But I'm Alright Though

8. School

"Mike! Stop biting your lip so hard you're gonna give yourself a bloody lip," Ashton warns making my concentration move from Louise's locker to Ashton. "What's got you so nervous? Other than Crystal beating your ass for sleeping with someone."

"I didn't sleep with anyone," I admit, "I just didn't want to talk to her."

"Wow!" He chuckles. "Well, I heard she already kicked out like four girls in her posse."

"Really?" I ask holding in a small chuckle.

"Yes. Now tell me why you're so nervous," he demands and I groan.

"I can't exactly...." I hear a locker open and I turn my head. I pause seeing her standing there, "I have to go."

"Michael!" Ashton whines as I push past people in the hallway to get to Louise.

I think she heard Ashton because she snaps her head to look at me. I stop a foot away from her just breathing. She gives me a small smile and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in. I'm so glad she's at school.

"You can't believe how nervous I was," I admit and she gives me a sad smile.

"I'm alright," she states. "He didn't touch me."

"Thank fucking god," I say a bit too loud turning some heads but making Louise giggle, so who cares?

"Be careful, Mikey. Someone might think we're friends," she warns more as a joke giving me a small smile.

"Not the worst rumor I'm in," I mock and she rolls her eyes playfully.

"You can't use my line. It's not-" Louise stops right away and stares behind me.

I turn around to see Crystal glaring at me. I think she just realized I was lying to her. She lets out a big huff and stomps away with her last friend behind her. I look back at Louise. I frown noticing she's hiding herself in her locker. I move closer and gently lay my hand on her shoulder.

"I like you, Louise," I whisper and she finally looks at me.

"I know," she assures me giving me a smile. "I just feel bad."

"For Crystal?" I ask completely shocked.

"Um yes," she answers awkwardly. "Everything just doesn't seem fair for her."

"I'll talk to her and explain everything if it'll make you feel better," I suggest and she lets out a sigh.

"It honestly would but you shouldn't just do it for me. You've been dating Crystal for years. You kind of owe it to her," Louise tells me and I nod. "It's kind of hard not to fall for you."

"Oh?" I smile raising my eyebrow at her.

"Careful, Mikey, your head might explode from all your ego," she chuckles and I lightly punch her shoulder, like really lightly.

"You suck," I whine.

"And you swallow," she fires back making me laugh.

The bell rings and I frown. I don't want to leave her. This is probably the only time I'll get to see her. Jordan walks up all smiley before he sees me. He rolls his eyes and whispers something to Louise making her giggle.

"I'll see you later, Mikey," she smiles and walks away with Jordan.

"Bye," I say completely confused.

Ashton taps my shoulder and I nod starting to walk to class with him in the other direction of Louise. He stays quiet even though I know he wants to talk about what just happened. I must have a certain face on because normally he wouldn't shut up.