Torn (Torn Heart) (12 page)

I turn around to find Skylar at my locker.
She’s not smiling, “Is it true?”

Putting my books up, I ignore the feeling that she’s upset about it.
“Hello to you, too.” Trying to lighten the mood a little, I smirk. She doesn’t smile. I rub my forehead. “Is what true?”

“Did you get into a fight with Daniel? Everyone’s talking about it.”

I shut my locker and lean back against it. “I didn’t really beat the shit out of him like everyone assumes; I punched him in the jaw.” We start walking side by side, “He was at Amber’s last night. Not that that is the reason I did it. That was just a bonus, a reason to finally be done with all the bullshit. Apparently they’ve been sneaking around and shit.”

She stops walking, something written on her face I can’t decipher. She waits until I’m beside her again before she speaks. “I saw them at my birthday dinner. I was
gonna tell you, but I didn’t think it was my business. They were eating and being all cozy.”

The night that I got her text saying she was busy and couldn’t come to the party, she was with Daniel. “Well whatever, I don’t care anymore.” I
smile and walk her to class, stopping in front of the door. Students watching us from inside the room. I bump her shoulder. “Looks like we’ll be going on that date after all.” She smiles back and it takes everything in me not to kiss her in front of everyone.

Practice is intense and tiring. The first game is coming up and I’m feeling unprepared. I feel my lungs constricting in my chest, causing me to gasp. Blame it on my smoking habit, which I find myself wishing I could light one up right now. I pour water over my face, trying to wake myself up and get with the program.
It’s my last year, I can’t screw this up.

“Cruz!” I glance at my coach who’s none too pleased with my performance. He approaches me, studying me and says, “I heard the rumor about Pierce.” He always calls us by last name, “I can’t say he probably didn’t deserve what you gave him, but he’s a good player so don’t screw it up for the team. Once the season is over, I could care less what you do to him.”

I almost smile but tell him I’ll try to be on my best behavior, I keep from telling him that if he starts shit, I’ll finish it. He dismisses me from practice and I hit the showers.

When I get to my car
, I’m stopped by Amber. I laugh at the shitty luck I seem to have. “You know, you have big balls coming here. I told you not to bother me.”

“Look, I’m sorry you had to witness that last night. It happened by accident
—” Jesus Christ.

I turn on her like an angry dog, almost feral
, it scares even me. “You don’t get it, I don’t care. Do what the hell you want now. I don’t want to date you anymore. I should’ve dumped you a long time ago when I realized what a shallow, inconsiderate bitch you are.” I open my door, “I’m serious we’re done. Leave me alone or I’ll have a restraining order put on you.”

“You’re such an asshole. I hope Daniel presses charges against you.” She sneers before walking away. It dawns on me that he hasn’t been at school today, which makes me wonder if he’s gone to the cops.

But when I get home, my answer is parked in front of my house. Son of a bitch.

I get out and try to prepare for what I’m going to say as I walk up the drive. I shouldn’t be nervous, I was just defending Skylar.

I push open the door and call, “Dad?”

“In here
, son.” He replies from the living room. I walk through the hall and enter the room. The cop gets up and greets me, I recoil when he gets in my face.

“Sorry, I’m Officer Wheeler. I need to ask you a few questions about your encounter with Mr. Pierce last night.”

My hands are shaking but I stand tall, to appear innocent. “Yes, what would you like to know?” I bite my bottom lip and move to the couch to sit. Jared sits in the smaller couch across from me, a look of disappointment written plainly across his face. “Well, I got a text from my girlfriend asking me to come over because Daniel, a guy on the football team, wouldn’t leave her property, even though she’d been sneaking around with him. I told her we were done because I couldn’t trust her anymore. Then I started to leave, and Daniel said something that set me off, and that’s when I punched him.”

“Okay, so you punched him first. He didn’t hit you?”

“No,” I swallow, “He was talking shit about someone and I was on the defensive. I wasn’t thinking, except for shutting him up. He’s a troublemaker.”

“Well, there’s still a law about throwing the first punch. Since he didn’t hit you first, you’ll still be at fault.”

“So I’m just supposed to take his shit? I can’t fight back? That’s bullshit!”

“Excuse me, don’t take your anger out on me, I’m just saying, you could’ve walked away. Fighting doesn’t solve anything.”

“Is there a way I can talk to his parents and try to settle this between us somehow?” Officer Dipshit lets out a sigh and tells my dad he’ll let him try to work something out but if it doesn’t work, we’ll have to take it further with him.

“I’ll be in touch soon so get this situated, the sooner the better.” He lets himself out of the house, making the tension thicken.

My dad looks at me seriously, “Why did you really hit him? You can’t afford to be getting in fights, Jackson.”

“You know what an asshole Daniel is. He started it by running his mouth. I wanted to put him in his place.”

Jared asks, “So you really broke up with Amber? For good this time?” I nod. “Thank God. She’s so snooty.”

I laugh. “I know.”
God, do I know.

The next day at school, I wait by Randa’s locker hoping to talk to her alone. I need to apologize for being such a jerk to her. I check my phone, wondering if she needs to come here first. When I’m finally about to give up, figuring she’s not coming, she rounds the corner.

I move out of her way, “Hey.” I shove my hands into my pockets. “Can I talk to you real quick?”

“O-kay?”

“I
wanna apologize for being an asshat. I haven’t really been all that nice since I’d started dating Amber.” She studies me with a skeptical look, trying to figure out my motives. “But that’s over. I broke up with her.”

She raises a brow, “Finally?” I nod. “Did Skylar tell you we saw her and Daniel at Olive Garden?”

I clench my jaw, thinking of that night. “Yes.” Relaxing my face, I smile. “I saw the picture. You all looked great, happy.”

She tries to hide a laugh, “Yeah and you thought she was dating your brother.” She hits me in the arm. “I knew you’d get jealous.”

“Shut up.” I tease her. We shuffle down the hall. Randa stops at the water fountain for a drink. “Well, I’m going to class.”

She wipes her mouth and crosses her arms. “You know she likes you, right?” I shrug. “No, she doesn’t
like you, she
loves
you, Jackson. She always has. Don’t hurt her. If this is legit, great. But if you fuck this up, I’ll hunt you down.”

A smile plays on my lips, because I know she’s
such a great friend. “I know Randa. I wouldn’t think of crossing you, you’re scary.” She makes a face to prove my point; I laugh. “I’m serious though. I won’t screw this up; she means too much to me.” I guess I should tell her what she means to me…slowly. “I don’t wanna rush this, which is why we’ll start with a date at the beach.” Then I decide to tell her, “I love her, Randa.” Her eyes widen. “I’m just scared, but I’m working on it. It’ll work out.” I hope thinking positive will lead to positive results.

Her smile reaches her blue eyes, startling me when she pulls me into a hug. “I’m excited!” She squeals. “This is
gonna be great! I have to go now.” I watch her rush off to class and find myself excited, too. It
will
be great. I just have to take a risk.

Chapter 15

Skylar

I sit in front of my easel, staring at my painting, feeling pretty excited, yet nervous. I have a date tonight. With Jackson. It’s pretty surreal.

             
“I thought I’d find you in here.” Randa stalks inside the room, glancing at my newest masterpiece. “You’ve been busy.”

             
I get up to wash my paintbrushes. “Yeah, well there’s not much else to do. Besides, I needed to get my mind off my nerves.”

             
“Well, I have plans for us for this afternoon.” I cover the picture and clean up my space. I sit down; facing her waiting for the big plans she speaks of. “We’re going to the spa to get a mani and dye our hair.”

             
I raise my eye brows in curiosity. “We are?” Dye my hair? Absent-mindedly, I run my hand through my hair. I’ve never colored it. Not that I haven’t fantasized about having a different hairdo, or color. I guess it wouldn’t hurt; it might even make me feel good. It’s a change. Instantly, I perk up.

             
“I think you’ll look great with blonde highlights.” Her fingers muss up my already-messy do. It feels good, almost putting me to sleep.

             
“We’re getting our nails done and dying our hair. Well, I
may
dye mine. I don’t know yet.” I’ve always been jealous of her blonde locks, why would she ruin it? “We’ll go shopping for our outfits afterward.”

             
“I thought we were going to the beach? You don’t get dressed up just to hang out on the beach.” I do need more clothes, though.

             
“Well, we might change that. I think we should go to dinner first and see where the night takes us. Dude, who cares? You’re finally going on a date with Jackson!” She practically screams, startling me. I’m excited too. This night has to be perfect!

             
I look down and realize I’m not dressed to go out considering it’s only after nine and still in my comfy clothes and slippers. “Let me change real quick.”

Randa
stands up, waiting for me to signal I’m ready to leave the room. “I’ll wait downstairs.” She skips in the opposite direction.

             
I walk into my bedroom; sift through my closet for something acceptable. It’s breezy but still a little warm. Luckily summer has passed so I’m not drenched with sweat the moment I step outside. But still, I’m ready for the cold. I finally pick a pair of jean shorts, tank top, and sandals and lay them on the bed. This’ll have to do.

             
While getting dressed, I remove my phone from the bedside table; there’s a text from Jackson. My heart does a crazy jump in my chest. I swallow my saliva and sit on the bed before reading what he wrote with shaky hands.

             
Jackson:
What are you doing?

             
I hold my phone, wondering if I should tell him our plans. On the one hand, what if he doesn’t think I should get my hair colored? I guess it wouldn’t matter, since it’s
my
hair. I can do what I want. I’m not one of those girls who
has
to have the approval of others. I settle for a brief reply,

             
Me: Hanging out with Randa today, doing girly things.

             
Jackson: Sounds marvelous. Pick you up later.

             
Me: Oh yeah, plans are somewhat altered. We’re starting off with dinner, and then wherever the night takes us after that, so it’s just playing by ear…

             
Jackson: I don’t care where we go, Sky. I’m fine with a picnic in the park. But you deserve an unforgettable first date, so if we end up at the park, it better be the last place we go.

             
My heart does a jig at his words; unforgettable first date. It’s my first date, and it’s with him. I don’t care where we go or what we do; it’s not about the destination or what we spend our money on, but the person I’m spending tonight with, that’s the most important.

             
“Sky!” I hear my mom yell from downstairs. “Get your butt down here.”

             
I get dressed and join them in the living room. “Are you excited, honey?” My mom asks, wrapping an around my shoulder.

             
“Yes, but we need to stop making a big deal out of it. My nerves are already making me dizzy.”

             
Randa scoffs, “You’ll be fine, Sky. You’ve known each other forever, it’s not like you’ve just met and don’t know whether you have anything in common or if he even likes you.” I consider her words; she’s right. We already know each other, although I suppose there are still things we don’t know and tonight’s a good night to discover one another again.

             
I hug my mom and race after Randa to the car. It’s early and I’m hungry. “Let’s get breakfast, first.” I tell her.

             
“Not to sit down. I’ll pull up to McDonald’s and order some sausage biscuits.” I don’t argue, sausage biscuits sound good.

             
Feeling full from our food, we pull up to the spa, and my excitement doubles. I feel like I’m on speed, not that I’ve ever done that stuff myself.

She flashes a bright smile. “Ready?”

I shake my head enthusiastically, getting a laugh from Randa. We get out of the car and head into the salon. “Hey, Rita!” I tell our hairstylist.

             
She smiles warmly at us. “Hello ladies, what are we doing today?” Her dark hair is pulled back in a perfect bun. She has a friendly smile and her manicured fingers are long, polished to perfection. She’s been our regular lady for years now.

             
“I’m here to get my nails done.” Randa says. “But I’m also considering dying my hair. Maybe I’ll just go with some red highlights instead.” Rita directs Randa to the nail area.

             
Although I’ve only ever had my hair trimmed, it surprises Rita when I say, “Yeah, I want highlights and my nails done too.” I smile. Luckily we came at a time where it’s dead and there’s another employee on duty so we’ll both get done around the same time.

             
“Well, this is a surprise. What’s the occasion?”

             
Randa tells her in an overly excited voice, “It’s Sky’s first date!”

             
Rita beams her pearly whites at me, “Well, let’s get started, shall we?” She ushers me to the chair.

              Five hours later, we’re sitting in the food court eating lunch, before we embark on a shopping spree. My hair has noticeable blonde highlights and I’m quite fond of Randa’s dark red ones, no not candy. It suits her, even though I can’t imagine why she’d want darker. Her blonde hair was to die for, why ruin it? But I understand needing a change, a different look. Mine wasn’t drastic, yet it’s more than I’ve ever done. And I’m in love with it, because not only did I get color added to it, but I also had it cut short into layers. Okay, not too short, it’s still shoulder length, whereas before it went past my back. It’s easier to maintain now, so I’m satisfied. Randa had her nails painted a red color, I got American tips. I feel all girly.

             
“Do you think Jackson will like my hair?” I wonder aloud. No, I won’t be that girl. I can’t care if he hates it, it’s my hair.

             
She rolls her eyes, “What a silly question. He’s gonna love it. You look smashing.”

             
A laugh slips out as I take a bite of my Subway sandwich. “Who the hell says ‘smashing’ anymore?”

             
She points a finger to herself. “Me. I do. Deal with it.” She finishes her cheeseburger. “Okay, I need more tops and some jeans. That’s all I’m looking for.”

             
“I need more panties.” I admit. I’ve never owned sexy underwear.

             
Her eyes widen and she starts shaking her hands, “Oh! Victoria’s Secret. We’re so going there.”

              A few hours later, I carry a bag from Victoria’s Secret. It was interesting shopping for panties with my best friend. I bought some satin, lacy and cotton panties that were in a sale bin. I don’t expect anyone see them on me, but it’s for my own body image. I’m actually excited to wear them; there’re all sorts of colors. I got one thong, just to try out. I’m not too keen on having stuff riding up my butt. But it’s all part of the experience and feeling sexy.              

When we get to Kohl’s, I’m not in the shopping mood anymore. Really, I just hate trying on clothes. I mean, you can only take off your pants and put new ones on just to be let down because they don’t fit so many times before it becomes a nightmare. But I put on a smile and get out of the car, trying not to spoil the mood. This is
Randa’s place of expertise. We enter the store and head straight for the junior’s section. I walk right to the Capri rack, pulling out a couple of sizes to try on. I have more than enough shorts, but I find a couple of cute pairs for the hell of it.

             
“Oh, this is cute, Sky.” I glance at the spaghetti strapped dress Randa is holding up. I can’t tell if she likes it for her or me so I just nod and continue my quest for clothes that don’t suck. I move onto the blouses and tanks. I decide that I’ve got enough in my arms and should take the stuff to the fitting room.

             
The sounds of zippers and buttons fill the fitting room as I try on a thousand different bottoms and tops. I like a few of the tops and they fit me quite nicely, bringing out the light tanned color of my skin. I put them aside in my “I’m buying for sure” pile. And then let out a long sigh, staring at my jeans and Capri pants.

             
Randa stands outside the door. “Did you find anything?”

             
“Yeah, some cute blouses.” I answer, reluctant to change. “I guess I have to actually try these on. Ugh, did I ever tell you how much I hate trying on jeans?”

             
Randa laughs, waiting outside the door. “I know, but if you don’t try them on, you might miss some really sexy jeans that make your ass stick out. Guys like the way jeans fit on skinny girls with a big butt.”

             
“Uh, thanks? I guess.” I laugh, not sure if it’s a compliment. I sit and glare at the clothes. “Wanna come in and help me? I need motivation.” When Randa pushes on the door, I get up and unlock it for her to come in. I was never shy in front of her when changing into clothes but I just hate taking them off and putting them on over and over.

“Okay, let’s go; take off your shorts and start throwing these on.” I do as I’m told, operating in slow-mo.

Halfway through my fitting, I find it hopeless and frustrating. Either they’re too tight around the waist, loose around the hips, the back sticks out, too big, too short, too baggy, not the right style. “Gah, this is ridiculous! Why can’t anything fit right?”

             
“You need to gain a little bit more weight around the hips. A couple of them fit nice in the ass area, though.”

             
“It’s hopeless. What am I going to wear tonight?”

“Hang on, I’ll be right back.” She leaves the dressing room. I sit feeling defeated, hanging the clothes up on the opposite rack of my blouses.

              Randa comes back a few minutes later with a couple of dresses. One is a long red Maxi dress, striped on the skirt, spaghetti straps, nothing special about it but for some reason, I take it from her hands and hold it to my body. I picture myself wearing it and smile. “I like this one.”

             
“Try it on.” She orders.

I remove my clothes and pull the dress over my head, putting my arms through the straps. It goes down to my feet, which I can wear sandals and not trip over it. I twirl around, glancing at the mirror. “I like this.”

              “I think you should wear this tonight.” She says and I nod in agreement. We put the rest of the clothes back on the racks, and I keep a couple blouses with a pair of capris.

             
We make it to the front and pay. She picked a couple of outfits for herself, but she can easily find nice outfits to fit her perfect body. It’s a reason I dislike shopping for clothes with her. Jealousy is a bitch.

On the way back to my house, we jam to some tunes. I dance and bob my head back and forth, singing to
Pink’s Get the Party Started. The windows are rolled down, at the stop light a car pulls up next to us, watching us make fools of ourselves. We just smile and wave, still singing. The hot guy in the driver’s seat waves back, smiling too, while the guy in the passenger seat whistles and hoots. We both laugh and take off when the light changes.

             
When we get back to my house, I invite Randa to stay until we go out. We show my mother what we bought and she freaks when she sees Randa’s hair. “Wow, your hair looks lovely. Do you think your mom will like it?”