It started with a dare (in the works)

It started with a dare {3}

As I approached my usual table I was greeted by Natalie and our gay best friend Tony Mcfall.

"What's up hot stuff," Tony purred as he played with my hair per usual.

"Nothing much. I just had the strangest encounter with Dean."

"Hardaway?" Tony asked and I nodded.

"Spill," Natalie pressed.

I took a sip of my Monster energy drink as I sat down.

"Well firstly, I saw him in the mental health center parking lot. Secondly, I bumped into him today and for a second he stared at me and looked at me as though I killed his cat or something."

"That's odd," said Tony.

"Truly," I replied.

"He's gotten really weird over the past years," Natalie pointed out.

"I noticed that," I said as I took another sip.

"He's pretty hot, I have to admit," Tony admitted.

Natalie and I both faked a gag. "Gross," we said in unison.

"What? It's true, I'd totally blow him."

"Tony!"

"I'm kidding, Im kidding. After all, he's a dick for what he did to you Kenzie."

I shrugged. "I'm over it," I lied. One does not simply get over getting bullied for years.

"Want me to beat him up for you," Natalie offered with a mouth full of food.

"Violence doesn't solve everything Nat," I chuckled.

"Boo, you're no fun," she frowned.

I didn't want Dean to get a black eye, what I want is for him to apologize for putting me through hell for seven years.

"How did your appointment go," asked Tony.

"I gritted my teeth. "Well basically I was informed that I'm dying."

Both Natalie and Tony looked at me with serious expressions.

"Dude, Kenzie, that's not okay! Here, take my apple," she insisted. As I took it I tossed it in the air, catching it moments later.

"Will that make you guys happy?"

I took a bite into the juicy apple and almost instantly I spit it out in disgust. I wiped my mouth swiftly.

"I'm sorry guys, I just can't," I insisted as I got up and sped off.

I quickly hurried to my dorm room as I flipped on my bed, sighing deeply.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Vontrova?"

Suddenly it all made sense. This is all Dean's fault. If he hadn't bullied me to death I wouldn't have tried to kill myself. If Dean didn't exist I'd be living a semi-normal life, without having to think about how I'm going to save my own life.

In my abundant free time I often think about death. When I took all those painkillers and blacked out I had felt something I've never experienced before. I felt at peace. I had nobody fat shaming me, I had no responsibilities, everything was just at ease. I often crave that feeling.

But in reality, all I can do is feel. It haunts me each and every day.

I started to drift off when I heard a faint knock on my door. Must be my roommate Jennifer. As I got up I rubbed at my tired eyes. As I opened the door my eyes met with a complete stranger.

"Um, hello," I greeted him as I peeped through the crack in the door. The guy had slicked back black hair with huge glasses that made his eyes pop out.

He looked around self consciously as though he weren't supposed to be here.

"Are you, Madison Vontrova?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I-, yes," I replied.

"Here." He handed me a piece of paper as I took it hesitantly.

"Complete this list of dates and I'll pay you fifty grand," He offered.

Confused, I scanned through the list.

DARES:
Dare #1. Kiss Dean McFarland
Dare  #2. Go to his party
Dare #3. Hold hands
Dare #4. Go on a date
Dare #5. Play strip Poker.
Dare #6. Skinny dip
Dare #7. Do Dean McFarland's makeup
-

"There's no way," I declined the offer as I attempted to hand him back the paper.

"Think of all the things you can do with fifty grand," he bribed me as he pushed the paper back to me.

I did think about it. I could finally start up my own art studio. It's been a dream of mine since forever. But is kissing Dean truly worthy? Hell no.

I bit my lower lip. "Fifty grand, you say?"

"Yes," he replied simply.

"What's in it for you," I questioned curiously.

He shrugged. "For entertainment, mainly. So are you in?"

They're just dares, there doesn't have to be any strings attached. After pondering his question I finally came to a solid conclusion.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to decline."

There was no way I was going to kiss Dean McFarland. I can't even bare looking at the guy, let alone swapping spit with him.

"Your loss," the guy said. "You have until tomorrow, then the deal's off."

I shut the door as I slid down my door and flopped on the floor. Kiss Dean Hardaway for fifty grand. Hmm...I shivered just thinking about it. But I really do want to start my own art studio...

I sigh. "They're only dares, Kenzie. Think about your dream." If I was able to open my own art studio then I'd truly have a purpose in life again. I'd truly be happy for a change.

"Okay then, its settled. I will kiss Dean Hardaway. I will start my own art studio."

I shook my head quickly. There's no way!

"It's just a dare, it's just a dare," I repeated to myself.

I groaned. "Ugh, fine."