It’s a good plan until Michael Asshole Mitchell grabs my arm.
“Hey Becky, I need to talk to you.”
“Well, sorry, but I’d rather not.” Okay, so maybe I’m the perfect daughter until it comes to Michael. He makes me feel dirty anytime he touches me. I’d just as soon spit on him than talk to him.
“Don’t be that way.”
“Sorry. I’m busy.” I pull my arm away from him and head to my locker. It should have been enough to get rid of him, but he’s extra persistent today and follows me down the hall. Why me?
“Can you just stop for a minute?” Michael says as he puts his hand on me again.
Now I need another shower. That’s twice today. Why does he keep doing that? “No, I’m meeting Georgie and the girls for lunch.”
“Your mother told me to talk to you today.”
The words make my throat dry. Dread makes my shoulders stiffen. I have a horrible feeling I know what’s coming.
“My mother can tell me whatever it is when I get home later.”
“Not this. Dammit, will you listen to me.” His grip tightens on my arm, and his expression gets extra smug when I make the mistake of looking at him.
“Fine. What’s so important you have to talk to me right now?” I want to cross my fingers and pray I’m wrong, but I can’t imagine it being anything else.
“Just that I’m taking you to the prom. You need to wear a white or pink dress so we coordinate.”
“What the hell? You’re telling me or asking me?”
“I’m telling you. It’s already been decided. My mother spoke to your mine. They’re both thrilled.”
I mumble under my breath that I’m sure they are.
“What? Did you hear me, Becky? You need to grow up. This was always inevitable. Be thankful I’m allowing you to go away for college before we get married…”
I see red, then white, as my breath comes in short pants. Married? Since when? I’m going to kill my parents.
“You’re the one who needs a come to Jesus meeting with reality. I’m not marrying you. Now stop touching me before I kick you.”
Michael steps back and holds up his hands. His smirk firmly in place. His gaze moves from my face to something behind me, and his grin turns evil. Can this day get any worse?
I turn and see Jason waiting at my locker. His expression is closed off, and my stomach twists.
“Hey dip shit. What are you doing hanging around my girl’s locker. Get lost.”
“Michael, shut the hell up. I’m not your girl.”
“That’s right. She’s mine and she’s not going to prom with you, she’s going with me. Right, Becky,” Jason says as he straightens from where he was leaning against the locker.
Oh shit. I can’t get any words past my lips. I just stand there like a deer in the headlights. My heart is racing, and my skin is clammy, and I might just vomit.
“Becky?” Jason asks more softly this time. His gaze focused on my face.
I look up at him, and tears pool in my eyes. One slides down my cheek even as I try to blink them back.
“Look shithead, you made her cry at the horror of going anywhere with you.” Michael stalks over to Jason and punches him in the stomach.
As I see the pain on Jason’s face, I feel it deep in my soul. There is no coming back from this. I don’t know what to say. If I stick up for Jason, my parents will kill me. They probably have this all arranged with Michael’s parents like he says.
The longer I stay silent, the worse it gets. Michael wraps his arm around my shoulder. Jason’s eyes fill with so much hurt, it feels like my heart is breaking.
