Witness to a Love Story

Twenty-Two: The Letter

I think someone is calling my name. I don't know. Everything around me is so faint. Noises. Sight. They are all blurring before me. The only thing in focus right now is the contents of the locker.

Irritation. That's the first thing I feel. Josh had gotten me worked up and worried for no reason!

There's nothing special in the locker. Just a simple rose with a letter. It's addressed to me from Merrick. I look over at Josh. Only one question is all I ask. "How the hell does everyone know my locker combination, but me?"

Okay, so, my blood ran cold because it appears Merrick is serious. Which scares the shit out of me. Secondly, why the hell did Josh flip out so badly?

Before I know it, Josh has me in a bone-crushing hug. "When did my baby sister get a boyfriend?" He cries loudly in my left ear.

"I don't have a boyfriend!" I shriek equally as loud. Rebecca looks down at the ground, embarrassment tainting her cheeks red. I cover Josh's mouth with my hand. "Plus I'm not your baby sister. You are only older than me by fourteen minutes." I say in a harsh whisper while glancing around.

Josh just has to be so theatrical. He moves my hand away to reveal a big smile. "Who's the lucky guy?"

I deadpan. "Did you not hear me? There is no lucky guy!" I poorly shove Josh away. The bell rings to end our little commotion. Turning quickly around, I grab my bag from Rebecca, the letter from the locker, and head off to my next class.

I'm mumbling a thanks to the non-existent god that Josh isn't following me when something catches my eye. On my way to class, I pass by the girl's bathroom. Someone just came out and I can only see inside for a second.

In that brief second I see Rene on the ground. Her eyes red and puffy. The evidence of crying. A kneeling girl is besides Rene. I don't recognize her till she turns to look at the door. Then it dawns on me that she is Shamin's girlfriend.

I wonder what their connection is as I carry on. Before I can get too lost in thought, I shake my head. "I have bigger things to worry about," I mumble and take a seat in the back.

Pulling out the envelope, I stare at it. A shiver runs down my spine and not the good kind. My hands suddenly feel cold. Why is my heart thundering? I must be scared.

Figuring I have nothing to lose, I open the letter. This is what it said:

"Dear Miss Sanders,

I am terribly sorry to bother you with such a strange request. However, you should be humble that I even considered you-"

I roll my eyes then continue reading.

"It appears that I need a date for a few banquets coming up. I would go by myself; however, I do not wish to be hassled by the female population-"

Really? Does Merrick think women want him that badly? His personality is all the protection he needs. Glaring down at the letter, I continue reading.

"Unfortunately, you were the only one I could think of to ask. You will be compensated with whatever you want, no matter the price, for doing this favor. Even though spending time with me is enough compensation.

Sincerely,

Merrick Williams"

How stupid can Sexy be? I look the letter over and notice a number on the bottom. "Anything I want, huh?" I mutter to myself. I pull out my phone and save the number. Despite wasting my time, I fold the letter and put it back in the envelope. I put it away as soon the teacher starts talking.

Class is soon over and I'm nowhere closer to making up my mind. There's lots of pros and cons. Okay, maybe not a lot. Maybe only one pro and lots of cons.

Pro, I can have anything I want. Con, I have to date Merrick. That seems like such a hard task considering we don't exactly get along. Plus he's so egotistical. He's also irritating. The only good thing about him is his looks.

"What's with the scowl, kitty?" A soothing voice pricks my ears. I snap my head over at Jay. Was I scowling?

I hurry up on my way to my next class. Jay keeps up beside me. "Nothing," I mumble.

"Really?" He sounds so skeptical. I feel a jab in my side.

"Hey!" I yell and hit Jay's chest. "Who said you can touch me?"

"I didn't think I needed permission, kitty." Jay says, stopping.

I stop as well. "Yes, you do. You always need permission before touching anyone." I scold him. Jay chuckles and I can't help but sigh. "What do you want?" I ask and start walking again.

"I want you to tell me what was making you scowl." Jay says. Is that a hint of concern I hear in his voice?

I glance over at Jay, but I can't tell what he's thinking. "It was nothing, piercings. Why don't you go bother someone else?" I've reached my classroom and lean against the wall.

Jay leans against the wall next to me. He leans over and whispers in my ear, "Because I like bothering you."

I lean away from the now smirking Jay. "What the hell?!" I cover my ears and my cheeks feel a bit hotter. Why is my body reacting to such a crime? "If I tell you, will you go away?" I ask through a strained voice.

Jay nods his head. "Yes. Now tell me." He says with excitement in his voice.

I pull him a bit closer so others don't overhear us. In a whisper, I tell Jay. "Someone asked me out."

I'm glancing around to make sure no one is eavesdropping, so I don't see Jay's reaction. All I hear is his disappointed voice asking me who. I look over at him, but Jay is looking forward at the classroom across.

Why is he acting so weird all of a sudden? "Merrick. He asked me out Saturday and again today." Jay nods his head. I can tell that he's barely listening.

I cross my arms and sigh. Jay finally looks at me, but he's not looking me in the eye. "What did you tell him?"

I'm a bit taken aback by his sudden question. "I didn't tell him anything. I don't know if I should or shouldn't do it." I admit to Jay.

"Don't." Jay says in a whisper. I had never seen so much fear lurking in his green eyes before. Or heard him sound so serious before. It squeezed my heart to see this side of him.