Weird Dreams #3
I mulled over options in my head while going to my class after lunch. I quickly sat down and a girl who had lunch at the same time as me walked in afterwards. She took the desk next to mine. I asked, “It’s Gayle, right?”
Gayle smiled, “Yes, it is. I’m impressed you know my name.” I admitted, “I go to a lot of new schools. You speak up in classes which makes it easy to remember you.” Gayle smiled, “I’m the honors society president.”
I complimented, “That’s great!” Gayle winced, “I can’t believe what Lisa said at lunch. She’s always been mean, but she’s never threatened people out loud. Keaton dumping her really made her snap. Now she’s punching him and threatening her own sister.”
I nodded, glad I didn’t have to bring it up. I told her, “It was intense. I worry for Isla since Lisa radiates crazy. I’m getting the sense Lisa gets away with everything at home. Isla told me Lisa went after Justin when she found out that she liked him.”
Gayle gasped, “What a bitch! You know, I was thinking I should call and ask the cops to do a wellness check on Isla. That’s probably crazy.” I encouraged her, “No, you should. If Lisa is brazen enough to threaten her sister in school; what would she do at home?”
Gayle agreed, “You’re right. I really like Isla.
I know her sister and possie bully her, but Isla never says anything.
She finally stuck up for herself. Lisa should have to deal with the consequences of her actions.
I’m going to call as soon as school ends.
” I agreed, “I think that’s the right decision.
” Gayle nodded at me as the class started.
I found Keaton after school ended. He seemed to be in a daze and was barely paying attention. I bit my lip. The song in my head was worried too. I was going to have the name that thing if I kept referring to whatever was broken in my brain as a song.
The song huffed at me. Great. Now I’ve annoyed it. I began to worry that Lisa was right and that Keaton was regretting jumping into this relationship with me. What if he was trying to break it to me that he was getting back together with her? Pain filled me at the thought.
This was insane. We just had our first date. Ok the best date I’d been on BUT it was ONE date. I have got to chill. Keaton was still offering driving lessons. So, he wasn’t completely abandoning me. A small part of my brain whispered, “Yet.”
The word ‘rebound’ was playing on a loop in my mind.
Keaton commented he had a lot to think about which made me want to cry.
Was he leaving me too? Were we over before we’d begun?
What was I going to do we were? I was that girl who was going to be devastated by a two second relationship. That was just so pathetic.
I was so distracted that Keaton got the jump on me when he chased me around my apartment. I was surprised that he was somehow everywhere. I was usually faster than most people, but not him. My new conclusion was Keaton was obviously the flash or something.
When Keaton had to go, I ignored the lump in my throat. He’s not like everyone else, Odette. Keaton said he might sneak over later, and that gave me hope. I got ready for work and Keaton dropped me off at the bookstore.
Immy was talking to two women when I walked in. I smiled and waved while both women smirked at me as if they had a secret. I waved, “Hi I’m Od… Katie.” What was with that? Stop almost telling people your name! One woman raised an eyebrow.
Eventually she held out her hand to me, “I’m Isabella Miller, Immy’s grandmother.” The other woman introduced herself, “I’m Nadine Daniels.” I realized, “You’re Key’s grandma.” Immy squealed, “She calls him Key.”
Isabella laughed, “So I heard her say. My son is losing his mind over you, Katie.” I asked, “Your son?” Immy explained, “Daddy Matt. He thinks you look familiar but can’t figure out why.
” I shrugged, “People say that a lot around here. I was actually born in this state, not that far from this area. Maybe an hour or two away. I seriously doubt he saw me when I was little though.”
Nadine asked, “You’re originally from Tennessee?” I nodded, “Yup. I lived here for five years before we started moving around.” Nadine smiled softly at me then asked, “So, how’s my grandson?” I blushed, “He was fine a few minutes ago.”
Isabella gloated, “I told you that was his truck, Nadine.” Nadine acknowledged, “So you did.” She hugged me quickly. I was stunned but hugged her back. Nadine told me, “Thank you. It’s nice to see Keaton being himself again. Well, I’ll get out of your hair.” Nadine and Isabella left.
Immy asked, “What’s wrong?” I sighed, “How do you know anything is wrong?” My new friend answered, “Your aura is all sad.” I sighed, “Lisa said some stuff about Key. I’ve seen the on and off again couple a lot.
I shouldn’t be putting my heart on the line when the likelihood is Key’s going to crush me. ”
Immy frowned, “Keaton wouldn’t hurt you.
Lisa is just talking out of her ass because she’s threatened by you.
” I looked away, “She said I was a rebound and she’s probably right.
” That’s what I hated, because the reality was Keaton wasn’t a rebound to me.
He’d somehow become everything, and that was insane enough.
I didn’t care about being the laughingstock of some new school. I leave frequently enough it wouldn’t matter. I cared that it hurt that I was probably his rebound. It could be worth it though if I got Keaton away from her, even if it crushed me.
Immy asked, “Hey, are you ok?” I put on my fake smile answering, “Totally.” Immy frowned, “You’re lying. Don’t let Lisa get you down. She’s just jealous. You’re pretty and nice and everyone knows Lisa is neither of those things.”
I pointed out, “She’s pretty. Which I don’t want to say, but there is no denying Lisa is pretty.” Immy snorted, “You for the word crazy. She’s pretty crazy.” I laughed, “She does have crazy eyes.” Immy slapped my shoulder, “Right?”
We worked the rest of the shift and closed up the store. I hurried home because Keaton said he might sneak over. I smiled at Kenneth when I opened the door to the lobby. He greeted, “Hello, Ms. Karlton.” I smiled, “Hi, Kenneth.”
I went up to my apartment, made a quick dinner, and turned on the T.V. Overthinking as it got later and later, but Keaton didn’t text or call. The doubt started to creep in. Lisa and her friend’s smug faces saying I was a rebound filled my mind. What if something happened to him? I texted Immy.
Me: Is Keaton ok? I haven’t heard from him.
Immy: There was an intense family issue by where we live. It’s tense over here.
Ok, see? It’s fine. Don’t jump to bad things happening. I tried not to, but I was convinced Keaton was going to dump me. I cried while taking a bath, then tossed back and forth all night in my bed, hoping he would come by. Spoiler alert: He didn’t.
I gave up and got ready for school. I might need to start walking since I shouldn’t count on anyone but me. In the end, that’s what I have. Me. Don’t get caught up in everything, Odette. I found Keaton’s shirt on my floor, quickly picked it up, and smelled it. Like a weirdo. UGH! Stop it.
I forced myself to put his shirt in my closet. I almost put it in a baggie to keep his scent locked in. Then managed to convince myself to be SLIGHTLY normal. Even though every FIBER of my being wanted to hunt down a baggie.
The song started singing in my head which had me wanting to cry in relief. Keaton was here. I opened the door and the small conspiracy part of me that worried something had happened to him let go of all those crazy thoughts.
At one point, I thought maybe the mob got Keaton because he’d been seen with me.
Which was crazy, they’d just grab me. Probably all while telling me they weren’t the mob when they were so in the mob.
Should I tell Keaton my family was likely in the mob?
No, that’s a definite no. I do not know that for sure yet, it’s just highly likely.
I tried to be casual with Keaton about him not coming over, but he apologized. When we got to school, tension was thick. It was like the whole school felt it. Everyone seemed to be on high alert. Except Lisa and her friends, which I found odd.
Honestly, that probably meant whatever had everyone on edge was something they planned. They were the only ones laughing and having a good time. They were definitely up to something. Keaton wanted me to hang around school after his practice. I could do that.
After last period, I decided to walk around the school. There was still tension in the air. Keaton’s practice was almost over when the hissing started. Great. I was walking by the outdoor sporting area when water poured on me.
I screamed in surprise as I was pushed from behind. I stumbled into a space as I heard a door locked. I yelled, “What the hell?!” Lisa cackled, “Keaton won’t even look for you, new girl. He’ll be busy with me.” I shouted, “Lisa, this is ridiculous!”
I yanked on the door demanding, “Let me out!” Lisa said, “Mmmmm, no, I’m good.
I think spending the weekend in there will be a good lesson for you.
If it comes down to you and me; Keaton will choose me every time.
It’s best that you learn that now. You two were moving way too fast anyway.
You looked utterly clingy and desperate. ”
I screamed, “Are you kidding me right now? You’ve lost your mind!
You can’t do this!” I’d left my phone in my locker so at least it didn’t get ruined with the water.
It would’ve been helpful to have right now though.
Keaton would look for me, right? Lisa was wrong, he wouldn’t forget about me. I was supposed to be waiting for him.
I heard one girl worriedly say, “Lisa, she could freeze in there. It’s cold outside and she’s soaking wet.” Lisa snorted, “Hopefully she does. You guys run along, I have a meeting to get to.” A meeting? Was she for real?