Chapter 7: Chapter 6. The Bad Boy Has Manners

BLAKE

Something was off. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew something was up. Her face gave it away. She was hiding something.

She was just gazing out the window, lost in her own world. It was funny how, ever since our first encounter, we kept bumping into each other.

The strange part was, I didn’t mind it. Don’t get me wrong, Claire is stunning. But I don’t do love. It’s not my style! But I can’t deny that Claire intrigues me.

She’s mysterious and reserved. Well… sort of. At school she is, but outside of school… she’s… ~feisty.~ I don’t know much about Claire, but I know enough to want to know more. I know, it sounds odd and confusing.

But I couldn’t care less. Claire is starting to captivate me, much like White Wolf. Speaking of White Wolf, she was amazing tonight!

Man, Nick’s ego was crushed right then and there. He got beat by a girl! Despite my advice, he thought he could take her.

I’ll give Nick credit for the good punches he landed. I even think White Wolf was a bit taken aback, but then she showed him no mercy! The guy was out cold for thirty minutes.

I couldn’t help but laugh when he woke up. He made me promise not to mention it… but we all know people from the fight also go to our school so there’s no doubt the news will spread as soon as we step into school.

I grinned as I pulled into McDonald’s. My stomach growled at the smell of food and when I turned my head, Claire was already out of the door and heading in. I snorted. ~Someone’s hungry~.

I got out of my truck and locked the doors. There was no way I was letting my baby get stolen.

I grinned as I walked into the fast-food joint. Claire was already at the counter, ordering her food with a polite smile, showing off her pearly whites. Is it bad that I felt my heart skip a beat at her smile?

No, that couldn’t be. It was just lust. Just lust that I felt for Claire. Besides... I barely know her!

“…$4.58 please,” I heard the tail end of the cashier’s sentence. It was a guy… and he was sending flirtatious winks and smiles to Claire. But Claire didn’t seem to notice. She pulled out her wallet and brought out a stack of cash.

My eyes, and the guy’s, nearly popped out of our heads as we looked at the loaded cash in her hands.

Finally, she pulled out a $5 bill and handed it to the guy. “Keep the change,” she said with a wink, and then moved over to wait for her order.

The guy and I both stood still, shocked that she had so much money. Claire started chuckling at our reactions and simply shrugged.

“Saved up a lot,” she stated, almost innocently.

Finally snapping out of my shocked state, I cleared my throat and turned to the guy, who was still in a slight daze.

He had light brown hair, with dark brown eyes. A black t-shirt covered his chest. He wasn’t all that, and he looked no older than 17… maybe.

“Uhm…” I coughed, catching the guy’s attention. He finally averted his stare from Claire and turned his attention to me.

His eyes seemed to be glazed over some… no doubt with lust for Claire. I still can’t believe how oblivious she is to her beauty. She doesn’t even have to try and yet, she’s still beautiful.

“Uh... I’ll have a McDouble with a medium coke and small fry,” I told the guy, whose name tag read “Dylan.”

He nodded his head and typed in my order.

“That’ll be $5.79,” he said, holding out his hands for the money.

I gave him $5 and 79 cents, before stepping aside next to Claire.

She was grinning into her phone as she typed a message. Becoming curious, I decided to ask her, “What’s got you grinning like a maniac?” I asked, with a smirk.

She looked up at me and shrugged. “Friend.” Was all she seemed to mumble before she went back to her phone.

“McChicken with a large Dropper!” Someone called out. Claire’s head snapped up and she raised her hands.

“That’s me!” she called. The guy came over and gave it to her, but not before winking and saying something.

“Hope you enjoy and... come back soon.” Then, he walked off.

A sudden rage of anger boiled inside of me as I watched all the guys in the place ogle at Claire, even some attempted to flirt with her.

But she paid no attention. She grabbed her food and without looking up from her phone, mumbled a few words to me. “Meet you in the car.” After that, she walked out and unlocked the doors

My jaw almost dropped to the ground as I watched her stick my keys in the door and go in. How the heck did she get my keys? They were in my pocket!

CLAIRE

I laughed when I got in the car. My gosh... he was too focused on ordering his food he didn’t even notice my hands slipping into his jean pockets to pull out his car keys.

I looked down at my phone. I’ve been texting Darren ever since I ordered my own food.

He asked me if we could hang out soon. I told him that I didn’t know yet. After that, he asked me if we could hang out on Friday. In which I replied with a maybe.

That’s when I told Blake that I’d be in the car, just to mess with him. And let me tell you... the look on his face was priceless! I looked down at my phone and read the message.

Darren

I hope we can hang out Friday because I wanna take you out.

I cringed. He wants to go on a date... why?

Claire

As in... a date?

I questioned. I knew it was, but I just needed to make sure. I might have to bail on him, or find someone else for him. Not even a minute later, Darren replied.

“Ugh...” I let out a groan just as the car door swung open, revealing Blake. He was balancing his food and drink in one hand, his hair still perfectly swept to the side. He looked at me, a puzzled expression on his face.

“What’s got you all riled up?” he asked, sliding into the truck and placing his food in a small pouch next to his seat.

“My friend wants to take me out...” I said, making it sound like the worst thing in the world.

I glanced at Blake... and I thought I saw a flicker of jealousy in his eyes. Jealousy? No, I must be imagining things. Blake Johnson. Jealous? Yeah, right.

“And you’re upset about that? Most girls would be thrilled if a guy asked them out.” Blake shrugged, as if it were no big deal. I knew I must be seeing things.

“Well... you see, I don’t really do dates. Or boyfriends,” I said, flashing him a saccharine smile.

Blake did a double take. “What!” He exclaimed as if I’d lost my mind. “What kind of girl doesn’t want a boyfriend?” He asked.

I shrugged. “Apparently, me.” I mumbled as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“I’m just saying. I mean, every girl would practically kill for a chance to be with me. Why don’t you want a boyfriend?” Blake asked, glancing my way with a puzzled look on his face.

I shrugged again. “Bad experience.” That was all I said. Sure, Blake was curious, but that didn’t mean I was going to spill my entire life story to him, including my past.

Blake turned to look at me again, before refocusing his eyes on the road.

As soon as Blake pulled into his driveway, we both got out. “Thanks for the ride.” I called back to Blake as I headed towards my front door.

Before I stepped inside, I heard Blake call out one more thing. “Anytime.” As soon as I stepped into the house, I closed the door and leaned against it.

He just said, “Anytime.” Does that mean he’d do it again? Wow! Who knew that the bad boy had manners?

I chuckled to myself and headed up to my room. I passed my drunken father, who was passed out on the couch. Beer bottles were scattered across the coffee table and a football game was playing on the TV.

Quickly, I took out my food, wolfed down my sandwich and chugged my drink, before tossing the trash.

I walked over and turned off the TV, then I grabbed a blanket and draped it over my dad. His soft snores echoed through the quiet house.

I picked up the empty beer bottles and tossed them in the trash. Glancing at the fridge, I noticed a note taped to it.

~Claire,~

~

~Got called in for an extra shift. Your father should still be asleep, so don’t wake him. His dinner is in the microwave, just needs to be heated up. Make sure to finish your homework and get to bed at a reasonable time. Love you.~

~

~Mom~

~

I smiled. My mom could be a great mom when she was sober. I tossed the note and checked the microwave. A plate of corn, mac & cheese, and cut-up chicken was inside.

It was getting late and I didn’t know how long my father had been asleep. So, I filled up a cup of water and grabbed some Advil for when he woke up.

I heated up the food and placed the pills and water on the coffee table next to my dad. When the timer ~beeped,~ I took out the food.

Gently nudging my dad’s shoulder, he began to stir and groan. Finally, his eyes fluttered open, revealing dark, hazel eyes. Much like mine, but darker.

His dark, brown hair was a mess and he’d put on a few pounds. I noticed a slight stubble on his chin.

My dad groaned in pain when he moved his head. I grabbed the pills and water, and held them out to him.

“Here.” I handed them to him. He swallowed the pills and drank the water. I smiled. “Your food is on the coffee table. I’m heading to bed now. Love you.”

I kissed my dad’s forehead and started to leave, but he grabbed my wrist.

I turned around, confusion on my face. “Thank you, sweetie. Goodnight,” he whispered, before letting go of my hand and reaching for his plate of food.

I gave a small nod and a lopsided smile, before heading back to my room. Honestly, I believe my parents could be the kind of parents every child wants, if they weren’t alcoholics.

That’s why I love it so much when they’re sober. Because then they’re much nicer and kinder to me.

I ran a brush through my hair and changed into some black sweats and a purple tank top. It was past midnight and I was beyond tired.