Dedicated to chowderrr.

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Chapter 11: Humpty Dumpty

Despite Luke's attempts to apologize to me, I ignored him. After a week of this, he gave up. Was it possible to be both disappointed and relieved? Because I was. I wanted him to keep chasing me, to make sure that he actually cared that I was mad at him. But at the same time, I needed time to think this over. It was just all so confusing.

"Did you hear?" Emma whispered.

I shook my head and scrunched my eyebrows. Hear about what? "I guess not...what did you hear?"

"There's a new girl!"

"A...a new girl?"

She nodded her head furiously. "And rumor has it, she's a virgin. So you won't be the tiebreaker anymore. She will! Isn't that great?"

I nodded slowly. "Yeah...great."
Was that why I haven't seen any of the guys around? Because they were out wooing her? I guess it would make sense that they thought they were wasting their time with me-I was pretty stubborn. They could just get it done and have a winner already. I should be glad, right? So why did I feel so glum and lonely?

I guess I was just so used to their attention and their company. Now it was quiet without Ian buzzing in my ear, Alec telling me about baseball, and Luke insulting me. I even missed Tyler's odd presence.

Wait. If Luke wasn't chasing me anymore, did that mean he was going after the new girl? The others I could understand, but him?

"Hey Em?"

"Hm?"
"Do you think Luke's after her?"

She bit her lip. She knew something and she wasn't telling me. "Um...I don't know."

"Emma," I pressed. "What do you know?"

"They might be talking," she mumbled.

I raised an eyebrow. "Just talking? Or flirting?"

"The second option," she sighed. "I'm really sorry, Char. I know how much you like him."

"It's not your fault."

And then it occurred to me. I never told her that Luke had told me that he loved me. Should I tell her? I wasn't sure if it would make things worse or better. I needed another opinion-that wasn't my dad. So I told her everything.

She took a step back and closed her eyes for a couple seconds. "Wow."

I grinned. "I know."

"So why aren't you two dating?"

"Did you not hear anything I just said?"

"Yes...so answer my question! Why aren't you two dating?"

"Emma! I don't know if he's being honest about this. What if he's just using me to win?"

She rolled her eyes. "You're blind. Luke is head over heels for you."

"Oh yeah? So why is chasing that new girl?"

"Is someone jealous?" she teased.

"No."

She sighed. "You're hopeless, Char. Just give him a chance."

"Why should I? He only cares about winning this stupid game."

She flicked me. "He cares about you."

I was growing tired of this conversation. She was just as hard-headed as I was. I didn't want to fight with her anymore. I wasn't going to lose another best friend over this game. I needed her.

***

I stood in the corner, sulking, as I watched Luke shamelessly flirt with her. She threw her long, blonde hair back as she giggled. I watched her subtly place her hand on his chest. And he didn't even bother to remove it. He probably would have if I was looking, but he was probably too distracted by her to even notice.

He loved me? Yeah right. What a joke.

I heard her shriek, "You are so funny, Luke."

"Thanks," he said in his suave voice, "and you're too cute for your own good."

Color tinged her cheeks as she went to kiss his. "I can't look at this anymore," I muttered, feeling like a stalker and shuffling away.

I knew he wanted to win this game. Why was I so naïve as to believe that he didn't? It's all he's been talking about since freshmen year. Besides, by the looks of it, it looks like he's the competition in the bag.

Apparently the blonde was in my Lit class, and she sat right next to me. "Hi, I'm Hannah, what's your name?" she chirped, holding her hand out for me to shake it. I wasn't sure if her smile was naturally that wide or if it was just fake.

"Charlotte," I hissed , ignoring the gesture.

She recoiled. "You don't have to be so rude about it."

"I don't like you."

"You don't even know me."

"I don't have to."

She made a 'hmmph' sound and turned around to talk to someone more friendly. I have no idea where that came from. I usually wasn't so cold. What was wrong with me? As soon as we stopped talking, Ian began to charm her, and he was pulling out all the moves.

I looked away, disgusted. I didn't realize I was holding a pencil, because it snapped in half. I groaned. That was my last pencil. I went up to the front and got a golf one. They shouldn't make pencils like this-stubby with no eraser? That's like the leftovers of every other used pencil.

***

The sky was a thunderous grey and rain was spilling out of the threatening clouds looming above. Cold rain. And I was the victim getting soaked. I bet Dad took a nap and forgot to set the alarm. My choices were to walk or wait out here. Either way I was still going to get wet and sick. The doors automatically lock after school, and no one was inside to open it for me.

Right now, I wish that I was speaking to Luke. At least I wouldn't be cold. Several times, I almost did, but I used my self control. I don't know how Dad managed to stay asleep after all my calls. Knowing him, it was probably on silent. I sighed and rubbed my hands together, in an attempt to warm them up. Who knew October could be so cold?

"Need a ride?"

I turned around and saw Tyler coming out of the doors. He was wearing his signature outfit-a leather jacket, a wife beater, and dark jeans. Wasn't he cold? Although, that leather jacket might keep him warm. Maybe he wasn't even cold. I hesitated. Should I? Dad wasn't coming anytime soon. It seemed like the only logical thing to do.

He sensed my uncertainty because he said, "Look, I'm not going to rape your or anything. If I remember correctly, I was the one who saved you."

I sighed. "Sure."

He handed me a black helmet. "Put it on."

"Why do I need to put on a helmet?"

"It's the law."

"In a car?"

"Nope, on a bike."

My face fell. He was going to take me home on a motorcycle. I handed the helmet back. "Never mind, but thanks for the offer."

He rolled his eyes and shoved it back into my arms. "Don't be a wimp. Don't tell me you're scared of riding one."

I scoffed. "I'm not."

"Then what are you waiting for? Get on."

I buckled the helmet and walked over to the black and silver motorcycle. I was really going to do this. I was going to ride on this deathtrap. I swung my leg over the seat and situated myself. I thought a little prayer-just in case I didn't survive. "I love you, Dad," I murmured.

"Do you want to fall off and end up like Humpty Dumpty?" he asked in a smart tone.

"No..."

"Then hold on tight. I don't have cooties." I burst out laughing. Did he just say cooties? "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," I replied, gingerly wrapping my arms around Tyler's waist. To be honest, it felt kind of nice. It wasn't so bad...until he took off. That's when I started screaming.

"Would you shut up? This isn't good for my driving."

"Sorry," I whispered, laying my head on his back.

I could see him smirking in the mirror, but I could care less right now. If I fell off, I was dragging him down with me. I stared at the roadway, which was passing by too fast in my opinion. Towards the end of the ride, it started to get more fun. I felt...free.

"So where exactly do you live?"

Oops, I guess I never told him my address. "519 River Avenue."

He nodded, made a U-turn, and pulled onto my street. Making a smooth stop in front of my house, I carefully got out, not wanting to fall flat on my face. "Um...thanks for the ride."

"Yup."

I smiled and waved awkwardly. He just raised and eyebrow, revved his engine, and took off. So much for manners. I unlocked the door and carried myself into my room. After setting my bag down, I checked on my dad. Predictably, he was snoozing on his mattress like a baby. I draped a blanket over him and got started on dinner. Let's see, casserole or stroganoff?

***

The next day, neither of the members of the Top Four (or Luke) looked very victorious, which was strange because I've been hearing rumors that Hannah wasn't a virgin anymore. Was it possible that neither of them got the chance to sleep with her and some underdog just came and swept her off her feet? Possible, but not likely.

Hannah was still the trending topic of the school, probably to her pleasure. She seemed to crave attention. By the end of the day, the whole school would know who she slept with. People in Addison couldn't keep their mouths shut. It seems like gossip is what we're best at.

"Char, are you even paying attention?" Emma asked, annoyed.

I snapped out of my thoughts and into reality. What was she talking about? "Of course!"

She looked doubtful. "Oh yeah? What were we talking about?"

"You know...science..."

"Science? That was really your best guess?"

I laughed nervously. "I meant the Top Four."

She sighed and forked her macaroni and cheese around. "Sometimes you have the attention span of a squirrel."

"Sorry...I was just lost."

"Thinking about making love to Lucas?" she teased.

"Of course not!"

"Sure you weren't."

"Anyways, so what were you talking about?"

"So I think I like this guy..."

Emma rarely liked people. Sure, she thought guys were cute, but she never really committed to someone. I leaned closer. "And his name is?"

"It's a secret," she giggled, "but I don't know if he feels the same way."

"Any guy would be lucky to even have a chance with you, Em."

"Thanks, but you're just saying that."

"No, I'm serious. You're smart, funny, gorgeous. If you were a guy, I'd marry you."

She laughed. "Then it's a good thing I'm a female, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess it is. Why won't you tell me his name?"

"Because I don't know if you'd like it..."

"Tell me!" I drawled, desperate to know the identity of her crush.

"Maybe later."

"You can't just tell me and not tell me!"

"Sorry, my lips are sealed."

"Is it that French guy?"

"Pierre? No, we're just friends."

"Is it that one kid in your Spanish class?"

"Juan? No! Stop guessing foreign guys. You're coming off a little racist."

"Oops, sorry. Is it Jerry?"

"Nah, he's dating Lindsay."

"Is it-"

"Would you stop guessing? You're never going to get it."

"I will! I'm a great guesser."

"You're a horrible guesser!"

"Okay, maybe I am. But that doesn't mean I won't get it right. Is he even in our grade?" I gasped. "Is it a freshman?"

"No! The freshmen this year are so not cute."

"Good, because that's kind of pedophile-ish. I mean, think about it. We're like seventeen and eighteen and they're like twelve."

"Like fourteen and fifteen, but nice try."

"The point is that they're too young for you."

"Why are you lecturing me about dating younger men? I never said I liked them!"

"But you never said you didn't," I countered.

"Touché."

***

"Hey Tyler," I chirped.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm talking to you."

"I can see that. Why?"

"Why not?"

"Because we don't talk."

"Maybe we can start."

He turned to face me. "Is this about yesterday?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Do you feel the need to talk to me because I drove you home?"

"No..."

"So then why on earth are you bothering to talk to me now?"

Okay, maybe I did want to talk to Tyler. He was a good listener. Not that he cared or anything, but it still felt nice. "You don't want to talk to me?" I asked, slightly hurt.

"Oh God, please tell me I didn't hurt your little feelings."

"You didn't."

"Good. So are you going to leave now?"

"No."

"You're just like an annoying kid that won't go away." Ouch, that stung a little bit. It was actually kind of fun annoying him. I wanted to see how short, or long, his temper was. He doesn't hit girls, right? "Look, just because I gave you a ride doesn't mean we're all buddy-buddy, got it?"

"Understood."

"Alright, now shoo."

"Nope."

"You just like making me mad, don't you?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

He growled in frustration. "You don't need another lift, do you?"

"I'm okay." I set an alarm on Dad's phone. He should've been awake about five minutes ago. Tyler glared at me. I think I'll take that as my cue to leave. "But I guess I'll leave because I see my dad pulling up. Talk to you later!"

"Or not," I heard him mutter.

***

Emmakins_101: I figured out who it was!

CharliePoo_95: What are you talking about?

Emmakins_101: Hannah's secret man ;)

Charliepoo_95: WHO!?!

Emmakins_101: Ryan!

Charliepoo_95: Ryan...? We have like a billion Ryans at our school

Emmakins_101: Boyer

Ryan Boyer? Why did that name sound so familiar? I've heard it somewhere, I just can't remember where. Maybe I heard it over the intercom or something.

Charliepoo_95: Our grade?

Emmakins_101: Si! But I g2g, so night :)

Charliepoo_95: Sweet dreams :D

I looked up Ryan Boyer on Facebook, and I recognized the picture immediately. Sandy blonde hair, hazel eyes, a face that I could never forget; the face that almost took my innocence from me. That was him. I found my rapist.

I shut my laptop down and snuggled into bed, feeling slightly haunted. I'd feel better if I could confront him about it, but I wanted backup. I would've normally taken Luke, but that was no longer a possibility. Maybe I could convince Tyler...

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard the ding of my phone, indicating I had a text message. I sighed, but wasn't going to wait until morning to check it. I narrowed my eyes at my screen's brightness. It was from an unknown number.

'Night Dumpty'