What If

Chapter 22

I put away my books and sighed unhappily to myself. I was tired and ready to leave. Avoiding people was exhausting. My life was literally revolving around trying to hide from Paul. I was done. I was doner than done. Time for home.

I still hadn't seen Paul since he kissed me. I hadn't seen John since the day before either. John wasn't tough to dodge since he didn't go to this school. I was more worried about dodging Paul. I still hadn't seen him after all this time, not even in the hallways or at lunch. I always peeked outside to see if he was there and he never was. I was happy that he was gone, but also worried that something might be wrong. I hope he didn't transfer schools or something, I thought. I didn't want this to go that far.

A hand came out of nowhere and pushed my locker door closed in front of me. Standing there now was that girl who was trying to chat up Paul the other day, Natasha. Now that I got a better look at her, she was a lot prettier than I had first remembered; her skin was flawless, her eyes were a deep shade of brown, and her curly, brunette hair looked remarkably soft. She was about two inches taller than me and had the smoothest legs I'd ever seen. She was definitely one of those sexy school girl types.

"What the Hell do you think you're doing?" she asked angrily, a scowl sewn tight on her face.

I stared at her blankly, like I was bored, and said "What?"

"Keep your filthy hands off of Paul!" she demanded, her voice no longer quiet in any way. People in the halls stopped to look at us. If there's one thing high school students like, it's commotion. "I don't know what you did to get him to like you, but he and I were going to go out before you came here! And now he won't even talk to me! He's too obsessed with you!"

I chuckled, shook my head, and said "This is about Paul? Look, I don't like him. If you want him, go get him. I'm not gonna stand in your way." I threw my bag over my shoulder and started to walk away.

"Oh, please!" she yelled, chasing after me. "Why would I believe that? No one in their right mind would give up the chance to go out with Paul!" She stood in my way and wouldn't let me progress any further into the hall.

"I don't like Paul!" I yelled back at her. "Believe me, I've tried to get that through to him, but his head is so thick that I'm sure his brain is suffocating as we speak!"

Students gathered around us, watching with enthusiasm and whispering to their friends. There were so many of them that I couldn't see beyond them in any direction I turned. We were completely surrounded by a captivated audience. I didn't see Paul or George, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were there too. School was out for the day. They didn't have anywhere better to be. Maybe band practice, but that could wait for a skirmish between two girls.

"I don't know why he'd like you anyway!" Natasha continued. "You're not pretty, your voice is annoying, and, quite frankly, I don't see a single thing about you that's special."

"Maybe it's because I'm not a jealous, judgmental cunt."

Everyone around us was quiet now, listening to every word we were saying. Cursing in school was so unheard of in this time. Everyone gasped that I would say such a thing, including Natasha.

"I'm gonna tell the principal you said that and he's gonna suspend you!" she threatened.

In the most monotone voice I could muster, I said "Oh my God. No. That would be terrible. What ever will I do? Please. No. Don't." Then normally, I said "Yeah, go get mommy to help you! I'm sure that'll show Paul you're the real mature woman that he wants!"

"Are you saying I'm immature?" she asked, like it was the most ridiculous question anyone could've asked.

"Well, you were the one storming up to me in the hallway, whining about how your not-even-boyfriend rejected you for me and that somehow makes me not pretty, not special, and annoying even though we've never said a word to each other before this. So, yeah. Immature is a good word. Though 'crybaby' might be a better one."

She huffed and turned her nose to the ceiling like the stuck up snob she was. "You think you're being so cute."

"Bitch, I'm adorable." I smirked and crossed my arms.

The people nearest us laughed and snickered.

Natasha's cheeks turned red and yelled at the top of her lungs "I swear to God I will punch you!"

Just as calmly as I'd been, I knowingly nodded and said "I'm from New York. You do not want to fight me."

"Yes, I do! I'm not afraid to hit people with dumb accents!"

I looked at her and smiled. "Good. Neither am I." I curled my fingers at her and said "Come and get me."

She glared at me, taking deep breaths as if building up the courage to do it. She took one final deep breath, let out a frustrated screech, and then turned around and walked away.

"Yeah, that's what I thought! All talk and no bite!" I called after her.

She kept her head down as she shamefully walked past all of the students staring and whispering.

I grinned cheekily and went down another hallway. The others made room for me as I went with my head held high. I think I just gained some respect points from the whole school.