Redeeming Qualities

~Chapter 9~

Moss POV: 

I had been worried about Taylor all night. After she told me about her stepdad, which wasn't much, but it was enough, and then dropping her off at her house that day... I had been on edge ever since. The way he cursed at her, and called her names. That stuff was public, who knew what kinda shit he did behind closed doors?

When I got home, Junebug asked me how things were, because she sensed that I was a little off. I told her about my encounter with Taylor's stepdad, that I was worried about her.

I'm also off because I don't think she realized how much even her hand on my shoulder destroyed me. That was the first contact she ever initiated, the first contact that she was ever okay with.

The next morning, I was shocked to the core when Taylor walked into my first period class. The teacher told us that she was the new student, and I was confused that the school let her switch schedules.

When I asked her about it, and she told me the whole scoop about her mother threatening to sue the school, and about her telling her mother about the video, and that whole shpeel... I was confused.

Firstly, I didn't know she was skipping her first period.. Ty said that she wasn't and that the two were starting to get along.

Secondly, the whole... Story just seemed forced. She was avoiding certain topics with me, and it all loops back to Ty.

I hated myself. I hated myself for even considering the idea that my loyal best friend had anything to do with Taylor being upset. I know who Ty is, and he's an honest guy, but I also knew Taylor, and she's loyal as well.. So why would Ty lie? Or why would Taylor lie?

I can't ask Taylor, because it's obvious she doesn't want to talk about it. I can ask Ty, but I don't know if he even knows what's going on between them.

When we get caught talking during class, and the teacher stops us, I find Taylor looking in Sarah's direction. I can already read her thoughts.

She thinks Sarah and I are on bad terms because of her, and she feels guilty. If the teacher wouldn't be pissed, I'd lean forward and tell her that Sarah and I are on bad terms because of Sarah, not because of her.

Speaking of Sarah, she's been texting me quite often, begging me to start talking to her again, and telling me that she'll do better. I started to believe her, but I'm not sure if I want to after seeing that nasty glare she just gave Taylor.

Thinking about things, maybe Taylor was right. She is into me, and I guess by now she has a good reason to be jealous.. I guess I should give her some sort of reassurance. I pull out my phone and text Sarah.

We're okay. Taylor and I are only friends. Meet me for dinner tonight?

She reads the text, and then turns back to me and nods, smiling at me.

Later that night, I pick Sarah up, and then we head out to one of the nicest restaurants in town. She looks pretty, as always. She never leaves the house without making sure she looks good. We've been dating for near to a year now, and it's very seldom that I see her without makeup.

I'm dressed up, too. The restaurant we're going to isn't one that you can just show up to in jeans.

When we get seated, Sarah is back to rambling on about senseless stuff as always, while I try my hardest to listen, but end up tuning out every now and then.

As we sit here, looking like the perfect couple enjoying a perfect date, I can't help but think back to when we started dating.

This was about two weeks after Ty told me about him and Taylor. He had told me he wanted to keep things private until Taylor was comfortable with it, and that wasn't until halloween. I asked Sarah out on the night before homecoming, which was September 8th. She was definitely prepared for it, because she had already picked out a dress and a tie.