Just to be Near

Scene 1: Addington High Auditorium

Alison Sinclair

"Now that Cali is off the table, I'm glad I went on that Cornell tour," Heather sighed.

"You can still go to a college over there," I reminded her.

"I don't want to be far away anymore," she shook her head. It sounded as though she was disappointed in herself for not wanting to leave.

I almost began to ask why but my attention was stolen by a boy smiling and waving in our direction.

My eyebrow raised. "Do you know him?"

"I do, weirdly."

"Heather, wasn't it?"

"I'm surprised you remember me at all."

"You're the first and only high school girl who ended up in my room. You put me on the scoreboard," he smiled. "Joking."

"I don't believe you are," she replied. "Alison this is Paul, I met him during the campus tour."

"I must have missed that part of it. What are you doing here?"

"Cornell's history department partially funds the Senior D.C. trip. We're big on the active learning stuff."

"Oh, so you're here to convince us that this isn't the worst school field trip ever?"

"Everything I say up there will be boring, but I'm sure you all know why this trip is fun."

People have come back single, in a relationship, consummated, pregnant, humiliated, and miserable. It's something we look forward to our entire high school experience.

"Did you enjoy it?" Heather asked him.

"You would think that partying and getting together with people isn't a big deal considering you do it all of the time, but there's something about doing it under the noses of your least favorite administrators that really gives it an extra kick."

"Running around a hotel in pajamas after curfew will give me an extra kick," I add before removing myself from their reunion.

I was afraid Audrey would tell Heather about the situation, but she is well aware of how little credibility she has with Heather after not speaking to her so much this year.

The headmistress has all but forgotten about it by now. A threat was brought into the ecosystem and as a result, everyone adapted. Brooke and Evie should be thanking me for introducing them, they're always together now. I haven't done anything wrong...besides, it was a long-winded way of forcing Tony and me to talk.

If I can fix us, I can help him. I can fix everything.

"How's your boy?" I hear, and for a second, I thought someone read my mind.

"Not my boy," Paul replied. "How's yours?"

"Not my boy," Heather said in the same solemn manner she used with me. "I didn't tell you about him."

"I could tell we were in similar waters."

"How?"

"Strangers never show that much sympathy without reason," he nudged her, "I don't need any sympathy now, though. Wyatt's a thing of the past."

"It wasn't meant to be. Save your time."

"Are you taking your own advice?"

"No...but I have enough time to spend it on what I want," she smirked.

God, Heather, could you flirt with guys some other time? I don't have anyone else to sit with. I crossed my arms and turned around. My heart dropped as Audrey and I locked eyes.

I refuse to walk the halls in fear of you.

There is an open seat next to who she'd obviously sit with. If I beat her to it, I'd be killing two birds with one stone.

"Hi, Natalia," I said, sliding in next to her.

"Hey," she warmly welcomed me. "How cute. You should wear your hair like that more often."

"Thanks." I smiled, looking over my shoulder to make sure Audrey was heeding her warning. "How are you and Audrey?"

"She's been a little busy and I've had my head buried in books for the past two weeks, but we have a date this weekend."

"That's amazing. I hope you love it."

"Like you love Anthony?" She baited.

"He's the nicest guy I've ever known. I wish I realized it before I attached myself to people who aren't half as nice. He's Prince Charming."

"You figured it out, and you didn't have to cheat on him to do it."

"You know?" My eyes almost fell out of my head.

"Oh, do I," she rolls her eyes. "My ex-girlfriend cheated on me with this guy she dated before, and after we broke up, she called and told me how big of a mistake it was because she'll never be loved as much as I loved her."

"...what'd you tell her?"

"I could never be with someone who betrayed my heart or anyone else's."

"You should share that sentiment with Audrey, I think it'd ease her mind knowing that you wouldn't ever hurt her that way."

Scene 2: Addington High Auditorium

Leo Rylin

"Doesn't this cost?" Frankie asked.

"It's free for anyone on scholarship. We just need consent from a guardian," I answered.

"Are you going?" Ned questioned him.

"Nah."

"I've been to D.C, big whoop. I'm not giving away my weekend for school," Danny scoffed.

I shrugged. "I'm gonna go."

"What?"

"I don't know. I don't think it'll be that bad. I don't wanna miss anything."

"I don't I don't I don't. What are you doing? Who are you gonna hang with?"

"Myself. It's not a problem. You guys don't need to come."

"You never been to D.C? Why didn't you say anything, me and my brother drive up all the time. It's nothing to see," Ned explained.

"I'm just gonna go. Get off me about it."

"Why's your face red?"

"Fuck you. Shut up."

Sheena walked by and got all excited to see me. I waved and she reciprocated with a happy smile.

"Her? She's D.C?" Ned teased.

"That's the capital you want to get into?" Frankie added with a snicker.

"I barely know that girl."

"You trying to change that? Didn't Elle just dump you?"

"You've got a thing for rich girls." Ned shook his head. "Fucking gold digger."

"No, I don't," I rolled my eyes...but since you mentioned it. I looked for Heather in the room and it didn't take me long to find her. I kinda got sonar when we were dating and it never turned off, I know where she is whenever she's around me.

I waved at her, and she replied with a halfhearted smile.

What did I do this time?

"I need to get the paperwork shit," I mumbled to them as I left.

We have to fill out a lot more since we're not contributing to the pile of money they use for air-conditioned travel and hotels that give you two king-sized beds per room.

"Hi, can I help you?" The lady manning the table asked.

"Yeah, I need the fee waiver."

"May I have your name, please?"

"Rylin, Leonardo."

Our names are all printed onto this paper that has the word "Scholarship" in big red letters like it's a warning instead of a reminder.

"All set." She highlighted my name once she found it and proceeded to hand me a Manila folder.

"Thank you," I nodded.

Heather hasn't moved from where I last saw her giggling with some guy. Not that she's not allowed to...it's just...

"Hey," I said to her, but she did it again. A little wave, an even smaller smile.

When did I fuck up?

"I'll talk to you after?" Heather told the other guy.

"Don't leave without letting me say goodbye first," he replied and she smiled the way she wouldn't with me.

I walked back over to the lady at the scholarship table. "You guys don't come with us when we go there, right?"

"No, only Addington students and administrators are allowed on this trip."

"Good."

Scene 3: Chester High

Zach Teeling

"Karlie Clemmons. Sophomore. She gets dirty. She likes to stick her tongue out in the end and just let me shoot it off," Brian Lawrence blabbed to his buddies.

"Unexpected slut. Must've happened over summer because she wasn't on the list last year," one of them laughed.

"Once that cherry is popped, girls can go crazy. You know I told her to call me whenever she wants it, and now I'm tapping that like every Thursday," Brian said. "Clockwork."

"No, you aren't," I scrunched my face in disgust.

"Excuse me," he scowled. "Did you say something?"

"Admit it, you're lying. Karlie doesn't even know you."

"What're you jealous or something? Didn't you give it to her in the bathroom? What, you thought she was gonna be your girlfriend?"

"No. She has a boyfriend, and he'd beat the crap out of you for pretending she'd do anything with any of you guys."

He walked up to me until we were chest to chest and yanked me by my shirt when I tried to back away. "Who's gonna beat the crap out of me?"

"Get off." I wrestled to pull myself out of his grip.

"Is there a problem here?"

"No, we're just messing around," Brian answered while I adjusted my newly stretched shirt.

"Do it elsewhere."

This is what I get for not leaving as soon as the bell rang. I don't like being smushed as everyone tries to get out at once, so I wait a while. Never again.

Brian hit me with a death stare and his shoulder as he walked out of the doors.

I really do hate this school...but my friends go here, so here I am.

"Did he bump into you on purpose?" Evan asked, keeping an eye on Brian like he's not a minute too late to do anything about it.

"Yeah." I brushed it off.

"Who is it?"

"His name's like Brian or something. He's an asshole."

"Why's he after you?"

"I heard him talking about Karlie and called him a liar."

"He wrote that stuff about her, didn't he?" Evan said, getting increasingly angrier.

"I don't think so," I mumbled...noticing that he's madder at Karlie being wronged than Brian wanting to kill me.

"What do you mean? Who else is that fucking low and stupid?" His fists balled at his sides. "Pussies."

"Evan..."

"I know where they hang out,"

"Calm down," I pleaded.

"They're always at that corner store trying to get people to buy them beer so they can be dickheads behind the building with their skateboards and dirty cigarettes." His hands went to push the door open.

"Are you crazy?" I held him back. "They won't give you a fair fight."

"I can take them."

"Not by yourself. At least bring Jared and Riley," I argued,

"Like they'd want to fight for Karlie."

He's right..."I'll go."

"No."

"Why not?"

"I can't protect you and fight at the same time."

"Would you just forget about it?" I huffed.

"It's not going to stop unless I do something."

"Evan," I stood in front of the door in a last-ditch effort. "I started it. It was me who wrote on the door first. I didn't think it'd cause so much trouble. It was supposed to make me feel better, but people started adding to it and spreading more rumors...and then the girls beat up Karlie and I couldn't undo it all and I'm sorry." He stared at me...getting more and more offended and pissed by the second. "Can you at least say something before you storm off?"

"You don't want to know what I have to say right now."

"I do. I deserve it."

"Oh, fuck off," he backed away from me.

"I'll tell her. I'll tell everyone."

"What the fuck is that going to change? No one will believe you. Shit, Zach, I thought she was your friend."

"Then screw you for dating her!"

"You said it was fine!"

"Maybe I wouldn't have if you asked me before you were doing it on my bed." I glared.

"That erases this?"

"No, I know it doesn't, but you guys didn't care how I felt. And I felt like getting back at Karlie for stealing you."

"Stealing me from who? We're not together!" His voice raised, "You can't be with me and not be at the same time."

"It always just...feels like...we are."

"But we're not, so leave me alone."

Scene 4: The Helmsley Hotel

Heather Blakely

"Heather, phone," my mother said after opening my door.

"Okay, thank you."

"Was that Leonardo's voice I heard on the other line?"

"No," I lied, and she nodded whether she believed me or not. "Hello?"

"Is your phone off the hook?" He asked.

"Yes."

"Someone you don't want to hear from?"

"No...I wanted to focus on my homework."

"Don't worry, I'll be quick."

"What do you want to talk about?"

"What's with you dodging me today?"

"Well, I don't want to come off as clingy," I replied.

"So you don't talk to me at all?" He questioned. "What did I do to piss you off?"

"I'm fine."

"Heather."

"What?" I sighed. "It doesn't have to be a thing, but you clearly felt pressured into letting me stop by where you work, and then you ended it with an 'I don't care,' and I realized that I am doing exactly what you were trying to avoid."

"What?"

"You didn't want me there, so I didn't go. I left you alone today too. Why are you bothered?"

"Oh, my god. Are you serious? I said you could come if you wanted to."

"Gee, thanks."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing at all. You were obviously jumping for joy at the thought."

"What'd you want me to say? Come to my job, I'd love to see you?"

"Not if you didn't mean it."

"When am I ever not happy to see you?"

I could feel my cold shoulder melting at the way he spoke to me..."It sounded like I would be in the way...if you were even going to acknowledge me."

"I barely do anything. 'I don't care' didn't mean that I was going to ignore you, it meant that you wouldn't be in the way."

"You promise?"

"Yes, butterfly. Jesus," he chuckled despite his frustration.

"I need you to remember that I don't know how to do this so you have to take that into account before you say things like 'I don't care.'"

"That's so-" he let out a breath. "okay, heard."

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be. You're right. I never want to make you feel like you don't mean something to me. You do. Always."

"Thank you."

"It's actually hilarious that you overthought that much in a 5-second timeframe."

"Yes, well, my mind races when I'm around you now," I spoke without thinking...and immediately regretted it. "Forget I said that," I cringed.

You used to calm me...

"No," I could hear him smiling. "But breathe. It's just me."

It's you but back in the beginning as if we've just gotten past arguing about what end of the stick we drew.

"Do we have to get off the phone now?"

"Not if you don't want to, butterfly."

"Okay." I smiled too.

"How was your day? Since I barely got to say hi or anything."

"It could've been better. It is better...how was yours?"

"Besides not spending time with you, it was okay. I can't complain."

"You can come over tomorrow. I don't care."

"Funny."

"I do want you to, though," I admitted.

"I'll be there. I miss you."

You make me sick.

"I miss you too."

"Who was that guy you were talking to in the auditorium?"

"A guy?" I said in thought. "From Cornell?"

"College dudes," he groaned.

"It isn't like that."

"You always think that."

"And you always think otherwise,"

"Yeah because I'm a guy, I know what goes through a guy's head when we see you."

"What goes through your heads?"

"Your dad would kill us, that's all you need to know."

"I think it's just you with these thoughts," I teased.

"No, mine are nicer."

"I'd hope so. We see boys and imagine dates and picture wedding days. Not everyone has to be naked in fantasies."

"Yeah, because I never thought about a wedding when I saw you," Leo answered sarcastically.

"I know we talked about it, but everyone does as if it's part of the dating criteria."

"I meant it, for what it's worth. If we stayed together, I would have wanted to go through with it."

"Me too," I said quietly, inviting in more silence...

"What do we do after arguments now that everything we used to do to make up is off limits?"

"I think we just say good night now,"

"I'm alright with that. Are you?" Leo asked, and I genuinely pondered the question. "Heather?"

"That's fine." As much as I can't stand this now, I'm hoping you won't be able to stand it later, so, "good night."

Scene 5: Sarafine Francis

Jace Kendal

Trevor inhaled deeply. "Smells of victory in here."

"That's just the combination of perfumes."

"I'll have a combination on by the end of the night. Shall we set our sights?"

"Okay," my eyes scanned the crowd for something nice. "Her." I pointed.

"First pick, not fair but...her," Trevor chose someone else.

"Her."

"Her."

"Hm...her."

"Her," Trevor eyed his last target. "Anyone else?"

"I might see someone further in. I'll let you know."

"On your mark, get set, go."

Venus was right. She said the lack of socialization between the sexes during school hours creates the same divide we had during dances in junior high. Tuxes on one side gowns on the other. If you came without a date, then this event is nothing more than standing around overdressed listening to music you probably don't enjoy. She said she always asked the loneliest-looking person to dance.

I would do so in her honor, but that would make it too easy to win Trevor's game.

"Hi," I said to who I believe is the prettiest girl in the room.

"Hello."

"I was standing over there and thought it was criminal that no one has asked you to dance."

"They've asked," she responded, sipping her punch.

"And what'd you say?"

"What do you think?"

I smiled. "You told them you were waiting for me."

She scoffed through laughter, "Did you think that would work?"

"No, but I thought it might make you laugh, and that was reward enough."

"You have your reward, now go."

I put my hand over my heart as if it were breaking. "Without you?"

Her eyes rolled, "One dance."

"Yes!" I boasted. "You find me charming."

"You don't even know my name."

"True," I led her by the hand onto the dance floor. "But, I bet another dance that I can figure it out."

"Go for it."

Arrogantly, I glanced to my side at an unsuspecting couple.

"Excuse me, we're trying to think of famous people who share our names, and we've drawn a blank with her."

The girl narrowed her eyes at us as if we were the dumbest people on earth. "Halle Berry."

I snapped my fingers. "It was on the tip of my tongue."

"That's cheating," Halle said to me, impressed nonetheless.

"No, it's not. We were talking about a movie star, you just happened to come up, Halle. I hope you enjoy the next song."

"What's your name?"

"What's your favorite?"

"Halle," she answered.

I chuckled. "I'm happy for you,"

"You don't like yours?"

"I could take it or leave it. Jace."

Halle nodded. "I like it."

I smirked, hearing the intro to our second dance. "The song or me?"

"Did you close your eyes, spin around, and then point at me to bother tonight?"

...in a less winded way, yes.

"I think you're very pretty."

"Thank you."

"It's stuffy in here. Would you like to go get some air?"

"I do have pepper spray."

"Great, someone has to protect us." I put my hand out in wait for hers, and it took a few seconds, but she reluctantly obliged. Trevor caught a glimpse of us on our way out and he tensed. His girl still has his hands restricted to her back. "Was it your idea to go to an all-girls school?" I asked Halle.

"No, I got a D in an elective class freshman year because I had the biggest crush on a boy who sat next to me and it made me...embarrassing, to say the least."

"Your parents lost it, didn't they?"

"You have no idea," she sighed.

"Did he pass?"

"With flying colors, it was a simple class."

"My grades slipped horribly last year. However, one note from a licensed psychiatrist is better than whiteout at covering up mistakes."

"They let you try again?"

"At almost everything."

She rolled her eyes. "Boys' schools."

"Addington."

"Worse."

"Than Catholic schools?"

"Why are you here?"

"I spun around, closed my eyes, and pointed," I said, amusedly, but she did not share the same sentiment. "Okay, I was stood up. We were supposed to meet here."

"Who was she?"

"Do you know a Linda?" I said the first common name that came to my head.

"Huey? Groffman? Chen?"

"Didn't get a surname. I guess she always planned to make a fool of me."

"Not so charming after all," Halle teased.

"I am normally bad at communicating, believe it or not. I haven't been told I'm the best listener."

"No wonder your date ran off."

"I have a hard time finding the balance between physical and emotional affection. Isn't it better to genuinely feel something rather than say words that hopefully make you feel something?"

"In other species, males risk their lives to impress potential partners and get to the physical act of 'feeling something.' You won't even make conversation first?"

"I can now, I think."

"You think?"

"There's a girl that I am friends with. All we ever do is talk, and sometimes that's the best part of my day," I confessed.

"Why aren't you here with her?"

"You're going to think I'm a weirdo when I tell you."

"I won't."

"We met in a chat room. I was bored and messing with people, and by chance, she was there too."

"That's it? I was afraid it was a prison pen pal."

"I'm afraid that may also be more my speed," I joked in spite of it being partly true. "Something about having to wait to see them in person makes it really easy to be candid. I can be myself, no pressure."

"Who are you being now?"

I let out a deep breath. "Trevor."

"And that is?"

"The guy who suggested we come here and see which of us could get our hands into the most panties tonight."

"That's disgusting." She gave me a disapproving scowl. "Did you think that I would-"

"I don't know. I kind of gave up on that goal when you said 'no' to dancing."

"Then why'd you keep talking to me?"

"I was weirdly glad it wasn't going to work."

"Because it was an awful intention or because you didn't want to?"

"Both?" I looked at her as if she had all of the answers. "More so the first one. I am human."

She kisses her fingers and then places them on my lips.

"That is all you get because you like that girl, and you don't like being a bad person. Was that so hard to understand?"

"No."

"I hope it works out."

"If it doesn't can I call you?"

"No, but consider this a parting gift."

My eyebrows furrowed as she walked off. The gift is rejection?

From the doorway, I could see that Halle continued back into the ballroom and approached Trevor. I placed my hand over my mouth in shock when her hand hit his face a lot less gently. She talked to the girl he was standing with, and he knew to take a few steps back so she couldn't hit him as well. There's no way anyone in there would give him the time of day now...

Thanks, Halle.

I tried to seem oblivious as he joined me in the courtyard, but it was too hard not to laugh in his face.

"Well played, Kendal. Unfortunately, I now win by default, but good game."