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Chapter Five
Griffin
After Farlee rode away from me yesterday, I decided I needed a plan. One where at the end of each conversation, she stays put in my arms instead of having to watch her run away. I thought about it all night long and all morning. I even got to school early to make sure I didn't miss her walking in for class. I sit in my usual parking spot, smoking a cigarette and waiting for my girl. I am just putting out the smoke when I glance up and see her old beat-up truck bouncing into the parking lot. I can’t help but smile.
I throw my leg off the bike and straighten to my full height before walking toward her parked truck. She doesn't see me coming, too busy digging out something from her passenger seat. I make my way closer, but just as I’m about to reach her, some frilly pom-poms are shoved into my face.
“Griff, hey, I was thinking. You should come to my party this weekend. We can hang out and maybe even make out... I mean make-up,” Sara says, stopping me from getting to my girl. I let out a growl and try to move around her, but she just steps in my path.
“I don't know how many times I have to tell you this. I don't want you. I don't know what the fuck I was thinking ever dating you. No one even knew about it but me and you, and we barely did shit together for it even to be considered dating. As far as I'm concerned, it never even happened. Now please, move the fuck out of my way so I can get to my girl,” I tell her again, dodging her touch and trying to move around her.
She lets me get past this time, and when I look at her face, I can see the shock, sadness, and then anger cross her face. I'm guessing she picked up on the ‘my girl’ thing. Oh well, I'm hoping the whole damn school knows by the end of the day. I don't spare her another glance. I look up to find my Honeysuckle, but she's no longer at her truck. I look around the parking lot and realize she is halfway to the school, scurrying away with her head down and her beautiful hair blanketing her from the world.
“Fuck,” I say as I start to jog towards her. With my long legs and bulky stature, it doesn't take me long to catch up with my girl. She’s so tiny, probably only standing around five two or three. She's so fucking adorable.
“Morning Honeysuckle,” I say, smiling down at her. She looks up at me with big eyes, then looks behind me. She probably sees Sara pitching a fit, but I could care less.
“Oh, lord,” she mumbles before shaking her head and looking back down at the ground.
“I thought you would be happy to see me,” I say, grabbing my chest in fake hurt. That gets a small smile out of her.
“Not really. Especially seeing as your girlfriend is shooting daggers at me. She’s probably going to throw red paint on me in front of the whole school or something,” she says dejectedly.
“Whoa, calm down, Carrie. First, she ain't my girlfriend. Second, I won't let her hurt you, ever,” I tell her, and this time I make sure she sees the truth in my face. I lift her chin with my finger and wait until she’s staring me in the eyes. “I won't let her hurt you.”
“You can't promise that. What are you going to do? Follow me around all day and make sure no one messes with me?” She laughs like that wasn't my plan. Yeah, the only thing I could come up with to get her attention or get her to give me a chance was to stalk her. I smile brightly, and her eyes widen.
“You are not following me around,” she tells me, shaking her head in denial.
“I sure am, baby. Get used to seeing me. I won't let any of these fuckers mess with you,” I tell her before grabbing her hand and leading her into the school. We get a few looks from our classmates, but I don't pay them any attention.
“What’s your first class? We probably need to stop by your locker. I'm not sure where that's at, so lead the way, Honeysuckle.” I look down at her when she doesn't move. She’s staring at our hands clasped together, but when her head lifts and catches all eyes on us, she tightens her grip for a split second before trying to pull away.
“Everyone is staring,” she whispers, and I can tell she is uncomfortable.
“Come on, keep your head held high, baby. They are all just nosey assholes,” I tell her, and she nods before walking away.
This is how the rest of the day goes. I follow her around like a lost puppy while she does her best to ignore everyone in the school... even me. I smirk at that. She's been trying, but she hasn't been successful with me. I catch her stares, and I even notice the little smiles she gives. It’s lunch, and I'm hoping I can convince her to eat with my whole crew. I know she will get along with everyone, especially the girls in the group.
“Sit with me today,” I say, grabbing her hand and squeezing.
“I usually just go to the greenhouse out back and help Mrs. Lincs water and check on the plants,” she says, looking everywhere but at me. I squeeze her hand again and wait until she looks up at me.
“Honeysuckle, sit with my friends and me? Please,” I say and watch her soften at my pleading look. She’s my girl, and they are my family. I need her to know them, to know that they have her back if I'm not around.
“Okay,” she whispers in a low voice. My face hurts from the smile that overtakes it. I quickly move us through the cafeteria and to the table in the back corner we always occupy. Sometimes we eat outside in the courtyard, but it's been a bit chilly lately. We make it to the table and are met with smiles.
“Hey guys, this is…” I start but am immediately cut off.
“Oh my gosh, Farlee! It's so nice to finally meet you! I never got the chance to thank you for saving mine and Parker's asses in the theater,” Juju says, pulling her into a hug.
“You work on the farm, right? You must be great with plants. I have one plant that keeps dying,” Rissa speaks up, not making eye contact but holding onto Dean's hand.
“Oh, I could answer any questions you need. I do like to garden, but animals are my specialty,” Farlee says in a low voice. Before anyone else can speak up, we hear a cell ringing. Farlee reaches into her back and answers it quickly. Immediately, I know something is wrong. Her face pales, and she looks like she's about to be sick. She looks at me, and I see the fear on her face.
“I have to go,” she says, turning away. I grab her arm and make her look at me.
“Baby, what's wrong?”
“I have to go. Something happened to my dad.”
That's all I need to know before pulling her out of the cafeteria, racing down the halls until we slam through the doors to the parking lot. I don't have to look back to know every one of my friends is hot on our heels.
We are family, have each other's back, and stick together. I wonder how long it will take me to convince Farlee she belongs with us, too.
