Eternity's Garden

Chapter 6; Made Your Bed, Now You Have To Sleep Alone

After telling Violet that all the whole school assemblies were in the gymnasium, we walked in late. Well, we were already running late, but we were even later than to be expected. After getting glares from almost all the teachers and walking in the door, we were told by the Vice Principal Ms Leyton that the three of us had to help pack up the gymnasium afterwards and to sit down immediately. She also, after hoping I was out of ear shot, told Violet to be careful who she made friends with and that tardiness was frowned upon at this school. We sat down and Angela proceeded to curse the VP for making us clean up. Violet was looking uncomfortable at this and so I turned around to Ang.

"Dude, shut up, or we'll get into more trouble! And I would like to, you know, NOT get any detentions in the first two days of this year." I whisper/yell at Ang, but unfortunately I'm loud enough to warrant Ms Leyton coming over again. I roll my eyes as the dyed blonde-but-greying old hag comes over to us.

"Ladies, I heard that Miss Brayven wished not to get a detention - sorry to say, but you and Miss Breil will receive detention this afternoon. I will contact your parents at my earliest convenience. And Miss Alderbow, you may go sit with the rest of your year level, though I would remind you not to be tardy again. And again reminding the three of you, you will be helping pack up the centre, am I clear? Good, off you go Violet." Ms Leyton walked back to the rest of the teachers and I rolled my eyes.

"So much for that... Ugh!" I sit back and painfully listen to the principal Mr Darcies drown on for another hour. After that, and the assembly is about to be proclaimed over, I see Damien run up from behind the group of teachers standing next to the podium and motion to Mr Darcies to say a few words. Oh no... I put my head in my hands waiting for the worst.

"This is Mr Damien Smith, coach of the neighbouring primary school's basketball team, here to say a few words." Mr Darcies steps back and lets Damien stand at the podium.

"Hey everyone, I'm Damien and I coach the extracurricular basketball and football teams for Golden-Oak primary, and both schools were wondering if any other students would like to..." I tune out on his speech and raise my head, relieved that Damien is only recruiting more volunteers for the coaching program as more kids have joined and there aren't enough coaches.

"And finally a word to Rosaline Juliet..." My head snaps up at the mention of my name. Oh no... This is everything I dreaded, what's he going to do? He's going to out the fact that I still sleep with a teddy bear, or the fact that I snuck weed into the girls locker room, or that I made hash brownies for the teachers staff meeting (but was super sneaky and has several layers between me and the brownies, so I wasn't caught)... I put my face back in my hands, but then realise that people are looking in my direction so I put my head up and make eye contact with my assailant – and smirk. What can he say about me that no one has ever thought of saying before? And trust me, nothing could ruin my reputation, I've done enough people to assure I stay on top.

"Worst. Sex. Ever. Thank you very much Golden-Oak! Smith out!" To a chorus of jeers, I stand up with Ang on my heals, Adrianne pulling Violet up with her and running them both towards the exit. The booing and snark, crude phrases continued long after I had left the building. The last thing I saw was Mr Darcies trying to control the student body and get everyone organised and out of the gym.

(***)

I walk into the senior girl's bathroom and slam the door behind me. It is then immediately opened by Adrianne, Angela and Violet. I plonk down on the edge of the sink, with my legs crossed. Adrianne is fuming.

"How dare he do that to you? I mean, you can't be the worst person he's slept with! Not knowing from personal experience or anything..." She looks uncomfortable but continues. "But anyone who sleeps with you is bound to have the time of their life!" Adrianne goes slightly red and her eyes glaze over, but Ang is just upset that she's here. Ang and Adrianne have never gotten along, they joined the school on year 7 and as soon as they saw each other, there was a constant feud. It's been going on so long, I really don't care why it started anymore.

"We could always just kill him. I mean, I'm doing Forensic Science so I know how to hide a body..." Ang leans across to Adrianne and smudges her always perfect winged eyeliner, streaking black all the way down her face.

"Why would you do that? I spent 10 minutes on those this morning! Now I have to fix it." Adrianne stands up and goes to the tap but 'accidentally' nudges Ang in the boob with her elbow. Wincing, Ange slaps Adrianne upside the face. Before Adrianne has time to retaliate, Violet steps in-between them, holding her arms out, as not to be caught in the crossfire.

"HEY! Look, I've been here for 2 days, but I already know when Ro needs her friends to support her, not to bicker amongst each other. So just until we get this thing with Damien sorted out, please can we focus on Rosaline and make sure she's okay. But, I mean... you guys know her better... but she was just told, in front of the entire school that she was the worst... partner of Damien's life..." Violet seems like a good friend, I look at her and smile slowly. I was wasn't watching the two girls fight, I was thinking about where to go from here... Do I get Damien back, do I let it slide, do I go to a party and sleep with as many people as possible to prove him wrong? This is the first time this has happened to me so I have no idea what to do.

"No, Violet's right, we should be here for Ro." Ang grudgingly looks at Adrianne and holds out a hand. "Truce? Until we have gotten Damien back and he's in a hole he can't get out of." Adrianne smiles and holds out her own hand.

"Only if I can help put him in there." They shake hands and I smile. This means a lot to me that they are doing this. They must think this is as serious as I do. My rep is what keeps the weirdos of this school from coming after either of us... I'm not letting that happen again...

"Hey, are you guys up to come to mine tomorrow after school? We have some plans to make." I look up and face everyone – instead of the floor. Ang smiles and punches one hand with the other.

"I'm so in! Violet, you're invited too, if you want to come." Ang laughs and Adrianne giggles along with her.

"I'm in too!"

Violet takes her time, weighing up her options, deciding whether joining this 'Revenge Planning Date' is a good idea and then sighs. "I'll ask, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make it..."

Done. This boy's going down...