I Hate Myself For Loving You

Chapter 18

Anxiety coursed through Daniel as reality sank in. The principal had a death grip on the boys' necks. He guided them to his office, motioning them to take a seat. They sat down uncomfortably in the orange, cushioned chairs and winced. Daniel put his head in between his knees, afraid he'd projectile vomit all over the desk in front of him. The thought of that made him giggle nervously. He snuck a look at Johnny who was trying to keep his composure but was failing.

"I can see you both think this is funny but let me assure you that it won't be funny much longer when I suspend the both of you," the principal angrily said.

"Suspend us? For a harmless prank? Come on, Gerald. We were only trying to liven up prom," Johnny stated trying not to smirk.

"That's Mr. Rigatoni to you! Johnny, it's no surprise you pulled something like this, but Daniel I'm appalled you'd be a part of something like this. You ought to be ashamed of yourself," He murmured with a sigh.

"You're not really going to suspend us, are you?" Daniel asked weakly.

"I have no other choice but to suspend you both for two days."

Daniel's face turned to ash as the sick feeling entered the pit of his stomach, realizing how much trouble he was going to be in. Why had he listened to Johnny? He should know better by now, but how do you say no to a face like that? He could picture his mother's tongue lashing he'd receive, saying something along the lines of "What kind of delinquent am I raising?" It's true, he's turned into someone he's not, but he also has never felt freer. Can two conflicting feelings be true?

"I want both of you out of my office and to head home. If you come back to these premises there will be more consequences than just a two-day suspension, understand?" Mr. Rigatoni said with raised eyebrows.
"Yes, Lieutenant Rigatoni," Johnny said with a salute as the principal cast a glare his way.

"Vacation time, baby!" Johnny exclaimed, throwing his fist into the air and grinning wildly at Daniel.

"This isn't a vacation, Johnny. Do you realize the amount of trouble we're in? I can't believe I always go along with your dumb ideas. What's next, we hijack and steal a car?"

Johnny's eyes lit up mischievously while saying, "Now that's not a bad idea, LaRusso!"

"Oh my God, I wasn't being serious," Daniel said anxiously.

"Take it easy. I was just kidding. Well, since we had to leave our two chicks inside... What do you think two delinquents like us should do?"

"Uh, probably go home?" Daniel said unsure.

"No silly, it's time to have fun!" Jonny shouted in glee, grabbing Daniel's hand.

Soon, old buildings were whizzing past them as they rode on Johnny's motorcycle. Johnny stopped at an abandoned lot, or at least that's what it looked like to Daniel. There were dozens of old cars sitting there, most of them rusted out. Dread filled Daniel as he got off the motorcycle. His legs had become jelly, and he could barely stand up.

"Okay, ruining prom was one thing but-but I will not be your accomplice and steal a random car, Johnny," Daniel stuttered while pacing back and forth frantically.

Johnny just smiled and ran his finger over an old Pontiac Firebird. He opened the door, beckoning Daniel to come by him. "I'll show you how to hijack a car in mere seconds. I've done it plenty of times."

"I think I'm going to be sick," Daniel mumbled, clutching his stomach.

Johnny's teasing smile fell and turned into a frown, "LaRusso, I'm only pulling your leg. We're not going to hijack a car. I just wanted to see your face."

"Screw you!" Daniel said exasperated.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Johnny said with a glint in his eyes.

"At this particular time, no, no I wouldn't," Daniel said chewing on his lip anxiously.

Johnny pulled Daniel into his chest, kissing his forehead. He ran his hands down Daniel's arms in a soothing motion as a lone wolf cried in the distance, making Daniel jump as if he were a dog with his hackles raised. The moonlight bathed everything in a white glow as if the sky was lit up by thousands of fireflies. Daniel was too busy thinking about the events that had unrolled before him to revel in the beautiful scenery.

"Maybe we should spend some time apart," Daniel said in a meek voice, glancing nervously at Johnny.

"Some time apart?" Johnny questioned confusedly.

"Yeah, I mean the tournament is coming up soon and we'll both have a lot on our plates and I just think we shouldn't spend every waking minute together."

Johnny's crumpled face turned into anger as he sneered, "You're not allowed to break up with me LaRusso."

"I never said anything about breaking up! I simply said some time apart might do us some good."

"Do us some good? How so, hmmm? You think you know everything, don't you? News flash, you don't. Whatever, I don't have time for this. I have a tournament to win," Johnny spat out, turning around and leaving Daniel alone in the abandoned lot.

Daniel opened his mouth to speak, but quickly shut it as he watched Johnny's silhouette disappear. Dread washed over Daniel as he realized what had happened. He quickly blinked several times to dispel the tears that were threatening to fall. Dread soon turned into uneasiness as he realized he had no idea where he was. He walked alongside an old, broken-down train track, peering into the distance trying to figure out how to get home. His stomach churned nervously as bile began to rise in his throat. He was completely alone and lost. After what seemed like hours he finally saw the street lights and relief coursed through him. He rounded the block onto his street and picked up his pace, nearly tripping over his feet when he reached his door. He let himself in quietly and flopped exhaustedly onto his bed as the outside wind lulled him to sleep.