Leave Mary Jane Alone

Chapter Twenty Eight

Waking up without Oliver was lame. The sun didn't shine as much. The birds seemed to scream instead of sing. A real headache. Really I could only pout as I got ready for another day in hell. The repetition was getting old. Graduation was too far from my hands. School was never hard for me. My only problem was what I do after school. It was scary. I pushed it away.

I hopped out of the shower and brushed my hair dry. Then I put it in a bun as I usually did on lazy days. I popped my earbuds in and walked outside to see the bus speeding off. I angrily flipped the driver the finger knowing they left me on purpose. Every. Damn. Time. Stupid driver. Still, I wasn't too angry. Mornings were quiet in my neighborhood which meant I'd be able to hear my music with no problem. I walked into school late as I always did when I missed the bus and looked around which I hadn't done in a while. While walking I thought of my process and smiled. Sure, Oliver had helped me but I'd let him. I went to therapy. I made choices.

This was my school. Full of girls who were mean because people were mean to them and guys who hurt people because they've been hurt. And I hated it because I was never mean or hurtful. Just caught in it all. I wasn't feeling school and some people noticed. Jackson was talking with his friends from that day in gym and only waved at me but I wasn't upset. Oliver hasn't showed up so I was a little upset. But when I realized I was being targeted I became angry.

I've been targeted before so I knew the signs. People looked at me and either looked down or laughed. Feet magically tangled themselves with my own. I had to admit that this was an art, but I'd mastered avoiding embarrassing myself. Still, being targeted made me feel down in the dumps which Mercedes knew. That's when she attacked. When she saw my head hanging low.

"Awww is little Mary feeling bad today?" She cackled as she passed me in the hall. Her hair had finally gone back to its light blonde and I hated to admit that she looked gorgeous again. Still I wondered why her hair had been orange to begin with. Not that being a ginger was bad but her coloring was uneven and she caused disgrace on all redheads. Now she was back at the top and in the limelight. Her power floating about her when she talked.

She was right. I was not feeling it. And that's why whatever she said I'd be giving her double for the trouble.

"I feel just as bad as your hair has looked. Barbie would be so disappointed that one of her brainless plastic bitches had been so distasteful. But all of those chemicals must have made you forget who the fuck I am whether I talked to your lowly ass or not, I can still mop the floors with you."

Her mouth opened in an unladylike way and I attacked again. This was like watching a whale open its mouth for dinner. She could drink the seven seas in one gulp with the size of her mouth. "Might wanna close your mouth before something just flies in there. But maybe you're used to things in that old nasty cave." I did a vulgar gesture with my involving my tongue and cheek and balled up hand. The message was clear.

"Oh you have a backbone now. Be careful though, I'd hate for something to happen to the low down people in this school. Your life's already a tragedy little Mary." She hissed and I felt myself prepare to lunge.

By now we had the attention of everyone and it was all Mercedes' fault. I wanted to run as much as I wanted to stay and put Mercedes in her damn place. I was torn. If I went far then so would she and I didn't know what she knew. I could run and hide and the bullying would begin again. Or I could face my shit head on.

"Mercedes, you are such a taint." I smiled kindly though I felt anything but. She was surprised and began to smile.

"Flattery will get you nowhere. In my eyes, hell even in this entire schools eyes, you're nothing. I bet you knew that though right? Save your compliments for someone who gives a damn." She snapped at me and I continued to smile.