The school bell rang, signaling the start of yet another day in Merlow High. Rebecca Chambers sauntered along the school hallway. Trying her best to remain as she always did; unseen. She dared not draw the attention of anyone, lest she suffer the taunts and attacks of her peers.
“Fatso! Chewbecca!” Yelled a nameless teenager.
Rebecca was self conscious enough of her weight without having to be reminded by other people. She was the typical outcast in any high school. She wasn’t popular. She came from a poor family. She had very few friends. And she didn’t think of herself as particularly attractive. Her heavy set frame, braces and glasses just gave people three more reasons to tease and revile her.
She’d become used to other people teasing her. One of the worst people was Brad Sisto. At his height of being the school bully, he would constantly tease her. Him and his two partners in crime, Scott and Peter were the worst culprits. She found a little irony in the fact that Brad was now an outcast himself.
Now it was Stacey Peters and her clique of upper class socialites who harassed Rebecca. Scott and Peter still joined in, as did many other students, but it was Stacey who truly made Rebecca’s life a living hell. She was ten times worse than Brad ever was. His taunts were mostly for show, but Stacey was truly nasty. She took great pleasure in reminding Rebecca of her ‘place’ and constantly made jokes about the way she looked.
As Rebecca quietly made her way into English, she could already see Stacey sitting at the back. Surrounded by her clique.
Rebecca did her best to avoid eye contact, but could already hear the whispers.
‘Here comes the fat chick.’
‘Why doesn’t she just crawl back into that trailer trash park she came out of?’
‘No guy would ever get caught dead with her. I mean ewww, she is so gross.’
Rebecca sat down and did her best to pay attention to class. She always paid attention to her studies. It was one way she knew she could eventually get out of Merlow. And even better, she could imagine herself coming back in ten years and finding the roles being reversed between herself and Stacey.
As soon as the period bell rang, Rebecca quickly made her exit. She opened up her locker to get her biology books when it was slammed shut. Leaning against her locker was none other than Stacey.
“Hey, Rebecca. I was just thinking. Maybe you’d wanna come over after school?”
Rebecca didn’t say anything in response. She stared back at Stacey with a disbelieving look in her eyes.
“Oh come now, Rebecca. Us girls have to stick together. We really need your help with something.”
“What do you want?” Rebecca asked.
“Well … see we have an assignment. And you’re so good at assignments. You can help us, can’t you? We’d love to pay you back. Maybe we could give you a makeover.”
“What assignment?”
“Well, you see we have to find out why pigs love bathing in mud so much. And we figured, since you’re such a pig. Maybe you could show us?” Stacey asked with a shrug.
Rebecca’s face was deadpan, but as Stacey’s group of friends started laughing at her, her eyes began to water. She turned away and realized there was someone on the other side of her locker. She looked up and almost gasped when she realized who it was. Daniel ‘Storm’ Marcus.
“Hey girls.” Storm smiled as he leaned against Rebecca’s locker, “What’s up?”
Stacey tried her best not to glare at Storm, but the rest of her friends all said hello like a bunch of groupies. Rebecca stood there wondering what was going on.
“Stacey, what on earth are you doing talking to Rebecca Chambers?” Storm asked with a smirk, “I mean, really?”
“You’re so right, Storm. I just felt pity for her. She’s so beneath us. But it’s always good to pay attention to the little people now and then. She has so little else to be happy about.”
“Actually, I meant why are you talking to her because … well … I just don’t see how you can carry a conversation. I mean, she’s a star student and you’re … well … not. I mean, what’s your IQ? 2? Isn’t your brain starting to fry already just talking to her this long?”
“Ooooh!” Stacey yelled as she scrunched up her face, “I hate you, Daniel Marcus!”
“Yes, yes. Now run along before your voice cracks and people realize you’re all man. Bye girls.”
Rebecca couldn’t help the huge smile that broke out on her face. Stacey glared at her, but she didn’t care. The rest of Stacey’s friends however, seemed more interested in waving goodbye to Storm than anything else. When they’d all left, she turned and smiled gratefully at the Class President. She wanted to say something, but she was too shy and nervous to form any words.
“Forget about Stacey. Her bark is worse than her bite. Then again, she might have rabies so make sure she doesn’t bite you. Just ignore her.” Storm said with a reassuring smile.
“Uhh … umm … ok then.” Rebecca stammered.
“Rebecca. Are you okay?”
“Uuuuhhh….a huh…I’m fine.”
“Don’t worry about those girls. They’ve got brains smaller than a peanut between the bunch of ‘em. I hear you’re the school’s newest mathlete.” Storm said smiling at the awestruck Rebecca.
‘Why is he talking to me? Why is he smiling at me?’ Rebecca thought to herself before she finally spoke, “Yeah…yeah that’s me. First chair. Mathlete.”
“Well that’s awesome. I’m proud to have you representing our school. Congratulations. If there’s anything I can do to help you. Just feel free to ask. If you guys make it to the district finals and you need sponsorship or fundraising for the 3 day trip to the comp, you can speak to either Claire Carlyle or myself. Either one of us will be able to help you. I know we put a lot of emphasis on sports here, but you guys are just as important as any of our sports teams.”
“Thanks.” Rebecca said awkwardly.
Rebecca was lost in his smile. She’d had a crush on Storm for years. He used to be the most popular guy in school. He was still one of the most popular and to her, he was still the best. He always seemed so confident to her. He was great looking and had a body to die for. But more than that, he was always nice to her. They’d probably only ever talked to each other a handful of times, but she could remember every single one of them.
She could tell he was about to say something again before his smile suddenly dissipated. She knew he’d seen something behind her that seemed to distract him. She turned around, but all she could see was Lucas Sheridan talking to some of his friends. She couldn’t quite work out why that would upset Storm, unless they weren’t really friends anymore.
“See ya round, Rebecca.” Storm said as he made a sudden exit, “And remember not to sweat anything Stacey says. She’s harmless.”
Rebecca sighed as Storm walked away. That one brief moment would give her enough dream material for months. If only she had a fairy godmother who could turn her into a princess for a night.
* * * * * *
“Forget about Stacey. She doesn’t know anything about you. I know what you’re really made of.” Storm said with a smile as he leaned forward and kissed Rebecca.
“Rebecca? Rebecca? Are you daydreaming again?”
Rebecca snapped to attention and smiled at her only real friend in Merlow High. Adrian Smallwood. His last name was often used to torment him. Particularly in gym and the showers. He was an outcast like Rebecca. Yet he looked completely opposite to her. Where she was tall, he was short. Where she was big, he was skinny. One thing they did have in common were glasses.
Rebecca didn’t think Adrian deserved to be an outcast though. He was witty, smart and outgoing. People just didn’t seem to like him. She figured it might have been because of his ‘flamboyant’ style. If the school had a resident fag, he was it. Ironically, he wasn’t actually gay. People just called him that. Like she had a huge crush on Storm, Adrian had a huge crush on Sarah. The other half of Merlow High’s original golden couple.
Rebecca also thought Adrian was quite the looker. She knew with the right bit of adjusting, he’d be a knockout. He always told her that she would one day become a beautiful swan, but she never believed him. They were each other’s support group in the shark infested waters of Merlow High.
“Kissing Storm in your dreams again?” Adrian asked as the pair sat eating their lunch.
“Oh leave me alone. He’s so nice to me. He saved me from that evil Stacey Peters this morning.”
“I guess that means he must be madly in love with you then.”
“Oh be quiet. Don’t tell me you don’t daydream about Sarah either.”
“I still think Storm and Sarah should be together. They’re Merlow’s royal couple. Besides, Sarah’s not with Mike anymore. This is the perfect time for Storm to move. I mean, look at Storm. He’s been single ever since they broke up. He must have been devastated. Who wouldn’t be? How can you top Sarah? She’s so beautiful and gracious. She’s strong and sensitive at the same time.” Adrian sighed, “Oh Sarah …”
“Oh please.” Rebecca laughed, “And you tease me about Storm? Storm’s a dreamboat. He’s the most perfect guy in Merlow. I wish I could touch him.”
“Eww! Don’t put images in my head.”
“Scared you might like them?”
“Storm? I don’t think so. I’m not into guys.” Adrian said with a smirk, “But he is.”
“What!? How dare you!? My Storm does not like other men!”
“I bet my reputation on it.”
“You don’t have a reputation.”
“Good point. But I’m serious. He’s been single ever since Sarah, right?”
“You and I are single.”
“Yeah, but we’re not popular like he is.”
“Ok.”
“Well, either he still loves Sarah and he can’t bear to be with anyone else. Or … he already has a boyfriend and we just don’t know about it!”
“You officially have no life. Lots of people are single. Just look at us.”
“Yeah, but that’s because we’re lame and nobody likes us. I can even tell you who the boyfriend is.”
“This should be rich.” Rebecca said as she rolled her eyes.
“Lucas Sheridan.”
“What!? You’re telling me that two of the most popular guys in school are going out with each other?”
“I think so. Well, I thought so. I’m kinda not sure right now. But I think there was something funky going on between them before. I don’t think they’re friends anymore, but they used to be pretty tight.”
“Well, I don’t care what you say. He’s not gay.”
“I never said he was gay. But come on, you’ve seen them together. Don’t tell me you don’t stare at him every chance you get. Don’t you think their body language was a bit off? Think about it.”
Rebecca thought about what Adrian had said. He was right, she did spend a lot of time staring at Storm. And she did notice that ever since Lucas moved to Merlow, the two of them seemed to be almost inseperable. And now little things began to play out in her mind. Little looks she never noticed. Small gestures of affection. Nothing overtly obvious, but when you put the pieces together it seemed to paint a mighty portrait. And then there was this morning’s incident. She noticed Storm staring at Lucas with a look of longing in his eyes.
“Oh, I hate you. It’s not fair.” Rebecca pouted.
“It’s not like you had a chance with him. Or me with Sarah. We’re dreamers.”
“I can’t believe this. But they don’t talk anymore. If there was something going on between them, it doesn’t look like it’s happening anymore. Now you’ve put all sorts of ideas in my head.”
“Makes sense though, doesn’t it?”
“How would you know? Do you stare at Storm too? How else would you pick up on all this?”
“I have no life remember?” Adrian shrugged as he stood up, “I’m going to the small wood room. Be right back.”
“There goes my dream.” Rebecca sighed.
“Hey, fat bitch!” Stacey yelled as she walked up to Rebecca’s table, “I bet you think you’re pretty smart now.”
Rebecca stared at Stacey with a blank expression, waiting for her next move. Stacey glared with fury, before she grabbed Rebecca’s food tray and tipped it on her.
“Eat that you fat cow! If you ever embarrass me like that again, you’ll have more to worry about than just being the fattest ugliest girl in school.” Stacey yelled before she spat on Rebecca and stormed off.
Rebecca wiped the spit from her face and started to cry softly to herself. Her whole top was covered in food. She felt like everyone was staring at her.
“Rebecca, what happened?” Adrian asked as he came back to the table, “Did you have an accident?”
Rebecca ran away without saying a word. Adrian was left standing on his own. It didn’t take him long to figure out what must have happened. It wouldn’t be the first time. Or the last.
“Adrian. Is everything ok here? What happened?”
“Oh, Storm.” Adrian said in surprise, “I’m not sure. I think something happened to Rebecca. She just ran off before I could find out.”
“Stacey.”
“Could be.”
“It was. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks, Storm. I wish I could, but I’m no karate expert like you.”
“I won’t be using karate to take care of Stacey. But if you wanted to learn, you’re welcome to join the Dojo.”
“I hear Sarah won the Intermix.”
“She did.”
“You must be pretty happy. Her being your ex girl and all.”
“Yes, I am.” Storm said in a slightly annoyed tone, “Her being my ‘ex girl’ and all. What’s it to you?”
“Sorry. None of my business. I was just curious. I always thought you and Sarah were the best couple.”
“Thanks, but that was a long time ago. She’s happy, I’m happy.”
“So what’s Lucas up to these days?”
“I have no idea. Why don’t you ask him?”
Adrian’s curious nature had gotten the better of him. He’d probed Storm a little too much. Now Storm was staring back at him intently. His eyes boring into Adrian’s like he would burn them out if he blinked. Perhaps he had hit a sore spot with Storm, or perhaps Storm just didn’t appreciate a stranger being so personal. So much so that he walked away before Adrian could say another word.
* * * * * * *
Rebecca sat in the school library catching up on her latest calculus. Thank goodness school was over and she was on her own time. She knew Stacey would be nowhere in sight. Sure, there would be others who would tease her, but none as bad as Stacey.
“The library is closing in twenty minutes.” Brad Sisto said as he walked past Rebecca.
“Hey, I need help finding a book.”
“Ok.” Brad said as he stopped what he was doing and faced Rebecca, “Oh, you.”
“What?”
“Nothing.” Brad said with a nod, “What book do you need to find?”
“Maybe I can ask someone else.” Rebecca said as she returned to her reading.
Brad was once the king jock of Merlow High. The chief tormentor of Rebecca and countless others. She hadn’t forgotten what he’d done to her. Even though he seemed nothing like his former self now.
“No, it’s ok.” Brad said as he sat down next to her, “I can help.”
“Umm … it’s ok.”
“Listen, Chew … I mean, Rebecca. It’s no big deal. It’s what I do here.”
“Well …”
“Hey, did you hear what happened to Stacey?”
“Stacey?”
“Yeah. Storm tuned her out after school. Totally humiliated her at cheerleading practice.”
“He did?”
“Yeah. Word is, he heard what happened to you at lunch. He never really liked Stacey so it just gave him a good excuse to bum her out.”
“What did he do?”
“You had to be there. Why don’t you ask him?”
“Talk to him?”
“Yeah … like … with words … you know?”
“But …”
“He told her to leave you and Adam alone or else he’d get her kicked off the cheer squad.”
“It’s Adrian.”
“Oh ok.”
“He really said that to her? How do you know?”
“We’re friends. He told me.”
“Oh my goodness.”
“Yeah. So if she gets on your case again, you should tell Storm. Or me.”
“Umm ok.”
“So about that book.”
“I have to go.”
* * * * * *
“Hey, you ready?” Adrian yelled as he ran up beside Rebecca, “Bus is about to leave.”
“I just have to make sure I have all my books.”
“Rebecca, we don’t need any books. Just a pen and a pad.”
“Just in case.”
“You are such a bookworm. Quick, we have to hurry. If we don’t get a seat before the cool crew get on, we’ll be standing up the whole trip.”
Rebecca did her best to hurry, but speed was never one of her best traits. By the time her and Adrian made it to the bus, it was almost full. Adrian cursed to himself as he and Rebecca stepped onto the bus. Field trips were supposed to be fun. Sometimes they were, but the bus ride was always a chore in itself. Especially for the unpopular crowd.
All the seats at the front of the bus were taken. The pair made their way along, trying to spy an available seat. Any seats that were available were quickly covered by people who didn’t want to sit next to either of the two outcasts. Adrian feared he would be spending the entire trip standing up. Again.
“Rebecca!” Carl Bentley yelled from the back of the bus.
Rebecca couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Carl was motioning for her to take the seat next to him. Carl was always known to be one of the nicer people in school. Especially for a jock on the football team. Rebecca smiled at the gesture and stepped toward the back of the bus. She barely made two steps before a leg shot out and tripped her. She fell to the ground with a mighty crash. The whole bus erupted in laughter. Rebecca tried not to let herself be affected by the situation. She was used to it. That never made it any easier for her.
“Rebecca?” Said a familiar voice, “You ok, Rebecca?”
Rebecca brushed herself off as she reached for her glasses. Luckily they weren’t smashed. Her parent’s would throw a fit if ‘she’ broke another pair. Rebecca felt herself being helped to her feet by Adrian and …
“Storm …” Rebecca gasped as the object of her affections smiled at her.
“Are you ok?” Storm asked as he ushered her to sit in the seat Carl had set aside for her.
“I’m … I’m ok.”
“Here.” Storm said as he handed her books to her.
“Stacey, why don’t you get a life?” Carl sneered at Stacey, who seemed quite pleased with herself.
“Eat me, Bentley.”
“Stacey, if you pull this shit ever again, I’ll have you kicked off the cheer squad and off the council. And just for kicks I’ll hand out that photo of you from Bobby’s party. You know the one, right? Woof, woof? Ring a bell?” Storm said with a grin before he took his seat by the window.
Stacey glared at Storm and then at Rebecca. Rebecca didn’t feel much better. She knew Stacey wouldn’t let this be the end. It would never end.
Adrian managed to squeeze in next to Rebecca. Carl sat on her other side, which left two empty seats at the back. One in between Storm and Carl, and the other beside Adrian. The rest of the bus was now full. Except for one last person. Lucas Sheridan.
Lucas made his way to the back of the bus. When he saw which two seats were still left, he hesitated. Adrian noted the brief glance shared by Lucas and Storm. A glance that disappeared when Lucas opted to sit next to Adrian.
“Hey, Dude. How are you today?” Lucas said with a feigned smile.
“Uhh … I’m ok. How are you?”
“I’m ok.”
The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful. Rebecca seemed to be enjoying herself talking to Carl, who spent most of his time cracking jokes. Adrian noticed that Storm spent most of the trip staring out the window, as if he were afraid to look anywhere else. Lucas on the other hand would often glance in Storm’s direction. Rebecca seemed oblivious to this, but Adrian was even more certain that something here was amiss.
“So, Lucas. I thought you and Storm were tight.” Adrian asked.
“What makes you think we aren’t?”
“Well … you guys go from talking every day to never talking at all.”
“What’s it to you, Dude?” Lucas asked with a hint of annoyance, “Do you watch us or something?”
“Well, to be honest, Rebecca has a bit of a crush on Storm.”
“She wouldn’t be the first girl.”
“She kinda watches him a lot. I hang out with her so I guess I kind of pay attention to what she pays attention to. I guess it’s none of my business. Sorry.” Adrian shrugged.
“We’re not friends anymore, if that’s what you want to know. Now if you’d excuse me, Dude.” Lucas said as he closed his eyes and leaned back.
* * * * * *
“Ok, Class. We’re going to split you all into pairs. Each pair will be responsible for studying one subject from within this museum. You will then take the data you collect and prepare it for a five minute presentation next Monday.”
Rebecca waited as the list of names were called out. She knew she would most likely be paired with Adrian, but she hoped she would end up with Storm. Miracle of all miracles, she would love to be alone with him. Or as alone as you could be in a museum. She waited anxiously for either of their names to be called out.
“Daniel Marcus and … Lucas Sheridan.” Mr. Brooks called out, “Rebecca Chambers and … Sarah Leo.”
“Wow.” Rebecca said to herself.
Maybe she didn’t have dreams about Sarah, but she still thought Sarah really was the coolest girl in school. She was also someone who was sincere and straight up. Rebecca was looking forward to the experience.
“Hey.” Sarah said with a smile as she approached Rebecca.
“Hi.” Rebecca said shyly.
“This should be a fun assignment, Rebecca. What do you say we get started?”
Rebecca was about to follow Sarah when she noticed Lucas and Storm with Mr. Brooks. She couldn’t make out exactly what they were saying. Storm wasn’t really saying anything. Lucas was the one doing most of the talking. Rebecca could only make out what she thought was a request to change pairs. Storm simply nodded his approval rather than speak.
No sooner was the conversation over that Lucas approached them. He smiled at Rebecca and she returned the gesture. Things were going a little too well for her lately. Sure, she was being tormented the same as always. But now all these popular people were being nice to her. Maybe her luck was changing.
“Hey, Rebecca. I was wondering. Would you mind changing with me so I can pair up with Sarah?”
“Oh, Lucas.” Sarah said with a look of disappointment.
Rebecca got the impression she was missing something here. Lucas wanted to change out of Storm’s group. Sarah seemed to be annoyed at Lucas for that. And then Sarah’s eyes seemed to follow Storm. Rebecca thought Sarah seemed quite sad. Maybe Sarah wanted Storm back? After all, she wasn’t going out with Mike anymore. And she wasn’t dating anyone else. Not that Rebecca knew of.
Rebecca didn’t really care what was going on between the three. All she cared about is the fact she got her wish. She was pairing up with Daniel ‘Storm’ Marcus.
Storm greeted Rebecca with a smile, but didn’t say much. Rebecca found that she was doing most of the talking. Storm seemed to be preoccupied with something. Yet she still found herself enjoying his company more than she imagined. He had a way of being distant, yet warm enough to make her feel comfortable.
All that changed when they bumped into Stacey and her partner. Rebecca found herself clamming up as Stacey taunted her with her eyes. Thankfully, Stacey said nothing and moved straight past Rebecca.
“Why do you do that?” Storm asked as he leaned against the Neanderthal exhibit.
“Do what?”
“Let her get to you. Why do you let her push you around?”
“Well … just … because. That’s just … how it is.” Rebecca said nervously.
She turned her head away as she found herself being probed by Storm’s eyes. He seemed to study her for a moment. She couldn’t figure out why. He seemed to find her fascinating all of a sudden.
“She won’t stop doing that unless you stop her. I know what she did at lunch. She’ll always come back when there’s no one else around. Why don’t you tell her to stick it?”
“How can I do that? She’d kill me. I can’t mess with her. She’s too powerful. Besides, she’s not the only one.”
“She looks like the worst though.”
“Thank you for … sticking up for me. Not many people do that.” Rebecca smiled shyly.
“I know you need these to read.” Storm said as he pulled Rebecca’s glasses off, “But you hide behind them too much.”
“But …”
“Stand up straight. Come on.” Storm urged with a smooth smile.
“Wha…?” Rebecca said nervously as she stood up.
“Don’t walk with your head down all the time. Keep your chin up. How do you expect to see the sun if you’re looking at the ground?”
Rebecca smiled from ear to ear. This was the most attention any guy had ever paid her in her life. The man of her dreams was giving her advice on how to carry herself. Did he see something in her that she didn’t? It all just added to the myriad other moments that Rebecca had stored in her mind. Moments that made her crush ever more sweeter.
“Whenever I talk to you, you lower your head and hide your eyes behind your glasses. When you walk around school you keep your head down in the hope that people won’t notice you. Believe it or not, people notice you more when you do things like that. You’re an easy target. From now on, I want you stand up straight. I want you to walk with your head up. And if anyone throws you a dirty look or says something to you, just flick your nose at them and keep walking. They’ll stop when they realize they can’t get to you anymore.”
“Wow, you really think so?”
“Of course. You have to come out of your shell. And the most important thing is just to believe in yourself. If you don’t, how do you expect anyone else to?”
“Oh thank you, Storm. I’ll … I’ll try. Do you think that will be enough though? You think I should maybe go on a diet and get some new clothes? Maybe people will stop calling me fatso or Chewbecca.”
“I don’t care how you dress or what you look like, Rebecca. And as far as the diet goes, no fucking way. You’re too young to be thinking about that crap.”
“Yeah, but look at you. You’re so hot. Don’t you have a diet as well to keep in shape?”
“I work out a lot. I play a lot of sports. I have my karate. But I don’t diet to lose weight. I don’t think you should be thinking about that. Just as long as you’re healthy. Play sports or something to get your cardio up. But seriously, don’t obsess about it. Everything in moderation, I say. You’ll be sweet, Rebecca. Just learn to carry yourself better. Walk with a bit of pride. I hate seeing people pick on you all the time.” Storm said with a sincere smile.
“Thank you, Storm.”
“And next time Stacey does something to you. You just walk right up to her and knock her the fuck out.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course I am. You could take her.” Storm grinned, “Just kidding. But next time she steps to you, you just step her right back. Don’t let her push you around. Don’t let anyone push you around.”
Rebecca sighed happily to herself as she gazed at Storm. How could he be so sweet to her and not realize what he was doing? She would do anything he asked, just because he asked her to. But he was asking her to do things because he cared about her. She couldn’t get rid of the butterflies in her stomach.
“You should listen to him. He has some pretty good advice.” Sarah said with a warm smile, “Don’t you think so, Lucas?”
Rebecca was caught off guard seeing Lucas and Sarah pop up. She almost resented their presence. They’d ruined her moment. She also noticed Storm’s demeanor change instantly. His smile faded and his face became subtly sad.
“Yeah. He’s … one of a kind.” Lucas said with a small nod before he and Sarah carried on.
Storm immediately feigned a smile to Rebecca and motioned for them to start walking. Once again Storm returned to his aloof mode. Speaking only on rare occasions, or when their work required him to say something.
“Come on, Rebecca. I’ll buy you lunch.” Storm said out of the blue.
They made their way to the museum cafeteria and stood in line. Storm still seemed distracted but motioned for Rebecca to get whatever she liked.
They found themselves a table and sat down to eat their lunch. Rebecca noted that Storm was eating a chicken sub. She knew this was one of Storm’s favorite foods. Even though she dared not mention to him that she knew this. She doubted he would appreciate knowing that he was the object of her fantasies and attention.
Rebecca felt the butterflies in her stomach again. Today had almost been like a date. Not only did they get to hang out, but now they were eating together. This was beyond any of Rebecca’s wildest dreams. Yet she still noticed how quiet he was. How quiet he’d been since bumping into Lucas and Sarah.
“Storm? Are you ok?” Rebecca asked finally, unable to see him so despondent.
“Sure, why do you ask?”
“You haven’t said much. I’m not used to doing all of the talking. Especially with you.”
“That’s ok. You’re good at it. I like hearing you talk more than I like hearing me talk.”
“Are you sure you’re ok? I know we don’t really hang out or know each other much, but you just seem distracted.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to. I just … I have a few things on my mind.”
“Anything I can help with?” Rebecca asked sincerely.
Storm seemed surprised by Rebecca’s show of interest. He smiled back at her as he leaned back in his chair.
“Thank you, but … I’ll be fine. Just … old habits. That’s all.”
“Ok, Storm. Thank you so much for lunch. Today has been so much fun.”
“It’s actually almost time to go. That day went so fast.”
“Oh man.” Rebecca said in disappointment, “I was having so much fun.”
“I better go.”
“You’re not coming back on the bus?”
“No. I want to go straight from here to the hospital. See my Mom. I already cleared it with Mr. Brooks.”
“That’s a long walk.”
“That’s ok. I have a lot to think about. Thanks for the company, Rebecca. You’re a sweetheart.”
Rebecca couldn’t believe her ears, let alone her eyes. Storm leaned in and kissed Rebecca on the cheek. Then he smiled at her and began walking away.
“I’ll see you around, Rebecca. Don’t forget what I told you. Keep your head up.”
Rebecca stood with her head up, just as Storm told her to. And she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. Never had she imagined that she would be kissed by Storm. That he would actually touch her, let alone kiss her. Even if it was just an innocent kiss on the cheek. It was the most Rebecca had in her entire life.
* * * * * * *
A day after the field trip, Rebecca was still on a high from her day with Storm. More importantly, she believed what he had told her about holding her head up. About not letting people push her around anymore. As she walked through the front doors of Merlow High, she felt her moment of truth coming.
She stood up straight and looked forward instead of down. She walked towards her locker and made eye contact with all those who about to taunt her. She felt a sense of confidence inside that she hadn’t felt before. Sure, a few people still called out Chewbecca. She was still the butt of taunts. Only they seemed fewer and farther in between. Even better, they didn’t get to her as much as they used to.
By the time she arrived at her locker, she had a huge smile on her face. Adrian was already waiting for her and seemed to notice the change.
“There’s something different about you. If I didn’t know you better, Rebecca, I’d say you either had sex or met the man of your dreams. But since I do know you, I’d have to say it’s something else. What is it?”
“Oh … just a little advice I’m taking. How are you?”
“I’ve figured it out!” Adrian said with a huge grin, “I know why Storm and Lucas aren’t friends anymore. I got it all wrong!”
“Are you still going on about that?”
“Aren’t you curious?”
“What do you think then?”
“I think Storm is pissed at Lucas because Lucas made a move on Sarah. Why else would Lucas want to pair up with Sarah at the field trip? That’s it. That’s why they’re not talking. I think Storm wanted to make a move on Sarah when she broke up with Mike. But Lucas beat him to it and so now they’re not talking. Can’t say I blame Storm.”
“What makes you think Lucas and Sarah are together?”
“Well something happened to Sarah yesterday. She got really sick at the museum. Lucas was holding her like she was his girlfriend. You know?”
“No, not really. And neither would you, because like … neither of us have ever been with anyone.”
“Rebecca! Trust me on this. Lucas was all over Sarah like really worried and everything. They have to be more than just friends. She had to be picked up. That’s why she wasn’t on the bus coming back to school. So yeah, Lucas got with Sarah before Storm had a chance. That’s why Storm’s angry at him. I’m so clever, I figured it all out.”
“You really need to get a life.” Rebecca said as she rolled her eyes, “At least you’ve gone off the theory that Lucas and Storm were together.”
“Yeah, that was pretty whack of me to think.” Adrian laughed, “Boy, I do need a life. Do you think if you and I acted like we were going out that people would start to notice us? Maybe some girls would start thinking I’m all that. What do you think?”
“I think they’d notice us. Because we’d be the stupidest looking couple in Merlow High.”
“Hey, Chewbecca.” Stacey smiled as she approached Rebecca, “Did you have a nice ‘trip’ yesterday? Would you like some comfort food to make you feel better? Maybe a few hamburgers? Maybe ten? And how about for the main course?”
Rebecca stood indignantly. Her lips fastened shut as she glared at Stacey. She was almost tempted to run away again. Or let Stacey finish tormenting her.
“You don’t really think I’m afraid of our class president, do you? Now, now, Fat bitch. We need to get something perfectly clear. You are trailer park trash. You’re too trashy to even get on Jerry Springer. Why don’t you go to White Swan? I’m sure they have programs or something for your kind. And besides, you just make the school look so … fat. You really are an eyesore, Rebecca. If I were you, I’d start figuring out ways to get out of this school. Because I am going to make your fat ass miserable every single day until you do go.”
“You can’t make me miserable, Stacey. I’m not taking it anymore.” Rebecca said defiantly, “From now on, you leave me alone.”
“I beg your pardon? Did you girls hear that? She’s telling me what to do.”
“If you don’t leave me alone, I’m going to report you to Mr. Brooks.”
“I’m trembling.”
“You better leave me alone, Stacey.” Rebecca said as she narrowed her eyes, “Don’t touch me. Don’t talk to me. Don’t even look at me.”
“What?” Stacey said in disbelief.
“Well since you think I have such a fat ass, I could just sit on your head. But since you have no brains and your head is empty, it might get crushed. Is that enough reason?”
“How dare you!”
“I’m not joking, Stacey. I’m sick of you treating me like a dog.” Rebecca said in almost a yell, “Especially when you’re the only bitch around here.”
“Well I never!” Stacey said flabbergasted
“And if all of that isn’t reason enough for to stay away from me, try this one. A mutual friend of mine gave me a certain picture of you. A really disgusting picture. I think it’s you trying to impersonate a dog. Because you were on all fours.” Rebecca said straight faced, “And from the looks of it, you were barking like mad.”
“No! He wouldn’t dare!”
“Unlike you, I don’t enjoy torturing other people. Even someone as mean and horrible as you. So I’m giving you a chance. Don’t look at me, don’t touch me, don’t speak to me. If you do, I’ll do everything else I said and Adrian and I will make sure that a special email goes out with your dog impression attached. Now go away and never speak to me again.”
“Why you …”
“I said never speak to me. Now go on, get lost.” Rebecca said with a determined glare.
Stacey hesitated for a moment until she realized Rebecca wasn’t going to back down. Finally, to the amazement of everyone around, Stacey backed off. She muttered something under her breath before walking away.
“Wow, I can’t believe you did that!” Adrian said in disbelief.
Rebecca noticed a figure standing at the other end of the hallway. Daniel Marcus. He smiled at her and winked, before he turned and walked away. Rebecca smiled back gratefully, before she turned to face Adrian.
“Who are you smiling at? Is there really a picture? Can I see it?”
“Adrian! Shame on you. And if there is a picture, I don’t have it. I don’t think it matters. She’ll be nice to me now I hope. Or at least just leaves me alone.”
“Whatever you’re on, I’ll have some.”
“Then you’ll have to find your own guardian angel.”
“Oh you’re not going on about him again. Please, enough Storm already!”
“There’s always his little brother. Want me to dream about him now?”
“Oh please, you have even less chance with him than you do with Storm. Every girl wants Dade. I heard he’s the one who made Stacey bark like a dog.”
“Stacey wishes he did. Dade wouldn’t get with her.”
“That’s what Stacey’s saying.”
“She was drunk. She could’ve been getting with you and she wouldn’t know it. Come on, let’s get to class.”
“Yeah, but you know, Dade does have a reputation. You know how many girls he’s been with.”
“Well then it must be true.” Rebecca said as she rolled her eyes, “Can we please go to class now?”
“Do you think we’ll be cool now? Maybe since you’re talking to Storm you can get us an invite to the next big party. What do you think?”
“Adrian!”
* * * * * * *