I used the term sparingly, “is right after all, don’t you think? Maybe you should stop trying to be something you’re obviously not and…stop following me around all the time.”
Rocky’s eyes clouded in disbelief. “I don’t believe that.”
“You don’t believe you’re not meant to have a messed up life? Or you don’t believe you’re faking the funk?” I chuckled softly.
“No! I mean I believe you deserve a good life too. Besides, I think it’s fun hanging out with you.” Her voice trailed off so I had to strain to hear. “It helps me keep an eye on you…”
“What was that?” I leaned over close, catching a whiff of her floral scent. I wanted nothing more than to stick my face into her hair and inhale the sweetness once more, but even I knew that was a bit creepy.
“Nothing,” she replied quickly, running her fingers through her hair and setting her braids free. I practically drooled at the sight of her mermaidish hair cascading down her shoulders. Fuck. I loved it when she wore it down. I always imagined myself running my fingers through it, tugging her head toward mine.
She snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Earth to Jesse. Are you there?”
I blinked sheepishly. “Um, what were you saying?”
“Never mind.” She shook her head quickly, flinging her hair like a shampoo commercial. Ugh, was she killing me. “Let’s put aside all this serious talk and just get to class before we get into trouble again.”
“What do you mean by ‘again’? We didn’t get in trouble last night.” I watched dumbfounded as Rocky pushed her way to the girl’s locker room, leaving me behind. “What the hell is her problem?”
“Move it, ass wipe!” a familiar and overly annoying voice shouted from behind me.
Before I could move a muscle, I felt myself being shoved forward, but instinctively straightened myself and threw my arm to the side, making contact with someone’s stomach.
“Oomph!”
I turned in time to see Dwight Mansfield’s huge body lurch forward in pain. Before I could grin smugly, his fist flew toward my face.
“Jesse! Jesse! Are you okay?” Her voice was like an angel calling out to me, struggling to pull me out of the abyss. Unfortunately that darkness felt good. I almost didn’t want to leave. “Jesse, wake up!”
My vision cleared and I spotted Rocky’s worried eyes peering at me. Her dark tendrils framed her olive-toned face, which made her look even more like an angel glowing in ethereal light.
“Rocky?” I attempted to lift my hand and touch her face, but something held my fingers back. I struggled against the hold, feeling as if my muscles would snap at any minute. It took a while before I realized it was my own body pinning my arm against the floor. That’s when it all came flooding back to me. I was punched—embarrassingly enough—and knocked out. Apparently, I also landed in a very ungraceful position. Oh well, at least it prevented me from caressing Rocky in my delusional stupor. Once I crossed that bridge there was no turning back.
“Everyone out of the way!” Our plump school nurse, Miss Lance, stomped through the growing crowd before abruptly kneeling beside my face. I could have sworn I felt the earth move from the sudden impact. “Mr. Tyler, how you feeling?” I must have moaned some sort of response, because soon she responded, “Good. Let’s get you to my office now.”
“Are you sure you should move him?” Rocky asked doubtfully. “I’ve seen some of those shows on TV, and they make sure to have a brace around the victim’s neck or something.”
Victim? Wow! I was pathetic.
“I’m a health professional, aren’t I? I think I know what I’m doing, Miss Rossi.” With that, our hefty nurse tugged at my arm and before I knew it I was upright, trying my hardest not to wobble forward. To make matters worse, Nurse Lance smacked me on the back and laughed. “Looks like there won’t be any P.E. for you today, kid.”
“What?” Rocky gasped. “Are you sure I can’t go with him? I hate gym enough with him there.”
“No can do, kiddo.”
“Rocky,” I whispered, tugging at her shoulder. I weaved back and forth a little bit, but tried to remain firm.
Her wide eyes examined me carefully. “Are you sure you’re okay?” She eyed Nurse Lance, who was busy chatting with another student, and clucked, “I don’t have much faith in our hero over here. I can take you to the hospital if you want.”
“Don’t worry about me.” Even