The Headturner

The Submission

Chapter Seven - The Submission

It seemed Adam was more serious about the bet than Anne had initially imagined. He had been ogling her in class as well as lunch time, until Neil deliberately coughed to bring him back. Everyone was looking at them and Anne was too embarrassed to look up. Nobody had looked at her like that, ever. It was too difficult for her not to give in to his gorgeous hazel eyes. She could not eat at all. Not like she wanted to eat anyways. Her diet consisted mainly of tea and some low-fat biscuits.

She had to walk away from the table. She was flustered and really hot. She was pretty sure she was blushing and she needed some time to cool off. Little did she know, Adam had different idea. She didn't notice him following her. She was lost in her own thoughts, when he caught her arm and spun her around. She was literally spellbound as he bore into her eyes.

"Hey," His voice was husky.

"Hey?" She did not know why it came out like a question.

"Now where are you running off to?" He smirked. She hated that stupid smirk. She wanted to wipe that smirk of his face. But she could not deny how handsome he looked. She cleared her throat expecting him to loosen his grip. He didn't.

"I just, um... restroom."

He chuckled and let her go. She could still feel his gaze upon her.

The cold water on her face helped her cool down a little. She forced herself to think about her mom. Her work shifts kept changing. Today she had morning shift and her father was coming to visit them. He lived with his other family, second wife and second daughter. She hated him, how he had abandoned them for the younger woman. She was young enough to be his daughter, just seven years older than Anne. Spending time with him at dinner was going to be a nightmare for her. She could not stand the sight of that man. How could he enjoy his life while her mom worked her ass off?

She could feel the frustration kick in and replacing the hot feeling from her system. As she walked out of the restroom, she could see Adam waiting for her, leaning against the wall. She composed herself and walked back with him to the cafeteria. That earned them suggestive glances from their gang. She brushed it off and tried to be casual.

She was hoping she would get a detention or something, so that she could go home late. Well, not actually, since she was a good student. Still, she was in no hurry to get back home. When Adam offered to give her a ride, it was easier for her to decline. She said she wanted to walk home, being completely honest. To her amazement, he said he would be happy to walk with her. Now that caught her off-guard. Before she could think of any other excuse, he was already walking beside her.

Maybe he could read minds, or so Anne thought since he did not try his antics on her. He just walked with her, silently and let her be lost in her thoughts. Against her will, she really appreciated the silence. It was not awkward, just sweet. Halfway through the journey, he entwined his fingers with hers and she leaned into him closer. It did not mean anything but comforted her a lot. She thanked him, took a deep breath and entered the dreadful door. She could not understand how her "Home Sweet Home" could feel like walking into a cage. She looked back one last time and saw him smile at her reassuringly. Even if she had not said anything to him, he knew she needed that support. She smiled back at her and opened the door.

"There she is," her mom cheered.

"Where else would I go?" She instantly felt bad for snapping at her. But did not say anything.

"How have you been?" She did not know why her dad was butting in. Why sudden interest in their lives?

"Life was perfect! Until you showed up!" She could not contain her anger.

As her dad was glowering, her mom pulled her into the kitchen. "Oh, come on now, help me with the dinner."

"Sure mom. Let me go and change first." She still felt uncomfortable in her new clothes. She freshened up and as she was heading down the stairs, she could hear her parents argue about her. She did not like the tone of his voice. She did not like the submissive tone of her mother even more. It disgusted her. She would not sit through it. She climbed out of her window, back to her school.

She ran all the way to the school. As she reached the parking, she could see Adam's car pulling up. She just stood there. Adam drove towards her. She opened the car door and sat in the passenger's seat. She could see the perplexed expression in Adam's face. Before he could ask anything, she kissed him. It was her first kiss and she let Adam lead her on. Maybe it was seeing her dad again, maybe it was the confusing stuff going on in her life. It broke out the rebellion in her. She wanted to just give in and let it go.

It was the first time anyone made love to her. Adam was gentle with her, she wanted him to treat her roughly. But he simply did not listen. When they were done, and cuddling afterwards, Anne finally spoke as she started calming down.

"I know about the bet."

Adam simply stared at her, his eyes mixed with several emotions, guilt, horror, remorse to name a few.

Anne rested her head against his chest. "It's okay. I always knew about it. I wanted to get even with all of you. I was so angry and hurt and felt betrayed. But still, I like hanging out with you guys. You know you are my only 'friends', if you consider me one."

She took in the guilty expression in his face and added. "Please don't feel guilty. It was not like you took advantage of me. Perhaps it's the other way around. I was angry seeing my dad. He left my mom for another woman. Seeing him again brought back the painful memories. You helped me forget all that drama. I just want to have friends. I don't want to be alone again."

Adam finally mustered up the courage to speak. "I won't tell anyone about today. Even I like your company. I wouldn't want a stupid bet to ruin this. Besides, you are far too precious."

He kissed her forehead. She concealed the tear building up in the corner of her eyes.