"Hey, there's that Teddy Girl!" One of the jocks called and the group found their way to me.
They sort of circled me and one played with my hair, "You're too fine to be a Ted, baby."
"Teds aren't as bad as people make them, darling," I said, pulling away from him, wincing at the alcohol on his breath.
"You're no Ted," Another laughed, pulling me against him. "You're new around here, huh?"
"So?" I said, trying and failing to squirm away from him.
"Those Teds you're running with are nobodies. You'd fit in better with us and the girls."
I sighed, looking down, "You're right."
---------Two Weeks Later---------
"Come on, Judith!" My best friend said, pulling me through the halls.
"What are you so giddy about?" I giggled as we got to our lockers.
"Jason asked me to prom! We just have to get someone to ask you and we'll all go together! It'll be so gear!" Nancy squealed. I smiled and hugged her.
"That's amazing, Nan!"
"I know! Isn't it--Those teds are staring at you again, love," she said, glaring over her shoulder before she stuck her nose in her locker.
I looked back and surely enough a group of Teds' eyes were on me. I blushed, noticing John and Paul were among that group.
I quickly turned my attention back to my locker and sighed.
"Hey Jude," I heard a perky and familiar voice call. I bit my lip and tried to ignore him.
"Hey Judith," He repeated, leaning on the locker next to mine.
"Beat it, Ted," Nancy hissed.
He just looked up at her then back to me, "Where have you been lately? I mean, you live right across the street but you never say hello."
"Paul, please leave me alone. I can't talk to Teds," I whispered as I grabbed a few books.
"Oh, so you're one of them," He said, his tone saddening.
"I am.. Just--goodbye, Paul," I said, shutting my locker and following Nancy down the hall.
Lunch period came quicker than usual and my friends decided we'd eat outside. I sat beside Nancy and poked at what looked like mashed potatoes on my tray.
"So guess who is the newest Teddy whisperer," Nancy said, giggling and nudging me.
"Shove off," I grumbled, going up and dumping my untouched food as my friends all giggled. I started down the stairs to the track and paused briefly, noticing a familiar group, smoking and hanging out towards the bottom. I sighed and tried to quickly pass them. They noticed me and joined me on the track.
"Hey Judith," Paul smiled brightly.
" I can't talk to you guys," I mumbled, keeping my head down. "They already pick on me for knowing your names."
I heard someone scoff and looked up to see John.
"Some friends, you have," He said, giving me a grin. "'Ey, you still have my jacket?"
"It's in my room," I said, blushing.
"What would your paper shakers think if they saw that?" Stu, John's friend, asked.
"I'll give it to Paul when I get home," I said, blushing and looking up at my friends. The whole lot of them were staring at me. I sighed.
