The Screwed Up Club *UNDER CONSTRUCTION*

Fist Fight Extravaganza

While I sit in English, I tune out Mrs. Ratchford and allow my mind to wander.

As requested, Blue didn't bring any other girls to pick me up. But it probably would've been a lot less awkward if he had. Aside from a nod of acknowledgement when I got in the car, he didn't speak a word.

And neither did I, because I couldn't decide between feeling guilty for dismissing Blue in front of Carson, or being pissed because I had already made it clear that we weren't on a date.

For God's sake, the boy took you to the movies and then to get ice cream. If that isn't a date, then I don't know what is.

I try to ignore the little voice in my head, but it's practically impossible. Mostly because I know it's true.

I went on a date with Blue Jones.

I went against everything I've been working towards because he's gotten under my skin and I can't get him out of my head.

I sneak a peek at Carson, who sat beside me despite the fact that all he's done is grunt in acknowledgement to my attempts at conversation.

Unable to take it anymore, I rip a piece of paper out of my binder and hastily scribble down, So when are you planning on talking to me?

I slide it over towards him, and he sighs before writing back.

I don't know. When will you admit you went on a date with the biggest jerk in school?

Alright, I'll admit it seemed a lot more like a date than I had originally thought. But it's not like it was planned or anything. Micah was drunk off his butt with his friend and I just needed to get out of the house. So when he texted me, I jumped at the chance. Now can you please forgive me? I write back.

I watch as he reads the note, sticks it in his binder, and nods at me, a small smile on his lips.

I grin back at him just as the bell rings.

"I may forgive you, but I still think Blue was just using you," Carson says seriously.

I don't think so, I want to say, but I just nod and follow him out the door.

Right before lunch, Carson offers to drive me to go get lunch off campus, but I tell him I've got to go study and head to the library.

About fifteen minutes later, as I'm reading my history book and taking notes, Ebony runs in. When she spots me, she sprints to where I'm sitting and places her hands on the table.

"Maren. Thank God. You've gotta come with me, now," she says, out of breath.

My brow furrows and I sit down my book, "Why, what's wrong?"

"Blue and Carson are fighting in the parking lot. It's bad, Ren. I tried to calm Carson down but it was like he didn't even hear me. You have to hurry, though, because a teacher is bound to see sooner rather than later."

Before her words even register, I'm out of my seat and rushing out of the library. The panic doesn't really set in until I push through the doors leading to the parking lot. Thats when I see the large gathering of people. I run over and push through the people until I'm right on the outskirts.

I get there just in time to see Carson land a punch to Blue's stomach, causing him to hunch over. Without thinking, I try to pull Carson away, but he won't budge. Ebony was right. It's like I'm not even here.

"Carson, look at me," I say urgently, and for a second, his eyes flicker towards me.

But I'm not the only one who notices. Blue takes that second to hit Carson right in the face.

Frantically, I search the crowd until I come across two guys from the football team egging them on.

"Help me pull them apart!" I command, but one of them just smirks.

"No way, it's just getting good," he taunts.

Anger builds up in me, and I yell, "Help me get them away from each other or so help me God, I will castrate you!"

Maybe it's the wild look in my eyes, or how loud I was, but their eyes grow as wide as saucers and they rush to both boys.

Despite the struggling, they manage to restrain them, leaving me panting in the middle.

"What is wrong with you two?" I ask, my anger now directed towards the two guys seething in front of me, all bruised and bloodied.

"Why don't you tell her what it is, Tanner? Why don't you tell her the real reason why you're so pissed?" Blue yells, and Carson starts struggling again.

Disregarding his words, I let out a humorless laugh, "I can't believe I actually expected more from you."

Hurt flashes across his face, but it's gone so fat and replaced with rage.

"Screw you," he spits, and shakes off the football player before storming off. I can't help but flinch at the venom in his voice.

How could the boy who had taken me to the movies because he knew I liked them so much turn into this?

By now, the crowd has dispersed, leaving me, Ebony, and the one holding Carson.

I nod at him, and he lets go before walking away.

Carson is still breathing heavy, and his lip is busted, along with the black eye beginning to form, but he seems to have calmed down considerably.

"You good?" Ebony asks me quietly, eyes glassy. I know she wants to stay with him, but she isn't comfortable with it. I nod and give her a sad smile.

Then, I take Carson's hand and lead him to the passenger seat of his car. I get in too, and with no regard for the classes I'm going to miss, I pull out of the parking lot.

"You were right about him. God, I can't believe I was so stupid! If I had listened to you, this never would have happened," I say, hating myself for causing this.

"Yes, and yes. But-" he starts, but I cut him off.

"No buts. He was wrong. I was wrong."

"No, listen. I started it. I threw the first punch," he says, causing me to almost slam on the brakes.

"Why the heck would you do that, Carson? I stood up for you!" I yell, and hit my hand on the steering wheel.

His fists clench and he growls, "I couldn't stop thinking about the two of you, and how he was gonna hurt you. So after I grabbed lunch and came back and found him in the parking lot, I couldn't help myself. There were some words exchanged, but I was the one who punched him first. I know it's stupid, so you don't have to tell me."

"If you didn't already look like crap, I would pull over and beat you up," I mumble.

I messed up. Big time. There's no way he'll ever trust me after this... I shake my head, dismissing the thought.

It doesn't matter, because Carson has been my friend since sophomore year. He gets priority and he clearly has a problem with Blue.

"Either way, I'm gonna stop hanging out with him," I say finally.

He looks at me, eyes hopeful, "Really?"

I shrug, "Bros before hoes."

He smiles, and I grin back, even though all I want to do is bang my head against the steering wheel repeatedly.

At the thought of having to tell Blue that I couldn't talk to him anymore, my stomach turns.

This was gonna suck.

***
Just wanted to clear up that when Blue calls Carson "Tanner" he's talking about his last name. I mentioned his name earlier, but I wanted to clarify in case you didn't make the connection:)

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