I wanted to say something that would make him feel better, but I drew a blank. “AJ, I’ll be here no matter what, even when things get rough.” I didn’t know what else to say to him.
A faint smile crossed his face. “I keep telling myself that, but in the meantime I can’t stand not seeing you when I want to.” When he turned to face me there was sadness in his eyes. It killed me knowing that there was nothing I could do to take it away. I had to hope that my words were reassuring to him and he knew that I meant every word of it. In the big scheme of things, six months was nothing considering I’d wait a lifetime for him if I had to.
He reached for my hand and kissed it before leaning his head back on his chair again and focusing his eyes on the ceiling. From the corner of my eye I could see Leslie glaring at us. I snapped my head in her direction and met her gaze. Her face was void of the warmth and kindness that once dwelled there. Her cold, icy stare made my heart freeze over. An entire month had passed since our unpleasant conversation had taken place. Neither of us had tried to speak to the other. There wasn’t really anything to say anymore. She’d pretty much said it all already. As we continued to stare each other down the bell sounded. Neither of us moved right away. Eventually she rolled her eyes and rose up from her seat. I was developing a very strong dislike for the girl I’d once considered to be my closest friend. It was hard to admit, but I almost hated her. As she paced toward the door I was tempted to throw my government book at her head, but I’m better than that.
When school let out I walked to my locker to drop off my back pack. I rolled my eyes to myself and quickened my pace as I saw Antonio coming down the hall toward me. I was in no mood to deal with him. We hadn’t talked on the phone or at school since we went to dinner in December. I assumed it was because he and Megan were getting closer. “Hey,” he said as he approached me.
“Hey,” I replied flatly. I still had an attitude from the incident with Leslie earlier, but I was admittedly a little irritated with him too. I couldn’t help but to feel that it was a little underhanded that he’d decided to date Megan. Did he do it to make me jealous?
He seemed to pick up on my tone. “What’s new?” He asked nervously.
I really didn’t feel like talking to him so I tried to keep it short. “Nothing much.”
“Can you believe we’ll be leaving here soon?” He said as he looked around.
I rolled my eyes again. “I’m looking forward to it more and more as the days go on. There’s nothing here to miss.” I purposely stared into his eyes as I replied.
“What’s your problem?” He asked.
“I’m just irritated. This hasn’t been such a great day for me. Don’t take it personal.” I moved aside and started to walk past him, but he reached out for my hand to stop me. This must be his signature move or something.
“What happened? Your boyfriend piss you off?” The corners of his mouth tightened like he was trying to fight back a smile and that did it for me.
“You’d love that wouldn’t you? You’re just waiting for the day that I fall on my face so you can laugh about it. Well, Antonio, I’m sorry. Today is not that day, but if you’d like you can check back next week. Leave me ALONE,” I hissed.