Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Dakota's Point of View

I walked into Mrs. Grant's class, ready for today's lesson.

"Good morning everyone," Mrs. Grant said. "We have a new student. All the way from Seattle, Dakota Diaz."

Everyone looked at me, I just smiled and waved awkwardly. Then, the Nathan boy pushed through the door.

"You're late Prescott," Mrs. Grant said.

Nathan rolled his eyes and walked up to me, "You're in my seat new girl."

"Sorry.." I trailed off and stood up.

"Just sit next to him," Mrs. Grant said pointing to an empty seat next to the one I was just sitting in, why couldn't he just a sit there. "Anyways, today I just want you to turn and talk while working on your packet. Five pages minimum or no more turning and talking, independent work only."

"Nathan, right?" I asked.

"Yeah," He said opening his binder.

It was quiet at first before he spoke up, "Why'd you speak to her like that?" He paused. "Victoria."

I shrugged, "I don't care what people say. I'm fearless."

"Really?" He said. "Fearless huh?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I think I can scare you," He said looking at me.

"You don't seem scary at all," I replied.

"You don't know me."

"Then tell me, what's to be scared of?"

"How about you come to a party this Friday, I'll show you there," He said.

"Oh no!" I sarcastically said. "A party! I'm terrified!"

"Yeah keep talking," He laughed. "You'll be begging for mercy."

"Yeah right," I laughed.

"So how's Seattle," He said.

"Cold," I said. "And windy, and rainy."

"Is there anything good about Seattle?"

"My family," I smiled. "I have the most lovely dad and two little brothers."

"Cool," He said. "My dad's a dick."

"If it makes you feel any better," I started. "My mom split when I was younger."

"My mom is an angel actually," Nathan said. "I feel like she's the only person who's ever loved me or given me a chance."

"That's probably not true," I said. "What about Amelie, your sister?"

"Amelie and I are like frenemies."

"My brothers are my best friends."

"No need to rub it in, Seattle."

"Let's hang out after class today," I said, I was so intrigued by him. He tried to act so hard and tough, but I could tell all he wanted was to be understood. I could tell by the way he talked about his family, his parents especially.

"No fucking way," He said.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because," He said. "Just no."

"Come on, let's go someone, my treat," I offered.

"I'm fucking loaded," He said. "I don't need your shit treats."

"Shut up and hang out with me," I said. "After class, we'll go to my dorm."

"You're a persistent one aren't you?" He asked. "Fine, but my dorm."

"Alright," I said. "Sounds good."

I looked away from him, smiling. I could tell out the corner of my eye that he was smiling too. First time I ever see this kid smile.

***

After class I followed him to his dorm. The vibe was super dark, but I didn't mind it.

"Holy," I said admiring the pictures on his walls. "You take these?"

He nodded, "Mhm."

"They're good," I said. "You have a good eye."

"Don't sound so surprised," He responded to me. "You smoke?"

I shook my head, "No, not really."

"Pills?" He asked causing me to shake my head again. "You wanna smoke though? I need to take the edge off."

"I guess I don't mind," I said as he grabbed a baggie of weed and what seemed to be rolling papers.

"Sit," He demanded me.

I sat in front of him as he started to roll up a joint. He was quick with it, although I'm not entirely sure if it was even supposed to be a long process.

"You should join The Vortex Club," He said.

"Yeah right," I laughed. "Not with that rich bitch Victoria."

"Trust me," He started. "She's harmless. She just acts hella tough."

I still shrugged, "Why? And what even is a "Vortex Club"?"

"It's our friend group," Nathan said. "Only the best of the best can join."

"So why me?" I asked crossing my arms as he placed the joint on his lips.

He lit the end of the joint and inhaled. He took a long drag before handing the joint to me, "You're hot," He said.

I put the joint to my lips and repeated what he did, still unsure if I was doing it right. I passed it back to him as I coughed a little.

"Little baby lungs," He laughed snatching the joint from between my fingers.

"So only because I'm hot?" I asked.

"You're new," He said. "Everyone is gonna be talking about you and they're gonna want to know you, it's good Vortex Club publicity."

"Why does The Vortex Club need publicity?"

"Courtney can only put up so many fucking posters," He said. "We throw parties like every week, if people know you're there, they'll come."

"Alright," I shrugged. "Maybe. What will Victoria think?"

"Who gives a fuck?" He asked taking another drag from the joint. "You like it here so far?"

"I don't know.." I trailed off as he passed me the drag.

"Why not?" He asked.

"I mean, you did tell me it was gonna be a bad school," I laughed.

"Oh shit, yeah," He laughed too.

After a few more hits, we were both pretty stoned just laughing and smiling at each other. He seemed so calm and happy, I could tell why he needed weed now.

"I'm sorry Dakota I just have to," He said before grabbing me by the neck and kissing me.

I didn't have time to react but I kissed him back. He pushed me backwards onto his bed. My head felt so light wand dizzy and him pushing me back didn't help it at all.

He sat on top of me, taking off his black t-shirt, "W-Wait Nathan," I stammered placing my hands on his chest.

"What?" He asked confused. "You don't wanna fuck?"

I furrowed my eyebrows, "I-I don't know."

"Oh what the fuck," He said angrily. "You smoke my fucking weed but you won't fuck me?"

"Fuck you!" I shouted pushing him off of me as I headed towards the door.

"Sit the fuck down," He exasperated.

With my hand still on the doorknob I looked back at him. He stared at me back before walking over to me and shoving me away from the door, "I said sit the fuck down Dakota."

"Let me go Nathan," I said angrily.

"No!" He shouted. "You're staying here."

He was tapping his foot on the ground and running his fingers through his hair.

"Nathan-"

"Just be quiet," He ordered me.

I was so angry with him, "Why should I be quiet?"

"Because I fucking said so!"

"You're crazy," I said to him.

"I'm what?!" He leaned over me and grabbed me by the neck. "Say it the fuck again. SAY IT!"

I spit in his face and pushed him off of me going for the door. He grabbed me by the back of my shirt, "You're gonna fucking pay for that you Seattle whore."

I opened the door and slammed it shut behind me, holy shit, what have I gotten myself into?