The Bad Boy(Dare me)

Chapter 5: I Love Drama

"Good morning love,How are you?,"asks Valerie's mom as she hands her breakfast. She just smiles shyly,"All's well that ends well,"she says all giddy. Her mom just laughs,"That's totally irrelevant, I take it you're going to tryouts?,"she asks with an arched brow. "I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not,"she replies taking another bite of her toast. Her mom looks at her intently,"How is Riley doing?" Valerie just sighs,"He's okay. Just surrounded by a lot of drama and definitely not the good kind." Her mom smiles lightly,"Has he recovered from what happened?,"she asks worriedly."It's hard to tell especially since he doesn't show much. I mean he's fun to be around but one can never tuly know what's hidden underneath that bad boy facade,"she says as she eats the last piece of her toast. Her mom smiles,"You've always had a soft spot for him, I remember how sad you were when we had to move,"she says packing away the plates. "I was but then we were so sad around here. Everything reminded us of dad, some things still do,"Valerie says on the verge of tears. Her mom pulls her in for a hug,"It's all in the past now sweetheart. You go out there and enjoy yourself. Try to avoid drama,"she says with a warm smile. Valerie simply smiles," What? No! I love drama,"she says jogging towards her car.

• • •

*Car honk* Tony smiles,"That's my ride.See you later,"he says grabbing his bag off the kitchen counter. Just as he reaches for the door handle,his mom speaks,"Oh honey, don't forget about the Science Exhibition tonight,"she says with a warm smile. He just nods and rushes towards Billy's car,"I almost took the bus. Why are you so late?" Billy just smiles,"Tiny Tony, you think looking this hot is child's play?,"he asks as he drives off. Tony just laughs, thinking about how they're so different. He keeps his brown hair short and nearly bombed,has a lean body and always keeps his brown eyes hidden behind a pair of glasses. Billy on the other hand keeps his long black hair curly and messy,athletic body and does anything to draw attention to his emerald eyes,he even applies eyeliner sometimes - talk about an attractive mess. "Remind me again why we're friends?,"he asks still laughing. Billy just shrugs and starts playing Bloody Valentine by MGK. They both start singing along. "Well that's a lot of emotion coming from a single guy,"Billy jokes as they enter the school gate. Tony just laughs,"I have an amazing voice,I know." They both burst out in laughter,"So, did you see Jane yesterday?,"Billy asks as they enter the parking lot. Tony looks lost,"Don't we always do when Chloe's around?" Billy just laughs and gives him a pat on the back,"You're really stupid when it comes to certain things. Just stick to science,"he says messing with his hair. Tony just unbuckles,"I'll do just that. Just like I'm planning on sticking to you as my ride for the rest of the year,"he says as he climbs out of the car. "Unless you magically turn into a girl, no thank you,"says Billy as he locks the car. They walk in together and head to their lockers to retrieve material they'll need for their morning classes. Tony spots Charlotte at a nearby locker and jogs up to her,"You're a robot aren't you? I mean you beat Emily at chess." Charlotte throws her head back in laughter,"No Mister, I just don't get lost in her eyes like you all do. What's so special about her eyes anyway?,"she asks as they enter class. "Are you kidding me? Her eyes put you under some spell, no matter how hard you try to look away, you just can't,"he says almost out of breath. She gives him a weird look,"Dude, you sound like a total creep right now. Do you like her or something?,"she asks settling into her seat. He just shrugs,"Nope, just put admiration. So we're ready to release the shortlist right? You'll be charmed, believe you me," he says as he walks away leaving behind a confused Charlotte.

• • •

"Classes went by surprisingly fast today,"says Valerie as she enters the gym with Charlotte beside her. "I'm just glad it's almost over,you didn't have to drag me to tryouts though,"replies Charlotte shying away. "Of course I did, I watched you play intense chess didn't I?,"she wiggles her eyebrows. Charlotte dramatically rolls her eyes,"Wow, blackmail. Now I have to be surrounded by even more people, this is torture." Valerie just smiles a bit,"Oh come on, you really need to enjoy being around people a bit more. Trust me, you'll love it,"she says as they join the registration line. Charlotte just shakes her head,"I doubt that'll ever happen. People always want to be entertained. Some don't even know how to appreciate silence. Some even....oh no!,"she says looking at the front of the line. Valerie seems oblivious to what has caused Charlotte's dismay,"Oh no, Im not that kind of person,"she shakes her head. Charlotte gestures for her to face the front, she does and everything makes sense. It's now their turn to register,"Well if it isn't Mrs Reserved,"says Chloe with a wide smirk. "Hi Chloe, Jane. I'm here to tryout for cheer,"she says in an optimistic tone. "I don't think you fit in cheer. Maybe try drama,"says Chloe dismissively. Jane nudges her a bit and clears her throat,"Go on, show us what you've got,"she says with a wide smile. Valerie simply steps back and does a few moves - flips,jumps and stretches. The girls watch in amazement, Charlotte included. "Thank you, next,"Chloe says dismissively. "We'll pin up the shortlist on Monday,"says Jane. "Alright, see you Monday afternoon," Valerie says a bit out of breath. Chloe laughs dryly,"Why are you so sure of yourself?,"she grins widely. "Aren't we all?,"she asks as she walks towards Charlotte. She hears Jane whispering,"Confidence and moves. Perfect." Chloe just mumbles a "whatever". Charlotte shakes her head,"Do you always have the answer to everything?,"she asks as they exit the gym. Valerie just smiles,"When it comes to Chloe, Yes. Come on,"she says as they head towards an ice cream truck.

• • •

"Try not to wander far off, we might need to introduce you to some important people,"says Tony's dad as they enter the science museum. It's 6 o'clock and Tony can't think of a better way to spend his Friday evening. He wanders further into the museum and stops to carefully admire the Aerodynamics section. "Hello Tony,"says a familiar voice causing him to turn around immediately. He smiles at her,"Hey, I never thought you'd attend such events." She smiles,"Out of free will? Never. But my parents are so obsessed so they felt like dragging me along,"she says with a shrug. He just smiles and fidgets with the hem of his shirt. "There you are son, we'd like you to meet those important people now,"his dad says, knocking him out of his trance. He notices a cozy couple next to his parents,"Honey, these are the Logans. And folks, this is our son, Tony,"says his mom in a warm voice. His eyes widen in realisation," Oh my word! It's an honor to meet you Mr and Mrs Logan. I love your work,"he says extending his hand for a handshake. "It's a pleasure sweetheart. We've also heard so much about you. You're going to take the world by storm someday. I see you've met our amazing daughter,"says Mrs Logan as she gestures towards Jane. "You're Jane Logan?,"he asks in bewilderment. " We'll leave you teenagers to whatever it is you're busy with," says his dad as they walk away. "I never would've guessed that you thought so highly of my parents,"she says as the walk towards the refreshment table. "Bruh, I legit admire your parents' work. They're super amazing,"he says as he picks up a glass of champagne. "Go on. Ask. What more would you like to know about them?,"she asks as she settles into her seat. He just smiles widely,"Actually, I'd like to know more about their daughter,"he says nervously rubbing the back of his neck. Jane's tummy is filled with butterflies as they talk throughout the whole exhibition. He goes home super excited to have spent time with someone other than his friends. They both love mint for crying out loud!

• • •

"You really should get a new car,"Riley says as they walk out of his mom's office. "No I don't, besides I took my car for service last month,"his mom says kindly. "There you go throwing money at Jimmy wthout a valid reason,"he says with a slight laugh. She slightly punches him and laughs along as well. "Goodnight Downs,"says a man's voice. They both look back, she smiles,"Goodnight Dr Kent, and oh, this is my son Riley, remember him?,"she asks politely. "Oh Riley, you look good, much older,"he says with a wide smile. Riley just gives him a blank look,"Yeah, been a minute.Goodnight,"he says walking away. "That was rude,"says his mom as she buckles her seatbelt. "I don't like the way he looks at you mom,"he says as he starts the car engine. "He's just being friendly. Remember, I'm a married woman,"she says sounding all serious. "A married woman who won't use her husband's money to get herself a new car,"he says with a sly smile. She just smiles,"I'm saving money for more important things in life. Speaking of husband, your dad would like to have you over this Easter,"she says fidgeting with her seatbelt. Riley's grip on the wheel tightens,"I'll think about it,"is all he says. She smiles,"That's more than enough for me. So how's Val?,"she asks excitedly. He smiles,"Same old Val, talkative and funny. We're actually hanging out tomorrow,"he says shying away from he questioning glare. "Explains why you're home on a Friday night,"she says jokingly. He throws his head back in laughter,"That and because I had a feeling you'd need me,"he says coyly. They make small talk until they get home. For once in a long time, Riley has a peaceful night.