Breakable Moon, page 4
“Thanks guys, but still. I’m so pissed.”
“You should report her.” Sky snaps her fingers. “That bitch needs to be put in her place and see that she can’t just go around bullying.”
“Yeah, but Sky,” I pause, rolling my eyes. “You know how admin is. They won’t take this seriously enough. They’ll give her a slap on the wrist because of all the donations her rich family gives to the school. And it’ll just give her more of a reason to give me a harder time than she already does. So. No thank you. I’d rather not.”
Finally, the school day is over. Besides a few wolf whistles and jaw-dropping eye-openers, I get through the rest of the day feeling triumphant. I didn’t let Veronica know she got under my skin, at least not on the surface.
I’m on my way to meet Ace at his house to study. He’s a senior, so his day ends earlier than mine unless he has basketball practice. He should be home by now. I walk up to his door, I feel my stomach flutter and my hands are trembling. I need to relax. Okay, just take some deep breaths. You’re just here to study. I get to the door and somehow manage to ring his doorbell.
No one is answering, so I ring the bell again. Still nothing. Unbelievable. I feel like an idiot. I should leave before anyone sees me. I turn to walk away, but that’s when I hear the door creak open behind me. I freeze in place as I instantly feel really nervous to turn back around. “Diana? Is that you?” It’s Ace.
I’m suddenly aware of my braless boobs and no underwear situation. Slowly, very slowly, I turn around and face him. I feel his eyes taking me in with some shock, but mostly desire. His head carefully moves from my legs, to my hips, and up my exposed abdomen. I feel naked.
“Wow-Um. Y-You look…” He clears his throat.
“Are you going to invite me in or are we going to study out here,” I snap.
“Yeah. Please, come in.” He points inside. “Sorry if I took long to answer the door. I tend not to hear it right away from the basement.”
I follow him in through the foyer and see a long hallway. To my left are double doors and to my right is a staircase. He goes down the hall and turns to another door on the right leading to what I assume to be the basement. “We’re going down to the basement?” I ask him.
“Yeah. Unless you’d rather meet my parents through those doors there.” He points to the double doors on my left.
“No, it’s fine. I was just asking.”
I followed him downstairs and he gave me a quick tour. There’s a large open space in the middle, a kitchenette, a bathroom off to the side, and a long hallway leading to the back yard. Then he turns right, into a separate room with an archway. No door, but it has a king-size bed, a table and chair in the corner, and a television on the wall facing the bed.
“Is this your room?”
“Yeah. Is there a problem?”
“Nope. I just wasn’t expecting your room to be down here. It’s a nice set up.”
“Thanks.” He shyly grins my way.
I actually really like his room. It’s different from what I imagined a boy’s room to look like. I thought it would be smelly like a sweaty locker room, clothes all over the floor, but not his. His is very proper-like. He has a black comforter with matching blue and black plaid sheets and everything. It’s clean, cleaner than mine actually. Surprising.
We open our books and go over next week’s chapter on isotopes and ions. I could tell he’s having a hard time understanding it, so I start writing simple notes next to each explanation. I like to do that, even for myself, when studying a new concept. It makes it easier to understand when you break down the lesson yourself. These textbooks make it look more complicated than it actually is. Twenty minutes into studying, I notice he seems uneasy and keeps peeking over at me every thirty seconds or so.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m good. Can I get you anything? Are you cold? I can turn the heat up if you want.” His eyes shift to my crop top and then quickly back to my eyes nervously. I look down and quickly realize why he’s asking if I’m cold. My nipples are hard and can be seen through this damn crop top. Why me? As if my day couldn’t get any more embarrassing. I cross my arms over my chest and look down to continue reading.
“I’m sorry, Diana. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable, but your outfit of choice today is pretty distracting.”
“Well I didn’t have much of a choice and I have your bestie to thank for that,” I sarcastically say with an annoyed expression on my face.
“What do you mean?”
“She stole my clothes while I was showering after gym.”
“How do you know it was her?”
The confusion in his eyes is evident as if Veronica’s a harmless fly on the wall. He never sees anything wrong with how she acts, what she says, things she does. She’s perfect. Of course she is. Why would she ever take my clothes? Not her, no, never. Must have been someone else because the perfect, beautiful bestie would never do such a thing.
“Hmm, maybe because of this Post-it note she so kindly left behind to make sure I knew it was her doing.” I grab the note from my bag and hand it to him.
He shakes his head in disbelief as he reads the note.
“Swine? What the fuck?” His eyes meet mine. “I’m sorry, Diana, I dunno what got into her,” he says while retrieving his cell phone from his back pocket.
Wow. I’m surprised how fast he believed me. I really thought he would’ve tried to fight me on it or defend her somehow. He didn’t. Maybe I misjudged him. Is it possible that he knows the kind of person she really is? The kind of cruel evilness that lives within her. Not that deep either. She keeps it on the forefront.
“What are you doing?” I apprehensively ask him.
“I’m gonna text her. She can’t treat you like that.” His finger slides open the home screen and into his messages. I rush over in an attempt to grab his phone.
“No. Please!” I shout.
He loses his balance from my impact and falls back onto his bed at the same time I crash on top of him. Well, this just got awkward. I quickly apologize and try to push off of him to stand, but he stops me by reaching for my wrist. I immediately lift my head up in surprise and stare into his eyes. I’m now hovering over him and I think I just felt my heart stop. What. Is. Happening. With his one hand on my wrist against the mattress, he brings the other hand up to caress the side of my face and softly laces his fingers around my dangling hair to brush it back behind my ear.
“Trust me when I say, you are so far from being a swine.” He’s staring into my eyes like I’m the only girl in the whole entire world. “You’re so beautiful, Diana, don’t let anyone ever make you feel otherwise.”
My pulse is quickening and I’m speechless. God, he’s gorgeous and he’s sweet. Aaand now I’m staring at his lips.
He lets go of my wrist and slides his hand gently up my arm to cup the other side of my face. His lips part as he slowly pulls me toward him.
I don’t know what to do with myself right now. I’m so nervous, I think I feel my legs shaking. I’m finally going to kiss those lips that I’ve waited so long to taste.
He gets closer, his eyes are hooded and I feel him harden beneath me. I’ve never felt that before, but I’m pretty sure I know what it is. Oh dear God. I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve been dreaming of this moment since freshman year, since the first time I laid eyes on him. I close my eyes. And just as our lips are about to touch, we hear footsteps descending the stairs outside his room.
“Fuck, I didn’t lock the door,” he whispers.
I quickly get off him to stand. He finishes adjusting himself, right when his mom turns the corner into his room. She stops abruptly.
“Oh darling, I didn’t know you had company. I was going to ask if you wanted anything from the store?”
“Yeah, Mom, um, this is Diana. She’s a friend. She’s helping me study for chemistry,” he tensely explains.
She turns to me now. Her eyes are alarming. She has the whole business outfit look locked down. Pencil skirt, silk blouse, blazer, high heels. Huge rock on her ring finger and bedazzled in pearl jewelry. Not one hair out of place in her jet black hair bun. This woman can’t radiate the word ‘intimidation’ any more than she is.
“Nice to meet you, Diana.” She does a quick eye scroll of me, but doesn’t make a move. “Well, I’ll let you both get right to it then. Dinner will be ready soon.” Her eyes on me once more, she asks,“Will you be staying for dinner, Diana?”
She can’t help herself. She’s taking a second look at me now. Looking at me up and down, slower this time, taking in the ‘famous’ outfit of the day. I can tell she’s judging me already. Just like everyone else in this damn town.
“No. Thank you anyway, Mrs. Martinez, but I was just leaving.”
CHAPTER 8
A friend? Really? He told his mom I was his friend. I feel so stupid. Ugh. No, I’m being ridiculous. What else was he supposed to call me? I am a friend, am I? Well, it’s not like I’m his girlfriend. Sigh. Girlfriend. Oh how I wish I was thee. Probably too soon, but I’m thinking after that incident I might actually have a shot. He called me beautiful. He thinks I’m beautiful! Is that even believable?
I can’t help but replay, over and over again, the way he tried to convince me not to leave his house. His mom almost caught us together on his bed. He was about to kiss me! Which definitely proves I’m not just a friend. Unless... oh no. What if what he wants is just a friend, but with benefits. No way. I’m not doing that. I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but I can’t control my thoughts. My mind takes over on its own. There’s no stopping it once it starts.
He makes me crazy. I don’t know if I could even figure out how to just be his friend. I think that would be too hard for me with all these emotions I feel when I’m around him. The constant reminder of having him so close, but not as my boyfriend. Yeah. Definitely, disappointing.
Hmm, maybe that’s how Veronica feels? I remember him telling me one time during my freshman year that she was ‘just a friend’ and nothing more, but it was so obvious she wanted him and still wants him. We had an argument over his friendship with her back then. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea that he didn’t have feelings for her. It ended up ruining us. At least the “us” that could’ve been.
Whatever. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and figure out what to wear tonight for this mysterious party Case is coming to pick me up for. She said to wear something sexy. Her definition of sexy is different from mine. I’m going to have to try and think like her for a second. I look at my clock. Good, I have an hour. I’m going to give my brain a breather. I walk into my room and throw myself on my twin-size bed.
I’m lying on my back staring at my ceiling. Huh, would you look at that. I can’t believe I still have those glow in the dark stars up there. I made my mom put them up for me on my eighth birthday. I remember it like it was yesterday. I begged her to paint my room walls all black, but compromised for just the wall behind my bed. She said it would make my room look too dark and smaller than it already is. I had this obsession with space, so I didn’t care about any of that.
Okay, time to stop daydreaming and get ready. I walk over to the door of my closet and look through anything I might have that looks party-like. Something sexy, something sexy. Hmm, maybe I can wear the purple strappy one? Eh. Or this long black one? Forget it. Case will kill me if I don’t show my legs. That’s part of her dressing “sexy” rule. Must show legs.
I end up choosing to wear a V-cut strapless hot-pink dress. It’s fitted around my curves and reaches down mid-thigh. I look at the full-length mirror in my room and I surprise even myself. The low V-cut dip in front of the dress is really doing the twins some justice. I strap on some black high heels and head out the door. I see my mom in the living room on the sofa reading a book with my brother.
“Be careful, sweetheart, have fun, don’t drink, and don’t let any boys touch you. What time will you be home?”
“Thanks, and I think by midnight, if not before then. You know these parties aren’t really my thing.”
“I know. Well okay, call me if you need anything.”
“I will, love you.” I shut the door and headed downstairs to meet Casey.
I get into Casey’s car and notice her eyes are big and there’s a smile on her face. By her reaction, I can tell my dress is Casey approved. She’s always encouraging me to show off my figure more often. Well… here it is.
When she drives up to the house, I feel my stomach drop.
“This is where the party is!” I shout in horror.
“Yeah. Why?”
“This is Ace’s house, Case!”
I think I’m gonna be sick. There’s no way I’m going in.
“So what? Weren’t you hoping to see him anyway?”
“Yes! But not at his own party, Casey. I was with him all afternoon and he didn’t mention a word about this party. Meaning I shouldn’t be here!”
I go on to tell her exactly how my afternoon went down. Great, she’s laughing. She’s actually laughing at me.
“You’re being ridiculous. Let’s go!” She grabs my arm and pulls me out of the car. Then takes my hands and drags me all the way up to the door.
I can’t believe I’m walking into his house like this. The double doors on the left were closed earlier, but now they’re open. Unlike earlier today, the house is now filled with people and there’s reggaeton music blasting through the speakers in the living room. It looks so different at night. The lights are dim, but I can still see enough to know it’s a grind fest in there. And if that doesn’t get someone’s attention, the staircase to my right surely does. There’s a ton of couples making out and groping each other like no one else is around.
I make my way through the house, others are dancing and holding red Solo cups. Casey shoves one of those beer-filled cups into my hand.
“Here, drink this and relax. We’re here to have a good time.”
I take the cup and roll my eyes in annoyance.
Okay, I might as well make the best of this awkward situation. I’m roaming around to find a place to stand. Preferably in the darkest corner, in hopes I won’t be recognized. I keep drinking, but keep to myself and turn down a few guys who’ve asked me to dance. I prefer watching other people dance. It’s more entertaining. Casey, for example. She’s now grinding on some senior from the varsity basketball team. I’m assuming he’s one of Ace’s friends.
Speaking of Ace, I wonder where he is. I thought I would’ve caught a glimpse of him by now. It being his party and all. Just then. Big brown curls catch my attention. Veronica. I’m now on my third cup of beer, and although I’m not drunk, I am feeling confident. Confident enough to follow the brown curly-haired girl down the rabbit hole and see what I find. Or should I say, who I’ll find. I have a pretty good idea. From where I’m standing it looks like she went down to the basement.
I creep my way through all these people who are dancing, drinking, and making out. Ugh, there’s a sweaty aroma in the air mixed with alcohol. Not a good combo. I continue my way down the steps, there are even more people partying down here. Who knew so many people could congregate in such a small area. I glide through and around to the only room I know of down here.
I turn the corner into Ace’s room, my eyes are in disbelief. I’m frozen in place as I’m standing in the doorway watching Veronica be manhandled against the wall. Their bodies are intertwined and out of control. Her eyes open and are now fixated on me and her face wears an achieving grin. That bitch finally got what she always wanted and on top of that, she also got to rub it in. I need to get out of here and fast. Like fast, fast. My legs regain their movement and I’m shoving people out of the way as I quickly try to get back upstairs as fast as I can.
My eyes are wild as I’m looking for Casey. All I can think about is leaving, but she drove me here. I can’t let Ace see me in this frantic state. Well, it’s not like he even knew I was here to begin with anyway. He’s too busy with the precious Veronica, either way. I know we’re not dating and he’s not my boyfriend, but how can he do this to me! I’m so angry and feel humiliated.
Ugh. I don’t see Casey anywhere! As a last resort, I decided to run up the stairs from the hall. I’m desperate, looking down, typing a text to Casey to find out where she is. All of a sudden, I feel a rush of liquid dripping down onto my chest. I accidentally bumped into someone and what was left of their beer is now rolling down in between my boobs. Great. Just fucking great. Right when I thought my night couldn’t get any worse, life had another plan for me.
I need a bathroom. How can it be so hard to find a bathroom in this place? Every door I open is either some kind of closet or bedroom. What the fuck! Can’t a girl just catch a break? I have to try and clean this off as much as I can. If I go home smelling like beer, my mom will kill me. I open the door of the bathroom, but find someone already in there.
“Oops! Sorry I didn’t know someone was in here.” I turn away and shut the door quickly.
When I finally find a bathroom, it’s occupied. Story of my life. When will something ever be just for me?
“It’s alright, come in, I can leave,” a deep voice from inside says.
Wait. I know this voice. The door opens, and my eyes slowly make my way up a strong built body landing on honey-brown eyes. It can’t be. I just saw him downstairs.
“Ace?”
“Oh shit! Hey. I didn’t know it was you that walked in on me.” He gestures for me to walk in. “I was hoping you would show up tonight. You left this afternoon before I had the chance to invite you.” He looks down and scrunches his nose.
Realizing I smell like beer and leads me farther into the bathroom to hand me a washcloth. He closes the door behind us and I put the washcloth under the running water at the sink.
“Wait, I’m confused. I just saw you. You were, you were in your room just now and…”
Oh my God he’s moving closer to me. Why is he moving closer to me?
“I’ve been hiding up here the past hour. There’s no way you saw me, Diana.”
