I heard the alarm from my cell phone blaring. I looked around for it and immediately knew I was not in my house. Everything that took place last night had hit me hard. Along with a small hangover.
I looked to my left to find a peacefully sleeping Lani curled up. We had fallen asleep in her bed after our moment together. I also don't recall ever telling her I was a virgin when it came to women. So I don't know how I managed not to screw up . All I could think was that alcohol had a bigger influence on my performance than I expected.
I looked to my left to see my phone plugged into the wall. Laying on the side table. I checked the time and it read 6:30 am. I made sure to wake myself up early enough to make it to my house on time, so I could freshen up. And go to school and not reek of whiskey. School started at 9:00 am.
I decided not to wake Lani up. I didn't want to disturb her. So I moved around quietly and tucked her in. Making sure she was warm. Leaving her a note with my number on it, I placed it on her table, So we don't lose touch. Trying not to seem like an asshole who throws away someone after an encounter like that.
I also grabbed my backpack and bag of clothing that she gave me. I closed the door quietly. I was unable to lock her door so I made sure to leave the apartment building undetected.
I was groggy still from the hangover and once I stepped outside I was met with breaking dawn. The sun shined bright in my eyes as the sunrise began. It helped wake me up. Despite the mind games and events that took place yesterday, I was in a pleasant mood. I had to thank Lani for that. Not for the one night stand but, keeping each other company during a shit day.
While realizing that not all people are shitty. I knew not all people were bad because I had a friendship with Pattie to prove that wrong. It was nice to know that not all people thought of me as a crappy person. I was a complete stranger to Lani and she also learnt not all males were awful either. Some are just as broken as she was too.
I began my walk home. Managing to find a route I'm familiar with that led me to my house. Walked for about 20 minutes before I came across my street. Quietly trotting up to my house and unlocked the house. Entering it as quiet as a mouse.
Not wanting to wake up my dad or sister. My mother was up and out of the house before anyone. Her job asked for a lot of her time. My mom was a hard worker and worked the long hours that would have been considered the husband's role back in the day. I respected that about her.
I locked the door and removed my shoes. I moved almost soundless up the stairs and into my room. I placed all my belongings on my bed and hopped into the shower. Needing to wash off all the sweat, sex and whiskey that sunk into my pores.
Once I was finished, I looked into the mirror. My newly cut hair was drenched and dripped onto my face. I towel dried my hair and noticed a purple mark on my collar bone. I guess Lani accidently left a small hickey on me. It would definitely be questioned by my family if they saw it. I took note to cover it up later.
I dried the rest of myself off and returned to my room to get dressed. I immediately slipped on a fresh pair of boxers. I also went towards my dresser to pick out articles of clothing that I've grown custom to wearing. I decided that I should take a step away from my normal, and wear some of the clothing that Lani had given me.
I gravitated towards the semi large garbage bag of clothing I was given. Pulling out a pair of blue name brand jeans and another black and white shirt. It was a thin turtleneck with long sleeves. Luckily, the turtleneck would hide my hickey too. The sleeves were a little long so I decided to roll them up. My jeans were a great fit, slightly form fitting too.
I went straight back to my underwear drawer to pull out a pair of black socks. I left my room again to put my towel back on the hanger. My hair was almost dry so I decided to style it a little for the first time in a long time. And kind of in the way that Lani had it last night. That hair cut was definitely an improvement. Looking a lot better as it was morning now with the sunlight and all.
Once I was satisfied with my hair, I applied deodorant and brushed my teeth. I also took note that my black eye was a lot smaller too. My "new" sense of fashion reminded me a bit of male Korean Pop Star fashion. A mix of emo and edgy kids even. Just without all the makeup.
I went back to my room for the final time. I noticed it was 8:16am on my alarm. Guess I took longer getting ready than I thought. This is what happens when you actually try to put a little effort in pampering yourself.
I grabbed my backpack, making sure all my school supplies were there. Which everything was, and headed down stairs with my cell phone and keys in tack. Grabbing an apple to eat on my way to school. As well as taking advil to help hangover. Taking a couple with me to school in case I needed it.
I reached the door and went to put my shoes on. Before realizing I was about to leave without my hoodie. I made another realization that I had left it at Lani's. I facepalmed myself. I was feeling my groove this morning so much that I was about to completely forget to wear my hoodie. Looks like I don't have much choice now after all. Signing to myself, I locked the door behind me.
I felt naked without my hoodie. I was always hiding myself behind it. While also holding some sentimental value to it. I had completely forgotten about that imposing ginger from yesterday. Thinking about it made me bitter. I decided to not think about and stay positive. Something Pattie would hope I do. Especially if she's going to be out of school for some time after her assault yesterday.
I plugged my ear buds into my phone and played some more of my uplifting music. Boosting my confidence as I walked to school. And eating my apple on the way. As I began to approach the school grounds, my nerves kicked in again. I was about to enter this school looking like a new kid.
I took a final bite of my apple and threw the core out in the closest garbage I could find. Making my way up the steps of the school, pushed the doors open. Deciding not to hesitate and make myself more nervous.
I was expecting everyone to turn their heads towards me and notice the drastic change in my appearance. I knew that was an unlikely situation to happen. I was being dramatic.
I held my head high as I walked down the hall towards my locker. I did however, notice a few wandering eyes glance my way. Not in a dramatic way. I kept quiet as I walked to my locker. I opened it and grabbed my text books for my 2 morning classes. I was about to close my locker when two arms snaked their way around me. Scaring the daylights out of me.
Luckily I didn't yell or anything, but I sure as hell jumped. Turning around in a startle to see it was Pattie. I didn't know of anyone who would be willing to hug me. My eyes matched her bulging ones. I was surprised to see her at school not even 24 hours later. She was in for a shock about my appearance and attire.
Pattie checked me out, her arms also giving indication she was surprised because they moved with her when she checked certain areas.
"W-what happened in 24 hours? Who are you and what have you done with Zeke Jensen. You just did a complete 360°, like you're a new person." Pattie rambled out. Still in awe.
I had to come up with a lie about everything and how I got the clothes and hair cut. Scratching my neck nervously. I didn't want Pattie to think I was a male slut. Or takes advantage of women.
"I decided that I wanted something to change. I pampered myself and got a new wardrobe. Yearning to branch out from my normal. My hair was too long and needed tending too." I mumbled shyly.
"Wow. I'm shocked but, in a good way. You look great. Like really great. I just didn't expect to see a huge change the next day. Hell, you don't even have the statement hoodie on! I was fond of the original Zeke style. But, I like this too. You look like you're glowing a bit. You feel more confident. Good." Pattie complimented.
"Thanks, I appreciate that. I do feel more confident too. I also forgot to grab my hoodie as well. I kind of feel naked without, but I also wanted to shed my skin so I opted for going without the hoodie in the end." I explain.
Pattie nodded in understanding. "Why are you at school? Shouldn't you be at home after...certain things?" I lowered my voice so any eavesdroppers don't gossip about Pattie.
"It wasn't as traumatic for me as everyone would think. It's a serious matter but, it didn't get any more extreme because of you. I'm going to be alright. Are you ok? Before I left I saw you get pretty heated during your conversation with that red headed boy." My mouth went dry a bit. I didn't want to think about it right now. Pattie didn't know better or what that ginger kid means to me. Or what he was pretending to be.
"I'm alright. It was just someone I recognized and the whole scenario is a mess. You don't need to worry alright Pattie? I'll be alright like you. I'm glad you're doing ok." I say and look into her brown eyes. I'd be happy to get lost in them if I could.
"Good. I won't pry at you. You seem to be in a good state right now. I won't pester about every encounter you have with someone" Pattie replied. I thanked her for respecting my privacy.
I closed my locker and began walking to class with Pattie. Our classes were in the same direction. I waved her off to her English and would meet up during lunch. I headed towards my Computer Technology class. Then to Math. Nothing eventful took place in class. It was slow and just a normal lesson like the day before. I sat where I usually sat, in the back of the class. No one I knew or was friends or even enemies with were in my morning classes.
My math class finished and I met up with Pattie in the cafeteria. She was leaning on the outside of the doorway frame. Looking adorable in her light blue sweater and blue jeans.
I tapped her gently on the shoulder as I came up beside her. Pattie greeted me with a smile. "How was class for you?" I asked. Pattie's English teacher. Mrs. Thompson. She was a hard maker and made it obvious which students she favored.
"Shit. Absolutely shit. I can't stand her. We're stuck doing some work on Hamlet. Couldn't the school board pick a less cliché and outdated literature for the English curriculum!?" Pattie said dramatically. It was a rarity for Pattie to curse with such ease.
I clapped a little sarcastically. "You're growing up. Look at you, cussing and all." Pattie rolled her eyes at me playfully.
We were going to sit outside. Which meant walking past the stairs that led to the second floor. As we slowly passed the stairs. I spotted someone I recognized. Who spotted me almost immediately as well.
I spotted Lani walking down the stairs. And was wearing something all too familiar to me. She was in my red hoodie. With the zipper down slightly, exposing a black shirt, which she paired with black leggings and basic white sneakers. Her curly hair was tied into a messy bun.
Lani noticed me instantly. Looking at me like a deer in headlights. Her mouth formed an 'O'. That quickly turned into a big grin. She rushed over towards me. Bouncing a little in front of me in excitement of seeing me.
"I didn't know you went here?" We both said in unison. Which made me amused and also awkward because of Pattie standing right next to me.
"I've been going here since the 9th grade. How about you?" I asked.
"Same! How the hell did we not end up knowing that?" Lani pondered.
I scratched my chin. "I was always hiding out of plain sight and was a big loner. As you already know, I hate the majority of people." I explain.
Lani frowned. "That sucks. If I had seen you, I probably would have forced you out of the corner that you hid in. I have a tendency of pulling the loners out of the shadows. And I've met some of the best people because of it." Lani exclaimed.
Pattie and I exchanged looks, as that was pretty much how our friendship started. "Actually, that's how I met my best friend. This is Pattie, the one who's pulled me by the ear ever since." I introduced everyone and chuckled at the furrowed eyebrows Pattie gave me.
Lani looked between the two of us and came to realize that Pattie was the love interest I had spilled to her last night. She gave me a knowing look to not mentioning anything to her about our secret night together. Or how we met.
"It's nice to meet you Pattie, I'm Lani." Lani smiled warmly and held her hand out for Pattie to shake. Which Pattie shook without hesitation. Returning a similar, but curious grin.
"So, how did you and Zeke meet? He's never told me about you?" Pattie asked the star studded question.
Lani was quick to come up with a cover up. "We used to volunteer together. Because y'know, we have to get our hours and all for high school. We talked a little and all but, never much about school. I also forgot to mention that I'm a year older than you two, so when I was in grade nine, you two weren't in highschool. I was held back a year for disclosed reasons in the 10th grade. So that's probably even more of a reason why I didn't notice you Zeke. We swapped phone info in case we needed to see our volunteer schedule and whatever. We just kind of kept in touch like a pen pal. Or an online friend." Lani queued in.
Pattie seemed to buy it. She was less defensive of Lani. But, she still had one opposing question. "Fair enough. But, how did you end up with Zeke's red hoodie. I can recognize that a mile away." Pattie recalled.
"After I finished dealing with some 'business' yesterday, I was on my way home and I bumped into Lani. So we got caught up in talking and she wasn't dressed very warmly. So I lent her my hoodie so she could get home warmly. Plus, I wanted you to meet Lani as a surprise so I didn't want to mention her yet." I tell her. Pattie nodded in understanding.
"I just felt like wearing it today because I was running late and needed something quick to grab. It was the closest item near me that was warm. I am sorry if you thought I was some weird mystery girl that Zeke was dating. We can both see that Zeke is a single pringle. But, how could anyone not want to date this cutie." Lani teased and pinched my cheek. I groaned in pain.
"This little guy is kind, protective and funny. And not to mention a cutie too. He's like a package deal. Heck, I would've probably gone after him myself." She giggles. Still holding my cheek.
Pattie chimes in her own thoughts. "Why don't you then?" Pattie said, semi jokingly. We just stared at her, eyes widened. As well as the unknown awkwardness that just grew on Lani and I.
"Why haven't you gone after him? You two would look kind of perfect together. Especially with the special bond that glows off you two." Lani answered with another question. Putting Pattie on the spot and causing me to choke.
"Alright, enough of this. As well as me saying I am tired of you women pinching my cheeks! What's with that?" I say in an outburst. In an attempt to change the topic. While I secretly glared at Lani which she saw because of bringing up a romance suggestion that wasn't happening.
Both girls giggled at my outburst. Especially Pattie because she has a long history of pinching my cheeks. Both Pattie and Lani shared looks with each other. Like they were having a telepathic conversation. They decided to scheme against me and both pinch my cheeks. One for each to grab. Not harshly, just enough to hurt a little.
"Ouch! For God's sakes! This could be considered abuse you know? I don't do that to you!" I exclaimed once they released their grips on my cheeks. I rubbed both my cheeks this time as they felt raw after two handsy females had their way with them.
"I think we'll get along just fine Lani." Pattie approved. Lani grinned in agreement.
"Yeah, most chick's are fake as shit. I'm glad there's someone decent. It seems Zeke is magnetic towards finding decent chick's eh?" Lani pointed out.
"Anyways, what's your plan for lunch?" Pattie asked.
"Nothing except planning to sit in the cafeteria by myself and eat my lunch." Lani simply replied.
"Then insist you join Zeke and I then. If you want to." Pattie invited. Pleading with her brown eyes at Lani to join us. Which I didn't have an issue with.
"How could I say no? I'd be delighted too." Lani's eyes softened at the genuine invite Pattie offered.
And it was also the start of a beautiful friendship between Lani and Pattie. What was once a two person friendship became a group of three. Pattie, Lani and me had become our own little pod. One filled with three damaged hearts that needed each other.