A Change Of Directions (Camren)

Chapter 21: Handcuffed

Whistling a happy tune, I marched into the school building of Lima High, one hand grabbing the strap of my bag, the other one tucked in my jeans pocket. I somehow felt untouchable, invincible even.

Don't ask me how I got into such a bright mood, but this morning, I had jumped out of my bed when Lil' Duckie had woken me up with his happy tweeting. Yeah, I had named the bird who chirped outside my window every morning. Normani totally agreed with the name choice.

Anyway, I felt like the king of the world. Nothing could ruin my good mood.

"Hey, you! Wait a second!"

On second thought, there was something that would ruin everyone's good mood.

"We need to talk." A panting voice behind me growled out and I didn't bother to turn around. I had spanish class as the first lesson today and I didn't want to be late or Lauren would give me a lecture on the importance of attending classes.

A large hand grabbed my upper arm and twisted me around, not as gentle as I would've preferred. Shaking the paw off my arm, I finally snapped, "What the fuck?"

I looked up to the idiot who just ruined my inner balance and scowled at him, not even bothering to cover up the disdain in my expression.

"We need to talk." Jack repeated and shot his surroundings an insecure look, making me roll my eyes at him.

"We?" I mocked him, "No, hold on there. We ain't gonna do shit together, 'cause I will be going to my first class and you will just stand here like an idiot, all dumb and confused. Like always. Sounds good, doesn't it?"

His eyes narrowed and he furrowed his brow, his voice gaining a desperate undertone when he hissed, "Why do you hate me so much?"

"I don't hate you." I sighed and shook my head. "I just can't stand - this." And I pointed to his general direction, making him look down on himself.

"But you're pointing to all of me?"

"And I mean all of you." I calmly replied, watching his features twisting into hurt and anger.

"I don't know what your problem with me is, but it's not cool to make Lauren dislike me, too!" Jack slowly said, the volume of his voice growing with every word, fueled by his frustration.

I took one step back and put up my hands defensively, replying with a sneer, "Calm your man tits, I can see them wobbling in excitement."

He took one threatening step closer and I raised my chin defiantly, challenging him to urge closer if he dared. He didn't, our personal spaces didn't touch, but I guess it was because of the many students still around, getting stuff from their lockers before they headed to their first class. Too many witnesses.

"What did you tell her?" Jack growled, "What did you say?"

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I bit back, feeling rage inside of me building within seconds.

Once again, I felt myself getting upset over him, letting hot anger fill my body. I didn't know how he managed that, but he literally made my blood boil, I could feel my skin heating up and my cheeks starting to flush with fury. It was just like yesterday, Valentine's Day, where he had driven me to the brink of insanity by just being his stupid self.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Jack hissed. "You made Lauren turn against me!"

I let my bag drop to the floor and the loud thud grabbed the attention of a few students standing near us.

"I still don't fucking know what you're getting at." I snapped back and took one bold step closer to him, "and if you wanna keep on messing with me, then bring it on. The more witnesses, the better, cause someone needs to film me beating you up."