Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6

By lunch time everyone knew Kevin and I were over. Whispers trailed behind me of 'she dumped him' mingled with 'he wanted Amy anyway'. I kept my composure. I refused to repeat my previous breakdown.

"Pass the ketchup please," I said, sliding into my usual spot.

Mid-bite in his sandwich, David lobbed the bottle my way. As Ilightly coated my fries Cross propped his elbows on the table and laced his fingers under his chin, studying me like I was his next amusement.

"I heard about the nasty break-up you had with Kevin." Instead of pity, he looked rather pleased with himself.

I rolled my eyes. "I wouldn't call it nasty, but it was necessary."

"Definitely necessary," he agreed, far too easily. "Next time you want to consider a guy, run it by me first."

I scoffed. Knowing his history, his level of self-assurance was astounding. "Right, 'cause you're a great judge of character."

"I spotted Kevin's game from a mile away while. I'm a very good judge of character."

"Clearly not. I can't remember the last time you were in a serious relationship. All you do is flip from girl to girl."

Cross smirked, as if I just proved his point. "Exactly, I'm looking for a good time, not a long tỉme, so I choose accordingly. It's called being efficient."

"You wanna help me with that?" David cut in, "Because I keep choosing clingy girls." He bit into his burger with an air of grievance.

"Please do not take advice from him," I begged.

Cross groaned. "Clara, you act like these girls are unwilling. They know what they're signing up for."

Teddy chuckled. "Speaking of, who are you talking to now?"

Cross stretched. I forced my attention to remain on my burger as the curves of his muscles moved with his shirt. "Jennifer. She had me awake until 2 A.M sending explicit text messages."

I shook my head. "You're insufferable. When are you going to look for something serious instead of using girls for entertainment?"

Cross leaned back, hand in his hair, eyes glittering. "When I fall in love with you." He let the words linger just enough before adding, "In other words, never.

My glare could've cut steel. He only grinned wider.

Jerk.

The afternoon sun beat down as I crossed the parking lot to wait for Amy. Earlier I debated just taking the bus- get home quicker, avoid the wait. But... I actually liked the quiet hours in the library. It helped me stay focused and get ahead on assignments. Also, if I showed up early my mom would immediately start asking questions.

Why weren't you riding with Amy? Did something

happen?

As much as I hated what Amy did, I was reluctant to let Mom know. She was too sweet and quick to attach to people. If she found out, it would ruin the way she vievwed Amy-and worse, put a strain on the 25+ year friendship she had with Amy's mom.

I could already picture her crying hysterically, then throwing Amy out the house in one breath. I wasn't vindictive enough to kick Amy out with months left before graduation. Besides, it's not like I was even that invested in Kevin. And although Cross's methods of proving his point were twisted, I'd rather face the truth than be ignorant.

From a distance a wave of cheerleaders spilled from the double doors, bouncing bows and flashing pom-poms in tow. The guys followed in their sports gear. Practice was officially over, but as always, they lingered to socialize. I spotted Amy instantly; her hands were linked with James looking the ever-picture-perfect couple.

I huffed. He pursued her so hard I half-expected him to collapse in heartbreak by now. But there he was, by her side like a dumb puppy. He scooped her up and spun her like a princess at a ball. I guess if you're pretty enough you can get away with anything.

Suddenly-a jab. Sharp and hard at the side of my waist. "Ah!" I yelped, jerking forward.

Behind me, mischievous laughter filled the air. My eyes narrowed at the perpetrator. Cross. He was doubled over enjoying my reaction. My hand was still pressed to my chest, steadying my heart of the adrenaline.

When on earth had he gotten out? I didn't even see

him.

"What was that for?!" I snapped, smacking his shoulder. WhenI went in for a second blow he caught my wrist mid-air.

"CJ, you've got to sharpen your awareness. What if I was a kidnapper?"

"Then I would fight for my life," I shot back. Still, I glanced around me, perplexed. I was confident I hadn't seen him slip past those double doors. "How did you even get here without me noticing?"

He ignored my question. "Tm going to pretend to be a

kidnapper. Are you ready?"

"No" I started, but before I could finish, he dove for my legs, sweeping me off the ground in one clean

motion.

The parking lot tilted beneath me, the sky spinning as Cross's arms locked around my legs. Then, he bolted, fast enough that strands of my ponytail whipped loose in the wind.

"Hey!" I shrieked, clinging to his arms for balance.

My fingers sank against the solid muscle of his bicep,

making my face burn hot.

Cross laughed hysterically, it rang rich and wild, echoing off the cars as he carried me like the Joker taking his next hostage. It was to the point that we drew stares from the crowd near the school.

Their heads whipped in our direction with curious attention on their quarterback.

"You're doing a terrible job Clara. Look, I'm almost at my car!"

His cheeks were flushed from practice, eyes gleaming with unrestrained amusement at having caught me off guard. I slapped my hands over his eyes, effectively slowing him down.

"Take me back right now!" I demanded.

Cross veered his head left, then right, but I followed each movement, stubborn as ever until I realized my hands were getting damp.

"Ewww, you're sweaty!" I screeched, pulling away. I wiped the residue on his shirt, thoroughly grossed out.

Cross grinned. "You should put them in a bottle. One day they'll be worth millions."

Before I could argue, he unceremoniously dumped me. If I hadn't grabbed a fistful of his shirt I would've landed flat on the asphalt.

I shoved him hard, but he didn't budge an inch. "A little warning would've been nice!"

He peered down like I was a petulant child. His height cast a shadow in the grueling sun.

"Kidnappers don't give warnings."

A saccharine voice interrupted us, "Clara, there you are. I was looking for you."

Amy's ponytail bobbed as she hurried over, eyes elated at the view of Cross leaning against his car.

Wait, wasn't she just with James? They usually spent more time together before we drove home. I guess an opportunity with Cross was worth abandoning her

boyfriend.

"Hey Cross, what are you guys up to?" She flashed her signature smile, the one that made most boys begin to pant.

Not Cross. Now, he looked bored. "Teaching Clara how to not get kidnapped."

Amy giggled, undeterred. She took another step closer "I want to learn too"

"Too bad, because I'm ready to go home," I said. I turned on my heel and headed back to her car.

Amy's smile faltered. She lingered, hovering like she expected Cross to stop me, but he already entered his car and was revving the engine.

I heard her stomp after me, each click of her heels radiating irritation. By the time she slid into the driver's seat, she slammed the door hard enough to rattle the mirror. Serene as ever, I adjusted myselfin the passenger seat and clicked my seatbelt into place.

I couldn't help but feel.. oddly satisfied. In the past I would create small opportunities for her to talk to Cross. Not anymore. That chapter of my life was over.

"That was not cool of you to walk off and ruin the moment like that," she said. Her lips pressed into a flat line, none amused.

I snorted. She's delusional if she thought that was a 'moment'. Seeing her jaw twitch, I said, "you look stupid flirting with Cross when you have a boyfriend. Does James not care at all that you're out here kissing and flirting with other guys?"

"No," she snapped, chin tilting defiantly. "We're in an open relationship. I can do what I want, and he can do what he wants."

My mouth dropped. "Are you serious? At this point, why not just stay single?"

It made no sense. The whole point of a relationship was commitment, but if it was a free for all she might as well lose the relationship status..

Unless…

"Wait, please don't tell me you got into that relationship to malke Cross jealous?"

Amy shifted in her seat, uncomfortable.

No way.

I knew she was dumb, but not this dumb. I gaped, then laughed hysterically.

"That doesn't even make sense, he never liked you," I said in-between laughs.

She glared, the grip on the steering wheel tightening. "Yes he did! We were together for two months!"

I wiped a stray tear from my eye, smiling. I didn't need to get any revenge on Amy, that girl was ruining

her own life.

"No, you hooked up with him for a month and the second month he had you and some other girl on rotation, remember? You begged me to go on his phone and block her without him noticing."

Amy grunted. She pulled into my street and rolled into the driveway with a sharp turn. The irony. I drove to school fuming, but now the roles were reversed and she's the one upset. Amy looked like she wanted to say more but restrained herself. Of course. She had the audacity to do me wrong while under my roof. At this point, she better be on her best behavior. I hopped out of the car with more pep than usual.

Before I could grab the door, it swung open. My mother stood there, eyes sparkling like she's been waiting for this moment. She gave Amy a polite wave before immediately smothering me in kisses.

I whined, wriggling under her affection, but hugged

her back nonetheless.

"I’ve been waiting all day for you to tell me the news!" She squealed, practically bouncing as she followed me up the stairs. Once we got in my room, she closed the door dramatically like this was going to be the biggest secret.

My eyes softened. Mom really was adorable. Growing up with so many girls she wanted that same bond with me.

"Sooo, is it boy?" She guessed, wiggling her brows in conspiratorial glee. Her voice was so full of excitement I didn't want to let her down.

I swallowed. Well, it was going to be. But not anymore. Unable to dim the shine in her eyes I did the next best thing. Clasping her hand I tugged her toward my closet.

"I decided I want to upgrade my style. I'm ready for a reset."

Her high-pitch scream reached the edge of the house.

"FINALLYYYY!"

I clutched my ears, laughing at her jump of joy.

Without a second to spare she dragged me out the door like she'd been preparing for this moment her whole life.

Yes, it was time to explore an area of my life I'd been

putting off for a long time.