Cool Kids Don't Dance

Three

She could still smell the lingering scent of stomach bile as she woke in her own bed. She could still feel the dried tears on her cheeks.

All signs that it wasn't a dream, Griffin had beaten her. Louise sighed and gripped the rough fabric the encircled her.

This isn't over.

"Lou" Anna called from downstairs, "Are you up sweetie pie?"

Louise rolled over and clenched her eyes shut, pretending to be asleep to avoid confrontation. She didn't want to talk about it, let alone think about it. But tomorrow she would be prepared to fight.

• • •

The next morning Louise tucked her dark hair into two braids. She pulled on all of her rings she owned and wore her tightest cloths. She took every precaution.

When the bus arrived at Edgewood Louise was bursting with anticipation. She glided down the halls with confidence. The kids practically parted when they saw her grim smile and clenched fists.

Here I come bitch.

Louise rounded the the school searching for Griffin, not even bothering to go to class. Griffin was the only thing comprehendible, beating Griffin was all she could think of.

"Hey?" A burly hand gripped her shoulder, swiveling her around to face them. "Are you the new girl?"

The boy who stood before her was gorgeous. His hair was long and blonde, hung at least to his shoulders. His face was concentrated on whatever problems were bubbling inside him.

Louise just opened her mouth in an attempt to speak, but failed.

"I heard you pissed off Griffin." He continued, unfazed by her inability to reply.

"It was pretty easy. Didn't even have to talk." Louise forced.

"So what's your name then?"

"Lou." All previous thoughts of beating Griffin seemed to drift away in his eyes.

"Lou?" His face scrunched.

"If my name's so repulsive what's yours?" Lou raised an eyebrow.

"Aidan." He replied shortly. After a minute of very awkward stand-offish eye contact he fumbled inside of his backpack for a note pad, scribbled down a few sloppy numbers and handed the sheet to Lou.

"You number?" Her breath hitched, she had a friend.

"Call me." His expression diffused and he took a step closer. "Not all of us here at Edgewood are criminals."

He winked and patted her back on his way to class.

I have a friend?

I have a friend.

I have a friend!

So what Griffin is a bitch, I have a friend!

Lou's head exploded, her one goal had finally been fulfilled.

Just wait until mom hears!