The Change

Chapter Twenty

"Corey, I don't like this idea. I thought you were working on getting better." I asked, the cigarette that was forced into my hands drooping.
"Come on, babe. Just one puff. For me?"
This isn't a good idea, I should say no. If we get into another fight, so be it. But everyone else did it... and I don't want to poop on everyone's party.... "Okay, I'll give it a try."
Corey put his hands together. "All right! Haha!"
"If!"
Everyone stopped. "If what, babe?"
"If we stop at one. Since we're sharing, one cigarette."
"Anastasia, listen. There's four of us. Two would bring the ultimate relaxation." Feldman stated, talking with his hands.
"Nope, one. Final offer. I don't wanna be a party pooper, but if we don't stop at one...."
"Fine, fine. We'll do one only. I'm just glad you're willing to see things our way." Corey Haim said. "Okay. Now, put it to your lips, and breath in."
I did what I was told. Ugh, this didn't taste very good. Or smell very good! Why did people do this? I did it wrong, because I started coughing.
Corey rubbed my back. "There ya go, it's perfectly normal for a first timer. Harmony did it, right, Harmony?"
"Yeah, yeah." She didn't look like she liked it too much, either. Yeah, don't think I'm doing that again. Yuck, gross.
"Try again?"
"Eh, no thanks, babe. I didn't like it too much."
"Please?" Great. He brought out his secret weapon; adorable puppy dog eyes that just made his blue eyes even bluer.
"Fine!" It's not like it would change anything, anyway. I took another puff. Huh, it didn't hurt this time, it felt kind of relaxing.... No! I passed the cigarette to Feldman. If I had one more puff, I was going to get addicted, I knew it.
"Nothin' like a good smoke, am I right?" Corey asked.
"Yeah, man." I think Haim was the one enjoying this the most. I let Corey finish the cigarette. That was too close, I almost got addicted too.
"So, what are we gonna do now?" I asked.
Corey looked at me, danger in his eyes and a smile on his face. "I was thinkin', I kind of wanna get into trouble with... you."
I was shocked for a moment, then I matched his dangerous look. I put my face an inch away from his. "You'll have to catch me, first!" I jumped up and ran off.
"Uh oh, Ana! You're gonna get it, now!" I heard Feldman yell. I turned my head to see Corey sprinting, and catching up fast! I ran faster, then into a convenience store. I acted like everything was normal, and began walking down the aisles. Soon, I heard the bell attached to the door frame ring. It was Corey. I looked outside, and there was Harmony and Feldman, watching. I "casually" look over my shoulder to see a certain boy walking towards me. I smiled and disappeared into another aisle. I heard the bell again, Feldman and Harmony had walked in. I heard breathing behind me. So, Corey must've found me. I turned around. "Looks like you found me." I looked up. It was the guy from the carnival!
He smiled. "Looks like I have. You know, your boyfriend left some pretty bruises."
I had nothing to say to this jerk. Frankly, I was scared. What if he does it again, and this time it works?
He sighed. "Listen, I just want to apologize for that night. I had been drinking and... well, bad ideas, haha."
What? This dude was actually apologizing? "What?"
"I said I'm sorry. I was stupid, and that really isn't how I normally act. It was stupid and irresponsible."
I felt a hand tighten around my waist, and saw Corey next to me. He was looking at the guy, ready to start a fight if needed. The guy, seeing Corey, became a little anxious. Corey tensed even more. Touched his arm. "Babe, it's okay. He was apologizing. What's your name?"
"Roger. I-I'm awfully sorry." He was uncomfortable now, but he was trying to look unintimidated. Corey bought it, but I didn't.
I looked at Corey, who was tightening his grip on me. "I forgive you, Roger."
Roger smiled. "Thank you. Well, I should be going."
I nodded. He walked away to pay for his things. Corey turned to me. "How could you forgive that... that creep?!"
"He was drunk, Corey. He didn't know what he was doing."
He let go of my waist. "But... but that's not an excuse! He could've hurt you, he could've.... I left you alone for one second, and-" He was getting agitated.
I put my arms around him. "Aww, you love me!"
He was confused. "What?"
"I said, you love me! It's okay, I know it's not custom for a bad boy like you to love someone, but it's okay. Your secret's safe with me!"
He pushed me away. "Psh! I don't love you!" He looked up.
Okay, I know he's lying, but I pretended to be hurt. "W-what? You don't.... Love me?" I started to dramatically sob.
He held me in his his arms, kissed me on the cheek, then whispered. "Gotcha!"