Chapter 2: Misunderstandings

A Chapter by L.Jaque

The Curse of The Damned

Book I: The Awakening

L. Jaque’

Chapter 2: Mixed messages and Misunderstandings

'I love the gift but I can not accept it'

The Next Day... It was mid morning in the music room.I stroked the strings of my wooden instrument, it rested underneath my chin, as I read from the music sheet in front of me. Mr. Torres was my unofficial music teacher. He let me come in his classroom to play one of his extra Violins every other day whenever I had study hall. During this time it happened to be his lunch break. He would eat his lunch and give me lessons in between his bites. He held his Panini in one hand, with the other held a plantain chip, moving it in-tune to the music.

"You play buenisima. You are very gifted." He complimented me.

I stopped playing, "I know this word. It means like good. right?"

Mr. Torres nodded his head while taking another bite of his Panini. In addition to giving me music lessons he tried to teach me Spanish. He has always said I look of Hispanic decent. In fact,the first day I met him, he started speaking Spanish to me faster than a cheetah chasing a gazelle. Out of the very few words I knew in Spanish, I managed to tell him that I did not speak Spanish. Unfortunately He was not the only one who noticed that I looked Hispanic. Not saying it was entirely a bad thing, I like my exotic looks. I just hated when everyone assumed because I look it, I must also speak the language too. I was not sure what my race is to be honest. I had racial identified myself as white because my only Guardian was also white. I have never been curious as to who my parents were, or who I could have been. I was actually complacent. My way thinking is that sometimes mystery is better than reality

"Sigue" He instructed me, telling me to continue in Spanish.

I rested my Violin underneath my chin and did as he said. I played while he continued to eat his lunch. After the song ended, he would give me constructive criticism. He also gave me a few more words and phrases in Spanish to learn, then sent me to my next class. I walked to my next class alone, which I kind of enjoyed. I was most of the time surrounded by a groups of people from school. It was flattering but at the same time I enjoyed 'me' time too.

I looked at the cherry blossoms buds on the trees. I was thinking of painting them when they finally bloomed. No I don't have the artistic ability to paint, but I can try on my spare time. I would draw flippin' daisies and pretend they are Cherry blossoms if I had to. Yeah, so I can only draw daisies. By 'draw daisies', I mean like an elementary kid drew them with their left hand 'cuz their dominate hand is in a cast. I have no idea how this kid got the cast, it's just a random scenario with a made up kid named Bobby.

"Hey, Ria!" I heard several people greet me ,while I was captivated by the view. I absentmindedly greeted them back not bothering to look in their direction. I felt someone was walking right next to me but didn't bother to look, still completely lost in my own day dreams of my future painting.

"Hey Ri." The voice sounded familiar but I instead looked ahead.

It was amazing how I hadn't walked into someone already. I wonder if my popularity caused people, to magically just move the hell out of the way when I was around. I think that was a bit too much. Oh well, I think if I said it out loud, everyone would just lie and say that I was a great person regardless of what I say. I know people kiss up to me because I'm popular, I never really asked for it though. I know you're thinking "Stop bitching about how hard it is to be popular." Honestly if I did not know Gio, I think I would fall under the Punk/ Nerd kid clique. Gio had cool piercings and tattoos, knows everyone and is a part of every single clique. Not to mention he has been going to the same school for three and a half years now, while I just started this past fall.

Cordell was a very big town with a lot of Schools. For the past year I've moved all over Cordell, because Sadie’s big plan to have Social Services leave us alone. Two years ago Social Services was notified by my middle school Teacher. Mrs. Larzawitz noticed unusual scars and bruises on my arms, a huge retard move on my end. I had an insatiable itch that day. I lifted my sleeve and there bright as the sun, were my scars for her to see. I wear long sleeves and jeans all year round, because of my home situation. A D.I.F.A.S worker came to talk to me a few days later, I of course denied that Sadie was responsible for my injuries. I lied to the man, told him verbatim Sadie's words. I got bullied a lot, so most of the time I got in fights to defend myself.

After a year of Social Service watching us, Sadie decided to make the story believable claiming that the bullying was getting really bad. So we moved away for a year. I was so livid with Sadie for making me leave my only true friend Gio, but she couldn't give two flying f***s about it. She told me Gio would forget about me anyway. He and I called, emailed, and chatted almost every day nonstop that whole year while I was away. She did this “house hopping” for about a year then moved back to Rosedale, a.k.a North Cordell, after social services finally dropped the case. Eight months ago I was enrolled in a recently rebuilt charter High School that was called Rosewood Academy. The school prides itself in being University owned, having the toughest curriculum in all of Cordell, and having the most funding too.

I remember Sadie and I, moving back in town right before the school year started. It really didn't seem like I would be going to Rosewood but the public school instead. Luckily the Academy called me back at the last possible minute. Sadie never gave me anything I wanted in my whole life but, she let me go, just so long as she didn't have to do absolutely anything else for me. I took the entrance exam, was allowed to skip three grades and as luck would have it; I was placed in Gio’s graduating class. We screamed like little girls the day we saw each other in class. Gio had gone to Rosewood for a whole three years longer than me. had a humongous entourage which adored me all the same as he; but I enjoyed being alone most of the time. As the school year went on I still associated with said entourage, while Gio split most of his time with me and the entourage.

"Squirt!" The same voice greeted, more urgent.

I felt strong arms around my shoulders while a guy's body leaned on my back. I unenthusiastically patted his hand, "Hey."

I felt Gio let me go, while I continued walking. I could see my classroom was only inches away.

"What the f**k is your problem?" He asked me in annoyance.

"Nothing, Just want to get Corbin's class." I answered almost completely devoid of emotion.

I wonder if Mia and him went on a date after I was dropped off yesterday. I wanted to say something smart like, 'Go ask Mia, your girlfriend'. But I decided that it would make it obvious that I was extremely jealous. I rolled my eyes, why do I even care?

'Because you're in love-'With pollo.'

I randomly started to think of something else. Chicken was good, my conscious started thinking about all the ways to eat chicken. I rather be hungry than hear the L word, even if it was only inside my head. Gio and his freakish ninja moves caught up to me and rubbed his hand all through over my hair. If I wasn't so infuriated at him, and at myself for being a total idiot for not telling him sooner, I would've messed up his hair too. We always played with each other like that. One time he lifted me up and threw me over his shoulder fr no apparent reason. A small smile showed up on my face, Gio grinned widely at me while nodding and pointing at my face. I knew he was gonna say something smart, but I got distracted by something. At the corner of my eye, speaking of the demon SHE had appeared.

I think she really is a demon cause she appeared out of no where like I summoned her or something. Also because she stole my crush's attention yesterday.

"Hello Ms. Ria." She happily greeted while she hugged way to affectionately.

OK what the flying frick Mc.Frick-ness?! I could've sworn Mia was more shy than a cautious turtle yesterday. Why is she hugging me like we are best friends? I did not hug her back, I just rigidly stood there like I was petrified as all hell. She removed her hooves, I mean hands, from around me. I mentally shivered trying not to show my extreme disgusted hatred to her.

"It so nice to see you. I want to thank you for yesterday," She continued speaking all high pitched and happy like.

She waved even happier at Gio, I looked at him to find him smiling harder than before. He nodded at her as a greeting. What Fuckery is this? I think they really did go on date yesterday. I rolled my eyes.

"I like you better when you talk less." I said each word spewing venom at her.

I started walking to the class again. I was close enough to the class room door that I could almost touch the door knob. I reached for it but Gio grabbed my hand and pulled me further away from the door. I looked at the classroom door longingly. Is it really so much to ask if I want to start learning today?

"Hey, that was really mean Ria." Gio reprimanded.

I pulled my hand out of his grip roughly, "Did your mom not teach you to stay out of women problems?"

I tried walking towards the door, but he stood in my way. "I thought we are at an age above yo mama insults don't you think?"

He sounded really annoyed with me, I looked up at him to make sure. His jaw was clenched whenever he was pissed, And boy were his teeth clenched. "Look sorry I offended your beautiful girlfriend." I said condescendingly while I narrowed my eyes at Mia.

She was close enough to hear everything I was saying, but ask me if I care. Me? do pigs fly and have fire breath? No they don't and that is your mother loving answer.

"It's cool, I'm sorry I didn't know you guys were" She crossed her fingers. I think gesturing 'together'.

She a weirdo and a half, I guess her gestures would confirm that. "

"We are not!" I retorted quickly, I thought Gio would agree.

He said nothing. Mia and I looked at him. He looked at the floor instead of either of us. There was a really awkward silence then Gio started snorting at first and then was laughing so loud he had tears coming out of the side of his eye.

"This is my best buddy in the whole world," He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed his arm tighter around me, "Right squirt?"

I smiled and acted like my heart was not about to coming out of my a*s cheeks ,"Yeah buddy, ol' pal."

I punched him in the side, harder than I usually do when we play around. He hissed in pain dropped his arm from around me to hold his side. I opened the class room door watched as Mia moved closer and asking him what she could do to help. I quickly looked away before either of them could see me and gently shut the door. Moments later I saw Gio walk in with Mia on his heels. He looked better, was walking fine but he did look a little pale. Mia was hovering asking the teacher something, maybe if he would let Gio go to the Nurse's office. Gio started talking to them both, she left and the Teacher nodded his head. Gio then started to look for somewhere to sit.

I quickly looked in my book bag like I was digging for a pencil, or you know trying to hide in that said book bag. Either one would help me to not look at him. I got my pencil out and sigh dramatically like I struck oil. I felt Gio sit next to me. I then felt a severe sense of despair.

"You got one mean left jab, where did you learn to hit like that?" He teased.

I sighed, "Yo Mama." I replied.

He flared his nostrils, made a funny face at me, "You're too funny."

He looked like a donkey when he made that face and I started laughing. He started laughing with me. I held my stomach in pain and stopped and then looked at him. He winked at me like he knew what I wanted to ask. We can never stay mad at each other. After Mr. Corbin's class was finished Gio and I were ready to go to out next class together. Over the loud speaker their was an announcement for the drama club to meet in the auditorium. Gio looked over to me a bit apologetic. I was a little sad to be apart from him but I only shrugged and smiled back at him.

"I will see later, meet me by my car after school." He told me. He suddenly leaned really close to me ear, "Or I will find you Victoria."

I was stuck. I just couldn't move for a second. I, I.. What was happening? I unintentionally leaned a bit closer to him, and turning my face to him. I could feel his breath on my face which was a little faster now that I was much closer. He looked at me and I stared back and we were completely still. I could feel my heart beating really fast in my chest like I just ran a 5K. He raised his eye brows, stood up straight and c**k his head to one side. He looked confused. He was probably thinking I was about to rape his lips. Oh my god, I was almost a lip raper! I don't want to be one of those people that steals kisses. Alright I need to breathe. I started breathing heavy, I must have made a weird face because Gio was still looking at me funny.

"Fa-Fine." I stuttered, I had to explain my behavior.

The answer is the, the y axis. No that can't be it. "I felt dizzy, but I'm fine now." I explained.

Oh my gosh. Can I be anymore of a weirdo?

"If you wanted a kiss for your boo-boos just ask next time." He teased while he pulled me in his arms, bent down and kissed me on my forehead.

"There." He said satisfied, breaking his hold on me. "Feel better." He whispered as he started to leave towards the auditorium.

I stood there watching him thinking how cute his butt was. I don't know but if his butt were his face I bet it would have dimples and make me gush. I think that was like one of the weridest things I have ever thought about Gio. My legs were starting to feel like jello and were slowly forgetting how to function. Did he just? I placed my hand on my forehead where I could still feel where his lips had been. He did. But what does this mean? '

Get a hold of yourself.Jesus H Christ. He was just playing around.But he kissed me though' I swooned and with that I gracefully fell flat on my booty cheeks.

"Hey are you okay?"

I was so love sick that I did not notice the group of people around me. Before I knew it my classmates were helping me up.

"Thank you and yes I am." I answered.

I think if I could click my shoes together like Dorothy; I definitely would have. I started walking happily to my next class. I noticed a blonde girl with blueberry colored eyes and a couple inches taller than me. She was walking the opposite direction as me but she kept looking at me like she knew me. I stared right back at her with my eye brows raised but she said nothing while she passed me. She looked oddly familiar. but then again I could care less about the general student population so I went about my business.

I usually sat in the second row in most of my classes so it helped me concentrate better. I may not show it but I enjoyed learning. I mean I was not one of those students who really needed to study but I had like photographic memory. I have never actually proven that I have this ability, I just have a hypothesis about it. I went to sit by the window and was horrified to find Gio's seat occupied. I wouldn't have mind if it was Gio, but an evil hooved girl sat there instead. She stared at me while she slowly flipped her hair. I wanted to pull her pretty brunette hair out of her skull and bang her head hard against the desk. Yup, Damn Mia was there. I'm really not that violent, but she brings out a burning hatred that is almost uncontrollable

"Hey." She greeted while happily smiling.

Ugh! There she goes being all nice. I know her game, she wanted to be nice to me so she can steal away Gio from me when I least expected it. Granted, Gio did not belong to me or anyone for that matter. F**k logic right now! I said nothing to the demon while trying to find the furthest seat from her. She just happily waved at me while gesturing to the available seat next to her. I smiled in return and mouthed, 'Die.' She must be immortal because of her evilness, or she can not read lips for s**t. She continued to gesture this time more persistently.

I ignored her and took a seat. Her facade made me sick. I found it really odd that she was in my class. I know I don't bother getting to know people but I am not that bad. I should've noticed her at some point, right? I shrugged and thought maybe because I could be bothered to notice it before. It wasn't like she was stalking me. I'm popular and everything ,but I'm not paranoid, and this isn't a life time movie either. When School was finally over I was surprisingly the first one at Gio's car. I panicked a little because I am dramatic as hell and always assumed the worst. Maybe Ninjas attacked him, well technically Gio had some really fast moves so he could've gotten away. Or he you known, if you want to be logical he's probably running late. I didn't wait alone for long some of my classmates started to talk to me.

Monique a tall athletic girl in Ap math was asking me if I wanted to join the Volleyball team. I smiled at her and declined. It was the middle of the school year I didn't want to join any clubs. Monique had medium length black hair with almond shaped eyes. The only reason I even bothered to remember her name was because she was in Gio's entourage. Monique although a beautiful black girl, was a lesbian, and I did not see her as a threat. In the past I kind of made that stupid assusption that most lesbians are supposed to be ugly, but Monique has since then corrected my way of thinking. Truthfully she had been asking all year long for me to join the Volleyball team, very persisant actually. Jadir a blue eyed brozed toned boy, from Eygpt was making a pass at me. Jadir is a player, he says he's not, he just loves to love all women. He was also part of Gio's entourage, use to write me love letter, ask me out on dates, and buy me roses when I first met him. Gio almost beat him up for that, he said to calm his balls or he would beat him into a bloody pulp. Obviously he has since then calmed down. Jadir was the school Newspaper's Editor, I let him publish one of my poems in the paper and he asks me to give him another every time he sees me. Matthew or Ma'Mun as he likes to call himself was in the Electronics club. He was a chubby handsome black boy with a full neat beard. He was in charge of helping film things for our schools channel on tv, recorded the morning announcements and the works. He was very into helping people of different races find college funding too. He had a huge conspiracy theory against the government. Darsha was part of the graphic designs club which also worked with Ma'mun's club a lot. She wore beautiful Hijabs and dressed very stylish but tasteful every day. Darsha was Thaineese and white with beautiful green eyes. Ma'Mun and her had crushes on each other, but they were extremely too shy to say anything about each other. Nicholas A.K.A Nick, was an all american boy with blonde hair and blue eyes. He played football like hercules. He was a very sweet Christian boy, He loved his beliefs but he was also accepting and respectful of all other beliefs too. Nick was much like Gio because he was protective. We spoke for a short time to catch up but he had to get to practice. He warned Jadir to not bother me and then left.

I did not realize that Gio had finally arrived until I felt him hug me from behind. Jadir tensed up and stepped away from me slightly, he pretended to be talking to Darsha about something. Gio kissed me on my forehead again and I felt like I was going to melt. I don't know why he was suddenly hugging me and kissing me on my forehead, it was weird but in a good way.

"Thanks guys for keeping her company but she's all mine now." He waved good bye to everyone .

I realized that he was still holding me in his arms. Oh my gosh he called me his, I mean I'm pretty sure he was playing. But still, my heart is beating super fast. Monique moved her eye brows up and down. She didnt say anything she only smiled and left. Jadir looked like he was in a lot of pain but judging by the fact he left so quickly; Gio must've set him straight.

Darsha smiled at me like she knew something, even Ma'Mun was snickering. I wonder what the hell everyone was so super-de-duper happy about. If something was amusing, especially since it was about me, I wanted to know D****t! Gio released me from his arms but still had his hand on the small of my back while leading me to the passenger side of his car.

"So what was so funny back there?" ,I asked while we were both putting our seat beats on.

"Well I got you a super early Birthday gift." He reached for something in his glove compartment.

I couldn't help but smell his amazingly yummy perfume. I don't know what it is. But when a guy smells really good I kind want just smell his shirt and cuddle with him forever. Well maybe not with every guy that smells good, just with Gio. I quickly tried to look normal and some what recover from my weirdness.

"Now I don't want you to get you in trouble with Sadie, so hide it and keep it on vibrate." He said before handing me a small gift bag.

For a second I really thought he was going to give me vibrator. Gio can be a little inappropriate at times, but I don't think he would ever get that sexual. I opened the bag inside was a plain white box. His package was oddly feminine and I wanted to ask him if his stupid girlfriend helped him put everything together. I wonder if that demon b***h was lurking in the shadows somewhere.

"I know you don't like Mia for some reason but she helped me wrap this girlie s**t." Gio said.

I f*****g knew it! What did I say?! Didn't I just say that demon had something to do with this.I narrowed my eyes at him dropped the box dramatically in the birthday bag and threw it in his lap. I crossed my arms and refused to even look at him.

"Look Mia is BI, and she wants me to help her get a date with Monique." He randomly said while placing the birthday bag onto of the cup holder between us.

"So in exchange I asked her to help me pick a bag and stuff for your gift."

I turned to look at him, a bit skeptical. Even though Mia is Bi that does not even mean she can't like Monique and Gio at the same time. He mockingly faked being sad and put his hands together to silently beg for my forgiveness.

"You know what! Give me the damn bag, with your down syndrome looking a*s." I told him taking the bag from the cup holder.

I was still kind of pissed but his puppy dog eyes were killing me.

"Down syndrome is a serious disease, that's real fucked up." He told me in a matter-a-fact tone.

"I am sorry that I offend you." I told him emotionless while finally opening the white box.

Inside the box was a white smartphone with a 6 in' screen. I screamed like I just won tickets to the bestest fricken' music concert ever. Gio quickly covered his ears. I continued to scream, hugged him really tight and bounced up and down with joy. I'm pretty sure from outside the parked car, people assumed we were probably having sex by how the car bounced; I didn't even care! I then realized that the phone must have cost a lot of money.

"I love this gift but I can not accept this gift." I told him trying to hand the phone back.

He looked at me with one eyebrow raised moving away from me, "Why not, you just bought me Beats ear buds." He told me incredulously.

"Yea but I bought them online, overseas, they were cheaper." I explained defensively.

"I don't understand. Just pretend I got them overseas too." He retorted while pushing the phone closer to me.

"I-"Shh!"

He placed his fingers on my lips then started to circle his finger around my whole face awkwardly. It was werid as f**k and all I could do was try to move away from him. He then started poking my face then my neck then my sides. I then started to laughing trying to wiggle away until I was between the door and the seat.

"Stop it, you creeper!" I yelled between my guffaws of laughter.

I was starting to laughing so hard that before I knew it, I farted really loud. Everything stopped and it was dead silent in the car. We just stared at each other for what seemed like 12,000 years. He then farted too. He started to laughing at me while I wanted to dig a hole in the ground and just instead we both started laughing at each other's farts in the car. After a couple of minutes we realized that one of us had definitely launch a grenade of stink-ness and had to roll down a window.

Gio started driving to my car and he told me that he would have to be staying late after school for Drama club and was helping Ma'mud, Darsha and Jadir with some school stuff. Unfortunately I would have to walk home for a couple of weeks. I would've loved to stay after school and wait for him to finish with all his extra school crap, but I had to cook for Sadie. God forbid I don't have food waiting for her when she got home.

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