Chapter 14: The Annoying Gnat

I looked around to make sure nobody was watching me. I quickly scribbled on the bright blue index card.

I want to talk to you. Meet me in the gym at 1:20. –Darling

I couldn’t help but wonder how many people he calls darling. I hope I’m the only one because if not, this situation can be embarrassing. I slid the note card through the slot in his locker. I smirked before running back upstairs to class.

~~~

During lunch time, I sat next to Grayson. He kept sending me curious glances but I avoided his gaze. Ten minutes before lunch ended, I stood up and left, making sure Grayson wasn’t following me. I went to my locker and grabbed my water gun, running to the bathroom and filling it up with water. I grabbed the smaller ones from my bag and filled them up before carefully placing them back into my bag. I exited the bathroom the moment the bell rang and I smirked before running upstairs.

I was anxious to see what Grayson would do. When the clock struck 1:10, I received a text from Kyle. ‘He is going to go to the gym.’

I smirked and raised my hand, catching the substitute by surprise. I was one of five kids who decided to stay in class. I was thankful that Mr. Edgewood wasn’t here or else I wouldn’t be able to leave the class. I was going to leave the class earlier but I couldn’t have dealt with seeing Grayson and having him try and talk to me in the hallways; I couldn’t just yank out the water gun in the hallway.

“Yes?” She asked and I pursed my lips.

“I can’t really concentrate; may I go to the library and finish my work?” I smiled at her and she nodded.

“I’ll write your name down." After telling her my name, I grabbed my bag and left. I tried to run to the gym but I was too nervous that my water gun was going to spill and it’d ruin the items in my bag. Once I reached the gym, I took my mini water guns and put them in my back pockets, hoping that they wouldn’t fall out. I took the larger one and held it behind my back, leaving my other arm awkwardly dangling at my side. I ran over to the middle of the gym.

I anxiously waited in the gymnasium, anticipating Grayson’s arrival. I looked over to see Lola nodding her head wildly on the stairs. That means he’s coming. She dived into the equipment room and I stood there, trying not to look suspicious. When Grayson entered the gym, I noticed that his uniform tie was tucked into his pocket rather than around his neck.

“Audrey?” So I am the only one that he calls Darling. “You wanted to talk to me?”

I nodded, glancing towards the equipment room where Lola, Sandra, and Carson stood. Kyle was peeking in the entrance where Grayson just entered. I nodded. “I do.”

He quirked an eyebrow, rocking back and forth on his feet. “Aren’t you skipping class?”

“Substitute,” I shrugged and he nodded.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” he asked and I internally started to worry. I didn’t come up with a topic earlier; I didn’t plan on being asked this question.

“I found this note and I wanted you to explain it," I told him with a curious look on my face. He furrowed his eyebrows. I brought my hand that was gripping the water gun forward and his eyes widened.

Instead of letting him say something, I let the water spray him, soaking his clothes. He whimpered as he tried to block the water but I moved the water gun around, allowing it to shoot him all over. In an attempt to get it away from me, he went to walk forward but slipped and fell, landing in a heap on the floor.

He sat up and had his eyes shut tight. “I hate you-,” I cut him off by spraying the water into his mouth accidentally. Okay, maybe it wasn’t an accident- I wanted to see if he was like one of those games at the carnival that gives you a prize if you shoot the target long enough. The only prize I’d get is a dead Grayson.

I was laughing maniacally and once the large water gun ran out of water, I took the smaller ones out of my pocket, not hesitating to spray him even more. I was curious to know what would happen once I stopped spraying him. He’d probably falcon punch me back to class.

Now, he was just sitting there, taking the water to his face. When I dropped one of the small guns, he decided to speak, peeking open one of his eyes. “Are you done yet?”

The words were rushed and I realized it was out of fear that I’d spray his mouth again. “Nope.”

I took the last two out of my back pockets. “You’re going to be so sorry.”

I scowled and continued shooting him, letting my maniacal laughter fill the gymnasium. Once I emptied the water guns, I gave him a nervous look as he began standing up. I began backing away, trying to move sideways so I could make a quick exit. Kyle promised to clean up the mess because he also had a free period while I did not. Well, technically I did but I’m supposed to be in the library.

“Come here,” Grayson whispered as he motioned for me to move towards him. I shook my head, moving sideways so I could escape.

His clothes were soaking wet. His uniform shirt was probably the worst, the red was darker and sticking to his body. His pants were also darker, making it look like he peed himself, and his shoes were squishing as he walked. I was confused as he smiled at me, opening his arms widely. He suddenly took a large step forward, catching me off guard.

He wrapped his arms around me, encasing me in a cold, damp hug. I whimpered as I felt his hair dripping water onto my face. I stiffened as he patted my back. Although the hug was cold, all I could focus on was the fact that Grayson was hugging me and I could feel his body heat radiating off of him due to our close proximity. I could also smell him a lot better. I would usually catch his scent in whiffs when he was walking by me or when a gust of wind made its way through the air, but now I can smell it strongly. It was also a lot stronger due to the fact that his clothes were wet and it made the cologne seep off of his clothes and onto mine.

I heard someone wolf whistle as Grayson finally let go of me. My clothes were damp, but not as damp as his. My shoulders were soaking wet because his hair dripped onto the fabric. Kyle was already cleaning up the water and he even tossed a towel at Grayson, who gratefully took it. “So, they were your helpers?”

I nodded, positive that my face was still red from Grayson’s unexpected and surprisingly long embrace. “They were my elves.”

“I’ll remember that, Carson, Kyle, Shane, Lola, Sandra,” he nodded at each one of them as he spoke their name, his eyes narrowed.

Lola and Sandra put their hands up, claiming innocence. “Don’t even try and act innocent! You wanted to shove me in his locker and shoot him with a nerf gun, or a real gun, Lola. And Sandra, you’re no better! You wanted me to slash his motorcycle tires.”

Grayson let out a gasp. “You didn’t, did you?”

His eyes were wide as he stared at me and I let out a bark of laughter. He was still staring at me and I sighed, shaking my head. “Not yet.”

“Not yet?” His voice cracked as he stared at me, eyes still wide and a sense of innocence coating his face like frosting on cake.

I winked at him. “Someday I will, just not today.”

Shane shook his head at me, his eyes narrowed. He mouthed the words, ‘you player.’ He’s one to talk, isn’t he? I glanced around and noticed Lola and Kyle cleaning up the mess I had made. I turned to Sandra. “Did you record that?”

She nodded, winking at me. “I sent it to you already.”

I nodded and thanked goodness that I kept my phone in my bag or else it’d be ruined thanks to Grayson’s hug. Sandra sent me a wink but this time, it was about Grayson and I knew it was. And this time, it didn’t bother me…as much as it did last time.

~~~

After work, which was awkward because the middle school girls kept teasing me about how cute Grayson and I would look together (which I didn’t disagree or agree with), I just went home. But while I was at home, I decided that I would do some research. I wasn’t able to get my thoughts from the gym out of my head. What if I was developing feelings for Grayson? I let out a loud laugh. I continued laughing, earning the attention of my father who turned to me.

“Can you please be quiet? I’m trying to watch television,” my father furrowed his eyebrows as I looked at him and nodded. I placed my fist in front of my mouth before going upstairs, where I let all of my chuckles escape. What a stupid thought that was.

I looked in my closet and noticed my Halloween costume sitting there. I stared at it for a minute before realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a football player costume! How did I not notice this before? Grayson plays football, for crying out loud! Pushing the thoughts aside, I walked towards my bedroom door and shut it before changing into the costume. Although I already tried it on once, I need to make sure it looks nice. There’s only six more days until Halloween if you don’t count today and I can’t wait until the last minute to fix something.

I looked in the mirror. The dress part of the costume, which wasn’t really a dress, came down to my mid-thigh. The short sleeves of the costume were black with white stripes towards the end of the sleeves. The costume had the numbers ‘22’ in white on the front of it. It came with white leggings that went right below the knee. There was also a pair of socks that were black and had blue stripes that matched the costume. I decided that I’m going to pair my dark blue converses with it on Halloween. I’m also going to put black stripes under my eyes, like I’ve seen on television. I might as well rock it. I don't have enough money to go out and buy another one, I already put my paycheck into my college fund. I don't have time to make a homemade costume, either. My other Halloween costumes are packed away somewhere, probably in the basement.

All I have to do on Halloween is make sure that I don’t run into Grayson, Carson, Kyle, or Shane. I doubt they’re going trick or treating anyway. Football players don’t trick or treat, right? Way to stereotype, Audrey. Then again, you're seventeen and you're still trick or treating. Shut up, I liked you better when you agreed with me.

Looking back into the mirror, I smiled. Maybe this Halloween might go well.

~~~

I sat down in pre-calculus, my heart beating quickly. I had to run up four flights of stairs to get here. I noticed everyone in different seats and I furrowed my eyebrows, glancing up at the board to see a new seating chart. I stood up quickly, apologizing to a girl who sent me an aggravated stare. She quickly sat down in the seat I was just occupying but not before sending me another glare. Okay then, Ms. Attitude.

I noticed that I sat in the third row next to a girl named Samantha who barely shows up to class and has several piercings. I shrugged carelessly; maybe she’s a nice girl. I went and sat down, hunching over slightly, catching my breath. I let my eyes curiously dart up to the board, looking for Grayson’s name. When I finally found it, I frowned. He was sitting next to a girl named Natalie who was pretty and popular.

Natalie was already there, smiling. She’s probably happy about the fact that she’s beside Grayson. They're a match made in heaven. I noticed that I was frowning and I quickly shook it away, giving Natalie the occasional glance out of the corner of my eye. She has long blonde hair, which is opposite to my dark brown hair. Her gray eyes were usually friendly and inviting, sometimes even mysterious, unlike mine which were either glaring or squinting.

She was also tall, at least five inches taller than me, but then again everyone is taller than me. I frowned slightly again before struggling to push it away. Why do I care if she’s prettier than me? She noticed me looking at her and she smiled and waved. I struggled to wave back as I pasted a fake smile on my face. I quickly turned back in my seat and stared at the paper that was on my desk.

Samantha smiled at me, her lip ring glimmering in the light of the classroom. She was also tall, and the fact that she was standing while I was slumped over in my seat didn’t help. “I thought you might need one.”

I smiled back at her. “Thanks, I did…I didn’t notice them when I walked in.”

“I didn’t either, I just saw people crowding around it and I just grabbed two while I was there,” she told me, taking a seat. Her eyes were a pretty turquoise color and her hair was black. She wore the darkest selection of uniform, dark blue.

The teacher began speaking, pulling our attention in. Thankfully, the teacher is cool. Her name is Mrs. Geoffrey and she was recently married. She’s only 28 and she’s pretty laid back as long as we get our work done. She began taking attendance as we worked on our class starters. Once I finished, I watched as she read the attendance.

My eyes flickered towards Natalie and Grayson who were smiling. Grayson was helping Natalie, who I doubted needed help. I just think she wants to smell Grayson’s cologne. I narrowed my eyes at her before doing a double take. Was this me? Or was this someone possessing me? Because I surely do not care about whom Grayson associates with. Glaring down at my paper, I heard Mrs. Geoffrey call Samantha.

“Here,” Samantha told her as she sat back in her chair, spinning slightly.

Mrs. Geoffrey looked up with furrowed eyebrows. “Glad you can join us. What made you decide to come to class today?”

Samantha chuckled. “My mother.”

Mrs. Geoffrey smiled and continued calling names. When she said my name, I waved my hand in the air and she raised an eyebrow. “Are you here, Ms. Peters?”

I knew she was teasing me and I sighed. “Here.”

She grinned before continuing role call. For some reason, I was bummed. I noticed Natalie’s hand resting on Grayson’s arm and how he didn’t bother to remove it. If I put my hand on his arm, he'd probably smack it off and quickly have his arm amputated. Or he'd probably shrug it off and go play his Gameboy.I was glaring daggers into her hand when I heard Samantha laugh from beside me.

“What?” I asked as I turned to look at her, my face tinting slightly. She grinned and let out a hushed chuckle.

“If you had heat rays coming out of your eyes, that girl’s hand would be on the floor,” she stated and I felt the heat rush to my face.

I looked down. “It was noticeable?”

I peeked back up to see her shrugging. “I think I’m the only one that noticed.”

I nodded. I need to stop doing that.

~~~

After completing each worksheet or copying down the latest note, I’d glance at Grayson and Natalie. At one point, Grayson caught my eye and a slow grin spread across his face as if he knew something I didn’t. I just furrowed my eyebrows and pretended to look at something behind him, which I’m sure failed, but I tried.

When the bell rang, I dived out of my chair and rushed to creative writing but I made sure to tell Samantha I’d see her around. When I entered creative writing, I frowned deeper. Kyle and Carson were already present. Usually, they wouldn’t notice me until the end of the period because I’d sit in the back but it seems as if they already saw me. “Pst, Audrey! Come back here!”

I walked towards the back of the classroom and stood in front of Carson’s desk, my eyebrows raised. “What?”

“Sit down,” he motioned to the seat between him and Kyle. I furrowed my eyebrows.

“Won’t that look a bit weird, a small unknown sitting next to two large football players?” I asked as I looked at Kyle, the sensible one. He scoffed.

“Nothing’s normal when it comes to Carson,” he whispered and Carson hit him in the arm with his fist. It sounded like it hurt. I took the seat between the two siblings and watched as people began to enter the classroom. I gasped audibly when Natalie entered before allowing a frown to slip onto my face.

Kyle sent me a confused look. “Something wrong?”

I turned my glare away from her and shook my head. “Nothing at all.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong but weren’t you just glaring at that girl?” he asked me as he motioned to Natalie, who was seated in the front. Goody two shoes. Because you totally choose to sit in the back whenever you’re given the option, if anybody is the goody two shoes- it’s you.

I wrinkled my nose. “That girl is Natalie and no, I wasn’t glaring at her.”

“Are you sure you weren’t glaring at her? Because you seem to dislike her, any reason why?” Kyle asked as he raised an eyebrow.

I shook my head. “She’s in my first period class.”

“And what did she do wrong?” Carson asked, butting into the conversation.

I shook my head, thinking up a viable lie. “I just don’t know her.”

Carson grinned before grabbing my arm and gently yanking me up. “The teacher isn’t here; I’ll introduce you.”

I began to protest but he wasn’t listening. I sent a pleading look to Kyle but he just grinned. When we reached Natalie’s table, she smiled up at us, running a hand through her hair. “Hello.”

“Hello, Natalie, I’m Carson and this is my little friend Audrey,” he introduced me while I stood by his side. I offered her a quick smile and she returned it with confused eyes, a smile and a nod. “That boy over there is my brother Kyle.” She waved at Kyle before turning back to me.

“You’re in my first period class right?” she asked. Oh no, did she catch me glaring at her? “I recognize your name from attendance and I waved at you in the beginning of class.”

I nodded, relief flowing through me. “Yeah, that was me.”

“You’re friends with Lola and Sandra right? I’ve seen you guys around the cafeteria together. I actually have classes with Lola and we work together on some projects,” she smiled at me.

I nodded again, preparing to speak but was cut off by Carson. “We’ll see you around, Natalie, the teachers coming and we don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Call me Nat," she smiled and he nodded.

“Okay, Nat,” he replied with a friendly wink. She laughed before turning towards her open notebook. It’d be easier to hate her if she was mean but unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

~~~

When I arrived alone to lunch, I watched as Lola walked with Natalie to the lunch line. I sat at our table alone, trying hard to eat quickly. That was hard to do because I was too busy praying that Lola walked to our table alone but I somehow wasn’t surprised when I saw Natalie right beside her, walking towards our table. Lola smiled at me. “Hey, Audrey, Nat is sitting with us today.”

I forced a grin and nodded, looking towards her group of friends as they talked and laughed, but one seat was empty. She fit right in with them, tall blonde girls who were smart, popular, pretty, and funny. They were also on the volleyball team. Nat also played softball and was known for starting a petition for female football. Grayson likes football. “What about your friends? Won’t they miss you?”

Natalie smiled at me and shook her head as she took a seat beside my bag, which I tactfully placed in the seat beside my own. I knew she wouldn’t walk all the way around the eight seated table to sit beside me but I did it for precautions. There was another empty seat beside me and I knew I’d look weird if my leg was plopped over it so I had to hope she wouldn’t sit beside me. “They’ll get over it.”