Rule #28: Keep Your Enemies Away
Keep your friends away too. You don't deserve them.
- () -
Archer falls asleep five times during the graduation ceremony.
By the fifth time, I don't bother to slap him awake. We've already cheered for Andrew, Jake and Irene respectively - Kya managed to get in a couple of blows from the air-horn before I snatched it away from her. Now she, along with Archer, snore away.
Sebastian, Kya and Archer all elected to come along with me. The rest of our group went to go to see more sight-seeing.
"Goddamn it," Sebastian growls when the Principal calls up the fifth, and final, group of students to get their diplomas. "How many of them are there?"
"The senior class? Four-hundred."
He sighs heavily.
"You were the one who decided to come along," I point out.
"If I knew I had to sit in a sweaty basketball court for three hours, packed between two imbeciles, I wouldn't have come," Sebastian scowls at Kya as she droops her head on his shoulder, still asleep.
"Your mistake."
"Do they have to read every single name?"
"That is the point."
"Maybe I should fall asleep too."
"Do it," I grumble. "So I won't have to listen your constant complaining."
A woman with glasses and a heavy camera cuts Sebastian off with a shush. He scowls and sulks lower in his seat. I hide my smug grin by turning back to the Principal as he calls out the names.
"Erin Zelle."
On the Jumbotron located in the middle of the stadium, I see a boy with freckles and curly brown hair step on to the podium. The massive screen displays his wide grin as he grabs the diploma.
"Erica Zelle."
His twin follows.
Gwenyth Zimmerman -"
Ridiculous as it is, my heart skips a beat as Gwyneth Zimmerman steps forward. They flash her face on the screen. As petty as it is, I had hoped that she'd gotten uglier from the last time I saw her. It's just the opposite. Gwen's taken her braces off, revealing shiny white teeth, and has gotten her hair dyed so that it shifts from a dark brunette to a light blonde.
She looks incredible.
Damn it.
Sebastian's silent for a moment. "You know her?"
"Yeah," I pull my eyes away. "She was my best friend."
"And now?"
"...she's not."
Sweat coats my palms as the reality of my situation sinks in. I haven't seen Xavier yet, because I cowardly hid in the bathroom when it was time to call his name. I thought could handle the sight of Gwen, but just hearing her name makes me feel sick.
Eventually, the diplomas are given, the hats are thrown, and people rise from their chairs. Most of the parents dart away immediately, wanting to kiss their kids or something. I wait a second, then slap both Kya and Archer on the face. Both of them wake up, then immediately rise to stand up and cheer.
"Stop that, you idiots. The ceremony's done."
Kya blinks. "Already?"
"Speak for yourself," Sebastian snorts. "If our ceremony's going to be anything like that, I might have to fail Spanish on purpose. Let's get out of this before my legs fall asleep."
We walk downstairs. I tug at the bottom of my leather jacket, which I've brought as a sign of comfort, nervously. Then, I comb my fingers through my pastel pink strands. Archer, still rubbing his eyes, catches up with me. Just like me, he wears all black, from his button-up shirt to his leather watch.
He helps smooth down my hair. "You're nervous."
"No, I'm just - okay, fine, maybe a little little," I admit. "Should I have gotten a wig?"
"To hide your pink hair?"
"It makes me look ridiculous."
"And wearing a wig doesn't?"
"I guess that's true," I drop my hands. "Whatever. I shouldn't spend my money on Xavier and Gwen."
"And I like you with pink hair."
"So you've said," Still, I offer him a silent smile.
Archer lets my hair go, letting the strands brush against my cheek. He doesn't reply as we get into the reception hall. I glance at his expression, noting that he isn't as relaxed as he wants to show.
Along with the massive crowd, we gather in the reception hall. Kya and Sebastian follow us. At first, I take the lead, searching for my friends in the crowd. Then, two familiar faces - there's John from my art class, Jane from my swim team - startle me back into Archer. My back slams against his front as I duck my head away.
"Was that Peyton?" Jane says as they pass me.
"Can't be. She's gone."
"Yeah, but that leather jacket -"
" - and pink hair?"
I swivel back to Archer. "Damn it, people still recognize me."
"You've been gone only an year," He says, smiling, almost fondly. "I'm sure they'd recognize your face - not to mention your leather jacket. It's nice to see that the article of clothing is infamous even here."
I had worn my leather jacket out of comfort, but maybe that wasn't such a good idea. Archer nods to a point over my shoulder. "Found them."
I turn around again to find my friends next to the buffet table. I creep over to them, letting my pink hair curtain over my face. Andrew loads up on doughnuts while Jake convinces Irene to take a couple of extra snacks.
"...two is way more than enough."
"Take more."
"Get lost."
"Just one, for me?"
Irene hesitates, then takes the bag of chips. "Fine, but just for you - and we're sharing."
"Can I have some?" Says Kya, popping in before I have chance to say anything.
Both of them turn around, still in the graduation robes. Irene puzzles over Kya for her a second, but her eyes light up once she spots Archer and I behind her. "Yeah, take whatever you want! Peyton, Archer, you actually came."
"I told you I would," Feeling much better at the sight of my old friends, I smile. "I brought my friends with me."
"You made actual friends?"
"Yes, I told you that over the phone."
"Yeah, but I thought you were talking about pets," Irene's grin widens as Sebastian snorts. "Hey, I'm Irene."
As the Sebastian and Kya make introductions, I walk over to Andrew. His graduation robe is already stained with powdered sugar. I tap him on the shoulder. When he turns around, grinning, I bring my fist back and slam it into his jaw. He stumbles back, catching himself on the buffet table and clutching the side of his face. A couple of people yelp in surprise.
I catch his plate before it falls the floor, then say, "Personal privacy, asshole. Ever heard of it?"
"Hey," Andrew protests, voice slightly slurred. "I was just trying to be a good friend."
"Friends don't gossip."
"Friends don't punch friends in the face."
"I guess that makes us even," I eye Andrew critically. "I can't believe you actually graduated."
"Neither could my ma," Still cupping his jaw, Andrew grins. He pulls himself back to an upright position. "She's taking me out to dinner tonight. Pizza and beer. Come along, my mom likes you - says you're a good influence on me even from four states away."
"I'll think about it."
"She says -" Andrew cuts off as one of his buddies slings him over the shoulder.
"Check it out, it's Peyton," His eyes skim over my body appreciatively. "Never thought you'd be back here."
"Neither did I."
"Damn," He lets out a low whistle. Andrew glares at his friend, but he doesn't notice. "Didn't think it could happen, but you look even better. Got any new material - hey!"
Andrew shoves his partner away. "Grab a doughnut and fuck off, John."
"Just saying hi," John throws me another leer before leaving.
"You okay, Peyton?"
"Yeah," I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck, which suddenly feels heated. "I'm fine. Listen, if you see Archer, tell him I'm going to the bathroom and to meet me at the car later."
"Sounds alright to me," Andrew takes his plate back. "Make sure to come back though. Irene wants to take pictures.
"Yeah."
As I leave, I glance back at the group to make sure everybody's doing well. Andrew walks up to Sebastian and Jake, who chat with each other casually. Next to them, Irene shares pictures of her fashion outlines with Kya. Archer's nowhere in sight so I walk to the bathrooms upstairs.
It's almost empty when I arrive. I walk up to the large of sinks and watch my reflection, pale and splotchy.
It's just one comment, I tell myself. Just a couple of side glances. Just a couple of knowing smirks.
Nothing to get flustered about.
Still, my stomach squirms uneasily. Hot and nauseous, I wet a paper napkin and press it on the back of my neck. Damn it. I throw the napkin in the trash. If I'm acting like this now, what will happen when I actually face Xavier?
"Peyton? Is that really you?"
The sweet voice makes me look up. Even before I raise my eyes, I know who it is. In the reflection of the mirror, Gwen walks up to me. Blonde highlights. White teeth. She's taken off her graduation robe, revealing a summery blue dress underneath.
Her eyes catch mine in the mirror and she grins, "It really is you. The pink hair threw me off for a second. I never thought you'd chose that color for you hair."
My mouth feels dry, my mind blank. "I didn't."
She sets her purse on the countertop and zips it open. "So, how have you been? I'm guessing you're here for Andrew, Jake and - er -"
"Irene," I watch as she takes out a nude color lipstick, reapplies it. "You wear make up now?"
"Not as much as you did, but some yes. It's mostly just lipstick. Besides," She rubs her lips together. "Xavier loves this color on me. Says it tastes like honey."
Gross. "I thought you two broke up."
"Hmm? Oh I guess we did for a few months, but then we got together again. Something just brings us two together, no matter how much we try to be apart," She giggles - giggles - and drops the lipstick back in her purse. Her eyes flash as she turns towards me. "Have you seen him yet?"
"No."
"Oh, you won't believe it. He did this thing to his hair - well, you'll see. I'm just about to go meet him right now actually. Want to come?"
No. I don't want Xavier. I don't want you. All I want to do is go back to my friends, and stay in Archer's arms for the rest of the day. But I came here for the nudes and I won't let myself leave without talking about them. "Sure."
Gwen's lips curve up, her expression one of triumph. It makes me sick. But I let her grab my arm and take me back into the giant reception hall.
Most of the families have left by now, leaving back some of the graduates to take pictures. Irene poses with Jake, kissing him on the cheek, while Kya snaps a few pictures. I skim the rest of the crowd, but can't find Archer. Gwen startles off my thoughts by letting off a sequel.
"Miranda!"
"Gwen!"
A girl with brunette hair and large hoop earring catches Gwen into a hug. I recognize Miranda as one of my ex-friends. She held sleepovers often, inviting both boys and girls. The day after the nudes leaked, the invitations stopped coming.
Gwen takes a step back. "Miranda, you remember Peyton?"
"Yeah, I -" Miranda's eyes grow wide as she spots me. "Oh hey, it's really you. Lots of people have been saying you came back."
"Word spreads quickly."
"Crazy, right?" Gwen shakes her head. "Hey Peyton, take a picture of us."
Gwen hands her phone to me. The lock screen displays a picture of Xavier kissing her on the cheek. My heart twists at the sight, but I snap a couple of pictures of Gwen anyways, glancing over my shoulder once in a while to make sure my friends haven't left without me. Gwen calls a few more friends and I have to take pictures of them too.
After five minutes, I become impatient. "You told me you were going to take me to Xavier. I need to talk him."
"Right, sorry," She laughs, takes her phone. "We have so much to catch up on. So much has happened, right Miranda?"
"Right Gwen."
They bring to me a group of dozen students in the corner. From the high-end clothes and the laughter that ripples through the people, I can sense the popular crowd even without Gwen. We squeeze through the throng of people. Just like always, Xavier's in the center of the crowd. This time though, he's not alone. Instead, he shares the spotlight with -
Archer?
"...tried to explain to him that you can't get a refund on a tattoo," Archer says, getting a few laughs from the crowd. He holds an unopened can of beer. "And you already know what happened after that."
"Damn, I guess it's true what they say about the South," Xavier chuckles, low and deep. His laugh is the same as before. "Do those type of customers come often?"
"We get them once in a while."
"Perks of the profession."
"I don't mind. It keeps things interesting."
I'm a little dazed. Archer, with his casual, all-black attire, talks casually in the middle of the crowd, like he's friends with all of them. Then, next to him, there's Xavier. He's gotten a haircut, and a light stubble on his face. My boyfriend talking to my ex-boyfriend? As if things weren't twisted enough.
I clear my throat to get Archer's attention, but they both end up turning to me.
A flash of recognition travels through Xavier's eyes, coupled with quiet mummers from the crowd. I straighten up under his gaze. The tips of his lips go up in Xavier's infamous smirk. I feel the dread, heavy and cold, sink in my stomach.
"Xavier," Gwen goes up to him and they share a quick kiss. "Remember Peyton?"
"Of course," His eyes don't stray away from me. "And with pink hair. It suits you. Hate to admit it, but I think I missed the same."
"Can't say the same."
"Ouch," He takes a sip of his own beer, still smirking. "How's it been?"
"Good. We need to talk."
"Of course. But first, let me introduce the newcomers to my new friend."
Xavier claps a hand on Archer's shoulder. I raise an eyebrow, trying to meet his eye, but he doesn't look at me. Instead, Archer's face remains impassive as Xavier leads him to the three of us. What the hell does he think he's doing?
"Gwen, this is Archer. He's from Florida."
"How exotic."
"Exactly what I said. The sun has treated him well," Xavier chuckles. "Archer, this is my Gwen, the love of my life. Don't think about making any moves on my girl."
"I won't."
Gwen blushes under Archer's smile. Any person who doesn't Archer would assume he's content, even happy, to meet her. But I can tell he's forcing the grin. Instead of the usual light, there's a hard glint in his eyes.
Xavier brings him to Miranda next, who eyes him with interest, and introduces them.
Miranda takes Archer's hand, rubbing her manicured thumb over the back of his hand. When he merely raises an eyebrow, she offers him a sly grin. If I I wasn't so annoyed, I'd be a little impressed with her. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I bet," Archer mutters. His grin, though, fully widens when he turns towards me.
"And finally, this is Peyton. She's my - well, we hooked up for a while too before things broke off - not quite as nicely as I'd have liked them too," Xavier shrugs. "But it all worked out in the end, right Peyton?"
I address Archer instead. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I'm socializing, obviously."
"With him?"
"And everybody else, yes."
Everybody's silent as I glare at Archer, as he grins back at me. Gwen rests her head on Xavier's shoulder. Xavier glances between the two of us with amused curiosity. "You two know each other?"
"We've met."
"Yeah," I snort. "You hit me with your car."
Humor lights up Archer's eyes. "You punched me in the face."
"It was a light punch."
"It was a light hit."
The beginnings of a smile tug at my lips, but I disguise it by shaking my head. "You need to leave right now."
"No."
"My plan said that I -"
"Cub, your plan sucks," Archer says this so gently that I'm speechless. He opens his mouth again, but his phone interrupts him with a ring. He frowns at the caller ID. "Excuse me, I have to take this."
As he walks a safe distance away, I turn back to Xavier. "We need to talk."
"Yes, you said that earlier," He raises an unimpressed eyebrow. "We can talk right now. That is, unless you're looking for something a little bit more...private."
"Private works."
"Oh Peyton, I would love to, but you know that Gwen and I -"
"Then why did you - no, whatever. I don't care about your relationships anymore," My face burns up as Gwen and Xavier share a knowing look. "I'm here about the nudes. Did you mess with them recently?"
"Come on, you came here to talk about this?"
"Answer the question."
He raises an eyebrow. "Not everything is about you. I'd forgotten all about the nudes until you brought them up. Want to hear my advice, Peyton? The best way to deal with the past is just to simply forget all about it."
"Easy for you to say," I snap, shrugging off the hand that Gwen places on my shoulder. "I can't forget about the nudes because some asshole posted them on the internet - with my number."
"If it's on the internet, it's on the internet. I can't control what people see and do."
"You were the one who posted them."
"You were the one who sent them."
Everybody goes quiet. The only sound comes from the clicking of peoples cameras. The crowd watches me as my cheeks burn bright red. The worst part of all this is that he's right. But I swallow my pride and continue. "Fine. Gwen, did you do anything with the nudes?"
"Of course not," She grabs Xavier's hand. "But I can't believe you're bringing up all of this crap on our graduation day. After all these months, you're just as tactless."
"That's alright, Gwen. I think I know what this is about."
"Enlighten me."
"She's jealous."
"What?" I burst out. "That's not true."
Somebody laughs from behind me.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Xavier takes a step forward, smirking when I stubbornly refuse to move back. "Your feelings are nothing to repress."
He sounds like a discount Dr. Robinson. I scowl and say, "Don't touch me."
Xavier places a hand on my cheek anyways. I feel the heat of his body, hot and suffocating, press against my skin. Before I can do anything radical - like punch or kick him - somebody else grabs Xavier's wrist. I step back.
It's Archer.
His expression is hard when he says, "Get your hands off my girlfriend."
A pause. The crowd collectively sucks in a breath.
Gwen glances between of us, her mouth dropping open. Xavier freezes for a second, his face going a light red, but then he smooths his expression. "Peyton's your girlfriend?"
"Yes. And I believe she just asked you not to touch her," Purposefully, Archer places his hand on my check, on the same spot that Xavier touched. It cools me down. "You seem to have a bad habit of not respecting her privacy."
As Xavier sputters, Gwen rounds up on me. "So you two ganged up on us, is that it?"
"No," Archer steps between us. "Actually, your boyfriend was the one who invited me your group. Peyton had no idea I was here. Cub, could I talk to you for a moment?"
"Yeah," I breathe. "Sure.
Archer leads me away from the group. He leans down, his voice low, and says, "I just got a call. Gwen and Xavier aren't in on it."
"What? Who called you?"
"The police."
"The police call people?"
"I guess so. They figured out who posted your number," He smiles a little at the shock on my face. "We'll deal it with when go back home. Meanwhile, I think Irene wants to take pictures. She's waving us over."
"We'd better go then. That was pretty cool what you did back there," I add as we walk back to our friends. "You were kind of like a knight in shining armor."
"Does that make you the damsel in distress then?"
"No."
- () -
What am I going to do with my life now that the story is almost finished?
"..."
(0.0)
/)....)
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Dedications this time go to gottabeperfect247, dialogueoutte, Bleeding_Out_1_D2_V, and KillerBerserk.
Thanks for reading!
QotC: What'd you think of Gwen and Xavier?