Time And I

Thirty-Eight

Although James said that Petula didn't mind if we went out to dinner or that she was the one who wanted us to talk in the first place, I still felt the need to talk to her myself. While I was sure that James was being honest about everything, as he loved Petula and would never want to do anything to hurt her, I still felt like it was my job as her friend to tell her about my side as well. Nothing happened between James and I. Nothing was going to happen between us. She knew nothing was going to happen between us. But I still should say what happened.

The conversation was simple. I asked her why she felt so worried about me she had to ask James to speak to be about it, and she told me about how she's seen me overwork myself into madness before (which I couldn't deny, since I did on multiple occasions), and she didn't want it to happen again. I assured her I wouldn't and that James and I talked it out. She then asked how dinner went, and I was honest about how it was nice and that we had a good time. She seemed thrilled for us, and she knew in the end why I felt the need to talk to her. She told me she had no issues with the two of us getting dinner and hanging out as long as we didn't keep secrets from her (unless it was a surprise for her or something), and I promised I wouldn't. I knew she'd do the same if she and Devon ever hung out on their own.

Texting her made me feel relieved, and I walked into school the next day refreshed. Jeanie asked a lot of questions, but I was able to sleep at a good hour, and I was able to make it to school for first period. People were staring at me, some smiling, some glaring like usual, but most were gossiping. While I was used to it, I wasn't used to the overwhelming positivity that surrounded the murmurs.

When I arrived at my locker, I understood why everyone was whispering about me. Taped to my locker were two red roses, tied in a purple ribbon that matched my lipstick, with a card that read:

Roses are red;

You wear all black;

I hope these roses embarrass you;

How will you counterattack?

I snorted, laughing as I opened my locker, grabbed my book, and headed to the library. Was he actually trying to embarrass me? I'd never been given roses before, so even if it was just a way to tease me, I still found it to be sweet. And I carried them around with me all day, enjoying the new jealous stares from my classmates. I had a boyfriend who would go out and buy me flowers. That was pretty outstanding. It finally made sense why girls paraded their gifts around. I felt special and loved. I enjoyed flaunting it. Shove it back in the assholes' faces who mocked me just because Buddy was my friend. And it felt damn good to see them glare.

Buddy laughed when we finally saw each other. "What happened yesterday to get those?"

"No idea. Just found them taped to my locker," I said as I handed him the note. He cackled as he handed it back. "What should I do to counterattack?"

"Not sure. Pinch his cheeks and use baby talk on him-"

"That's more embarrassing for me."

"In front of our friends at lunch?"

When lunch rolled around, I held Devon's hand as we walked to our usual table. "Aww, you two are so cute. Celebrating your one week anniversary?"

"No," I deadpanned.

"It was her band's first rehearsal yesterday, and I thought it would be a nice gift," Devon said as he gazed at me. I felt bad for wanting to embarrass him, but since he wanted me to, I went for it.

I reach out, pinched his cheeks and cooed, "He's such a gweat boyfriend. So shweet."

Devon glared at me as he lowered my hand. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he poked my side, and I giggled as we sat down. "Aren't you adorable?" he teased.