Hanging Out With The Bad Boys

Chapter 4- "Me? I Would Never"

Tonight, I’m having dinner with Chelsea, who’s bringing her nephew from my school who’s around my age.

I woke up at 6:30 am to get ready for Justin, who is picking me up at 7:30. We’re all becoming good friends, and I’m excited for tomorrow’s shopping trip; they plan to reorganize my closet, and I need to decide whether to ride my motorcycle or my SUV on Monday.

Dinner is at one of my favorite—though expensive—restaurants. I’ll wear jeans and a tank top with a matching jacket, since I don’t own a single dress.

After bathing, I put on sweatpants and a fitted shirt, leave my hair down, grab my bag, and close my bedroom door.

I plan to tell the boys my secret today. With some time left, I quickly fry an egg, eat it with bread, and drink some milk.

My dad left for work early, so he’ll be home soon for dinner. He seems much better than he did three years ago.

After eating, I lock the front door and head to my usual spot. I check my phone and see a text from Luke.

Quiet boy: "Hi Anne, Justin can't make it today, so I'll pick you up instead."

Me: "No problem, just pick me up at the address."

Five minutes later, a black BMW pulls up. Luke rolls down the window, smiling. “This is Kyle’s car; I ride a motorcycle.”

“Okay, let’s go,” I reply.

At school, I wait for Luke to get out first, then follow. Every girl nearby drops her smile as we pass, whispering, “What’s with that nerd hanging out with the bad boys? I can't even get close to them.” They speculate about who I might be with next.

I walk in with Luke, and Jordan puts his arms around my neck, with Jacob on the other side, surrounded by six boys. People gasp as we go to my locker; at least Stephanie isn't here. I grab my books just as the bell rings, and the boys disperse.

I have chemistry with Carlos, who is late today.

As the teacher calls roll, Carlos walks in, smiling, and sits next to me, my partner. Suddenly, our vice principal, Mrs. James, storms in covered in orange paint. Everyone laughs, and she yells, "Mr. Charles, where are you?"

Carlos grins and says, “Right here, Miss! Can’t you see I’m studying with my partner, Anastasia?”

She snaps, “I know you put that bucket of paint over the door.”

Pretending to be shocked, he replies, “Me? I was here with Anastasia all along, right, Mrs. Kelly?”

She nods, “Yes, Mrs. James, I have him present.” She likes Carlos for his high grades.

Mrs. James warns, “This isn’t over, Charles. You won't be so lucky next time,” and leaves. The class erupts in chatter while the teacher sighs and resumes the lecture.

***

At lunch, the main topic is Carlos' prank. I’m sitting with the guys—Kyle talking to Jordan about the upcoming race, Justin and Carlos planning a drinking challenge, Jacob sending flirtatious glances to girls, and Luke and I just eating in silence.

Justin asks, “There’s a party tonight. You guys in?”

Luke and I simultaneously reply, “I’ll be busy.” I glance at Luke, who shrugs. Then I remember my secret.

“Guys, I have something to tell you.”

Jacob feigns shock, “You're on your monthly—that’s obvious.” Carlos slaps him on the back of the head, saying, “Don’t be an i***t. Go on.”

I whisper, “Mr. Alvin Montez, the big business owner in two countries, is my father,” and lay my head on the table, waiting for their reaction.

Jordan finally breaks the silence, “I can hear party every week,” trying to cheer me up.

Someone taps my shoulder. I look up to see Justin staring at me. “I know you guys probably hate me,” I sigh.

Jacob rubs my back, “No, we don’t. I can’t imagine what you went through when your mother was arrested.”

Jordan exclaims, “I can’t believe I thought Anne was pretty,” and I push him playfully.

Justin assures, “We’re good, Ana. It’s okay; we’ll always back you up.”

I smile, and Kyle says, “Group picture!” We huddle together, and I take out my camera. After snapping the photo, I show it to the boys.

“Definitely a keeper.”

_____