Page 44 of Greased

English goes better than I expected. The seats we currently sit in are the ones we keep for the rest of the year. That also means we are partnered up for assignments together. I revel in the fact that I at least get this piece of her every lesson. Although, I can already see how she is going to make me work for it. She doesn’t give me an inch the entire lesson. While she may still swing an occasional smile my way from time to time, that wall is still firmlyup.

The teacher has given us some book to read and an assignment where we have to completely dissect it and give our thoughts. Seems pretty basic to me. I see the dread on Scarlett’s face. Thankfully it's a group assignment this time around.

Do I dare say this is a win?

The rest of the school day goes surprisingly smoothly. The boys do their best to stick close by my side. I watch them as they glare at random guys that attempt to come up and introduce themselves to me and watch as the poor things walk away, disappointed and pissed off glares aimed straight for the five of them. What surprises me though is the fact that Dawson joins in. I have never been more confused in my life when it comes to a person.

He had been fucking amazing back home in Australia. Even though we only had a month to spend together, it felt longer. I felt like I was able to learn so much about them. That we were able to get to know each other well enough that labelling ourselves ‘off the market’ wasn’t a reach.

I let the months of heartbreak and tears build up my wall throughout the day. I have been way too soft on them. They hurt me beyond what I could have ever imagined possible. Watching the way Noah rampaged after I called him bawling my eyes out after days of nothearing from them. It took everything in me to stop him from doing something stupid like jumping on a plane and finding them. He was very descriptive about the way he planned on and I quote, “Bash those stupid jacked up, steroid sinking fucking cane toads heads in”. I have no doubt that he would have given it a red hot crack too.

My phone buzzes in my hand and I flip it over from where it sits in my gym bag. As the screen lights up, I smile seeing who the message is from.

NOAH

SCARLETT BABY!!!! I fucking miss your face! How is the US? Have you settled in properly?

What is it like there? Is everyone being nice? Do I need to come over there and bash anyone yet?

Because I fucking will!

I laugh, not realising how loud I actually was. I give those few glaring at me an apologetic smile before turning back to my phone and sending a quick reply.

SCARLETT

HAHAHAHA! And this is why I love you Noah.

It has been really good hereso far. I have so much that Ineed totell you though!

Noah’s reply is almost instant.

NOAH

Facetime?

That way you get to see my pretty face as well ;)

SCARLETT

You are a shithead! But yes. For now, go to sleep. I will call you in your morning xx

NOAH

Love your face x

SCARLETT

Love yours more x

“Well, you moved on pretty quickly didn’t you Scarlett? I knew something was fishy between you and the football player. You just can’t fake those kinds of longing looks. I’m sure the boys are going to be pretty fucking devastated when they find out you actually have someone back in Australia. And then all that flirting withWyatt today? I think there is a name out there people call women like you? What was it again? Something rhyming with door?”

Anger thumps through my veins at the ballsy motherfucker standing behind me. I crack my head from side to side. If this motherfucker thought meeting Betty at the beach back home was eventful, he’s seen nothing yet.

I slowly start clapping as I turn to face Dawson. It seems to gain the attention of the entire class. I don’t focus on them or the way the guys start inching closer with confused looks on their faces. My focus remains entirely on the man that insists on carrying on with his bullshit. A sadistic smile creeps onto my face as I now completely face him. I give a few more claps of my hands before completely stopping. The silence in the gym is deafening as everyone watches

“Wow Dawson, look at you. Using your big boy words in an attempt to what?” I question him, quirking my eyebrow, “Get me to leave? Are you trying to slut shame me into getting back on a plane to Australia? Because if that was your grand plan, I’d hate to tell you but I’m not fucking taking the bait. Because this is my fucking life. A life that was ripped away from me and I refuse to stand down just becauseyouhave your knickers in a twist. So from the bottom of my heart Dawson, shut the ever living fuck up.” I didn’t realise that the entire time I was telling Dawson where to shove his postering bullshit, I had edged closer and closer to him until we were both chest to chest and I was right in his face.

The entire gym is silent as we stare off against each other. Neither of us backing down. I can hear whoops and cheers, mainly coming from Dacre, Sonny, Pike and Nicky but I pay them no mind.

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