You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Fourteen: Freshmen Year-Fall

I avoid Randy and Torri for the next few weeks. I'm still mulling over my speed and I need a boy free head. Basketball and School become my top priority.  They always use to be. It's easy to make them again. I know I'm regressing.  I need to fall back on what I can understand.  I'm quickly moving up the ranks on the team by putting in many extra hours on the court. The focus on the ball helps keep me out of my head. I'm so tired at night I crash. Wake up and do it again.

Randy makes it easy to avoid him because he avoids me too. Gary and Jake still meet me in the morning and walk with me to class. I am grateful to them because without them there would be no one. Torri texts a few times but I don't respond. He needs to focus on the city. I am a mess and don't know what I want. I need to focus on Tia. 

Brandi and Jamie really hate me now. Jamie resorts to making lots of comments as I walk by. So far, it is insults and no action.   Our friendship is done. I want it to be done. We have been friends since the second grade. Some people grow up and some don't. They can stay stuck. I have grown.

"You ready for the game on Friday." Gary asks breaking in my thoughts and I give him my best scowl. No social engagements for me.

Jake pleads, "Come on Tia. We will go sit somewhere else."

I look at both of them crazy. "Guys I don't think I am wanted there. I planned a night of me and Mr. Netflix." Stefan at least is still a great guy. Fake. Elena's. But great.

"Cancel that shit, we want you there. Come on Tia." Jake whines.

"Well Princess, I guess you have a new fan club." whirling around, my heart sinks.

Randy is walking hand and hand with the girl from the Block. She's smiling at me. Guess, he didn't wait. Did I think he would? This is Randy. My heart is ripping in two. I thought he would at least put in a little effort and fight for me. I guess I played myself again.  The girl is smiling at the horror on my face. Oh screw this. This girl is nothing compared to me. I will not bow down to this tramp. Athena stands up to back me.

Turning back around, I tell Jake and Gary, "Sure boys lets go. Should be soooo much fun." I will figure out what I feel later.  Right now, I need to stay strong. "See you and your girl there."

"Tammy" she sneers and leans up to kiss Randy's neck. Still a tramp.

"Tammy" I am staring Eye to Eye with Randy. He holds my gaze a moment and I incline my head and move on. Gary and Jake flank me like they always do. There never has been a moment since the year started they left me hanging.  "Don't worry about her. She's a piece of ass nothing more. You are diamonds. She is cubic zirconia." Jake says and Gary nods his agreement.

I lean my head on Jake and Gary's shoulders, "Thanks boys but I don't blame him. I did this. It's on me. I needed a boy break and he didn't want to wait."   Gary and Jake argue about Randy being a fool. Telling them about Torri would be pointless. Their input would be biased. It seems Randy didn't share the story with them either. He was too busy with the Tramp to bother figuring out how to make me stay with him. Secretly, I'm glad though, he didn't move on with Jamie.

Tia, you will do this. You will hold your head high and close this chapter with Randy. You will go to the game. You will not cry and you will have fun. Thanks Athena. I needed the Pep talk.  I'm not quite as excited as I was the last home game.  I think I can be fun tonight. I will be fun tonight.

I give Gary and Jake my phone number. We've been friends for weeks. They are my constant. I can't believe we never text. Waving good bye, I promise I'll text them when I arrive. They promise to make me laugh all night. Please keep your promise boys.