Redeeming Qualities

~Chapter 8~

Taylor's POV:

Moss held true to his word. He texted me good night on the first night, and I didn't respond. He asked me how I slept the next morning, and when I didn't respond he called me. I declined the call and then texted back that I slept fine.

He hunted me down during lunch, everyday that week to ask me to hang out one day. I'd agreed, and now, a week later, we've hung out twice so far.

It's not as tense as I thought it would be. He seems happy, and like things are going well for him. I'm glad things are going okay. I'm starting to think that maybe we could just be like this. We can be friends, and I don't even have to worry about ruining his friendship with Tyler.

You're stupid for even considering the idea that Moss isn't going to start asking the serious questions.

Okay, conscience, you're right. He's definitely going to demand answers soon, but until then, I'm.... Content.

I get to school about ten minutes before second period starts, so I decide to take a trip to the restroom to freshen up. I decide to try something.

Mascara.

I haven't worn it in a year, so I had to stop at a drug store to buy it on the way here, but... I mean maybe since I have a friend now, I could at least try to look like I'm mentally sane.

I used to do my makeup everyday, I'd spend a half hour at least on it. It was like art to me, but ever since Tyler, I had foregone everything that made me look good or better in my opinion. I wanted to significantly reduce the chances of me ever being sexually assaulted again.

A little mascara won't hurt, though, will it?

I hear footsteps walking toward me, and I immediately hide in a stall. I'm still too ashamed to want to be stuck alone in a room with people. It's two girls, probably checking up on their looks. I try not to eavesdrop.

"Okay but like.. I hear that Tyler is actually really good in bed." One of the girls said, and the other one laughs.

"Well you've seen the video, right? I mean... I don't want to say lucky girl or anything, because rumor says it she hates his guts, but damn if I were her I wouldn't have ever let that boy go." I'm suffocating on her stupidity. How can someone be so dense?

"Oh come on, you know there has to be a reason why she dumped him.. I mean, a guy like that probably gets hit on all the time. She must have gotten sick of having the guy that everyone wants." The other girl scoffs.

"What are you even talking about? Moss Warner is the guy that everyone wants. He's like five times hotter than Tyler. He's ripped too, according to Sarah." The other girl laughs.

"Yeah well he might not be pretty soon. Rumor has it he left the football team." I almost choke right there. He finally quit football? And he didn't tell me?

The girls finally leave, and when I put my hand on the stall door to leave as well, I notice something.

The stuff that was written about me on the door was scribbled out. In green marker. My eyes almost fill with tears at the thought that maybe Juniper doesn't hate me after all.

It's lunch time now, and Moss meets me at our usual spot in the school parking lot. He grins when he sees me, and I fake glare at him.

"You quit the football team, and you didn't even tell me so that I could throw a party for you?" He raises his eyebrows at me.

"I think that is the most positive I have ever seen you in a long time. I should quit playing sports more often." I can't help but let out a laugh at that. His grin gets wider at that. I'm glad he's happy. I'm really, really glad he's happy.