Please Understand

Chapter 41: A Thousand Years

"I heard she cut off all her hair," Carlie rambled as she stabbed at her salad. Her blonde curls cascaded over her right shoulder and she held her nose up in the air. Since Amelia has been home, Carlie has decided that she is much better than me. Whatever friendship we tried to fashion completely vanished.

Luke was continuously agreeing with her, but he at least tried to include me. "I heard she was selling heroine and that's how she could afford to leave," he added with a snicker. "I bet she looks like a dike. That's why she hasn't shown her face yet."

I wanted to argue, but what was the point? No one would believe me, or really care. Their image of her is much more interesting than the truth, so that's what they'll remember. I could tell them how she's the coolest and bravest girl I've ever met, but they wouldn't care. Plus she kind of rejected me, and soon she will be leaving. I know she doesn't care about these people.

Miguel laughed along with them, and put his hand protectively on his date's leg. "Mason, is she going to come back to school? We all want to see her," he teased with a smile. They were going to make fun of her no matter what I say.

I shrugged my shoulders, and glanced down at my pasta. I would rather be re-watching The Breakfast Club with Amelia. Anything would be better than faking a smile while they bash the girl I love. "Doubt it," I grumbled, unwilling to participate. There's no point in blowing up on them because I know it won't change their minds.

Carlie leaned forward, so everyone could see her breasts. Why does she have to be this way? "I was hoping she would come dressed as Eleven. You know, her head shaved and an awkward dress on," she added with a flashy smile.

A few people snorted, but no one really gave her the attention she wanted. "Did you even invite her?" Edmy asked me with a shaky smile. She was trying to lean away from Miguel who couldn't stop pawing her.

I couldn't blame him though because if I had Amelia here, then I probably wouldn't be able to keep my hands off her either. "I did ask her to come, but it's not a big deal. Let's just try to enjoy the night and not talk about Amelia," I offered with a polite smile because she seems like a sweet girl.

They all talked about school, and finally tried to avoid the giant elephant in the room. Amelia's still here, and she rejected me. I told everyone I was going to the dance alone, but I'm sure none of them expected for her to tell me no. They probably thought I chose to be alone, or maybe Carlie told people she rejected me. It's hard to say what could've came out of her mouth. Honestly, I think they were all counting on me to bring Amelia, so they could belittle her, but I wanted her here. I wanted to talk and laugh like these other couples.

That's it, I wanted to be in a couple. I wanted Amelia to be my girlfriend, and I probably could've had it all, but my letter gave us another hurdle. There were too many obstacles. She seemed to forgive me for that because she cuddled next to me during the movie, and kicked me out when Danny was almost home. We didn't get a chance to actually talk, but she kissed me on the cheek, and pushed me out the door. Part of her has to still have feelings for me.

I was volunteered to drive Luke and Carlie back to the school for the dance, but I was ready to call it a night. Do I really want to stand in the gym alone? No, but what else was I going to do on a Saturday night? I can't go over to Amelia's without Danny finding out. Maybe I could sneak in through her window, but I don't know if she would appreciate that very much. I'm not completely sure about her feelings, so I don't want to assume anything. I don't know if she still loves me, or if she's simply tolerating me.

When we walked in, I listened as the girl chirped about how amazing the gym looked. There were Christmas lights all along the walls, the Alphabet hung on one wall, and the Art Department even made a few monsters from the show. Amelia probably would've loved the decorations, but she would've complained about the terrible music. She always wished they would play something more her style.