How To Love

Chapter Three - Stoners

Chapter Three

Zoe

January 3, 2014

 The rest of the school day went as it normally did. I slept through the majority of my classes and the boring teacher would drone on and on. I didn't have any more with Daniel and I was fine with that.

I didn't see him at all during the rest of the day and neither did Payton.

But I did notice at lunch how Payton would always sneak him into our conversation it was pretty obvious Payton that had a tiny crush on Daniel. "The dreamboat" was what she called him.

When the final bell rang signaling the end of school, I made my way out to Matty's F150 parked in its usual spot.

"Hey babe," Matty kissed me as I slid into the passenger side. "Where's Daniel?"

I shrugged,"Don't know."  I took my phone out of my bag and noticed I had two messages.  

"Well go find him," Matty rolled his eyes. "We can't leave with him."

"Ugh fine." I huffed and got out of the truck. I trudged back into the school searching for the jerk. I looked up and down the main hallways until I caught a glimpse of a bunch of hooded guys out the window. They were hanging in the back of the school by the dumpsters. The stoners.

Hmm, should I even go out there and deal with that bunch, I thought. Yeah. I just want to go home. Those are probably the people Daniel hangs out with anyway.

I quickly walked out the nearest exit and around the school. I saw six guys, siting on random crates, laughing their asses off at something the blonde dude said. Then I noticed Daniel hitting a blunt. Not really surprised.

"Hey Zoey!" I heard one of them call. "Come here babe." 

Noah, the slimy scum who cheated on Payton, motioned me over to them and patted the crate next to him. He was obviously as high as a mountian.  I ignored him and focused my attention on Daniel. 

"Daniel. Time to go. Matty's waiting," I said, crossing my arms. 

He looked up at me glaring and took another hit. I rolled my eyes. I don't have time for this. 

"Com-" I started, but was cut off as smoke was blown in my face. The guys laughed and Daniel smirked. My mouth opened and closed. I was at a complete loss for words. That was so unbelievably rude. 

"You're not my mother, bitch," Daniel sneered. His blue eyes peirced angerily through mine. Fine act like a douche, see if I care. I flipped him off, earning more laughs from the bunch of stoners. 

I stomped my way back to Matty's truck.  What on Earth did I ever do to him?

"Where's Daniel?" I got in the truck, slamming the door behind me.

"Not coming. He'll get a ride home with his friends," I said, still angry about my encounter with him. "Can you just take me home, please? He's fine."

Matty sighed, started the truck, and pulled out of the parking lot. 

"What's wrong baby?" Matty broke the silence.

"Nothing." 

"Come on, I know something's up just tell me," Matty gave me puppy dog eyes. 

I sighed and huffed, "What's Daniel's problem?"

"I told you earlier, Zoey. He just going through a rough time. Try to ignore it. Imagine how he feels. He pretty much had his whole life taken right out from under him. In fact, I don't think he even knew about me and my dad when he came to live with his mom," Matty explained. 

I guess I could see where he was coming from, but still blowing smoke in my face and calling me a bitch is a little much. I decided I wouldn't tell Matty about it, since he'd probably get all mad at Daniel and that would probably make Daniel even more mad at me. 

Matty pulled up in front of my house. "I'll pick you up bright n' early tomorrow."

I leaned over and placed a simple kiss on Matty's lips. 

"See ya tomorrow." I got out of his truck and waved as he pulled off.  

---

Later on that night, I laid awake in bed listening to a song I've never heard before on Pandora instead of doing my homework. 

"And I told you to be patient

And I told you to be fine

And I told you to be balanced

And I told you to be kind

And now all your love is wasted

Then who the hell was I?

'Cause now I'm breaking at the bridges

And at the end of all your lines"

The song was so breath-takingly beautiful. I had to learn it. I mentally made myself a note. New goal: learn how to play "Skinny Love" by Birdy on the piano.  

My parents had put me in piano lessons when I was younger after I nonstop begged them to for like two years. I absolutely loved it and would always be looking for something new to improve my skill on it.

It was heartbreaking when my parents told me that they could no longer pay for my lessons, since my mom had lost her job at some bank thingy and the amount of money my dad brought in was just enough to squeeze through.  I completely understood and so now three years later, I practice on my own every now and then.

Suddenly I heard a ding signaling I got a message.

Payton: Soo u gonna give me dreamboats # lol

I laughed to myself. Like I'd ever have that jerk's number.

Zoey: No sorry girly

Payton: that's cool. I'll pull my moves tom. and get that hottie's #

Zoey: do what you want but im warnin u he's a total jerk! U could do much better

Payton: he's so gorg tho 

I shook my head. Just because he's gorgeous doesn't mean his personality is, but I wasn't going to tell her that. When Payton Jones had her mind set on something. she'd do it or get it no matter what anyone said.

Zoey: Ok boob sure i'll see ya tom love ya

I put my phone down but not before it flashed:

Payton: LOVE YA MORE BUTTMUNCHIE MCFART FART

Oh, how I love my dear friend Payton. 

Ignoring the large stack of homework at my side, I rested my head to take a quick nap. Today had been a long day and a little nap wouldn't hurt. 

Only it wasn't a quick nap. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until the next morning.