The double arrangement

7 (Quinn)

My damn skirt tore. Correction. Angel Willis and her cronies tore my cheerleading skirt. It was most definitely because she was intimidated by me. That and, obviously,, her boyfriend wants me instead of he,r, and the idea of that makes her mad. I reach into my bag and take out some needles and thread. Not exactly the color of my skirt but it'll have to do. If my brother caught me doing this he'd probably laugh at the idea of me knowing how to do needlepoint. Looking back on it, the idea was really funny. Me, a cheerleader trying to fix her skirt with some thread. My mother was good for one thing and that was needlepoint. At least there was that.

If only Ryan knew what happened when he was not here. I didn't dare tell him about Angel or anyone who gave me problems. Not because I didn't want to or couldn't but simply because he was my younger brother. He always felt like he had to take care of me. It was sweet, but at the same time,, he was forcing himself to grow up. He always did, even as a kid. When I was bullied in grade school he used to stand guard, almost like a protector. I knew him. Deep down Ryan wasn't tough. He wore his heart on his sleeve.

As I stood by my locker, trying to fix my skirt without poking myself, I saw red jackets pass me in the corner of my eye. The jocks were here. They didn't really matter to me, not since I started high school. However, it all changed when Ryan joined them. I knew he wouldn't become one of those guys who only slept with girls for clout. Still, I was worried about him. Being near guys like that chips away at your true self. There is no damage at first, but slowly, it destroys you.

I continue to work with the fabric of my skirt on my knee when something slams into the locker door next to mine.

I don't look up but hear laughter. Of course, it's that time of day. All the juniors had one off period, to get them into the mindset of -you're almost seniors. I didn't really do anything on my off periods, except occasional make-out sessions. Although I didn't remember names and there was no talking. That, in my book,, was perfect. Also, I wasn't picky. I played on both sides and the reward was liberating.

Suddenly to my annoyance, my thoughts are interrupted. I could feel him before I saw him. He had a certain musk. I looked up to see none other than Max Newcrest staring down at me. He had this big smirk on his face like he had won the lottery or something. I studied him a bit more closely.

Max wasn't what I'd call average-looking because he wasn't. He had a jawline that could cut through glass. His skin was light, not tanned but getting close. His blonde hair was combed back today, except for a few loose strands in front of his green eyes. Today he wore his red jacket, though underneath was just a white T-shirt and jeans. A simple outfit that only he, of all people, could pull off. Max continued to stare down at me and I felt my face heat up. f**k. I probably looked like such an i***t right now. Blushing like a schoolgirl.

"Hey, Quinn. Something on my face? It seems like there must be for you to keep staring like a deer in headlights. "

My blush disappears as soon as he talks. I look away abruptly as if he's burned me. I watch as he straightens as if looking at my every move.

"What do you want Max? Ryan's not here if you're looking for him. "

Max just shakes his head, like Ryan is the last thing on his mind. Somehow that thought is not comforting at all. Max steps a little closer to me. He seems less confident than before, which catches me a bit off guard.

"Do you have a date for junior prom yet?"

I have to stop my jaw from dropping completely. This was not actually happening. And if it was, it had to be a joke. There was no way that Max Newcrest was asking me to go with him. I must've had a strange expression on my face because Max repeated himself like three times.

"Isn't that like against the rules to date a friend's sister? "

Max smiles. It's not cocky or condescending, just a genuine smile. For once I allow myself to think that there might be more to him than just the attitude and heaps of girls wanting him.

"It is... Yes. Although. I was hoping that maybe I'd ask anyway. As myself. Not that guy that you think I am. Don't look at me like that.. you know it's true"

Max seems really vulnerable in this moment, like he's trying to show me another part of himself. My scrutiny is gone, replaced instead with understanding. I liked this side of Max. There was no cockiness or even judgment. Just.. Peace.

"Then I'll go with you. Not because you're famous around here..but because I enjoy this side of you Max. It's refreshing."

Max smiles and I can feel the happiness radiating off him. He hugs me tightly, and I return it, burying my face in the crook of his neck. He smells like peppermint and something else I can't quite place. We stay like that for a while, not moving from the spot where we are. He gently strokes my back and I find myself leaning into him, seeking more of his gentle caresses and touches. I felt completely protected in his embrace. Angel and her cronies could never ever hurt me because Max was here. Max laughs as I pull him closer, the sound light and playful.

Looking back on everything, that moment for me was perfect. Even after all the things that happened after that, I'll still think of that moment as my happiest moment from last year. Max was happy, laughing like we would be like this forever. He seemed young, just a boy who was trying to win the heart of a girl he liked. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that happiness can also look like a lie. If only I'd realized it sooner.