Chapter Text
Liam spotted Naomi at her locker. He was more or less hiding behind a corner and watching her. He knew he looked like a complete and utter stalker but he was just waiting for the right moment to talk to her. That’s all he’d been wanting to do for the past week. Talk to her. Try and explain something he couldn’t. But that was more complicated than it seemed.
If he told Naomi about Jen then she’d be heartbroken, to Naomi she and Jen were just starting to have a relationship. To have something they hadn’t had before and if Liam ruined that Naomi would be crushed. But if he didn’t tell her then she’d keep believing a lie about him and he knew he wouldn’t be able to handle that. If he couldn’t be with Naomi he’d just accept that, but what he couldn’t accept was her believing something that wasn’t even true.
He also knew if he didn’t say anything Naomi, and the whole school, would just keep making Annie miserable. He felt awful that she was being treated so unfairly, being seen as ‘the school slut’ for something she didn’t even do. She was taking the blame for his mistake and he wasn’t doing anything about it.
I truly am an ass.
Sighing, Liam pushed off the wall and made his way over to Naomi.
If he couldn’t tell her about Jen then he could at least tell her to back off of Annie. The girl didn’t deserve what she was getting. Hell, even if they had actually slept together she still wouldn’t deserve it.
“Naomi.” Liam stood beside her locker, voice soft, open.
She ignored him. Figures.
“Naomi, can we talk?” He asked.
More silence. She took out her biology book and put it into her bag. It’s like he wasn’t even there.
“Naomi, please, can I just have, like, five minutes of your time?” He tried not to wince at his pleading tone. He didn’t think he ever had to beg for someone’s attention before.
Naomi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them. She turned to him sharply, eyebrow raised, lips pursed. “Five minutes.” She announced in a cool voice.
He almost fell over in relief, “Thank you.” He smiled gratefully.
“Clocks ticking.” She retorted as she tapped the face of her watch.
“Listen, I know I’ve sounded like a broken record when I say this, but you just have to listen to me. Please? I—me and Annie never slept together. Ever. We’d never want to hurt you like that.” He explained, voice taut.
Naomi shifted her feet but didn’t say anything, just waiting for him to continue. Or finish.
“And I know I’ve sounded vague about the truth and I’m sorry for that, but what I can be truthful about is that it wasn’t Annie. She’d never do that to you, Naomi. She cares about you. About . . . us; and you and I both know she’d never do anything like that.” Liam felt his heart beat faster in his chest. His eyes pleading for her to understand, to accept his words.
“Three minutes.” She said curtly.
He clenched his jaw, “It wasn’t her who I slept with—which I shouldn’t have done in the first place. That was wrong. But who I did sleep with was . . . was . . . .” He trailed off. He couldn’t tell her. It’d hurt her.
Naomi met his eyes, her green gaze piercing him straight through like a knife. “Who was it?” Her voice had an edge to it but he could hear the worry underneath.
He opened his mouth but nothing came out. He tried again. “It . . . it was – was . . . .”
Jen! Just say it was Jen! He screamed at himself. Why was he making this so hard?
“Two minutes.” She reminded him, an impatient look on her face.
“I . . . I – it was, um . . . .” He was drowning here. The truth so close he could taste it. But that taste was bitter and sour, he couldn’t swallow it.
Naomi crossed her arms, “Sixty seconds.”
He had to say something. Anything.
“It wasn’t Annie.” He blurted.
“Yes. I’ve been told that already. If it wasn’t her then who was it?”
“It was . . . it was . . . .”
Just say it, you idiot! To hell with Jen, she’s a psycho bitch!
“Thirty seconds.” Naomi cautioned.
Liam clenched his hand into a fist, his chest vibrating with the beat of his heart.
“Nineteen.” She counted. “Sixteen. Twelve. Ten . . . .”
Just say it was Jen! Say it!
But he couldn’t. The words were lodged in his throat, refusing to fall out.
“Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Times up.” She said bitterly, her voice slightly choked.
“Naomi, I—” He started but she held up a hand, cutting him off.
“No. I’m done hearing your half-assed excuses.” She swallowed tightly, eyes misty, “I’m so sick and tired of letting you try and explain yourself when you clearly can’t. It’s annoying and – and, God, painful. So, I’m done. I’m done with you and your not-so-truthful truths. I’m done with letting you explain yourself. God, I feel stupid to have even let you talk to me now. But I thought you’d actual come through this time. Actually thought you’d man up and give me what you’ve so clearly been trying to give me. But I was wrong, can’t say I’m surprised though.” Tears were falling from her eyes, her voice hitched.
“No more explanations. No more apologies. No nothing. I’m over you, Liam.”
“Naomi, please, I—”
But she had already walked away from him. Leaving him alone in a hallway filled with people.
It was Friday after school and Annie was just shutting her locker when Ty skipped up to her.
“Hey, quick question!” He said earnestly, stopping beside her as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
“What is it?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at his excited tone. They started down the hallway toward Ivy’s locker. The three of them were going to the Peach Pit, just like they had done for the past week after school.
“My friend Erin, Erin Morgan, he’s on the lacrosse team, Dixon knows him.” He started as Annie nodded at his words. “He’s having a party tomorrow night and asked if I’d want to come. I said yes and am bringing you and Ivy with me.”
Annie paused in her steps, “What?” Her voice high with surprise.
For the past week Annie had spent a lot of her time in her room, cyber-stalking Jasper and his uncle. She’d become obsessed with him and tried gathering as much information as she could. Even though Jasper didn’t have a lot of social media, he did have a blog. It was about films and directing and he updated it regularly. His last post was yesterday, he’d seen a Tim Burton movie.
But the content wasn’t what she was fixated on, it was the contact e-mail at the bottom of each post. It wasn’t his personal e-mail but it would give her a chance to talk to him. Or tell him she killed his uncle.
She had tried to draft a few letters, tried to put into words how sorry she was and how much the guilt was making her sick, but she couldn’t. Nothing sounded right. But another part of her was telling her not to write anything at all. That it wasn’t worth ruining her life over.
She had been so buried in her guilt and research that she had barley left the house. Only leaving for school or to go to the Peach Pit. She even canceled plans with Ty last Saturday, she lied and said she was sick. But really she was reading all of Jasper’s blog entries.
“C’mon, it’ll be fun.” Ty said now, his shoulder bumping hers. “You haven’t been out of your house all week. It’ll be good for you.”
Annie snorted, “Good for me? How is spending my time with people who hate me good for me?”
The bullying had only increased during the week and it was . . . exhausting. And seeing Liam only made it worse, he just kept his distance and stayed quiet. Never helping. Never caring despite his words of guilt and shame.
“I’m not talking about them, I’m just saying being somewhere other than your bedroom will be good for you.” He put an arm around her shoulders, “You’re becoming a hermit, Wilson.”
“No I’m not!” Annie argued, a humored smile on her face. “I just like to spend time at home. Much nicer than being around drunk and horny teenagers.”
Ty chuckled, “What if I help you steer clear of them? Make sure we are as far away from them as physically possible.”
Annie rolled her eyes, “Where is it?”
“Erin’s house. It’s a little away from where I live.” He answered.
Annie bit her lip, “I’ll think about it.”
They were at Ivy’s locker now, the blonde was putting her books away. “Think about what?” Ivy asked, glancing at them.
“Ty wants to drag us to a party tomorrow.” Annie said, her tone slightly sour.
“It’s to get Annie out of the house. She’s becoming one of those crazy, hermit ladies. Pretty soon she’ll be adopting fifteen cats and eating tuna out of a can.” Ty speculated.
Annie rolled her eyes as Ivy chuckled. “Can’t let her do that.” Ivy said.
“So you’ll help me drag Annie to this fun, socializing party?” He raised an eyebrow, grinning.
“Yes.” Ivy nodded, shutting her locker for emphases.
“I hate you.” Annie told them as they went toward the doors.
“Good. Use that anger and turn it into excitement for tomorrow.” Ty told her.
“Not likely.”
“Hey, there’ll be beer there so you can get drunk and that way you won’t even remember the party.” Ivy suggested, she was on Annie’s right side, arm slung around her shoulder.
“Think I’ll pass.” Annie told her.
“You’ll have fun, Wilson. Trust us.” Ty winked at her.
“Doubtful.” Annie scowled.
What she’d like to do is stay home and hide.
Hours later, Annie sat on her bed, scrolling through Facebook on her laptop. Her eyes passed over posts about it being Friday and how happy people where that the weekend was finally here.
Naomi had talked about spending the weekend at a spa with Silver and Adrianna. A pang went through Annie as she read that; she wished she could make them listen to her. Make them see just how sorry she was. But she knew that would be useless. They didn’t want to hear anything she had to say. And even if they did, Annie didn’t see why they’d believe her reasoning behind crashing the party. Friends didn’t out each other to the police and land them in summer school.
“Stupid.” Annie murmured to herself as she went to log out.
Bloop!
The sound of a message had her pausing though, eyes going to the right corner of the screen. She hadn’t gotten a message from anyone on Facebook for months.
It was from Navid. What? Why would he be messaging her? They had talked once and that was a week ago.
Curious, Annie opened the message tab and read it:
Navid Shirazi: Hey, Annie. How are you?
Oh. Annie bit her lip. She couldn’t help but feel a little taken aback by his simple, friendly question. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, not sure if she should keep him on ‘read’ or respond.
He is being nice to me. Reaching out when no one else is. She told herself, Maybe I should just go with it.
Annie Wilson: Hi. I’m . . . good. How are you?
Good, nice and simple.
It only took him a few seconds to respond.
Navid Shirazi: I’m doing well. Schools been keeping me busy, especially with the Blaze.
Right, he runs the school newspaper. Annie reminded herself. He also was part of the school’s news broadcast too. So was Silver.
Annie Wilson: Yeah, I read your article on getting better equipment for the science lab. It was really good.
Annie had subscribed to the newspaper when she had first gotten to West Bev. It was a lot more interesting and provocative than her old school’s paper. She was sure her old school wouldn’t let their paper talk about safe sex or medical marijuana.
Navid Shirazi: Thanks! Glad you actually liked it. Dixon said he read it but I highly doubt it.
Annie felt her lips tug up into a smile as she typed out a response.
Annie Wilson: Yeah, Dixon’s more of a sports-and-cars kind of reader. Never really gave much thought to science or any other school oriented subject. Unless it had to do with sex. Typical boy—no offense.
Navid Shirazi: None taken : ) My species isn’t well versed in anything that doesn’t involve boobs and engines. Sad, really.
Annie chuckled, she forgot how much she liked talking to Navid. He knew how to make her smile.
Annie Wilson: It is. Maybe you can help change that.
Navid Shirazi: One can only hope. So, I actually wanted to ask you something. If you’re interested that is. It’s for the Blaze.
Annie bit her lip, fingers frozen over the keys. Slowly she typed:
Annie Wilson: What is it?
She held her breath as she waited for his reply. What if he wanted to do an interview with her on why she called the cops? Ask her how it felt to be the most hated girl in school. See if she was losing it over all the teasing and bullying.
Navid Shirazi: Well, I was wondering if you’d want to write a piece on bullying. I know it’s a sensitive subject for you but I think it’s that way for a lot of people. Maybe you could talk a little about what you’re going through, maybe someone could relate to it, feel less alone. Give advice on your experience; talk about how you deal with it. And you don’t have to drop names or call anyone out or anything like that. Keep it ambiguous, you know?
Annie felt her heart stutter as she finished reading. Writing for the school paper on her getting bullied. Talking about how it’s been making her feel like she’s dying. That the only way she’s getting through it is because of Ivy and Ty. Allowing herself to be open and public. No way.
She was about to decline, say that the offer sounded nice but she wasn’t okay with it. That she’d never want to talk about being the school whore with anyone. She was going to say just that when a thought floated through her head.
But what if this could help someone else?
Sighing, she closed her eyes, Navid had a point. What if her talking about and advising someone on bullying could help? After all, if she can’t help herself maybe she could help someone else. Even if it was just her telling the victim to ignore the hurt and move forward.
Annie Wilson: Okay. I’ll do it.
Navid’s reply was quick:
Navid Shirazi: Awesome! You won’t regret it, Annie! Meet me in the media center on Monday after school. It’ll just be you and me, the club doesn’t meet on Mondays.
Annie Wilson: Okay. I’ll be there.
She signed out and turned her laptop off, setting it on her desk.
Hopefully she didn’t make a mistake.
“Guys, do we really have to be here?” Annie pleaded for the tenth time since Ty and Ivy had picked her up. It was Saturday night and they were at Erin’s party.
“Yes.” Ty said firmly as he parked the car and got out, pocketing his keys as he went.
“But maybe we could just do something else?” Annie closed the door to the backseat and skipped up to Ty, her white sandals clomping on the pavement. “Like go to the Peach Pit? Or the movies or . . . I dunno, something!” She grabbed his arm to make him stop walking.
Ty looked down at her, his lips stretching into a smirk. “Come on, Wilson, you need to step out of your comfort zone.” He put an arm around her shoulders and continued walking.
“I like my comfort zone, it’s comfortable.” Annie defended with a sniff.
They were nearing the big, three story house and Annie could hear a pop song from inside. She could also hear screaming twenty-somethings and could only guess they were celebrating a victory beer pong match.
“And boring.” Ivy added, she was on Annie’s left. “This is a good thing, Annie, trust us.”
“But—”
“No ‘buts’ unless it’s yours getting into that house.” Ty exclaimed firmly.
Groaning, Annie let Ty pull her into the party house, knowing it’d be useless to try and run. Inside Annie’s ears were clogged with voices and loud music of songs she’s never heard before. She could smell a mix of various colognes, perfumes, and drinks. Mostly beer though.
Ty spotted Erin in the living room and left the girls’ to go say a quick ‘hello.’
“Don’t go AWOL on me, Wilson.” He’d said before leaving.
“I’ll make sure she’s here and having fun.” Ivy’d promised with a smile that was half teasing and half not.
Annie glared at Ty’s retreating back, “You guys are despicable.”
Ivy chuckled, “Thank you. Now, let’s go see what there is to drink besides beer.”
Annie rolled her eyes but followed Ivy toward the kitchen.
After settling on Hawaiian Punch mixed with vodka, the girls stationed themselves in the corner of the dining room. They sat at a window seat and waited for Ty.
“Thought you wanted to get me out of my comfort zone?” Annie asked as she sipped her punch.
“I do but it’s a team effort, gotta wait for Ty.” Ivy answered. “Plus, I know no one here so it’d be weird if I just walked up to someone and introduced you.”
Annie smirked, “True.” She finished her cup and stood, “I’m going to the bathroom.”
“I’ll be here.” Ivy commented.
Annie rolled her eyes and left the dining room.
As she was walking up the stairs, dodging a few couples who were far too eager to get upstairs, she missed a step and lost her balance. Her hands reached out to catch herself but another pair had already beat her to it. Looking up Annie found herself staring into a familiar set of blue eyes.
Jasper.
Her breath caught in her throat and her head blared with alarm bells. How was he here? How did he know Erin?
“You alright?” Jasper asked, steading her feet on the last step.
Annie clutched the railing so hard her knuckles were white. She swallowed, mouth tasting like punch spiked vodka. She tried to speak but no sound came out.
“Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?” He asked, squinting slightly as if that would help him remember.
Annie cleared her throat, “N – No. I don’t think so.” Her voice squeaked. She was finding it hard to breathe and she couldn’t help but feel as if she were under a microscope.
“No, no, I do. I’ve seen you somewhere.” Jasper pressed, crossing his arms. “Do you go to West Bev?”
“I—Yeah.” Annie swallowed, her heart was beating as if she were running a marathon.
“And your dad’s the principal? Wilson, right?”
Annie nodded.
“Amy? No, Alisa? No . . . .” He scrunched his nose as he tried to think of her name. “Annie!” He smiled. “Annie Wilson.”
Annie nodded again. “Yeah. Th – that’s me.”
“See I knew it was you.” He chuckled. “Took some thought. So, how do you know Erin?”
Annie shifted her feet, sweat gathering under her arms. “Um . . . he’s a – a friend of a friend.”
“Mm, which one? Maybe I know them?” His eyes never left her face, it was as if he was analyzing her to memory.
“Ty . . . Ty Collins.” Annie answered, trying to breathe slowly.
“Oh, yeah, I’ve seen him around.” Jasper nodded faintly. “Nice guy.”
Annie bit her lip, “I should probably get back to him now. So . . . nice talking to you.” She took a step backward.
“Oh, yeah, okay. Nice talking to you too, Annie.” He gave her a friendly smile. “Maybe we’ll run into each other again.”
Run into. Annie felt her stomach lurch at those words.
“Yeah. Maybe.” She gave a wobbly smile before turning and walking back down the stairs.
Annie detoured to the kitchen and got another drink, only this time filling it with more vodka than punch. She took a needy gulp and found it empty when she pulled away. She refilled and took slower sips.
She wanted—needed—to forget about her conversation with Jasper—and Jasper himself—before she cracked even more.
Annie fell into Ty’s lap, she dipped backwards a little until Ty snaked an arm around her waist. She straightened and turned toward him, her arms around his shoulders, trying to keep her balance.
“Mm . . . th – thanks.” Annie said, her voice choppy and smile slow.
“Welcome.” Ty said, shifting underneath her on the chair in the living room. “Question, how much have you had to drink, Wilson?” He raised his eyebrow curiously.
Annie pursed her lips in thought, trying to think back to four hours ago. The memories getting blurrier the further back she tried to go.
“Um . . . .” She scrunched her nose, frowning, “No . . . i – idea.” She giggled as if it were the funniest thing she’d ever heard. “But! I – I won at . . . at that game over there.” She pointed woozily behind her.
“Beer pong?” Ty asked, looking over her shoulder at the group of people aiming a ping-pong ball into solo cups. “Annie, you lost at that.”
Annie gasped, eyes wide and lip jutting out into a pout. “No! I did? Dang it!”
Ty chuckled, “No worries, there’ll be more games.” He pushed a lock of hair behind her shoulder.
“Can we play now? Please.” She fluttered her lashes and gave him a sugar-sweet smile.
“I don’t know, Wilson, it’s getting late and I think you need to go home.” Ty disagreed, tone light.
It was past midnight and the party was starting to wind down a bit. People either going home or continuing it at another place. The host of the party had already passed out upstairs. Too much tequila.
“No!” Annie whined, tone almost childish. “No, please, please Ty, please let’s stay!” She grabbed his face and yanked it toward hers. “Pretty please, please, please, please with candy please. I don’t want to – to go . . . home. Please.” Their foreheads pressed together and Annie curled her fingers around his jaw.
“Annie.” Ty said, voice soft, “You don’t need any more drinks.” He gently pulled her hands away from his face.
“No. No, no – no d – drinks. Prom – promise.” She shook her head, though the motion had her wincing. Ty held her tighter to make sure she didn’t fall over. “No drinks. Just . . . just here.”
“We can’t stay here, Annie. Plus wouldn’t you like to go home and sleep in your own bed?” He asked, he looked like he was fighting back a smirk, though Annie wasn’t sure what was funny.
“Nope.” Annie argued, popping the ‘p,’ “I hate it there.” Her voice went from childish to sad. “It’s not . . . not . . . mine. You know? Not my . . . place.”
“I don’t understand.” Ty furrowed an eyebrow, his blue eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Dix – Dixon hates . . . hates me.” Annie sniffed, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. “He hates me. Me. ‘Cause I . . . I put him in summer school.” A few tears escaped her eyes and she wiped them away. “A – and people don’t like me anymore. And now I . . . I don’t have anybody. N – Na – Naomi hates me. So . . . Silver and Adrianna. And – And . . . Liam. Liam won’t be honest because . . . because he’s a – a asshole. You know? ‘Cause like he won’t be – be upfront. Like . . . like I’m real and he’s not. He’s not being . . . . He’s not telling the truth.” Her words were rambling together and getting mixed up with her tears.
“Annie—” Ty tried to say but she just kept going.
“So he can – can walk around all . . . all Liam-y and – and . . . being him. And I – I can’t, I get . . . . ‘Whore’ on my locker . . . be – because Naomi is – is just . . . mean.” Annie felt a sob build in her throat and she rubbed at her face, causing her makeup to smear.
“Hey, Annie, calm down.” Ty told her as he grabbed her hands again. “I know you’re pissed and you have a right to be but you shouldn’t worry about them. They aren’t worth it.”
Annie looked at him, face wet from tears and eyes black and red. “No. No, they aren’t worth it.” She sniffed, “I . . . I wish – I wish . . . . I wish they were dead.” She blurted.
“Annie, don’t say that; you don’t mean it.” He consoled her, hand rubbing against her back.
“I do.” Annie nodded, then paused, mouth slightly parted. A feeling of sorrow and anguish crash into her then and she felt her shoulders slump. Her lip wobbled and she let out a wail that had people staring.
Ty let her bury her face into his shoulder and cry; she could hear him telling her to calm down and that she was just drunk. That she was fine and that he was going to take her home now.
But Annie knew nothing was fine, everything was far from it.
Three hours later Annie knelt in front of the toilet in Ivy’s bathroom; she choked on and coughed up vodka and Hawaiian Punch. Ivy held her hair back and tried to sooth her.
“Its okay, Annie. Its okay.” Ivy murmured, she had to be quiet so that her mom didn’t hear her. If she found Annie drunk and throwing up they’d both be in huge trouble.
After Ty had dropped Annie and Ivy off from the party, Ivy had guided Annie up the stairs and into her room. She had been asleep before waking up and stumbling toward the bathroom. The sound of her crying and vomiting had woken Ivy up.
“N . . . No. No no no no.” Annie hiccupped, chin resting on the lip of the bowl. “I’m such a – a –a—” She got cut off by her own vomit.
Ivy rubbed Annie’s shoulders and made sure she didn’t get puke in her hair. “Shh.” Ivy soothed, “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”
Annie pulled back and let out a shaky breath, turning so her face was pointed at Ivy she asked, “Am I a terrible person?” Voice serious.
“No. You aren’t. You’re the nicest person I know, Annie.” Ivy said truthfully.
Annie’s face crumpled and tears cascaded down her cheeks, “That makes it worse.” She turned her face away and threw up.
An hour later while Annie slept in Ivy’s bed and Ivy slept on the floor, Annie’s phone that sat on the end table lit up with a message. The number across the screen wasn’t one her phone recognized. It had the California area code though.