Young Annabelle Series: Young Annabelle, the Truth About James, What My Heart Wants (46 page)

“I told you Anna, there’s a fight every other day here.” Jenna reminded behind me, my eyes never left the dual. I was kind of glad I didn’t start anything earlier. The whole cafeteria watching was a little different than a portion of the hallway watching.

“Whatever happened to girl code?” Dana growled. “I thought we were closer than that.”

Latisha eyed her girls and sneered all of a sudden, pushing her chest out a little. “Whatever.”

Dana’s head looked like it was going to blow. She eyed Latisha venomously. “Don’t even go there Latisha. You think because you sit on this side of the cafeteria that you’re something special, when you’re obviously not.”

Latisha stopped sneering and Dana leaned in more. “You’re not better than me.”

“Babe,” Roy tried to step in but Dana put her palm in his face.

Latisha smiled all of a sudden and said something quietly. Dana nodded and came back to our table. She grabbed her bag and left the cafeteria.

“Okay, what just happened?” Jenna exclaimed as the entire room slowly went back to normal. Latisha sat back down, looking anything but contrite.

“Where did she go?” I asked.

“Maybe the bathroom. Let’s go.” Jenna got up and I followed behind with every girl on the Swim team. I was glad to leave behind the hectic, James ridden cafeteria. In the hallway, Jenna pulled out her cellphone. “I’m going to text her.”

Seconds later, her phone beeped. “She’s in the bathroom beside our lockers.”

“Dana?” Jenna called out once we were in their bathroom, not mine. “Are you in here?”

“I’m here.” Dana sniffed.

“Dude, what happened?” Jenna asked, going to the first stall closest to the exit.

“We took an oath!” Dana sniffed louder. “She broke it.”

“Latisha broke what? What did she do?” One of the Swim members asked.

“She said last weekend during their getaway that she and Roy hooked up.” Dana cried. “We’d barely broken up, and it wasn’t a serious breakup and he’s already hooking up with other girls!”

“That little skanky skank!” Jenna growled.

As they consoled a heartbroken Dana, I wanted to welcome her to the club, but decided against it just in case it was too soon. So instead of opening my mouth and vomiting words that had no business being spoken, then wondering why I barely had any friends, I left the bathroom without another word. It was for the better that her fellow Swim team members consoled the last bit of her recovery. I barely knew Dana anyways.

My phone rang once I was in the hallway. “Hello?” I answered, eyeing the quiet hallway.

“Anna?” Shelby screeched, violating my ear. I had to pull the phone away from my ear because it hurt.

“Yeah it’s me,” I said after a second to recoup. “Why are you calling me at school Shelby?”

“The club is having a little soirée tonight out on the golf course and I need you to come in for a couple of hours and help at the lemonade stand.” Shelby informed.

“I don’t work on school nights, I already spoke to Rob (General Manager) about this before school started.” I told her.

“I know, but Maria called in sick and we need another person. It’s time and a half tonight, 4pm to 6pm.” Shelby said.

“I’ll have to ask my mom, let me call you back.” I told her.

She grunted from the other end. “Fine, but hurry up, I don’t have all day.” She said and hung up.

“Bitch,” I murmured. I texted mom asking her if it was okay for me to work tonight and that I’d be getting double pay.

“Annabelle?” A familiar voice called me
as I finished the text. I pressed send and looked up. Roy jogged down the empty hallway towards me. “Is she in there?”

I bit my tongue, unsure if I should answer. I didn’t owe him an explanation. He made his bed, now he had to lay in it. I stood silent, eyeing him blankly.

My phone beeped.

Mom:
Alright, but don’t come home too late. Text if you need a ride.

“Please,” He murmured, looking somewhat sad. “I’ve got to talk to her.”

Oh, now he wanted to talk with her. Well, it’s too bad for him, the time for talking was officially over.

Unless Dana wanted to…then it was totally back on. 

“Is she in there?” Roy asked, his eyes pleading. “I need to explain, I need to tell her I’m sorry.”

I took a deep breath and against my common sense, I spoke back. “I think it’s too late for that Roy.” I murmured. “She’s devastated.”

“I didn’t cheat.” Roy assured. “It was a dare.”

“What was a dare?” Dana called as the washroom door slammed open.

“No Dana, don’t talk to that douchebag anymore!” Jenna urged, trying to block her. Dana slid passed her and stopped beside us. Her eyes were red.  Roy reached for her, but she pulled her arm back.

“Please, let me explain.” He murmured. “It’s not what you think.”

“Explain what?” Dana sniffed, wiping her teary eyes. “You hooked up with her.”

Roy took a step closer to her. Dana didn’t move back. She tilted her head back, looking deep into his eyes.

Ugh – oh, I knew that look. A few more minutes and some carefully said words from Roy, and I was almost positive that Dana would be a goner.

“Baby, I didn’t. It was a dare.” Roy pleaded, quietly. “They dared me to kiss her. That chick_”

Dana jerked back, her eyes widening with fury. “That chick? She’s a chick now!”

“No,” Roy shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. I meant Latisha, she got carried away. I pecked her for a second, and then all of a sudden her arms were around me holding me tightly.”

Dana cringed at the description, looking away. “Why didn’t you pull away? You’re stronger than she is!”

“She grabbed my shirt with all her strength, the only way to get her off was to push her off.” Roy explained.

“So! You should have pushed her off.” Dana cried. “You should have.”

Roy stepped closer. “I didn’t. All I thought while she kissed me was you.”

Even without looking at Jenna, I knew her eyes were rolling in disgust and shock. Shock only because Dana was falling again.

So obvious.

Was this me last week?

Damn, these boys worked quickly.

Dana took a deep breath and jerked away. “It doesn’t matter anyways, aren’t we over?”

If you’re over, then why are you so upset? If you’re over, isn’t he allowed to do what he wants?

Was this how I was with James?

Roy took a step closer to her and whispered something as his hand caressed her arm, making her eyelids flutter momentarily.

Watching their reconciliation was weird. That used to be me.

Now that she was swooning, she was officially a goner. Roy caught her with his web.

Roy grabbed Dana’s arm and pulled her down the hallway, passing an open mouthed Jenna, who for the first time since knowing her, couldn’t muster out a sentence.

“I can’t believe this?” Jenna murmured after few seconds of silence, as we watched Roy delicately lead Dana out the front doors to the front patio. “She fell for it.”

“Where’s Roy?” A screechy voice demanded from behind us. We all turned in unison, finding a red eyed Latisha with most of the hot girl crew behind her.

Guess who was missing…..Donna. She wasn’t going to leave James’s side for her friend in need. That act would actually require her to care for someone besides herself.

“He’s outside with Dana.” Jenna told her, and then eyed me with amusement in her eyes. “They’re having a heart to heart, right Anna?”

“Yeah, they’re having a heart to heart, probably getting back together as we speak.” I told a now wide eyed Latisha.

Before Latisha could say anything, Jenna got in her face. “Whatever happened to Swim team members for life?” She hissed, shaking her head. “You took an oath.”

“She broke up with him.” Latisha’s lips rippled, giving pleading looks to the girls on the team as they circled around her.

“So,” Jenna grimaced. “Your actions have consequences.”

“What are you talking about?” Latisha stammered.

“What I’m talking about?” Jenna sneered, eyeing her fellow Swim team members funnily. “It means you’re out.”

“I’m out.” Latisha repeated, sounding confused.

“Out of the brotherhood,” Jenna announced, with a sound of approval from the girls around. “No more Swim team parties and no more Swim team members for life.”

“Like I care, I was never friends with you guys anyways.” Latisha scowled. “You’re just jealous.”

Jenna’s eyes widened. “Oh really? Who between the two us rocks a one piece swimsuit better?”

Silence as Latisha’s jaw clenched.

“That’s what I thought. Girl, please! You know my thighs don’t jiggle like yours. Don’t you even go there with me.” Jenna smirked, tilting her head with attitude.

“Screw you,” Latisha murmured, looking uncomfortable.

“Oh really,” Jenna mocked. “We’ll see how you feel when I get Ronald from Yearbook Club to cut your ho face out of the official team photo. And yes, I totally slut shamed you there and no, I’m not sorry I did it.”

Latisha’s jaw dropped. “You can’t do that.”

Jenna smirked. “I totally can do that, just watch me.”

“You people are ruining my life!” Latisha cried and ran into the bathroom with a few of the hot girls following behind her. “Why is she such a bitch!” Latisha’s angry cry echoed out, making us all laugh.

Jenna grinned and opened the washroom door. “Because, that’s my job. Now hurry up and find some more taken guys to hook up with so I can make your life an even bigger living hell. You’ve awakened the evil inside me.”

“You’re mean,” I chuckled at her.

“Thank you! Nicest thing you’ve ever called me.” Jenna grinned back, letting the door close behind her. She leaped into her team’s arms and they cheered for her. “Jenna! Jenna!”

“Yes, yes, I am a God. Bow down to me now.” Jenna sang.

I grinned at the whole lot of them, feeling lightness over take me.

Sixty percent better.

CHAPTER 36

Jenna:
Going to Dana’s house for a long debrief of her convo with Roy, you wanna come?

Annabelle:
No it’s okay, you go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later.

Jenna:
Are you going to be okay? I know lunch kind of became about Dana, but I haven’t forgotten about my newly just as emotionally abused best friend.

Annabelle:
I have to go to work anyways. No worries, you can’t protect me all the time, I gotta learn how to stand up for myself without you.

.

Jenna:
We’ll see. Anyways, off to Dana’s. Text yah later!

Annabelle:
Later.

I tucked my phone into my bag and faced the growing crowd of the hallway. History went on without a hitch, but it was after school now, and I was about to be tested again.

Head up, chin straight!

You can do this! 

“You,” An angry hiss echoed into my ear, halting me. I glanced up as Donna got right into my face. “You people need to know your place.”

Here we go….round one with the angry beast that was Donna, was officially about to begin.

This was a long time coming. 

I narrowed my eyes at her, taking a step back. “What do you mean ‘you people’?”

She leaned back, and was promptly joined by the rest of her hot girl crew, including Latisha who gave me a nasty scowl. “I mean you and the rest of those losers need to know your place.”

“She broke up with him Anna,” Latisha hissed all of sudden.

“Quiet Latisha!” Donna ordered, eyeing her deathly before giving me a cocked eyebrow. “My girl is devastated because you losers got in her business.”

All of sudden Latisha stormed into the washroom, followed quickly by most of the hot girl crew. “Latisha! Don’t cry, he’s not worth it!”

He’s not worth it?

Girl, you got yourself into this mess, just like I had.

“Look what you did.” Donna snarled, clenching her hands to her hips.

My eyes narrowed at her trembling hands. “What I did?”

“Yeah, you,” Donna hissed, taking a step closer into my personal space again. “You, are, always, ruining, everything.”

“Ladies, what’s going on here?” A familiar voice interrupted. Since he was taller than the both of us, I knew it was Tom in an instant. “There’s a time and a place for a catfight, and it’s not here.”

Then Peter jumped in. “Yeah, for one, there’s not a pool of jello or a mud hole, can’t have a catfight without one or the other!”

Everyone around us laughed, and shockingly, Donna’s scowl vanished and she was grinning at them like an idiot. I shook my head at her. Wasn’t she about to ‘teach’ me a lesson?

“You guys, stop it. I’m trying to take care of some business!” She hissed like a valley girl, eying them flirtatiously before turning back to me with another raised eyebrow. “You heard me, Fire – freak? Stay out of our way.”

Fire – freak?

Great, just great.

My heart started beating out of my chest, everything went into slow motion. She was waiting for my answer, but I didn’t have one.

“Donna,” Peter gasped. “Why’d you have to go there?”

“What’s going on?” I heard James ask from somewhere.

“Nothing,” Donna said. “Just having a friendly chat with
Annabelle.
”

A friendly chat?

Damn….I could only imagine how she’d be in an actual fight…..horror.

James stood beside Tom and Peter, and as soon as I made eye contact with him, he started to smirk like it was all so funny.

I exhaled and looked away. There was no point trying to find some empathy from him. “This has been fun, but I’ve got places to be.” I rounded their little group without another glance and headed outside onto the patio. My phone beeped as I hit the stairs.

Tiger:
Off to see your pussy pitcher, that didn’t take long. Well don’t worry, Donna won’t have to wait long either.

Pussy pitcher? Then it dawned on me. He meant Dean. It was so weird. The text sounded jealous. From this morning’s incident, to the one at lunch, you’d think somebody still had feelings.

My heart thumped as I considered that possibility.

Don’t go there Annabelle!
I thought as I typed back a message. 

Annabelle:
Then do it quickly….before you lose her too.

*~*~*

After a surprisingly busy two hours serving lemonade to guests for the Clubs party, I changed back into my tank top and headed out.

I stood in front of the club, unsure if I should take the bus or walk home. It would take me some time walking home, and I didn’t have the energy, so taking the bus it was.

I got on the bus and checked my phone for any messages, hoping there’d be one from Dean. I had one text and it was from Jenna.

Jenna:
As of tomorrow the Swim team is going to cast out Latisha, she’s out of the brotherhood. OFFICIALLY! Maybe she’ll learn a little lesson in loyalty from here on. How was work?

Annabelle:
It was busy. I made twenty dollars in tips so that was cool.

Jenna:
Anything from Dean?

Annabelle:
No, you’re the only one that texted me.

Jenna:
Well that’s good and bad. Good because that douchebag didn’t try and text you again and bad well, because of Dean. Sorry.

Annabelle:
It’s okay. I deserve a little silence. I should take some pointers from him. This is what I should have done with James the first time he screwed me over. Ignore, ignore, ignore.

Jenna:
You got that right. What are you doing now?

Annabelle:
I’m going home and I’m going to reflect.

Jenna:
I might do the same.

Annabelle:
ttyl

Jenna:
bye

I tapped out of messages and checked Facebook to pass the time. I was about to close the Facebook app when I saw a status update from Dean.

I forgot that Jenna added him. He probably forgot that he added me too.

Dean:
At Wilsons Arcade 6:15pm

He was at Wilsons Arcade! The bus came to my stop, but I didn’t get off. This might be one of the only chances I have to speak with him in person.

It was decided, I was off to Wilsons Arcade! 

*~*~*

The bright lights of the arcade shined brightly as I crossed the intersection. Wilsons Arcade was packed tonight, especially the front entrance area which was filled with kids my age. I made it inside after a few minutes of navigating around them. Now I had to figure out where Dean was. Just as I was about the scour the arcade area, I saw a sign for batting cages in the back. He had to be there.

I went through more people and got to the back where there were more people, and about fifteen batting cages set up. There were short lines behind each of them. I scoured through the thick crowds of people for Deans dirty blonde hair. Luckily, surprisingly, I found him next to batting cage one, cheering loudly and with his arm around a girl.

Okay….that was fast.
I guess he’s not as devastated as I thought. Coming out of the batting cage was another familiar face.

Joe!

The joy I felt spotting them quickly dispersed once I found Joe’s arm around another girl. Dean could do whatever he wanted, but Joe, I thought he was into Jenna.

I pulled out my phone.

Annabelle:
I had a change of plans. I’m at Wilsons Arcade.

Jenna:
Why?

Annabelle:
Because I found out on Facebook that Dean was here. I wanted to come here and explain myself.

Jenna:
Why didn’t you tell me? I would have come too. I want to come too.

Annabelle:
I just got here. I found them.

Jenna:
Who’s them?

Annabelle:
Dean and friends. His arm is around another girl.

Jenna:
Well look who bounced back from depression. He should at least text you back if he’s already moving on. Is he by himself?

Annabelle:
No.

Jenna:
Is Joe with him?

Annabelle:
Yeah, but I’m sorry, he’s not alone either.

Jenna:
Wait for me, I’m coming there. Be there in twenty minutes!

*~*~*

I headed to the bathroom, deciding to wait in there until Jenna arrived. Just as I was closing the stall, a few girls came in.

“Raina,” A girl screeched. “I can’t believe it, finally!”

“I know.” Another girl sighed. “It’s about time Dean and Joe asked us out.”

My jaw dropped. So they were here on a date.

“Make sure to play weak when it’s your turn batting. Dean will notice and he’ll just have to show you how to hold a bat.” Girl one giggled.

“Denise, you do know that Dean doesn’t bat, he’s a pitcher.” Raina informed (I’m guessing she’s Raina).

“I know, but I’m sure he knows how to bat too.” Denise (I’m assuming as well) giggled. “I hope Joe, even though he’s not on the team, shows me a thing or two about balls.”

“Oh God, you need to control yourself, before you ruin this for the both of us.” Raina said, sternly. “Maybe Joe doesn’t like fast girls.”

“He’s a guy. They’re not that hard to figure out.” Denise snorted.

“Denise, don’t ruin this for me by going too fast. You know how long I’ve been waiting for Dean to ask me out.” Raina said. “You know I’m crazy about him.”

“I know.” Denise murmured. “I won’t ruin things. I’ll be cool as a cucumber. Totally chill.”

“Thank you.” Raina sighed in relief.

“And after tonight, he’s going to be crazy about you. I mean look at you. My girl looks damn sexy tonight.” Denise giggled.

“And there she goes again, a new record, what is it this time, a good ten seconds before you reverted back to your horny self.” Raina exclaimed, sounding as if she was walking away, with Denise hot on her trails, giggling deliriously behind her.

I exited the bathroom and found Dean, Joe and the girls (I’m assuming) Raina and Denise with a few other people waiting behind one of the batting cages. All of them were laughing and smiling widely, especially Dean.

It was in that moment I decided I would leave things as they were. Dean was happy and he didn’t need me coming and ruining his night trying to explain something that was pretty much self-explanatory. He could move on with Raina, whichever one of the girls she was. They were both cute and would probably treat him better than I did or could. And they went to the same school, so it was all for the better. 

Jenna!
I remembered and pulled out my phone to text her not to come, but stopped when I saw that I got a text from her.

Jenna:
Change of plans, going to Dana’s, she’s having another meltdown. Something’s happened, she won’t say until I get to her house. Screw Dean and Joe, let them have fun and we’ll move on. Sorry, but Swim team members for life and you got this anyways. You’re strong.

Annabelle:
It’s all good. I was about to text you to not come. I’m leaving.

I didn’t get a text back, so I assumed she was already at Dana’s. I tucked my phone back in my bag and headed around the cages, taking a few minutes to observe the process of playing. One by one, people would go inside, put on a helmet and wait with a bat while the ball shooting machine shot balls at what seemed like a thousand miles an hour.

This was supposed to be fun?

Maybe I should try it? It would be a new experience. I walked up to a newly emptied cage.

“How much?’ I asked the attendant who was responsible for four cages. He was around my age and the same height as James with brown hair and blue eyes.