Disaster and First Week

Ashley was actually a cheerleader for the football team. As we walked around the party, she introduced me and Jacob to some of her teammates. Of course, I got a barrage of questions about what happened after I was arrested today.

I gave them a brief rundown and the girls seemed impressed or at least entertained by the story.

After a few drinks, I noticed Jacob relaxing a bit. He eventually joined the rest of the crowd and started dancing like he was born for it.

All this time, there was this one guy leaning against the wall who kept giving me dirty looks. I didn't know who he was or what his deal was.

Around 8:30 PM, it was getting dark outside. They actually had some party lights going in the living room so it was pretty nice. They turned to music even louder and with people already a bit drunk, it was almost impossible to talk unless you went outside.

I had only drunk one beer, so I was quite sober.

Ashley flashed a cheeky smile and leaned in against me, "Hey, wanna dance?" she yelled into my ear.

I didn't have anything against it; she was a pretty girl, why would I refuse?

We went up and started dancing next to each other to some lively songs and then a slow song came on. 

Quite a few people left to go outside or moved to the side, making some more space.

Ashley looked at me expectantly. I smiled and stepped closer, slipping an arm around her waist. She came into my arms and we danced together.

Girls love it when a guy masterfully leads them across the dance floor and I had a lot of experience dancing with Alice.

Quickly, the kids around us gave us some more space, and a few watched us dance in awe.

I led her confidently and as the song went on I chose to try a more dramatic move. Gently, I bent her over at the waist as I held her firmly to keep her from falling.

Her blonde hair fell to the floor.

She looked up at me, surprised, but her eyes sparkled with excitement and admiration, "Impressive," she said, her breath uneven.

But the fun wouldn't last long, as by this time, Mr. Dirty Looks had consumed enough drinks to convince himself that I had stolen his girl, and he was now man enough to take her back.

After the slow dance, I asked Ashley if she wanted a beer. She said she doesn't drink, so I grabbed us both a can of Coke.

As I was taking my hand out of the cooler, I turned to find a man's fist coming at me. I ducked, and he fell forward with his momentum.

My first thought was, 'why is this happening to me?'

Everyone turned to look as he jumped at me again.

I threw the can of soda as hard as I could at him.

It hit his head, but he stopped only for a second and then leaped at me, angry as fuck.

Thankfully, the delay was enough for two boys bigger than me to jump him and stop him from going any further.

"What is going on here?" One of the boys asked as he held him down.

"I have no idea. All I know is that this guy tried to take my head off." I said.

"I saw that; I guess you took care of the threat. I'm the captain of the football team, and this guy is my teammate. Will you be so kind and not make a big fuss about this?"

"No problem. Drunk people do some pretty dumb stuff and sometimes it comes back to bite you in the ass."

I turned to look at Ashley, "I think it's best if I head out," I said.

I saw that Jacob was having fun talking to some hotties, so I left him to be.

I left the house and Ashley followed me into the cool evening air.

She told me outside that the guy who attacked me was called Noah.

"I always thought he had a thing for me, but he never had the guts to ask me out. I can't believe he flipped out like that..."

She paused for a second, "I wouldn't have gone out with him anyway, even if he did ask," she continued, shaking her head. "Sure, Noah is a great football player, but he acts like he's God's gift to the world."

"Well, at least this time, no one goes to jail," I said.

She laughed at that and then I turned to leave, only to be stopped again.

"Hey, Jack! Can I get your number?" She called out to me, stepping closer. I could see excitement in her light-brown eyes.

I gave it some thought for a moment and then said, "Sorry, Ashley. I don't like you like that. I hope we can stay friends, though."

I could see a subtle change in her expression, but then she chuckled lightly. "It's just a number," she said playfully.

I sighed, "Alright." I agreed, taking out my phone to exchange numbers with her.

With a nod and a smile, I walked away

When I got back to my house after a short time, I thought about how silly today had been.

It was only my second day back and already two guys tried to beat me into a pulp. And both times, it had something to do with a girl.

...

Over the weekend, I balanced time with my family while also beginning to build my stamina.

Chloe Flynn, my cute brunette neighbor, caught wind of what happened at school and we had an interesting chat. Our interaction started on shaky ground but eventually found its footing.

Chloe was actually the one purposely prolonging our conversations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Reynolds did his thing, and by Monday morning, I was back at school.

I didn't torment any more bullies because they stopped coming to me; the situation with Bob made them stay away.

From Monday to Friday, I attended all classes and teachers started noticing that something was different with me.

My grades were very good in the first place, but I actually politely asked to get a chance to raise them.

Teachers kept on asking me questions, and I answered all of them.

I also wrote the exams that I missed last Friday and a few more this week. I think I could get all of my grades up to straight A's.

After school on Friday, I was picked up by my father, and we drove back to the Winter Haven Police Station for the arranged meeting with Bob and his lawyer father.

It was time to collect what was owed to me.