Troubled Waters, Idled Minds

Chapter 18: Harry

“We have to go or you’ll be late,” I said as calmly as I could. I was trying so hard not to bark at the stranger in front of us. He wasn’t really doing anything bad but I had to interrupt his sentiments as it was making Callie uneasy.

She nodded at me, relief passing in a breath. She turned to Johnny, lost as to what to say. Once again, I rescued my damsel in distress.

“Listen, buddy. We’re gonna keep going. Thanks for your concern.” I even flashed him the warmest smile I could muster. Hope it doesn’t look as fake as it felt.

The dunce gaped at us for a few seconds before shaking his head erratically. Weirdo.

“Yeah - Yeah, yeah of course. Sure, bro. I mean, I’m sorry,” he stuttered. He looked back at Callie. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

What now?

I spun Callie around, striding us off before Johnny could say something else I wouldn’t like.

“‘See you later’?” My hand squeezed Callie’s shoulder tighter.

“He’s in the club,” she explained meekly.

Perfect. It was a mistake on my part that guys in glee club wouldn’t take interest in my girl. What did I expect? That guys wouldn’t look past the thick glasses that were hiding her soul sucking blue eyes? That they wouldn’t be aware of her maturing figure that was becoming more and more noticeable beneath her uniform that fit her like a glove? How can anyone be oblivious of her dorky attitude, or how she was both kind and gentle but could be strong and fiery when the situation demands it?

I must be delusional into believing that Callie hasn’t already attracted some people. Her voice alone was a beacon lulling helpless sailors to their deaths they’d be more than happy to succumb to. I know they do. Because I’m the same.

Crazy about the girl who I could never have. The one girl in this whole cruel world I am not allowed to have.

Just because I wasn’t supposed to doesn’t mean I won’t.

I’ve spread the word around not to mess with Callie before she even first stepped in the school grounds on her freshman year. It was a silent threat and people respected me enough to abide by my request.

Guys still swarm around her but thank the heavens, I was always one step ahead and foil any plans involving her even before they started. They gave her the same respect they’d given me and I’d never been happier with how my reputation had been solidified in the school.

Kim didn’t show any signs of animosity towards Callie but when I started seeing her, only then she showed her true colors. I guess she thought that because I was with her, that she could do whatever the f**k she wanted. That she was invincible.

I was turned off day after day of being with her that was why what mediocre thing we had didn’t even last a month.

We reached the English classroom and I handed Callie her bag.

“I’ll meet you when the bell rang,” I reminded her, pressing my lips on the top of her head. Her smell intoxicated me, making it hard to let her go.

She gave me a small smile and clasped the one strap in her fist but made no move to go. She lingered in the doorway for a while, a few students ducking their heads as they passed between us.

I waited with one eyebrow raised. She had something to say.

Callie sighed. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I mean, about you and Hannah.”

God, I want to kiss her right now. She didn’t know it’s her who was important to me. I couldn’t care less about anyone else. Bless her for being so concerned about me though there was really no need to be.

“Enjoy your class,” I tell her. And, because I couldn’t help myself, I gave her another kiss, on the cheek this time.

On my way to my own class, I happened upon Abe. I didn’t question how I hadn’t seen him since his first day at school. Ane, I’ve spoken to and she even visited Callie a few times back home, but even I didn’t inquire his whereabouts when I did. We were both familiar with Abe’s disappearances and I could never be more certain that that was the reason why he had to repeat one year.

It was regretful how Abe and I used to be close and he was the closest thing I’d had to a brother. He used to be a boisterous little boy, teasing the young Callie just to get a rise out of her.

One day, he just changed. He slowly pushed us out of his life and maintained a secretive world only he knew of.

I don’t even want to begin thinking about the news circulating around that he was involved in a gang. He’s family and I care about the guy. I hope to god he wasn’t doing anything dangerous or stupid.

Despite the dead look he was sending my way, I gave him a wide smile as I pat his shoulder. I really hope he wasn’t.