3. Chapter Three
Itotally called it. Before I even grabbed my guitar, Ace had already texted Jade to hook up. Can”t say I”m surprised that Jade agreed to that. I swear, that girl is always craving attention and has more action than a college frat boy.
“So, what”s the deal now?” Ace asks, making a U-turn and getting back on the street. “You can tag along if you”re up for it. You know she”s down for whatever. Remember the last time?”
“Yeah,” I say, remembering how we totally railed her. And the time before that, I snapped a pic on my phone of her on her knees while Ace and I were fucking her. And how every time the bitch pouts when it’s time for us to bail.
I glance at my phone to check the time when Ace turns into my street. It’s only four in the afternoon.
“You sure you don’t want to join us?”
“Nah, I’m good. My old man will still be at work, and then he”ll hit the bar, so I”ll just relax for a bit and maybe do some writing. But don’t sweat it. You can still ditch my ass for some pussy.”
“Pussy always comes out on top. You know that,” he says pulling up in front of my house.
“Yeah, I”m aware of that. I”m outta here. See you tomorrow!” I lean forward and snatch my guitar from the backseat, then slam the door.
“Catch you later, fucker!” Ace yells, driving away with the windows down.
I stand there for a few seconds, watching him drive down the street until he disappears around the corner. I move down the front path to my house. The paint”s all chipped and the yard”s full of wild weeds. Unlike all the immaculate houses on this street, all adorned with fresh coats of paint and neatly manicured gardens. Our house used to be just like all the other houses on this block, but that was when Mom was still around.
With a sigh, I trudge up the broken path. I feel a sense of calm as I look at the empty house. The peaceful silence makes me feel at ease because I know my dad won”t be here to hurt me with his fists or criticize me for a while.
The front door creaks a little as I push it open. Despite my father’s absence, the air is heavy with the overpowering blend of whisky and cigarettes. It”s possible that the stench is from all the empty bottles lying around or the overflowing ashtrays. I shut the front door, casting a quick glance towards the lounge. The dent on the couch shows how many nights he”s crashed there, too wasted to make it to his room. It’s become his domain now, as if he’s eagerly awaiting any opportunity to unleash his anger. To remind me once again how small and worthless I am.
Walking down the hall, I glance at the many holes in the drywall my dad has made. Each hole tells a story, a testament to his anger and frustration. The sight of them serves as a constant reminder of the tumultuous moments that have unfolded between us. All the emotions, the hate, and the scars he’s left behind.
I enter my bedroom and dump my satchel and guitar on the bed. Then, I eagerly snatch my beloved, worn-out notebook. Its once flawless pages are now a mess of scribbles and thoughts. The ink, slightly smudged from countless entries, tells tales of creativity and inspiration. With my calloused fingers on the guitar strings, I let the music take over and write the next set of heartfelt lyrics.
When I finally sneak a peek at the clock, I”m shocked to see that nearly three hours have gone by without me knowing. The fading sunlight casts eerie shadows, transforming the room.
I put my guitar on the bed, feel a rumble in my stomach, and head towards the front door. Knowing there”s nothing to eat in the cupboards, I stick to my usual routine. Every night, I venture two blocks down to the nearby 7-Eleven, where I swipe something to satisfy my hunger.
As soon as I take a step out of the house, loud voices assault my ears, causing me to freeze in place. I”m completely drawn in by the intense scene happening at the house two doors down. Poppy Reeves’s voice slices through the air, every word tinged with frustration.
“Oh my god, will you please just stop already?” Poppy shouts, walking down the path towards the gate in front of her house.
I”m on my front patio, unseen, watching everything go down. Why not watch it? I’ve got nothing better to do. It”s looking like this will be my only source of entertainment tonight.
Poppy rushes through the front gate and plops down on the curb, chilling under the cozy glow of the streetlights.
Her mom is hot on her heels, all furious. “If you don’t make a decision, you’ll waste your life just like your father did,” she says, standing at the gate with her hands on her hips. “You have to choose.”
“And as I’ve already said, I’m not doing this right now.” Poppy inserts one earbud, deliberately tuning out her mom”s never-ending chatter.
“I’ve had enough of this, Poppy. I need your answer by tomorrow.”
“Can you please go away?”
“I mean it. You better give me an answer tomorrow or there will be trouble.”
“Yeah, that”s not gonna happen,” she says with a dismissive tone and a hint of frustration in her voice. With an eye roll, she inserts the other earbud, blocking out her mother’s voice. Then she starts scrolling through her phone.
Poppy”s mom walks over and taps her on the shoulder. “Poppy,” her mom says, trying to get her attention.
Poppy brushes off the fact that she just spoke and starts singing.
It’s “Rebellion” by Arcade Fire. Gotta admit, she”s got good taste in music.
“Ugh, why are you so damn stubborn?” Her mother adds, clearly annoyed as she walks away. “You can be so frustrating sometimes. You know that.”
From my hidden spot, I spy on her mom as she goes to her car, gets in, slams the door, and quickly backs out of the driveway.
Angry as hell, she steps on the gas and zooms off down the street.
I look over at Poppy, thinking she’ll go inside, but she stays put, belting out her tune.
Damn, the girl can sing! I take a few steps forward, closing my eyes to fully absorb the sound of her voice.
As the song ends, there’s an eerie silence on the street.
The hunger hits, so I quickly go down the front steps to find some food. I remain vigilant, keeping a close eye on Poppy as I proceed. Once again, her voice resonates, but this time, there’s a subtle tinge of sadness that was absent before. Emotion seeps into her voice, causing it to crack as she sings the lyrics to one of my all-time favorite songs: “Creep” by Radiohead.
As she sings, her voice quivers. A delicate tremor, like a whispering breeze, dances upon my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. It is as if every word carried the weight of her emotions, raw and unfiltered. The slight quiver in her voice hints at a tinge of sadness, a longing to find her own place in this world. At that moment, my body moves instinctively, drawn towards her like a magnetic force.
I feel a pang in my chest as I listen to her like she’s talking straight to my heart. There’s a sadness to her I’ve never seen before. And, before I know it, I’m standing in front of her, staring at her like a total creep. Luckily, she has her eyes closed.
As she passionately sings the lyrics, her voice captivates all my senses. I stand there, unable to move, unable to tear my eyes away from her. Every note she hits sends shivers down my spine, igniting a surge of emotions. I am completely spellbound, caught in a moment where time stands still.
I’ve never seen her like this before. And I dislike how her husky, seductive voice affects me. This is Poppy Reeves, one of the weirdest chicks at school. However, I cannot dwell on that at the moment. The minuscule cracks in her voice consume my thoughts, which give it a delicate quality, as if her voice could vanish into thin air. Still, it persists and resurfaces, unwavering in its conviction, as if this song was specifically written for her and the burdens she carries. It”s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this. I’ve grown accustomed to witnessing her clever remarks and sassy attitude. It’s what everyone gets to see. But now, her tough facade is cracking and I see her vulnerable side. Despite our different backgrounds, Poppy Reeves and I share a common desire to conceal our pain behind a mask.
There is something about this girl that deeply stirs my emotions. As she sings, a lump forms in my throat. It’s the combination of her voice, her expression, and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness that she portrays. The pain she conveys feels raw and authentic, making it the purest form of art.
The last note of the song sends chills down my spine, causing the hairs on my arms to stand on end. I can”t move at all. Because damn... Poppy managed to arouse me without even laying a finger on me. It’s as if her seductive and delicate voice wrapped itself around my very being, demanding my undivided attention. This girl is truly talented. Never before have I felt so understood by someone, as if they truly comprehend who I am. Every note that escapes her lips feels like pure magic.
When she opens her eyes, my heart skips a beat, but I play it cool.
With a startled expression, her eyes widen in shock, causing her phone to slip from her grasp and skitter across the road. “Shit!” she says, leaning forward to retrieve it.
I take a step forward, attempting to grab her phone, but she beats me to it. She”s totally focused on the screen, wiping away the dirt with her fingers.
“How long have you been standing there?” she asks, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment.
“You were really getting into that song, huh?” I know I”m being a total jerk by messing with her and making her feel embarrassed, but this girl somehow managed to get through to me in a way no one else ever has. I’m always in control, but now I feel the need to regain my power. I give her a sly smirk and casually slide my hands into my pockets. “So, what made you sing in the street? You know everyone can see you, right?”
She exhales deeply through her cheeks before getting to her feet. “What do you want, Xander?”
I can hear the defensiveness in her tone as if her words are covered in a frosty layer. I wish she would drop the facade and be genuine like she was when she sang. Unfortunately, my attempts to assert myself only prompt her to put up her guard again, protecting herself from those around her. “I didn’t realize you were a Radiohead fan,” I comment.
She sighs, clearly seeing through my act. “And how would you know? It’s not like you’ve ever made an effort to talk to me. Except for today in the bathroom, and that was just to mess with me.”
Smart girl. She clearly knew I was fucking with her. Noted. I can’t put Poppy in the same box as those other chicks. I need to be smarter if I want to push her boundaries even more.
Ignoring the whole restroom thing, I jut my chin out, pointing towards her phone.
“What else do you have on that?” I ask, my eyes fixed on the phone she holds in her hands.
“You mean music?”
“Yeah! Show me what songs you listen to, Creep?” I respond with another sly smile, playfully making a joke about the song.
Her eyes narrow and I notice her jaw twitch. It”s clear that the nickname I used pissed her off. In an attempt to prevent her from telling me to fuck off, I quickly clarify. But as I reflect on my behavior, I can’t help but question myself. Insulting people has never bothered me before. I love fucking with them. I have no clue why, but I don”t want Poppy Reeves to keep her distance from me. I want her to be as vulnerable as she was just moments ago.
“I only mentioned “Creep” you know because of the song you were singing…that’s all,” I quickly add.
“Okay,” she says, still eyeing me with caution. “What are you doing out here anyway?”
It suddenly dawns on me that she never responded to my previous question. If she’s going to play this game, I want her to answer my question first.
“I’ll answer your question if you answer mine first.’
I take a step back and begin walking down the street, expecting that she will either call me back or join me like other girls usually do to get my attention. However, as a few seconds pass, I realize that she isn’t doing either - no calling out my name or coming after me. So, I come to a halt and turn around.
I can”t help but smile when I see her walking to her gate. Unlike other girls who constantly seek my attention and allow me to have my way, she stands apart. There’s something different about her. My usual charms don’t seem to have any effect on her. It’s a new and unfamiliar experience for me.
“Hey!” I call out, my voice echoing through the serene street.
With her hand resting on the gate, she pauses and glances in my direction.
“Wanna go for a walk?”
“Where?”
“Down to the 7-Eleven?”
She takes a quick glance back at her house, and I”m completely focused on watching her as the seconds tick by. Judging by the amount of time she’s taking, I expect her to decline, but to my surprise, she starts making her way towards me.
As I walk down the street, she stays a few strides behind instead of catching up.
We fall into silence as we move down the street; the air filled with an eerie calmness.
Somewhere along the quiet street, I hear the rumble of a car engine come to life. I glance back at Poppy and see her nervously pulling on her shirt, a clear sign she”s nervous. I wonder if she’s expecting me to say something hurtful, like Jade and the other bitches always do.
As a car zooms past us on the street, the sound of its engine roars in my ears. I lift my head, feeling a rush of wind against my face, and track its movement with my eyes. The vibrant red color of the car races around the corner two blocks away, leaving behind a faint scent of burning rubber.
The sound of Poppy’s voice brings me back to the present.
“So, what are you doing down at the 7-Eleven?”
I come to a halt and wait for her to catch up. She deliberately avoids making eye contact and directs her gaze anywhere but at me.
“I’m getting something to eat, Princess.”
My words capture her attention as she lifts her head to look up at me. “Why did you call me that?”
“Call you what?” I ask, fully aware of what she’s referring to. Once again, I’m fucking with her, and I love it.
“Princess. Why did you call me Princess?” Her tone carries a hint of annoyance.
“Because you are a Princess, right? I’ve seen your cushy life,” I say as I approach the doors of the 7-Eleven.
I decide not to bring up the fact that I saw her and her mom having an argument on the street. It’s something I’ll keep to myself. Besides, I can’t help but wonder what they could possibly be arguing about, given her privileged life and everything.
The glass doors of the shop slide open. I take a step inside, feeling a rush of cool air against my skin. Poppy is right behind, her voice getting drowned out by the background noise.
“Trust me, Xander, I don’t live a privileged life. You know absolutely nothing about me.”
“You can pretend all you want, Princess, but I’ve seen your cushy house.” I slip through the narrow aisle, carefully watching the cashier.
As the cashier assists a customer, I make my way towards the hot food section. My eyes scan the brightly lit area, hopeful for a mouthwatering find. But nothing. The heating bays stand illuminated but dishearteningly vacant. I let out a sigh and accept the disappointing sight. Determined to satisfy my cravings, I opt for an alternative plan. With speed, I snatch a handful of chocolate bars, their wrappers softly crinkling in my grip. With a mischievous smile, I carefully slip them into my pockets.
As I quickly stuff more goodies into my other pockets, I glance up and catch Poppy’s gaze fixed on me.
She marches up the aisle, her eyes locked with mine, burning with intense fury.
As she draws nearer, I become increasingly aware of her stunning beauty. It’s not like Jade’s, which is instantly noticeable. Poppy is not afraid to stand up for herself, which I think is awesome and refreshing. Yet, there’s also a vulnerability about her I simply cannot ignore. All I see is pain in her blue eyes when they meet mine, revealing a depth of emotion that words cannot convey. Her face, with its graceful contours and gentle jawline, exudes a fragility that both intrigues and worries me. It is only now that I realize how her radiant beauty has gone unnoticed before, like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Fuck! You need to stop looking at her that way. Ace would have my balls if he found out all the dirty thoughts racing through my head about what I want to do to Poppy Reeves.
“Get them out of your pants now,” she spits, her gaze fixed over my shoulder to the cashier who is still assisting the customer behind me.
Casually, I toss out the following words, carefully watching her reaction to assess whether she might be open to the filthy thoughts crossing my mind.
“Princess, if you wanted me to pull out my cock so you can suck it, you should have mentioned it back at the house.”
She clenches her jaw, grinding her teeth together. Her eyes, full of rage, narrow, while her brows furrow. Stepping forward, she closes the gap until our bodies touch. The intensity of her presence sears through me, and my heart starts pounding erratically in my chest. Excitement tingles through every nerve in my body. What the fuck is going on with me?
As her gaze pierces through me, I find myself studying every contour and intricate detail that graces her face. I am captivated by the sight of her mesmerizing eyes, the gentle tremble of her lips, and the graceful curve of her eyebrows.
“You should know, asshole,” she hisses at me through clenched teeth. “I choke on small bones.”
Filled with anger, she abruptly turns on her heels and strides out of the store. Her actions clearly reveal the depth of her intense frustration.
As I watch her walk away, a mischievous grin forms at the corners of my lips. I can”t help but stare at her body, especially her amazing ass. There’s something intriguing about Poppy, despite her reputation. She”s a total loner at school, with no one to talk to or hang out with. It sucks that people see her as an outcast and always bully her. But she”s the only chick in school who”s not afraid to speak up.