Chapter 16: Chapter 16

“Have you heard about the rumors spreading around school?” I heard voices outside the stall I’m in.

“What? What rumors?” that sound a lot like Kim’s voice. Let me guess; applying lipstick and sizing their boob's preening like there's no tomorrow.

“I heard that Austin is dating the nerd girl, what’s her name again? Mary-Vienne.”

“That is not true.” She screeches hurting my ears. Bailey is right. What’s up with that voice? “That can’t be, Austin is mine. She knows that, you know that, everyone in school knows that so why would they say that. That’s not how the hierarchy in school goes. The popular rolls with the popular, the jocks date the cheerleaders, captain dates captain. Who is this girl and why is she trying to stick out of her lane?”

I roll my eyes seeming bored already. Can they just leave so I can do my business in peace?

“I know right. Yesterday I was going shopping when I saw them all booed up at the local diner downtown. I had to stop and watch them. Kim, it was like a scene out of a movie. They look like lovers and were acting like one. You need to see the way his eyes watch her like a fine China set. Ewww, it was disgusting.” Okay that’s enough, if this girl thinks I’m taking her boyfriend away and the other believe Austin loves me, it’s just a matter of time before the whole school knows about this. Our school is such a hungry gossip town. Austin kept this

hidden for his own reasons and they are about to cause great damage to not just him but me.

I flush making it known I was in one of the many stalls. Walking out to the sink, I turn on the tap washing my hand from the mirror I see the other nudge Kim whispering whose eyes

widen in realization. I paid no mind just washing my hands.

“So it’s you?” She spat out.

I eyed her for a second through the mirror sizing her, it’s no use. I went on washing my hands.

“Did you not hear me?” Bored and already waiting for this pretend conversation to be over, I sigh.

“What do you want Kimberly?”

“It’s Kim to you, Mary-Vienne.” She says with an attitude. “Are you dating Austin?” She blocks me when I tried to move.

“Why don’t you ask him since he’s your boyfriend?” I say exasperated. She and her team mates laugh at me.

“Look at you.” She scoffs. “Why would I think that my Austin will ever want a girl like you, plain, boring and a nerd?” Her words pierce not only my heart but my head. Memories and flashes run through my head of the times I and Austin spent together. I knew I was stupid to rekindle the feeling and I know he felt nothing but helping a favor in return. But why did her acknowledging my fears hurt more than it should. Closing my eyes, I inhale taking a deep breath.

“I have nothing to say to you Kim.” I tried walking past her again, she blocks me.

“Stay away from my boyfriend or…”

“Or what Kim?” Bailey? “You know your indecisiveness is slowly pissing me off. Do you want Austin or Lawrence or maybe Mr. Fredrick? Pick a choice. Probably that pretty little skirt you prance around the halls with make you want to jump on every male in this school. It gets pretty boring you know, watching you throw yourself at them and they never bat at an eye for

you. From a sister to a sister, no offence but you need to grow up Kimberly.” Her face is so red with anger that I just want to laugh. She faces me.

“This is not over Mary-Vienne.” She spat.

“Oh it is and when next I see you near her, your face won’t find it funny. That is a promise.” She huffs angrily taking her band of misfit with her.

“You okay?” I nod. “Tell me you’re okay.”

“I am okay.” Not.

“You sure? Why didn’t you tell her off?” she muses a scowl on her face.

“She’s right you know. I need to end this…whatever is going on between Austin and I.”

“What? No! Whatever she told you is stupidly wrong. Don’t let her words get to you.” Coming closer she hold my hand. I shake my head adamantly resting on the sink.

“I don’t know what is happening between I and Austin but it really need to stop.” Crest fallen I look at her. “Because I’m falling for Austin.” Tears well in my eyes.

“Oh babe.” She pulls me in for a hug as I sob out.

“I don’t how or when. I swear I tried, I tried so hard Bailey and each passing day with him I find myself falling deeper. What should I do? Kim is right. Hell, he even said it himself that he cannot love. He can’t give the type of love I deserve and it hurts Bailey, it hurts so much.” all the front I’ve been building up finally get to crumble. I sob on her shoulders as she tries her possible best to comfort me.

I’m doomed.