The Cliche Gone Wrong

Chapter Six

My face falls,

"Look," I tuck my hands into my pockets as I shrug my shoulder, "I fucked up, okay? But it's only because..."

I drag my hand through my hair as I tilt my head back, staring up at the clear sky. "I don't know what I'm doing, okay? I just..."

I shake my head as I look back over at her, trying to convince her with my eyes. "There's just a lot of stuff going on that I channel in ways that probably aren't healthy for anyone.

Her eyes don't change, but she starts to walk toward me, stopping close enough that I can finally make out her features in the dark. The dimple in her chin disappears as she purses her lips instead.

"It sounds like you need help," she says, evaluating me quietly.

This time my chin is the one to dimple, I wish I could take a step away, but I'm trapped between her and the van. "I don't need help," I laugh, not liking the turn of conversation.

Her eyes never leave mine, as she shifts to the side, redistributing her weight. "Well you need something."

I frown as I look away from her, regretting ever taking this bet. Maybe I should just got that freshman and give up. I mean, what's $500? Is any of this really worth it?

I jump as the van beeps, looking up to see a smile break across her face as she dangles the key fob in the air, finally releasing her makeshift weapon.

"As fun as its been talking to you," she starts to meander toward me, although she's careful to keep her distance, "I have things to take care of."

My heart drops at her excuse, knowing she is just trying to find a way to quit talking to me. I need to figure out some way to buy time, or better yet, a way to see her again outside of school.

"So how about dinner?" I ask, a lopsided smile taking over my face.

"I already have dinner plans," she smiles as she plays with her keys.

"Who's the mystery man?" I ask, genuinely worried.

"Don't worry," she soothes, her smile growing. "You can't compete."

I laugh awkwardly as I eye her, trying to figure out whether of not she's serious. But her eyes don't waver, her lips puckering slightly, almost as if she's daring me to kiss her.

I can't let her leave now. I have to see her again.

"Why don't you come to the basketball game tomorrow night?"

She scrunches up her nose as she narrows her eyes. "I thought you were on the lacrosse team?"

"Captain of the lacrosse team, actually," I grin, hoping that will buy me some standing. "But one of my best friends is captain of the basketball team so I always go to support him. You should come with me."

"You mean, along with all of the other poor excuses for human beings you associate with," she laughs.

I frown at her words. I mean I understand she doesn't like my friends, but does she have to be that mean? I shake it off as I keep that confident smile on my face, thinking around her insult.

"Well, then why don't you bring some of the poor excuses for human beings you associate with and we'll call it a party?"

Surprisingly she laughs, shaking her head as she opens the squeaky driver door. "We'll see," she says coyly as she tosses her backpack onto the passenger seat inside.

"You promise?" I ask, finally getting the courage to step closer to her. Her eyes don't shoo me away this time; instead they twinkle with unshared mischief as she matches my movement, coming close enough so I can feel her sweet breath on my face.

"I can't do that," she whispers, biting her lower lip.

This is my chance. I have to take it.

I slowly lean in to her, my eyes never leaving hers as I get closer and closer. She tilts her chin up, almost welcoming my lips as she angles hers closer. I finally close my eyes, leaving that crucial half-inch between us so she can close the gap and seal the deal.

But nothing comes.

I jump at the sudden boom, my eyes flying open to see she has disappeared inside of the van. The car roars to life as she smiles at me through the window, rolling down the window just a crack so I can hear her.

"I'm running late for dinner." She smiles mysteriously as she puts the car in reverse. I take a small step back, not willing to risk her running over my toes.

"Thanks for the invitation." I laugh as I tuck my hands back into my pockets. "I'd love to come to dinner."

She scoffs as the van starts to roll backwards, forcing me to move even father away. "Bye, Shills!"

I don't have the opportunity to say anything else because she is driving away. I stare after the van as I watch her pull out of the parking lot and turn down the road toward the middle of town.

Maybe I'll get more out of this than I thought.