Prove Me Wrong Page 3

  “What can I say? I’m always willing to help a girl in need.”

  “That’s my man.” Bobby puts his hand up for a high five. I reach out and slap it. CJ hasn’t taken his nose out of his Economics book since we sat down. He’s putting in the effort to make a change, but I just don’t see the point.

  I look across the cafeteria to the bathroom. Hailey still hasn’t come out. I hope she doesn’t think me and Amanda are a thing. God only knows what it looked like from where she was sitting.

  I need to do damage control, and I need to do it soon.

  I sit on the toilet and think of what Roxy said about Luke.

  “Remember the list of assholes? He’s number one. I’m surprised he even showed up for the first day. He’s a dirtbag who uses people, especially girls.”

  My heart sinks into my chest and disappointment consumes me. I knew he seemed too good to be true. A good looking guy who’s willing to be my personal guide? I should’ve gone with my gut. All guys are the same. What made me think he was any different?

  I can’t believe I almost allowed myself to fall for another Nolan Paxton. Some role model I am for my son.

  “Hailey, you in here?” I hear Roxy call from the other side of the stall. I take a deep breath and flush the toilet to make it believable.

  I push the stall open and see Roxy checking her makeup in the mirror. “Hey.” I go to the sink and run my hands under the water.

  “I couldn’t stand another second of Dana and Paul’s make-out session.” She smacks her lips together then catches my reflection’s eyes.

  “You okay?”

  I smile away my disappointment. “Fine.”

  Roxy laughs then adjusts the pink collar of her button-up to rest perfectly on her tan sweater. “Because that’s believable.”

  “It’s just what you told me about Luke. I didn’t get that vibe from him.”

  “Let me guess?” she asks, turning around and leaning against the sink. “You fell for his charm? Most girls do.”

  I look at her with wide eyes. Most girls?

  “But that’s why you have me. So you don’t have to worry about Prince Charming breaking your heart.”

  “Thanks, but I didn’t. I just had to pee.”

  “If you say so,” she says with a raised eyebrow, looking completely unconvinced.

  “We had a few classes together and now…” I don’t know what exactly I’m trying to say, but Roxy smiles.

  “Don’t worry. Stick with me and he won’t bother you.”

  “Okay,” I say because she seems so thrilled by this and if he’s who she says he is, it’s for the best.

  She turns back and gives herself one last glance in the mirror. “I have to go try to detach Dana’s face from Paul’s now so I can ask her something. You coming?”

  “Right behind you,” I say.

  “Okay then. Wish me luck.”

  “Good luck.”

  When Roxy leaves the bathroom I grip the porcelain of the sink and look at my reflection. The black bags under my eyes are darker than earlier and my hair is getting that scraggly stray dog look. I take the elastic from around my wrist and toss the strands up in a messy ponytail. The front part is too short to stay in place so it falls against my cheeks.

  Most girls. Roxy’s words bounce around my head. How many girls has he charmed? Obviously the stick figure with boobs is one of many. I’m surprised she didn’t stick her tongue in his ear. And that red tank top and those skinny jeans showed off her every curve, leaving nothing to the imagination.

  I poke my head out and Luke’s table appears to be empty. So I fall into step with the rest of the crowd, taking out my trusty school organizer and looking for the map. How hard can it be?

  Roxy comes up beside me, waving to someone over her shoulder. “Hey! There you are. Paul had to sneeze so it gave me just enough time to get an answer from Dana,” she says with a laugh and I force a smile. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine. I was just fixing my hair and makeup.”

  “It looks good.” That’s a line of bull. I didn’t put any makeup on and I didn’t even run a brush through my hair before tossing it up.

  “Hailey! Hey, wait up.” Luke calls out.

  My first instinct is to bolt, but I don’t. I’m about to turn around and ask him what he wants, but Roxy beats me to it.

  “Luke, she doesn’t want anything to do with you or your mind games. So do us all a favor and leave her alone.”

  Luke narrows his eyes at Roxy and I swear they’re having a silent war complete with bombs. Luke’s mouth twitches like he wants to say something but instead he runs his hand through his dark hair. Disappointment flashes across his face, but I’m sure he’s just mad his Adorable Charm cover was blown.

  “Come on, Hailey. Let’s get out of here.” Roxy takes my hand and pulls me away.

  She shows me where my class is and gives me her number in case I get lost going to my next class. I didn’t think it would be this easy to make friends. Not exactly what I wanted to do… but even if I can’t hang out with them after school, at least while I’m here I’ll have someone to talk to.

  Mom’s advice rattles around my brain. “Hailey, you’re a beautiful girl inside and out. You will not have any problems meeting people. I just think keeping Brady a secret for now is best.”

  She’s right. I know she is. But Brady’s my life. How can I pretend he’s not?

  I haven’t had to lie yet or make up excuses, but I’m only five periods into my first day. I have a year of lying I need to prepare for.

  The rest of my classes go quickly. I ask to be excused from sixth period saying I need to use the restroom when in reality I use the time to call home and check on Brady. When he hears my voice he starts giggling. A smile spreads straight across my face at the sound.

  “I miss you too, sweetie,” I say before Mom takes the phone back. “Did he eat yet?”

  “He just had some cereal. Yes, you did,” she says.

  It hasn’t even been a full day, and I’m already wishing I could get home to see him.

  “I have to go. Kiss Brady for me.” I hang up and get all teary-eyed. “Knock it off,” I say to myself like some crazy person as I swipe the tears away.

  Mom makes motherhood look like she’s some kind of indestructible superhero. Not me. Ever since I had Brady the stupidest things turn me into a blubbering mess.

  Eighth period and only one class left. Gym. Thankfully it’s at the end of the day. Last year I had gym first period. It should be illegal. You’d get penalized if you didn’t participate yet going through the rest of the day with only a change of clothes and another application of deodorant was gross.

  There’s a funny smell in the air as I enter the gym, and from the shine on the floors I’d wager to say they just resealed them. Several different groups have formed on the floor. I don’t recognize a single face among the crowd which means I have to make my own group.

  I sit down and place my bag in my lap.

  Alone and pathetic this seriously can’t get any worse. Then as if someone wanted to prove me wrong black Doc Marten’s stop beside me. My eyes glide up the curve of his jeans and the buttons of his black Dickie’s shirt until I am looking at those gorgeous blue eyes.

  “Leave me alone,” I say and purposely avoid eye contact.

  “What did Roxy say to you?”

  “None of your business.” I use my hands to spin myself away from him. He moves until he’s standing in front of me again.

  “Just tell me.”

  “No thanks. I’m not playing your game.”

  “What game?”

  “Don’t play dumb.”

  Those sparkling blue eyes narrow at me and I shift from one cheek to the other, trying to ignore the unsettling tension engulfing us.

  With a huff he runs a hand through his dark hair. “Obviously you already think you’ve figured me out. Too bad. I would’ve liked getting to know you.”

  He takes off like I’m
the bad guy. Is that fair? He’s the one that comes with a warning label, not me. Then again…I probably should.

  I watch as he joins one of the groups in the corner, and I can’t help but wonder what he would look like in a pair of gym shorts.

  I know. He’s off limits.

  But that doesn’t mean I can’t check him out.

  Finally there’s a girl I haven’t known since I had braces, and Roxy has to destroy any chance I have with her. I don’t understand why she can’t mind her own damn business. Ever since the ninth grade she’s been on my case, and I just want to see her get what she deserves.

  I can’t even believe I used to think she was cool. She’s one of the biggest bitches I’ve ever known. Whatever. I’m not going to let her win this round. I have a new plan.

  I hear the horn of the Caddy, pull my boots on, and grab my notebook. CJ is early again. I can’t imagine this lasting through the whole year. If it does, I might start driving myself. The only reason CJ picks me up is because he passes my house on the way to school and parking can be a bitch. Besides when we want to bail, we don’t have to worry about coming back for a car.

  “Looking sharp, my man,” CJ says as I plop myself into the seat of the Caddy, allowing myself to enjoy every soft second since soon I’ll be subjected to the torture devices the school calls chairs.

  “I always look sharp,” I joke back even though he’s right. I put a little extra effort into my clothing choice. Today is important. Today’s the day I’ll get Hailey to go out with me.

  So I put on my darker jeans, and my white, black and red plaid shirt that pulls tight across my chest, and my Doc’s of course. I don’t go anywhere without them.

  I roll the window down so the smoke from CJ’s cigarette doesn’t stick to my clothes. I never knew how bad it smelled until I quit. I don’t think Hailey smokes. I hope she doesn’t. There’s nothing worse than kissing a girl who does. I’m jumping way ahead of myself but wishful thinking is my tactic today.

  “So you plan on going to all of your classes?” CJ asks.

  “Depends.”

  “Depends on what?”

  “A girl.”

  “Dude, seriously?”

  “Why not?”

  Last year he’d be high-fiving me. He’s too serious now—like the fun was sucked right out of him. CJ opens his mouth, but instead of talking he takes a long drag of his cigarette.

  “What is it CJ?”

  “Nothing.”

  “No, what were you going to say. Please enlighten me.”

  “What are you doing, Luke?”

  “What do you mean what am I doing?”

  “Exactly what I said. It’s senior year. We’ve been fucking off since the sixth grade. Do you want to still be bagging groceries in ten years? Because I sure as hell don’t. I might be late to the game, but at least I’m making an effort. What the fuck are you doing?”

  “I told you I’m not cut out for college.”

  CJ pulls into the school lot and parks in the first empty spot he finds.

  “Then what are you cut out for?” He takes another drag from his cigarette then flicks it out the window. “Look, man, you’re my best friend, and I just don’t want you looking back and wishing you did something different.”

  “It’s not gonna happen.”

  “If you say so.” CJ grabs his backpack and slams the door. I watch him walk away from the Caddy and toward the school, his words reverberating in my head.

  I want to say screw this and walk home, but I find myself following him. It’s been a shitty morning but I know when I see Hailey, it’ll be worth it.

  The hallways are filled but unlike yesterday, people aren’t hurrying in all different directions. Yesterday was the day to test the waters, decide which classes you can be late for, how long it’ll take to get from the main hall to your homeroom.

  I walk into room 202 expecting to see Hailey in her assigned seat. But the bell rings and still no sign of her. Mrs. McNamara walks in and throws a stack of papers on her desk.

  “For those of you who care about college, I have some brochures here if you’d like to skim through them. You should already have an idea about what school you’d like to apply, but if you don’t, feel free to take a few to help you with your decisions.” Mrs. McNamara sits down in the big leather chair behind her desk.

  A few people skim through the stack. Even Russ walks up there. Like he plans on going to college. More like he’s trying to make people, more specifically, girls, think he is. I’m not fooling myself so I don’t bother getting up. Instead I take out my notebook and draw.

  As the ninja comes to life on the page, I wonder if I could find a job where I could put my drawing to use. I doubt it. Work isn’t fun and if that job existed, I’m sure everyone would be lining up. Just as I’m about to put the final touches on the page, the bell rings.

  I gather my stuff and wait till the last person leaves the room. My eyes land on the school brochures that are now scattered across Mrs. McNamara’s desk. CJ’s words from earlier lingering like a goddamn mosquito in my head.

  Ten years may seem like a lifetime away, but he’s right. I don’t want to be still bagging groceries then. I wander over to the desk and scan the different college names. I wonder if I’d get accepted to any of them.

  “Mr. Hannon, is there something I can help you with?” Mrs. McNamara asks.

  “I was just looking at the brochures.”

  “Why don’t you take some?” she insists.

  “I was just looking. I mean you need good grades to get into college, and well…” I gesture wildly to myself, knowing she knows I’m not exactly Mr. 4.0.

  “You don’t give yourself enough credit. Even if you don’t get accepted to a four-year school, you can take a semester at community college, get your grades up, and then apply for a transfer.”

  “I can do that?”

  “Of course. What period do you have lunch?”

  “Fifth.”

  “That’s my free period. Why don’t you come back and I can show you some colleges that might be the right fit for you.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Mr. Hannon, I’m a teacher. Despite what you may think, my students are my priority, and if the wild child I couldn’t tame from three years ago is interested in college, I’d love to help.”

  “I’ll see you fifth period then,” I say and when she smiles it’s warm and inviting, and nothing like the bitch I always thought she was. I suddenly feel guilty for all of the times she had to send me down to the dean’s office. Who knew Mrs. McNamara wasn’t that bad after all? I smile back, as if it will wipe away all of the horrible memories she has of me.

  I walk out of room 202 and into the hallway. It’s exactly the same as it was when I went in but it feels different.

  Like life’s about to change and I’m ready for it

  .

  “Mom where are you?” I ask, swiping the screen on my cell as I try to juggle Brady and my books.

  “I’m stuck at work. One of the nurses didn’t show, and I have to stay here until they find someone to cover.”

  “I’ve already missed homeroom. What am I supposed to do with Brady?”

  “You’re going to have to stay put until I can get home.”

  You’ve got to be kidding me. “There’s nothing you can do?”

  “I’m doing everything I can. Hopefully I’ll be home soon.”

  Great. I was in a rush but now I seem to have all the time in the world. If I would’ve known, I would’ve straightened my hair and picked out a better outfit. I only had enough time to throw on jeans and the Paramore t-shirt Becky got me last year at the concert I couldn’t go to because I had to stay home with Brady. To top it off, I got less sleep than the night before because Brady’s teeth still haven’t popped through. Can it possibly get worse? An ear piercing scream escapes Brady. Of course it can. It always can.

  I shift him from my right hip to my left and search the freezer for his teeth
ing ring. Out of the three he has, not a single one is in the damn freezer. I wash my hands and run my hand under cold water before sticking my finger in his mouth. A trick Mom taught me. He just needs something to chew on. In no time he stops crying.

  Brady’s lips go limp against my finger, but his little body still shakes with sleepy sniffles. Carefully as I can, I slide my hand away and kiss his forehead, the tears in my eyes turning from panic to relief. His eyelids have slipped shut and he’s out cold.

  I very carefully step over the ABC blocks, the stuffed animals strewn along the living room carpet and into his Sesame Street room.

  Grandma spoiled him after he gave his first clap at the TV when Cookie Monster appeared. Now die cuts of all the characters line the wall, including the street lamp.

  Aware of every little noise, every breath, and every movement I make, I ease him into his crib. The moment he’s comfortably on the mattress, I back up slowly, terrified any sudden movement will wake him. He looks so peaceful and I wish I could climb in there with him and take a nap.

  The rocking chair in the corner looks all too inviting. I tuck myself inside the comfy cushions and rock back and forth. My eyes get heavy with each motion. Maybe I can just close them for a minute. No harm in that.

  “Hailey. Sweetie, wake up.” I feel a hand on my shoulder and when I open my eyes Mom’s standing over me. Her eyelids look weighted, black bags invading her usual fair complexion. Her hair’s a greasy mess probably from running her hands through it so much. She has a tendency to do that when she’s stressed.

  I finally come to and remember, it’s a school day and I should be in class, not sleeping in the rocker in Brady’s bedroom.

  “What time is it?” I whisper, peeking over the top of Brady’s crib. A long breath of relief escapes when I see his chubby tummy breathing deep in sleep.

  “It’s 9:30.”

  “Good. I only missed a class and a half.”

  It’s actually a good thing I missed homeroom. The more distance I put between Luke and me the less likely I’ll fall for him.

  Who knows, maybe Roxy embellished a little. He didn’t seem as bad as she made him out to be. What I do know though. It’s inevitable. Despite what Roxy claims there’s something about him that makes it impossible to get him off of my mind.