What Happens in High School

Max’s POV

I couldn’t stay for band practice today, I had to go to the dentist. I hated the dentist. I never had any cavities or really any problems at all for that matter and for that I was thankful, but it was just the fact that he always used what seemed to be the sharpest tools he could find and never failed to make me bleed. I was sick of tasting my own blood at the dentist. No matter how much I protested, my mother the dental hygienist always noted the importance of these twice yearly visits and dragged me there anyway. At least he let me listen to music in the chair.


When I met my mom at home she told me to brush my teeth even though the dentist was likely to make me do it at the office and we left. In the car I was planning on listening to music but I guess she figured we hadn’t talked enough recently because she pulled one of those, “So how’s everything been? I feel like I haven’t even been seeing you lately.” It was true, now that school was back in session I was a lot busier.

During the summer I would normally hang out with Ray at either his or my house, or Frank would come over, but that was about it so I normally got to see more of my family then. During the school year though I was all over the place. In addition to the normal school day I had ensemble rehearsal, cross country practice, debate team meetings, and not to mention, hanging out with my boys. And by the looks of it, I might soon be adding a boyfriend to the mix.

“Everything’s been fine. You know, the usual.” I tried to slip in my headphones before the conversation progressed. I loved my mom but our conversations had the tendency to become a little…uncomfortable at times. “Well how’s Ray? And the band?” My mom, along with my dad and Ray’s parents, were their biggest fans. Besides of course me.


“He’s doing alright, they’re all good. They just found a drummer.” I told her without getting too in to detail.

“Oh, is it that blonde boy? The handsome one with the piercings?” I swear sometimes I thought my mom was either an undercover agent or a covert government spy. How did she know about Bob? “I saw him when he came over before you went to Ray’s last week.” she explained. While we’re at it, let’s add mind reader to my mom’s list of secret façades. “Yeah, that’s him. His name’s Bob.” Might as well just go with the conversation, I’m not going to get out of this one.

“Well he seems nice.” My mom said as she gave me one of those creepy ‘he-likes-you’ mom looks. Ugh, I hated having ‘boy talks’ with my mom. When was she going to face the fact that these would never be comfortable conversations? I just sat there and nodded my head trying to avoid the conversation, and my mom didn’t push it.

We got to the dentist’s office and my mom filled out forms in the waiting room while I was in the back brushing my teeth. Called it. When I was finished and my mom had handed in the forms I was called into the side room. I greeted the dentist who then let me listen to my music while he looked at my teeth. I put in my ear-buds and surprisingly the first song to come on was the song from earlier. ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ by Billie Holiday. I had the song too and when it came on shuffle I was a little shocked, like the universe knew.

This made me think of Bob. The song came on in his room and we listened to it. I started to sing along and remembered the scene from The Notebook. I always thought it was one of the cutest scenes in any movie even though I wasn’t normally one for chick-flicks. I thought about how Noah and Allie danced in the street and how I wanted that with Bob. I stood and held out my hand which surprisingly he took. I’d never slow danced but I knew that the girls were supposed to hold the boys shoulders. I wrapped my arms lightly around his neck as I felt him put his hands on my hips. I could feel the electricity between us and it gave me the chills.

I looked into his deep blue eyes and he looked back into mine. Normally one would look away from the awkward situation but I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He smelled like soap and cigarettes, which somehow completely suited him. I took in his scent and the feeling of his hands on me and just being so close to him. I knew the moment was right. No, it was more than that, it was perfect. We fit perfectly together with each other and everything was falling into place. I felt the nerves creep up on me as he started to lean down. I knew what he was going to do. I closed my eyes and stood up on my toes a little to meet him halfway. We were so close that I could feel his warm breath on my lips and right was it was about to happen, RING!

Leave it to Frankie to ruin a moment. Bob’s phone rang with Frank on the other line calling him down for band practice. I would have still liked to kiss him after that, but the moment was already gone. It would have to wait a little longer. At least now I knew though, I knew how Bob felt, that what we had was mutual, and it rocked. I had previously been so nervous to talk to him and just to be around him, but after today, all I wanted was to be near him. Things would change from here on in, but hopefully for the better.

The dentist continued to poke and prod in my mouth until I was, not surprisingly, bleeding. I rinsed out my mouth and we called it a day. He gave me a little bag with a new toothbrush and some toothpaste along with dental floss and a little bottle of mouthwash to ‘keep the cavities away.’ I thanked him and went out to meet my mom. We said goodbye to the receptionist after making an appointment six months in advanced. We left the office and headed home. This time I put in my ear-buds before I got into the car, guaranteeing that my mom and I wouldn’t have any more conversations about Bob. Who knows what would slip out if I opened my mouth?

When we got home, instead of going inside I walked over to Ray’s house. I knocked on the door and he let me in. We went up to his room and sat down on his bed. It had to come out eventually and I really didn’t want to keep this from him any longer. “Ray, I have to tell you something.” I started.

“What? That you liked Bob?” Well that hit me like a ton of bricks. Where did that come from? Ray never talked about guys with me, so it was strange that he would be the one to bring it up. But I wasn’t here to talk about Bob, I needed to tell Ray about the other day. I pushed away the thought of Bob and said, “What? No, I’m being serious. I need you to know something.” Ray sat up a little to listen to what I had to say.

“On Monday, I kind of…gave in.” Ray looked confused. I knew that he knew what I was talking about but I also knew that he wanted me to say it. “I cut.” Ray looked down at his lap. I really betrayed his trust and it was expected that he’d be upset with me but he still needed to know. “Why?” That was my same question.

“I don’t know. But I feel really bad about it. I wanted to let you know. I threw away my kit. It’s gone for good. As for Monday, I don’t know what happened I just, lost it. I know I should have come to you first but it just kind of happened. I didn’t plan to…”

“Max!” he cut me off. “You don’t need to explain yourself.” He said pulling me into a tight hug. “Just please, don’t ever do it again. I need you. Just come talk to me, I’m always around.” He rested his chin on the top of my head and I replied, “I know, I know, and I love you for that. I’ll come to you, I promise. Don’t worry.” But how could he not worry, I was his nut-cased best friend after all.

We broke the hug and sat for a minute before I said, “So what was that you said before?” recalling what Ray had said when I first came over. He thought I liked Bob? I couldn’t imagine why he would say that, especially since he hated boy talk. “Oh, I just thought that’s what you wanted to talk about. I mean, come on Max, it’s kind of obvious.”

Was it really? Was it that clear that even Ray knew? I suddenly felt a little embarrassed. I did like Bob but I wasn’t dating him and I wasn’t sure if I wanted all the guys to know before anything happened. Did all the guys know?

“So who else knows?” It was obvious at this point so might as well not beat around the bush with Ray. He knew and there was no denying my feelings. “Well, everyone. But Bob.” Figures, my friends knew me too well. Now that it was out I had to admit I felt a little better knowing I wouldn’t have to hide it anymore. Except from Bob. Although he almost kissed me so I figured our feelings were at least almost mutual. I stayed with Ray for a while just talking about stuff. Even though we were each other’s best friend, we barely got any alone time, so this was nice.

I left a little while later but not before swearing on my life that I would never cut again, and that if I wanted to I’d snap my rubber band till it broke and call Ray immediately. He hugged me goodbye saying, “Good. I’ll see tomorrow morning.” And with that I left. Two confessions in one day, must have been a record.
...

Monday came and went quicker than expected. I’d seen Bob a few times that day but never long enough to talk with him. Well, I had seen him in the car that morning but I wasn’t going to discuss the almost-kiss with Ray sitting right there. I wanted to talk to Bob about it but how was I supposed to bring something like that up? I couldn’t just say, Hey Bob, remember how you almost kissed me on Saturday? I didn’t want to have these feelings weighing me down but there was nothing I could to do about it right now.

At the end of the day I was feeling a little bummed that I didn’t get to talk to Bob but figured that this was one of those things that just needed to be given time. I stood at my locker debating whether or not I should bring home my Spanish notebook when it happened again. I turned as I heard the familiar, “Hey babe,” smoothly slip out of Jack’s lips. I didn’t say a word, pretending that he wasn’t even there. I grabbed my Spanish book just to shorten my locker visit and shut the door. I slipped my backpack straps over my shoulders and started to walk away. He didn’t try to grab me this time but I heard his footsteps behind me.

“Come on Maxie, what’s a guy got to do to get a date with a sweet thing like you?” I rolled my eyes and continued to walk without even looking at him. Unexpectedly I felt someone push me, really hard. I stumbled into the narrow hallway behind the library and was cornered by Jack. We were suddenly face to face with only inches between our noses. He looked a little pissed. What did he want with me? He could have any girl in the school but he wouldn’t leave me alone. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Max, I’m not going to play this game with you. I want you, so I’m going to have you. Don’t fight me on this babe.” I turned to face away from him but he lifted his hand to hold my face towards him.

“Hey, I’m not going to say it again. You’re going to go out with me whether you want to or not, but trust me you’ll want to.” I opened my mouth to retaliate but stopped when I saw the annoyed expression on Jack’s face. It was a different kind of annoyed though, not like I was the one causing it. He let go of my face and turned blocking my view of what was behind him. “What did I tell you last time?” I heard someone say behind Jack. “Stay away from her, she doesn’t like you, so just give it up.” I realized that it was Bob. I recognized his voice as he told off Jack. “I’m really not kidding, you touch her or even talk to her again, and I’ll make it so you’ll never have kids. You understand right?” Bob was so calm which made him seem that much more serious and intimidating. It was pretty hot.

I heard Jack breathe in heavily, fuming from Bob having interrupted him. He quickly turned back to me and said, “Fine, if you want to be with this loser, I’m not going to stop you. You’re so not worth it anyway. I don’t even know why I thought you were in the first place. You’re just a sad emo girl who’d be lucky to be with a guy like me, but you just blew that chance. I’ll be fine, but you? Maybe you ought to go back to those razors, honey.” And with that he picked up his bag and forcefully push past Bob who didn’t move to let him through. In that moment I had a thousand and one thoughts going through my mind. I wanted to go home. I wanted to cry. And the scariest of all, I wanted my razors. I watched Jack storm off for a second until my thoughts were interrupted by Bob’s voice.

“Max?” He said in a notably softer and gentler tone. I looked up feeling the stinging tears in my eyes starting to well up but refusing to let them go. I saw the concern in Bob’s eyes which only made me want to let it out more, but I fought it back and said, “Yeah?” careful not to speak to much in an effort to calm myself down a bit. “Are you okay?” he said taking my face into his hands gently to see if Jack had hurt me. I nodded my head and continued to keep down the tears. It was no use. I felt a single tear roll down my cheek and Bob gently wipe it away. Once Bob grabbed my hand and led me out into the parking lot, I broke down.

Bob held my hand as we met Ray by his car. Once we got to him I let go of Bob’s hand and fell into Ray pulling him into a tight hug. Ray held onto me without a word. After a moment or two he looked to Bob and asked, “What happened?”

“That Jack guy. He was getting a little too ‘friendly’ with Max in the hall behind the library. He had his hands on her and it looked like he was going to hurt her. I told him off and he didn’t take it so well.” Bob explained what he had seen to Ray who then asked. “What did he say to you?” as he loosened the hug just enough to look down at my now tear stained face. I couldn’t say it. I didn’t want to believe that I’d even heard it let alone have to repeat it. “He, he.” I stuttered out as I tried to calm my breathing. “He called me a sad emo and said that I was lucky to even get a chance with someone. And…he knows.” I buried my face into Ray’s chest wanting so bad to forget that I’d ever heard that, to just go back and not come into school today in the first place.

I just stood there in Ray’s arms with Bob behind me. After a few minutes I let go of Ray and went over to Bob. Without a word I grabbed onto his waist. He was a little surprised at first but quickly caught on and hugged me back. I just stayed there for a moment crying against his body and taking in his familiar scent of soap and cigarettes. When I felt like I’d calmed down enough I looked up at Bob who I was now realizing was notably taller than I was and said, “Thank you. I don’t know what he would have done if you weren’t there.” I didn’t even want to say that ass-hat’s name. I never wanted to see him again, I don’t know what I’d do if I did.

Bob kept his eyes on me looking down into mine. I felt so safe with Bob there in his arms. It’s the closest we’d ever been to each other, even closer than the almost kiss. My body was flush against his and seemed to be a perfect fit. Like two puzzle pieces that had finally been put together.

“Don’t thank me. I couldn’t just let him use you like that. It’s not fair. You’re so much more than he’ll ever know, and he just blew his chance of really getting to know one of the most wonderful girls he’ll ever meet.” Bob’s words made me tear up again but this time for a different reason. Those right there were the most cordial words any one had ever said to me in my entire life. They made me never want to leave Bob’s arms, never to leave his side again. I wanted to tell Bob right then and there how much he meant to me. I wanted to tell him how I’d wanted to be with him from the moment we first met and finally complete our almost kiss. Not only were there still tears rolling down my cheeks and sniffles stifling my breathing, but Ray was also standing right there, so maybe some other time.

I wiped my eyes and calmed my breathing then put on a smile to show that I was going to be okay. It wasn’t a forced smile, it was true, and Bob’s words only made it that much more genuine. Ray drove us all home and gave me one last hug before I went inside. With my eyes finally dried and my breathing back to normal I went into my room and pulled out my iPod. I plugged it into the speakers and let Billie Holiday’s voice fill the room. “I’ll be seeing you. In all the old, familiar places. That this heart of mine embraces, all day through.” The words sang out and I thought of Bob. If it wasn’t before, this was now our song. My reminder of him, and every amazing thing that came with him.

Notes

Hey-yo!!! Hope you're liking the story so far!! ^.^ Leave any comments, I love hearing your feedback, and I'll see you back here next week!!

Now I'm off to the eye doctor to get fitted for contact lenses (that is if I can even get them in my eyes) I've worn glasses for the past nine years (I'm almost seventeen now) so this is gonna be weird...