fry at his stupid face. «Would you?» he asks sarcastically and laughs hysterically along with his friends. I scoff loudly at their immaturity and slam my hands on the table ready to leave. «Sorry Sue, I can't do this» I speak looking at her with sorry eyes, she just nods understanding and smiles weakly. I rush out without saying goodbye to any of the boys, but just as I was grabbing my keys from my bag, slender fingers snaked around my arm with firmness. I looked up, startled, only to see the only douche who would wear a headband even when he was not training.

«What do you want, Lawrence», I ask in a hurry as I shook him off of me. «I want to talk to you», he says in all seriousness, «Talk then but hurry up,» I say hastily. He smirks snobbishly and goes on, «I'll leave him alone», he states. I smile proudly, but I should've known there was more to it. «If you go out with me», he concludes his phrase that was left hanging. My mouth falls open in disgust and total incredulity at his proposal. «A date? Sorry, but I have to go home and laugh at that idea» I snort, «No way, Lawrence», I turn around and insert the keys into the car door's lock. He pushes the door close and holds his arm against it so I couldn't open it again. My eyes traveled from his wrist to his bicep, until I could scurry his face when our gazes met showcasing opposite emotions. «Well, I guess your friend will keep getting what he deserves then», he points out enthusiastically. I clench my jaw and shut my eyes irritated, «I can't do that. You used to go out with Ali, and she is my friend». He snorts in amusement, «Isn't LaRusso your friend as well?», he remarked. «Just one date, no one will get hurt», he finishes, this time his tone was softer and more faithful. I consider it for a second, but my morality immediately brings me back to earth. «Go to hell, Lawrence», I say coldly, before speeding off.