Blade

I've been thinking about Dustin a lot more than I should and I don't know what to do with that. After our little moment at the bonfire, we went back to our usual routine. No slow dancing or forhead touches. I know I should be relieved– I can't have crush on him– but he makes it hard.

Going back to school after the best spring break I've ever had is depressing to say the least. For five full days, I was able to forget about my miserable existence and have fun, but all my demons were waiting for me when I got back.

Thankfully, Melissa won't be back for another two days so I have time to readjust my head before she returns.

The ringing of the doorbell startles me, and I peak through the curtain to see Dustin standing at the door.

"Morning," he says cheekily as I pull the door open. "I decided I'll be picking you up since I left earlier than usual."

I'm a little peeved at him showing up at my house unannounced. It's okay that he showed up today, but he can't do this when Melissa is back.

"Aren't you gonna invite me in?"

I shake my head, holding five fingers up to tell him to give me five minutes before closing the door in his face. I rush around as I grab my things, returning shortly with a dressed baby, and a packed bag.

"Ready?"

I nod, following him to his car.

He passes me his phone, the screen already unlocked and I scroll through to select a song.

"Where are we leaving Faith?"

I type the address into the GPS and he drives us there.

"See you later?" Dustin asks as I get out of the car. "You can come over for dinner if you'd like."

I nod, smiling as I wave him goodbye.

The rest of the morning is spent thinking about Dustin and his stupid smile and stupid jokes.

Again, I'm surprised to see Alice sitting alone at one of the tables. I give her a simple nod as I sit in a different area.

I look up at the ceiling fans, trying to focus on the blades in an attempt to stop thinking about Dustin.

It doesn't work.

I sigh loudly when the buzzer sounds. I watch as Alice leaves, hoping to put some distance between us before I exit the library. I inhale sharply when I see the crowd of students outside in the hall. I have to pass them to get to my class, but I hang back, not wanting to be targeted.

"You're such a fucking bitch!" The vouce no doubt belongs to Jordan.

"Even though everyone hates you right now, you still act like you're better than everyone. News flash: you're just a washed up slut." Dya hisses.

There is too much of a crowd for me to see who they're bullying.

"Fuck you," I hear Alice snarl. Her voice sounds emotional. "How dare you share that video and say such horibble things about me. I thought you were my friends!"

"Friends?" Jordan scoffs. "Yea, like you've ever treated us as anything more than your lap dogs. Even Josh is fed up with your shit."

Alice laughs dryly. "Right, Josh. The same asshole who's in that video with me. How is no one talking shit about him? Why am I the only one facing backlash for having sex."

"No one cares about your feminist bullshit, Alice." Jordan sneers. "You're a hypocritical whore who deserves this. All of it."

"And you don't right?"

"I'm not the one who got caught having sex on tape."

"Rot in hell, Jordan."

Alice may have been going through it, but she isn't one to back down from a fight. She may be a bully and certified mean girl, but she isn't weak.

"You first, Alice."

I catch a glimpse inside the circle and I see Jordan slap Alice. Dya jumps in snd both girls start wailing on the blond haired girl. The crowd hoots and hollers, but I leave, going to find a teacher.

This school is terrible at regulating fights.

I return with a teacher who breaks up the crowd and fight, pulling Jordan of Alice.

"I hate you!" Jordan screams at her used-to-be best friend as she's dragged off. Everyone has dispersed now, and Dya is being taken to the office by another teacher who showed up moments after I brought the other teacher. They are too occupied with the girls who are trying to make a move at the crying blonde on the floor.

I crouch down next to Alice, helping her up. When the teachers see I'm stepping in, they tell me to take her to the nurse.

Alice's body is shaking as she cries silently. I help her down to the nurse. Her hair looks crazy and she has small scratches on her face and arms. It doesn't look too bad, but I'm not her to know if it hurts badly or not.

"Thank you," Alice barely whispers out as I walk her into the nurses office. I help her into the chair and the nurse comes in, looking alarmed at the beaten girl in front of her. I stay back and watch Alice get taken care of.

I see some bruises are showing now, the red spots on her skin turning purple.

"Grab me some ice from the freezer would you?"

I do as I'm told and the nurse has Alice hold the ice pack to her face.

"One second." The nurse rushes off, leaving me and Alice alone in the room. The silence is awkward and I wish I left earlier, but now it would be rude to leave.

"Hey," Alice speaks up. "I-um-" she clears her throat. "I'm sorry."

I eye her curiously, giving her a curt nod.

If that's her excuse for an apology of years of bullying, I'll take it. She's already being treated as an outcast and getting a taste of her own medicine. No need to kick her when she's down.

****

It's almost normal for me to have dinner at Dustin's house. I've been spending so much time with him and his family these past couple weeks.

As usual, after dinner the family watches a movie together. Like usual, I'm not too interested in it. Especially with Dustin sitting right beside me and smelling like old space and comfort.

Whatever it is I'm feelimg towards him needs to stop. It's not normal or healthy. Plus, all it'll do is break my heart. There's no way Dustin feels the same way.

When the movie is finished, it's minutes to nine and Dustin tells his mom he'll give me a ride home.

"Good night, Blade." He tells me as I open the car to get out.

I wave him goodbye and walk up to my house. As the door closes behind me, i hear knocking outside.

Confused, I open the door to see Dustin standing on the steps with a sheepish smile on his face. "Uh..." he starts awkwardly. "Forgot to give you this."

He hands me the cup from our pottery session weeks ago and I break out into a smile.

Thank you. I mouth.

"You're welcome," he signs.

******