III

Once lunch started I wasn't sure if I was even hungry, I tended to not eat much. Maybe due to the medication I used to take, food has always just tasted off. Or maybe it was because I had to fend for myself, who knows? I wondered if I would see Ellis at lunch and if would he even talk to me. My stomach still had some flutters from touring him around and my mind couldn't stop picturing those perfect dimples when he smiled.

" There you are!" Corrie came rushing to my side as I walked towards the cafeteria causing me to focus on the now. " Sooo, boy or girl, and what happened? Spill the tea!" She said nudging my arm.

"A man not a boy." Why did I just blurt that out? I shook my head in disbelief as we continued to walk. Her eyes sprang open wide as she anticipated more information.

" A very handsome one at that," I smiled just picturing him again. " Oh, what is this I hear, very interesting, never have I ever heard you speak like that about the opposite sex." she teased.

" I know it feels weird even speaking the words." We both laughed as we continued to walk side by side to the cafeteria.

" Well looky there if it isn't the two lesbians of the school." Great, freaking Sean and his jock friends with their condescending comments. I rolled my eyes and tried to pass by them but Sean quickly closed the gap between us and pushed me toward the lockers with all his body weight. He then forcefully hit the lockers with both hands blocking me in between him and causing me to flinch. I think he likes fear, ever since we were little he has always done something to make me flinch or cry.

Memories flashed through my mind of Sean pretending to try to punch me. Other times he tripped me or threw things at me. He still had the same boyish wicked girn as he has always had. My body trembled as my back felt the coldness of the lockers. Sean's face was so close to mine," I just honestly think you need to get fucked in your life, I can fuck that lesbian out of you." he announced loudly causing rolling laughter to come from his friends behind him. 

 His warm spearmint breath rolled off my cheek as he moved back just enough to look down at me. Sean was way taller than me maybe about 2 feet or so. He was a jock so therefore he was big and not just bulky but muscular big. He was the popular type that got along with everyone at school. His popularity not only made others like him but also fear him. He just had that kind of look to him.

I dared to look up at him and almost cringed under his brown-eye stare. Sean had an intense look as his eyes burned holes through me.

They had a dark and menacing look that contained a hint of danger. He always gave me chills when I would catch him looking at me. His hair was a spikey mess that gave him that bad-boy look. I noticed his jaw move with the hard lines they made as if he was chewing something. Come to think of it he tended to always smell like spearmint when his breath was on me.

Oh, how I hated spearmint because of him. 

" Get away moron," Corrie shouted with fear in her voice but wouldn't dare try to touch him, or else who knew what might arise next. I glared at him with hate, " Fuck you." Not sure why I said that or where my bravery came from but it was already out and my stomach clenched at the thought of his anger that was to come. Time froze as the anticipation of what Sean would do slowly arose.

" Wow, you got a pretty little mouth on you. Let's see how big I can stretch it for you." He announced loudly for his jock friends to hear and roar in laughter. His breath was warm against my ear as he spoke as my heart pounded hard in my throat, I felt sick and nauseated all in one. 

" There you are! Everything ok here?" Ellis asked so close to Sean making him move his arms and back away slightly. Sean gave Ellis a look that was mixed with confusion and pissed off-ness. Ellis matched it as daggers shot out from his eyes at Sean.

" Yea, let's just go," I said to both Ellis and Corrie as we continued our way to the cafeteria.

" Who was that douche?" Ellis asked with a hint of irritation. " That was dumb STD-infested jock Sean, oh how I hate him. And I am Corrie, I have heard so much about you already." She said as she batted her eyes at him. " Is that so?" He asked raising an eyebrow. " Yea, small town and all, " she blushed slightly.

" Thanks for saving me a minute ago." I softly said even though I might've been able to handle it. Who am I kidding? I wanted to kick him where the sun doesn't shine but I never would. 

" Anytime," he smiled his cute smile at me. I noticed his dimples again and my stomach fluttered in response. " You coming to the basketball game tonight?" Corrie asked. " Um, I am not sure," I said, not really wanting to.

"Please? I have to work the food stand for tonight and would love your company." Corrie pleaded with her brown puppy dog eyes. How could I say no to that face? " Grr, I suppose."

" Great! What about you Ellis care to join and watch the game?"  

He shrugged, "Sure, why not." I couldn't contain myself and grinned big.

"Shall we eat our prison food?" I asked as we arrived at the cafeteria. They both giggled as we entered. Today's special was processed food on top of more processed food. I grabbed a tray knowing I would more than likely play with it rather than eat it. I followed Corrie with Ellis right behind me as she found an empty table far from the pestering jock crew.

We sat having a smooth conversation, it felt like I had known Ellis all my life. The bell rang faster than expected and we all dashed to our classes. I was eager for art class knowing Ellis would be there. Finally, after a few boring lectures and one test the bell rang for 8th period. I quickly gathered my things and headed to class. I honestly loved my last class more than anything. It was my release from the world being able to create things from my imagination. Deep down I always fantasized about being a famous painter. I know that it's just a dream that I could never accomplish especially in this small town but hopefully, once I left I would.

My head was in the clouds as I walked not realizing Sean was ahead of me. He purposely placed his foot in my way causing me to stumble almost falling flat on my face. If it weren't for Ellis catching me I might just have fallen. He quickly grabbed me with both his strong hands and held me in place, my fluters came back with his closeness." You ok?" I nodded as my heart speed faster in his grasp. He glared at Sean with an evil stare as the crew laughed and continued on their way.

" Used to it," I said looking into his magnificent eyes, while he still held me in place. " Not something you should be used to," he slowly pushed a lock of my hair behind my ear and steady me back on my feet. I smiled, my insides were doing some crazy things I wasn't even sure I could communicate let alone think. He lifted only half of his lips giving me a tender smile and turned to enter the classroom.

Once inside I quickly gathered my supplies as Ellis stood near the front of the class talking with the teacher.

" You can share with me if you need till you get your supplies," I told him before sitting down. 

"Thanx," his dimples were back in full swing, and my face felt red as if the heat was turned up on high.

I couldn't concentrate the whole class period, I kept sneaking looks at Ellis here and there and my mind just ran wild. What is wrong with me? As soon as the bell rang he helped me place all my supplies away. " Your good at that," he pointed to my painted canvas.

" Thank you, I love escaping in my artwork."

" I can tell, I gotta head out. See you tonight at the game. Right?" I nodded and he was gone. Crap the game! Why? I hated socializing with anyone other than Corrie. Now knowing Ellis would be at the game I realized I needed help. I glanced down at myself noticing I had some paint spots on my clothes and I am sure my hair was a hot mess.

I quickly pulled out my cell to text Corrie 911. Corrie replied immediately to meet her out front by my car. " I need fashion help," I said walking up to Corrie who was plopped on the trunk of my car. She raised her eyebrows and then her face transformed into a huge smile. " Yay!" she clapped. "It's makeover time, but we have to hurry since I have to be at the stand early to prep before we can open". I nodded as I unlocked my door and we both headed to her house.