The Special Girl Page 4
Zack comes strutting up the walkway to our porch. I open the door and wave him in. “It smells like a bakery in here,” he says. “Yep, it usually does. Oatmeal raisin cookies?” I offer. “Ah yes!” he answers. I take him into the kitchen and point to the plate of cookies. He takes one and sits down at the table with me. I open my calculus textbook that I laid on the table. He continues to explain the lesson to me from where we left off earlier. He moves from the seat across from me to the one next to me to better help me. He quickly recognized that math was a foreign concept to me when we were studying during cooking class. He dumbed down his explanations considerable. He explains things in a way that has me understanding it like never before. He is a great teacher!
We continue like this for two hours. My mom returns with my sister in tow. Dad comes home shortly after and tells me my car is ready to pick up. Zack says hello to my family again and tells me we can continue tomorrow if I want. Again, he rushes out of my house with a “thanks” and “See ya.” I walk back into the kitchen and my mom and dad are looking at me. “He seems nice honey,” my mom says. “Is he your boyfriend?” my dad asks slyly. “No, just a classmate. He is my cooking class partner and apparently he is very gifted in calculus too,” I offer. “You know, I have a good handle on math if you need any help,” my CPA dad says with a smirk. My mom looks at both of us and smiles. She says to my dad, “Somehow I think she may choose the hunky tutor over you Hun.” “What! I’m not hunky?” my dad fakes a shot through the heart. We all laugh.
Chapter 6
Maura
After school the next day, we arrange to meet up after I am done my shift at Sprinkles. When I emerge from Sprinkles that evening, Zack is sitting on his parked bike next to my car. He looks up and smiles. I am surprised he is here. We exchanged phone number yesterday and I told him I would text him when I got done. “I just thought I would wait for you here,” he says. Wow! Really? “Thank you! That was very nice of you!” I say blushing. He smiles and gets off his bike. “Do you want to study at Joe’s?” he asks pointing across the street. “Sure!” I answer.
We head over to Joe’s and get a booth in the back where it is quieter. He orders a burger and fries and I opt for a soda and fries. The waitress, a pretty woman in her mid-20’s, greets Zack by name and winks at him. After she brings us our food, she rests her hands on his shoulders from behind while asking if we need anything else. She gives him a sly smile before leaving us. This entire exchange is making me uncomfortable and Zack shifts in his seat awkwardly. “Do you know her?” I ask. “She just knows me from coming here so often,” he responds uneasily.
We study while we nosh on our food. We stay there studying for another hour and a half. “After tonight I feel really good about the test!” I say enthusiastically. He nods while swallowing a gulp of his soda. “I agree. You really seem to get it now. I have faith in you!” he says reassuringly. “The test is tomorrow?” he asks. “Yes. Right before cooking class. With any luck it goes well, and I don’t fail!” I say hopefully.
We finish up at Joe’s and Zack insists on paying our bill. He places his hand on the small of my back and guides me towards the door. He grabs my hand as we dart across the street between traffic. After we reach the other side of the street, he continues holding my hand and I let him. He guides me through Sprinkles’ parking lot to my car. I unlock the doors and put my bag in the car. I stand back up to him and he is so close. I look at him briefly and say, “Zack, you have been a lifesaver for me more than once. I am so grateful for all your help.” He says, “No big deal. Drive home safe Maura.” He leans down and kisses my forehead and then backs up so I can get in the car. I am stunned by this tender act from him. I get in the car and start it up. He continues to watch me as I pull out of my parking spot and leave the lot. I glance in my rear-view mirror and see him still watching me as I pull onto the street.
The next day in lunch, I am looking over my notes from Zack for my calculus test later that day. Lana grabs my book away from me and places it out of reach. She is flanked by Mia and Sara. “Hello! Have you seen my friend Maura? Because we haven’t seen her in weeks!” Lana mocks me. “Exaggerate much?” I ask. She rolls her eyes at me. Mia and Sara are looking at me as if I just committed some huge crime. “Well we haven’t seen you and someone told us a motorcycle was outside your house earlier this week! Jeez Maura what the hell is going on?” She booms. I answer annoyed, “I have been busy! I’m cramming for a calculus test that will decide whether I graduate or not! I’m a bit stressed!” “And the motorcycle?” Sara asks. “Oh my God! That belonged to one of Liam’s friends! What are you guys stalking me?” Mia adds, “You are always looking pretty chummy with Zack Deaton in cooking! Cam has been really annoyed with that. Don’t you care what Cam thinks Maura?” “Actually, no I don’t. Me and Cam are just friends. He doesn’t get to dictate whom I speak to, just like you guys don’t either! Why are you guys all up in my face?” I stammer. “The prom is tomorrow. Are we still meeting at the salon and doing pictures together?” Lana asks. “Of course. I will be there. Can’t wait!” I say trying to convince them all is well. “Okay, see you there then,” Lana says as she returns my book and walks away. Mia and Sara follow close behind with Sara yelling, “Good luck with your test!” Mia smiles and gives me a thumbs up.
I get to calculus class with a huge knot in my stomach. “This is it!” I think to myself. I take my seat and the bell rings. Mrs. Wells hands out the test giving me a reassuring smile. I get to work on the test. I finish up within the allotted time and recheck my answers. When I’m as sure as I’m going to get, I stand and hand it in to Mrs. Wells. She smiles at me and says, “That was a good move getting help from Zack Deaton. He is one of the brightest students I ever had. He was probably a big help! Hopefully he rubbed off on you! Come by after school and I can give you your results.” “Thank you. I will, “I say confused. “How did you know he helped me?” I ask. “Oh, he told me he was helping you and asked me what content to go over with you,” she smiled. I smiled back and headed out to my next class, cooking.
Zack is waiting eagerly for me to enter. He was sitting on the table in our assigned area. He hops off when I approach and says, “How was it?” “I felt good about it! I can get my results after school. Thank you so much for your help! If it weren’t for you, I would have definitely failed!” I say nervously. “You will do great. I just know it!” he says.
Mia and Cameron eye me and Zack during the entire class today. Cam looks agitated. After class, Cam rushes towards me with Mia on his tail. He positions himself in between me and Zack. Mia looks at Zack pensively. “Hey Maura, we need to talk about tomorrow!” he says excitedly. “Yes alright,” I say as I turn to look at Zack, but he has already skirted out of the room. I look back at Cam. He has a huge smile on his face and links his arm in mine. “Shall we?” he motions for us to leave the room.
In the hall I don’t see Zack anywhere. I stop outside my Calculus classroom and ask Cameron to give me a minute to check my test grade with Mrs. Wells. He waits in the hall while I go into the classroom. Mrs. Wells see me and immediately smiles. “Great job Maura! She hands me my test. It has a big red 90 written on it! My face lights up! “Thank you, Mrs. Wells!” She nods, “Well deserved!” I walk out of the classroom to the hall where not only Cameron is waiting but now a throng of my friends.
Sara comes towards me, “Is that your calculus test results?” “Yes. I got a 90! It looks like I will graduate on time after all! Thank God!!” I exclaim. She smiles and hugs me. “That’s great! Let’s celebrate!” she says. Everyone looks to see what is going on. Cameron asks what he missed. Sara says, “Maura got a good grade on a test she was fretting about. Let’s take her somewhere to celebrate!” Cameron agrees, “Yes, let’s go! Me and Maura have to talk anyway.” He puts his arm around me and guides down the hall towards the parking lot with all our friends coming along. I appreciate the support but all I want to do is tell Zack my good news. He is the one person I want to see rig
ht now.
Chapter 7
Zack
When that fucker, Cameron stepped in front of me, I wanted to push him out of the way and get to Maura. But I realized, these are her people. We aren’t compatible. So, I just left. It’s killing me not knowing what she got on her test. I was thinking about that all day and now all night. She is probably with that douchebag right now. She is too good for him, for any of them! I just have to forget about her. Graduation is in a few weeks and I will probably never see her again anyway.
The guys come over and hang at my house after school. Max jokes about calling in a bomb threat to the prom tomorrow night. We all laugh. Proms aren’t our type of event. The only good thing about the prom being tomorrow is the half day of school because of it. Max and I are working for my dad tomorrow right after school and this weekend. At least we will make some bank.
After they leave, I finish some homework and make myself a sandwich. As I’m sitting at the table, my dad and Dana come in the kitchen door. Dana comes over and hugs me. “How are you Zack?” she asks. I hug her back, “I’m good.” “Hey man, everything good?” my dad asks. “Yup! No issues. Just eating dinner,” I say. “While doing schoolwork I see,” he says as he eyes my books on the table. “Yeah just finished.” “I heard it was prom night tomorrow night. Are you going?” Dana asks. My dad snorts a laugh. “No, not really my thing,” I smirk. “Well I’m sure there wouldn’t be any shortage of willing dates had you gone!” she smiles and bumps my elbow.
“We’re just here to get my suit. We’re headed out of town for the weekend. Dana’s cousin is getting married,” my dad says. “Al will be there tomorrow and the weekend to handle things. We will be back in town Sunday afternoon. Do you need anything? Money?” he asks. “Nah, I’m good,” I answer. After my dad grabs his suit, he looks at me thoughtfully, “Are you sure you are ok?” “Yes, I’m fine dad. Go on and have great time,” I assure him. Dana gives me a kiss goodbye on my cheek and they leave.
Around 10 o’clock, I’m in the basement lifting when I see my phone lighting up. I couldn’t hear it over the music. I stop and grab my phone. It is a text from Maura. Maura: I got a 90!! Just wanted to let you know since it is entirely because of you! You are the best tutor!! Thank you!! I smile to myself. I’m so happy she will pass now. It has been on my mind all day among other Maura related things. I text back, Zack: I knew you would! Proud of you! See you tomorrow. Maura: No cooking class tomorrow. Half day for the prom. You going? Zack: No. Not really my thing. Have fun! Yeah have fun with Cameron the asshole, I think.
Maura
After school, I rush home to shower and then head out to meet Lana, Mia, Sara and few other cheer friends at a salon in town to get our hair, nails and makeup done for the prom tonight. As I enter the salon, I am immediately hit with the hard gaze of none other than Piper the burgundy haired “friend” of Zack. “Well I guess you are here with the other bimbos!” she sneers. I just roll my eyes. She isn’t worth it. I guess she is still mad about my ride on Zack’s bike. She points to an area in the back. I guess that means I am supposed to go back there. I start to move in that direction when she says, “I don’t know what kind of games you think you are playing with Zack, but he is too good for you or any of those friends of yours!” she spats. “There’s no game. I really don’t see how it’s any of your business what goes on between Zack and me.” I say as I finally walk towards the back.
When I finish at the salon, I leave without any other run ins with Piper. I head home to finish getting ready. My entire family is there including my grandparents and a few aunts and uncles. They wait in the living room while my mom and Ava help me get my dress and shoes on. My dress is a pale pink with an embroidered lace fitted bodice. It clings to all my assets going down the rest of my body to my toes with my strappy silver heels peeking out.
My mom looks at me and I swear she has a tear in her eye. Ava says, “You look beautiful Maura!” with a wide grin on her face. We share a group hug, but I swiftly wave them off before they mess up my dress, makeup or hair. I grab my bag after one more check in the mirror and I’m ready to go. I follow my mom and Ava downstairs to join the rest of my family. Brenden yells, “Va, va, voom!” when he sees me. Liam whistles and everyone else hollers out compliments. I get a few pictures taken alone and some posing with family members. Then the doorbell rings.
Cameron is at the door when my father answers it. He looks great in his black tuxedo. He hands me a huge bouquet of pink roses as he approaches me. “You look absolutely beautiful Maura!” he says as he leans in and kisses my cheek. “Thank you, Cam, you look very good yourself,” I offer. I introduce him to everyone, and more pictures are taken. After the picture taking is done, he leads me to the limo he has rented for the evening. He helps me into the limo, and we leave.
After a stop at Mia’s house for group pictures, we head to the prom venue. The night slips by quickly. I have a great time dancing with all my friends. Cameron treats me well, pulling chairs out for me and getting me a soda when I am thirsty. He grabs my arm to dance every time a slow song is played. I do believe he wants more than friendship from me but that is not what I see with him. I do not give him any reason to think otherwise. As the night winds down, I hear an announcement that prom king and queen are going to be crowned. Everyone crowds the stage.
The DJ announces, “This year’s prom king is…. Cameron Loomis!” Mostly everyone cheers and screams as Cam ascends the small staircase leading up to the stage. A large crown with red velvet lining is perched on his head as lots of cellphone cameras assault him. Then the DJ says, “This year’s prom queen is …. Maura McDevitt!” I am shocked to say the least. I really thought Lana or even Mia would have been named. I smile graciously and ascend the same stairs that Cam did and join him on stage. He grabs me and gives me a big smooch on my lips! Wow! I wasn’t expecting that! A big silver tiara is placed on my head and a big bouquet of red roses are handed to me. Cameron pulls me close to him and he keeps an arm around my waist while we stand up there having pictures taken.
Shortly after that, the night is over. Cameron and I walk out with our friends and escape into our limo. As we drive towards home in the privacy of the limo, Cam pulls me close and tries to really kiss me. I pull away and tell him to stop but he tries again. I slap him. He immediately puts his hand on the cheek I slapped. He looks confused. “Why did you do that?” he asks. “Because you wouldn’t stop!” I yell. At that moment a voice is heard over the sound system asking, “Is everything alright back there?” I realize it is our driver. I respond, “Yes we are fine, thanks.” Cam looks away and won’t look at me.
After a little while like this, I ask him, “Cam are you okay?” “I’m fine Maura!” he sneers. “I obviously asked the wrong girl to the prom!” he admits. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Up until now, this was a great night! We had fun, at least I thought we did,” I say. He looks at me in disgust, “Any girl from that prom would want to be here with me right now! Why do you think you are so special? I could get any of them to let me in their pants.”
I am speechless. What did he think I was agreeing to when I accepted his promposal? I am not that easy! “I am sorry you had the wrong idea when we agreed to go together. I was accepting a date from you, nothing more. Thank you for the evening and the flowers and the limo.” As the limo comes to a stop at our next destination, Bryce’s after party, I get out and go inside alone. I’m not even sure where Cam went off to.
Lana and Sara are just inside the door sitting on the couch and still dressed in their gowns with beers in their hands. “The queen has arrived!” Dean yells as I take a seat with them, smiling up at him. Sara lifts her beer and says, “Here, here!” We all laugh. Dean brings me a beer as Mia enters the room holding her own beer and comes over to sit with us. Lana asks, “Where is Cam?” I roll my eyes and say, “Don’t ask.”
The girls crowd me and want to know what happened between Cameron and me. I tell them what went on in the limo. They look at me wide-e
yed. Lana says, “Well he is right.” “What? I can’t believe you said that!” I gasp. “You can’t deny it’s true! Any girl would want to be with him! What is so special about you? You should be begging for him! We all saw how easily Mason dropped your ass!” My mouth drops open. Mia and Sara stay tight lipped as if they agree or maybe are afraid to disagree. “Unbelievable! I thought you were my friend Lana! How could you be so cruel?” I ask but it suddenly becomes clear to me. “You know what? I’m done with all of you! You people are so immature and superficial that you can’t be decent human beings! I’m out bitches!” I rant.
I set down my beer and walk out the front door. I start walking home. My feet are killing me after a few blocks, so I call my brother, Brendan. “You alright?” he answers without saying hello. “Not really, can you come get me?” I ask. He asks me where I am and keeps me on the phone with him as he drives over so he knows I am safe. I end the call when I see his car coming towards me. He pulls up and as I get into the car he says, “Do I have to kill someone?” I laugh, “You mean a few someone’s.” “Let’s just go home please,” I beg. He agrees and chuckles, “Nice crown!”
When we get home, I get changed out of my gown. I come back downstairs and join my brothers and sister in the family room. They are waiting expectantly for an explanation. I sit down with them and tell them all the events of the night including the limo ride back and Lana’s reaction. They are not pleased. Liam and Brendan want to go kick Cameron’s ass. “To think that little shit was in our living room a few hours ago being so damn polite!” Liam snickers. “He needs a lesson!” Brendan agrees. “No! I don’t want anything to do with any of them really,” I sob. “I just can’t wait to go to college!”