It Started with a Dare

2

The fury in Ridge's eyes made me want to shrink back in fear. I swallowed a lump that formed in my throat, trying to look braver than I felt. "Who do you think you are, muffin?" Ridge asked.

That set me off once again.

"What did you just call me? 'Muffin?' Who do you think you are? Listen here, you need to keep your lips off of mine, stop calling me stupid names, and never ever talk to me again. Got it, honey?" I said.

Ridge glared at me. "Such brave words coming from someone so weak, a nerd," he replied.

"I'd rather be a nerd than an idiot like you," I shot back. I some 'oohs' from the crowd, but not enough to boost my confidence.

"I'm an honors student, sweetheart," he told me.

I laughed, "Do you get the nerds to do it for you? I honestly doubt that your GPA is higher than your ego."

Ridge took a step toward me. I stood my ground, not wanting to look weak. He looked me up and down then clicked his tongue. "You're actually pretty cute. Too bad you're not my type."

"What's your type then? Stick figure Barbies that have been with more guys than Cookie Monster has eaten cookies?" I asked.

The bell rang, and Ridge gave me a cold smile. "I'll see you around, sunshine." He poked my nose and walked away. He looked over his shoulder one more time. "By the way, it was just a dare."

I glared, hoping that he would disintegrate into nothing. It didn't work.

I clenched my fists and marched over to my book bag. I yanked it up off the ground and stomped off to Creative Writing.
××××××
I made my way out to the parking lot after school. Emilee waited for me by her car, pretty much biting each other's face off. I made a disgusted noise. "Can you not?"

Marcus and Emilee broke apart. "I love you," Marcus said.

"I love you, too."

"Gag me once again," I said, placing my bag on the hood of the car.

Emilee laughed, "Brae, you need a boyfriend."

I scoffed, "Do not. A tall, good-looking, jerk is not for me. I'd rather spend my life single."

"You haven't dated since Jared-" She cut herself off as she seen me look at my feet.

Jared Ridley. I hadn't thought of him in a few months. He and I dated from the time I was in eighth grade to my sophomore year. Then, he cheated on me with Wren Carter. We broke up, and he moved away a few months later.

"Braelyn, I'm sorry," Emilee said, taking a step toward me.

I shook my head and smiled. "For what? It's true, and I'm over him. I just don't want to get my heart broken again. That's all."

Marcus cleared his throat. "So, I heard Ridge McCain kissed you today."

Emilee gasped.

"It was just a stupid dare," I groaned.

"And that you slapped him," Marcus said.

I glared at him. "I don't just let guys kiss me, idiot."

Emilee clapped her hands. "This is so great. The most hottest guy kis-"

"Hey!" Marcus exclaimed. I snorted, earning a glare from him.

Emilee rolled her eyes. "Marcus, I love you, but Ridge is pretty hot." Marcus' jaw dropped. "Honey, close your mouth. You're going to swallow a fly."

"Can we just drop this conversation and get some food? I'm starving," I groaned.

Emilee rolled her eyes. "Sure. Does Lagoon sound good?"

I nodded. "Yep."
××××××
I returned home a few hours later. Nathan and Nick were waiting by the stairs. I raised an eyebrow. "Do what do I owe this pleasure?" I asked.

"Ridge McCain," Nick said.

I groaned, "What about him?"

"Dude, you slapped him!" Nathan exclaimed, throwing his hands up.

"Well, dude, he shouldn't have kissed me," I replied, making my way toward the kitchen. They followed, of course.

"Could you be any stupider?" Nick asked.

"Could you? Stupider isn't even a word, idiot," I shot back.

Nick groaned, "It was just a dare, Braelyn. Why do you have to be such a sour butt?"

"Why are you so annoying?" I asked.

"Why would you do something so stupid? Ridge is our friend. This could ruin our rep," Nathan groaned.

"Oh, don't pretend that everyone knows that I'm your sister. Chill."

"So? Some people do know. That's all people were talking about today," Nick chimed in.

I grabbed a bah of chips, and shook my head. "I'm going to take a bath."

"With a bag of chips?" Nathan asked.

"I get hungry." I skipped to the bathroom before they could talk to me anymore....with my bag of chips.