Shattered Ties(9)

“I, uh...I remembered that I needed to grab a book from my locker.” “Couldn’t you do that after lunch?” I asked, calling her out on her lie.

We both jumped as the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.

“Look at that. It is after lunch. Later, Jesse,” Emma said as she waved and disappeared around the corner.

I stood in the hallway for a split second before I forced myself to start walking to my next class. Why did I chase her? What the f*ck did I care? She was a spoiled rich bitch, and I didn’t need her screwing with my head. I was here to get good grades and keep my mom happy—nothing more. Sure, Emma was attractive, but so were most of the girls in this school. There was no reason for me to give a shit about her.

I spent the rest of my day searching for my classes. The building was small enough that I could figure out where I was going most of the time, and if I couldn’t, there was always someone around to ask.

Each time I walked into a class, the teacher would give me a disapproving look as soon as he or she saw me, but I didn’t really care. They could think whatever they wanted to about me as long as they would give me the grades I worked for. If they didn’t, then we would have a problem.

I was worn out by the time the final bell rang, but I was looking forward to working my shift at the tattoo shop. Rick had been working on a back piece for a guy, and today was his final session. I couldn’t wait to see the end results. So far, it looked sick.

I threw my books into my locker and walked out to my car, happy that I was free. I threw my bag in the backseat, and then I slid into my car. I was trying to hurry so that I could get to the shop in time to see Rick finish the session, but when I turned the key in the ignition, the only sound I heard was a click.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I groaned as I hit the steering wheel.

Today was really not my day. I tried a few more times before finally accepting that I was going to have to call Andy and see if he could come pick me up. I pulled my cell phone from my pocket, and I nearly threw it out the window when I realized it was dead. What good is the stupid thing if I can’t use it when I need it the most?

I hung my head in defeat as I realized that I was stuck. I was either going to have to walk across town or ask someone here to use a phone. Both options sucked in my opinion.





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Why is it that on the only night this week when I don’t have cheer practice, Jesse is sitting in his obviously broken-down car parked next to me?

I’d been standing on the stairs, watching him fight with his car and then his phone for the last few minutes. I was still mad about what I’d heard him say at lunch, and I didn’t want to help him. I wanted to let him sit in his hot car and turn into a puddle. Okay, maybe I don’t want that, but still. He obviously didn’t think very much of me. So, why do I feel like I should help him? I should just get in my car and drive away, but I knew that I couldn’t. He needed help, and I was going to offer it to him.

I took a deep breath and walked over to his Jeep. “Need some help?” I asked him through the open window.

He nearly jumped through the roof before he looked me over carefully.

“My car won’t start. Can I use your phone?”

I pulled it from my pocket and held it out to him. “Sure, go for it.”

“Thank you.” He dialed a number and waited. “Andy, it’s Jesse. Listen, I’m broke down at school. Can you come get me?” His face fell as he listened to his friend talk. “No, it’s fine. I’ll figure something out. Thanks.”

He hung up the phone and handed it back to me without a word. He was obviously still in need of help even if he didn’t want to admit it.

“Did you get a ride?” I asked, pretending that I didn’t already know the answer.

He shook his head. “No, he has to take his mom to the doctor, and my mom is working right now. I’ll just have to wait until one of them is free.” “Where do you need to go?” I asked.

He glanced up. “I was supposed to be at work in ten minutes. I don’t see that happening now.”

I motioned to my car. “Get in. I’ll take you.” I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I’d already offered, and I couldn’t take it back now.

“You don’t have to. I’ll figure something out,” he said stubbornly.

“Oh, for God’s sake, get in my damn car, and I’ll take you where you need to go. Not all of us rich bitches are heartless, you know.” The words had come out of my mouth before I had a chance to think them over, and I instantly regretted them.

He didn’t say a word as he climbed out of his car and slipped into mine. Instead of making me feel better, the fact that he hadn’t commented made me nervous. I walked around to the driver’s side and got in, careful not to look at him.

“Where do you need to go?” I asked. “Rick’s Tattoos over on my side of town.” “You tattoo?” I asked.

I backed out of my parking spot and pulled onto the main road. I had no idea where Rick’s was, but I knew where the lower-class part of town was. He could just give me directions when we got closer.

“Nah. I’m only seventeen, so I can’t legally. I just work there as the shop bitch.”

Again, I couldn’t help but admire him for saying exactly what was on his mind. “Do you like it?”