Is This What You Always Want Me For?

Part 2

I hung back in my last class of the day like I usually did. I didn't like being in the hallway with all the kids. I'd rather take my time and walk to my locker after everyone had left.

After so slowly putting my books in my bag I said goodbye to the teacher and went out the door. I was pleased to see most kids were out of the hallway. I walked down to my locker and grabbed my lock to put in the combination. 4, I said in my head...44...I turned it back...18.

"Hey Vita!"

I nearly dropped my bag on the floor at the sound of my name. Nobody talks to me, especially now after everyone had already left. But I received my answer soon as I turned to find Frank. He had a goofy grin on his face and was leaning against the lockers. His holey jeans and band t-shirt didn't give him the well-kept look, and his cut off gloves didn't help either.

"It's Vee," I said correcting him and pulling my locker open.

"Oh sorry, Vee," he said moving around so he wouldn't be shielded by my locker door.

I stuffed a few books in and grabbed a notebook out still well aware that Frank was watching me. I glanced at him quickly before looking back and slamming my locker.

Frank pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He took a big drag and let the smoke glide out from his lips. "I'm Frank," he said taking another puff.

"I know who you are," I said annoyed. "And please do not smoke in front of me. It's okay if you kill yourself, but please don't put my life in danger."

Frank smiled, took one last drag and dropped the cigarette on the floor. He stomped it with his foot leaving a black mark.

"Don't do that!" I shot looking around quickly to see if anyone saw. Seeing no one I quickly turned around and headed for the door.

I heard Frank's footsteps follow me so I sped up. "Are you always this uptight?"

"No!" I pushed open the school doors and headed for the parking lot.

"Where are you going?" Frank asked still following me.

"Work."

"Can I come?"

I stopped beside my car and looked at Frank. So he had chosen me. It wasn’t that hard to put two and two together after overhearing his conversation in the library.  I guess I made the mistake of showing him up in math class and he realized I was smart.  I didn’t have time for this. 

"Uh...no," I said firmly.

Frank smirked and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Let's cut to the chase Vee," he said still smirking. "I know you want me, and I'm a pretty generous guy. I'll give you one night. How's Saturday?"

I let out a snort, blown away by this guy. I mean, I knew he was arrogant, but come on! "Jerk!" I spat before climbing in my car and driving away.

.........

"He was so out of line, Em," I complained. I had gotten to work at the local bookstore and immediately started ranting to the one person I did call a friend, Emily Blake. Emily and I had been friends right from the start when we met at this very bookstore two years ago.  We accidently bumped into each other in the classics section.  She explained that her parents had darkly named her after the “death-poet” Emily Dickenson. I laughed and quickly replied that at least she wasn’t named after a lesbian poet.  Emily was strong, smart, and opinionated.  Her confidence was only magnified by her long wavy brown hair and gleaming green eyes.  The only problem was Emily went to a private school, and I didn't see her much. So we applied for the same job to try and spend more time together.  It was perfect for us.