Finding Ourselves Together (READ REVAMP VERSION - IN WAVES)

06 | In My Head

The next day the school was abuzz with gossip about the fight between Rob and Tyler. Those who weren't there were all watching the videos circulating that were taken by different people, and those who witnessed it were retelling all the details with as much exaggeration as possible. I leaned against Rob's locker and looked over at him, only seeing his backside since the door was shielding his head. I think he was trying to ignore Rachel's questions; she had been going on a verbal rampage since she saw us walk in this morning.

"Rob, you're so lucky you only got detention." Rachel said, craning her neck over to try and see his face. He suddenly slammed the locker shut with papers still crunched in his hands and then picked up his backpack, stuffing them in haphazardly.

"He's just annoyed 'cause he's grounded too," I replied for him. "Not like he doesn't deserve it though." I murmured under my breath. Rachel giggled and Rob stopped cramming the papers in his bag, not even trying to hide his displeasure.

"Can we just drop this whole thing already? I'm tired of everyone telling me how lucky I am." He zipped up the bag and slung it over his shoulder.

"Okay sure, but considering how bad Tyler looks, I doubt anyone will stop talking about it." I said, piquing his interest.

"Oh yeah? I haven't seen him yet. Is it bad?" An evil smile formed on his face, probably imagining the damage he must have caused. I glanced around and felt satisfied at the perfect timing.

"Speak of the devil...there he is." I indicated to the door at the end of the hallway, Rob and Rachel looked in the direction too and Rachel then gasped.

Nate and his friend walked in casually, with Tyler straggling behind like he was ashamed to show his face. While Rob got hit in the fight, he only walked away with a few small bruises and a cut on his lip. But Tyler? Well, that was a different story. His whole face was swollen and full of black and blue patches and cuts. He caught Rob's eye and glared at him. I was expecting Rob to express some sort of guilt for how badly he hurt Tyler, but instead he erupted in laughter, making Tyler's stare burn harder. I hit Rob on the arm in disbelief as he clapped a hand over his mouth, trying to stifle his amusement.

"Holy crap! I didn't realize how bad it would be!" The phone ringing in his pocket interrupted his laughter and he stopped to take it out. His eyes lit up when he saw the screen.

"Hey Clara, what's up?" Rachel and I shook our heads at him as he answered it nonchalantly. "Right now? Alright, I'll be there in two. Don't start without me." He talked with a grin before hanging up, and then turned to walk away without a second word.

"He's unbelievable." I said to Rachel and she nodded in agreement. She started talking about something else, and I listened until my gaze wandered over her shoulder. Tyler was still glaring in our direction until he spun around to Nate and seemed to start arguing, but Nate shook him off and Tyler stormed away in frustration. Just as Nate was about to turn back to his friend, he saw me staring.

I didn't have the instinct to look away this time though. After talking to him yesterday and having that moment with him in the principal's waiting room, it was like I was expecting to have some sort of interaction with him now. I noticed that the cut I cleaned for him looked way better, compared to Rob and Tyler he was definitely the most unharmed from being involved in the fight. As he flashed that crooked smile my way, I couldn't help but smile back at him. Secretly hoping he would walk over and brighten my day.

"Lia!" My breath jolted as Rachel's face came into focus. "Are you even listening to me?" She followed my line of vision to Nate and furrowed her eyebrows.

"Nate Miller? Since when-"

"Hey guys." She was thankfully cut off by Matt, who unexpectedly appeared next to me and stopped her from prying further. "Uh, Rachel? Can I steal Lia for a second?"