Chapter 12: Chapter 12

The anthem is just beginning to play as I rush to my desk. Michael isn’t there which is weird because he’s always there. I pull my phone out to text him and see if he’s okay when I spot the texts from him I’d forgotten to open. I click on his name and begin reading:

6:45 p.m.

MICHAEL: U look beautiful, why R U so dressed up 4 a person U never met B4?

6:46 p.m.

MICHAEL: Call me after he’s left.

11:18 p.m.

MICHAEL: Did he leave?

12:01 a.m.

MICHAEL: Why Rn’t U calling me?

9:00 a.m.

MICHAEL: Meet me in my car after devotion.

I can’t breathe. He must have seen me get out of Scott’s car. My heart is racing in panic mode. Scott and I were holding hands going up the stairs. Coach Tammy told us to!

We did it here! Why did we do it here? I reached for HIS hand. I tell myself to take a deep breath. Mrs. Bridget is going through attendance like she has time to spare.

I don’t think devotion has ever taken this long before. It’s taking a long time.

Too long.

The bell rings.

The devotion suddenly feels like it ended too quickly. I collect all my stuff and scramble to the parking lot not caring if I’m going to be late or even attend the next class. My eyes scan the parking lot. I notice Michael’s Mercedes parked immediately next to Scott’s black Mercedes.

Breath Isabella breath! How do I let myself get into these messes?

Michael stands outside of his car staring at me. He’s dressed in his usual hat with a hoodie covering most of his face and jeans. He’s smoking., he’s smoking a cigarette. He never smokes. I don’t ever think I’ve seen him smoke before, is this what he does when he’s angry? Petrified to approach him but knowing I have to, my legs are getting heavier with each step.

He is jumping to the wrong conclusions. Maybe I’m jumping to the wrong conclusions. I don’t know for sure that he sees me. I have no idea why he wants to talk. I didn’t think I was, jumping to conclusions that is. He most definitely sees me.

He takes a long drag of the cigarette before flicking it and unlocking the car doors. I know I only have seconds to collect myself and get it together. He doesn’t look at me or talk, just silent.

I wait for him to say something, but he doesn’t. I start staring at the clock on his dash. I will wait five minutes for him to break the ice and if he doesn’t then I will. My face is getting hot with upset.

I know he is waiting for me to start, “Hi.” Oh My God. How lame! It couldn’t have been lamer! I look past him at the Mercedes praying we will quickly finish whatever we are doing here, in case Scott comes out. I lied to Scott about having a boyfriend! It isn’t like I had a choice. I was put on the spot with Mrs. Brandon AND my parents being there!

“Hi?” he mimics in an exaggerated tone.

“I take it buddy who drove you here this morning is your new ‘partner?’”

“Uhm, Yep, that is Scott. He’s going to be going to our school,” I giggle nervously.

“You can’t be serious?”

“Dead serious, he’s registering today.”

“Do you want to tell me why you were holding hands with your sports partner off the ice? Actually, why were you even in his fucking car?”

I sense major jealousy.

“Mom made all the arrangements. He’s going to be taking me to school from the arena every day. If you want to date me, you’re going to have to get used to the fact, that I’ll be spending a lot of time with him.” “I’ll pick you up from the arena.”

“You can’t! What will I tell my mother?” “You held his fucking hand,” he seethes.

“Yes, I did. Coach Tammy wants us to look like we’re a couple when we’re in the public eye. He says that couples with chemistry tend to get higher marks. If you’re worried about him Michael, rest assured, I don’t even like him.”

“If that’s the case then why did you dress up for him? Do you want him to like you?”

“Of course not, for all I know he might be gay! We always dress up for Holidays at our house,” I explain to him.

“So, is he gay?”

“I hazard to guess, but unlikely.” If he is, it would be a severe blow to womankind.

“Why didn’t you call me after your company left?”

“I forgot. I was texting back and forth to Anna, and then after that, I fell asleep. I didn’t even have my phone on.”

“Does he know you have a boyfriend?”

Catecholamine is now racing through my bloodstream. I begin hitting fight or flight mode. Either way, I answer this question, I’m screwed. I chose to placate Michael until I have enough time to come clean with Scott, “Yes, of course, he knows.”

“He better knows, because if you’re not telling me the truth, I’ll make sure he finds out,” Michael threatens. “I’ll walk you to class.”