Chapter Three: Peg You

"Any word from Billy?" Tony asked as I grabbed a tray of food.

"Of course not," I scoffed. "The man treats me like I am radioactive."

"I am sorry, Gene."

I nod as I carry the food to the table. "Alrighty, here is your order." I smiled. Behind me, I heard the bell at the restaurant door ring. "Right with you," I smiled.

I don't usually work at the restaurant, my Dad says school is essential. But we had our hostess, and two waiters catch the flu. So here I was.

I turned around, and my smile faltered while my stomach dropped through the floor.

The Hargroves were in our restaurant.

"Hello, Genie" Neil boomed. I forgot how charming he was in public. He felt he could yell more behind closed doors.

I smiled and walked towards them. Billy was there, I could feel his eyes on me, but I refused to make eye contact. "Hello, sir!" I said and then bent down to look at Max. "Hey you."

"Hey," She beamed. There was a strange comradery that Max and I have established. I was beginning to treasure it.

"Let me get you guys a table." I smiled. "Pa, The Hargroves are here," I called as I walked through the restaurant.

My father stepped out with a smile. He liked Neil, but he didn't know Neil. My mother was best friends with Billy's mom… before. So my father always made an effort to be kind. "Neil, what a surprise."

"Don't step out on my account" And Neil always put his charms on. "I need you in there."

My father let out a hardy laugh. "Alright, and don't even think about taking his money, Gene."

I put my hands up before I grabbed the menus. This was the first time I looked at Billy. His piercing stare was burning a hole through me as usual. After a moment, I broke eye contact and turned to the others. "I will give you some time with the menu and have water brought over."

"Thanks Gene," Susan said. I smiled and then turned to the kitchen.

"I will give you my entire wages tonight if you take my table," I told Tony.

Tonny looked into the restaurant and rolled his eyes. "Even if dad let me out of the kitchen, I wouldn't take your money," He said, "Plus, you are going to go to school with this kid. You are going to have to get used to him.

I let out a sigh. My brother was right. Tony then looked over my shoulder and scowled. "I can take him though for free,"

I followed his gaze to the door to see Ricky standing there. Looking surprisingly scared.

"It's fine," I said, waving my brother off absently. "Just make sure Dad doesn't see him."

"Gene…"

"Hey, trust me." I walked over slowly and put on a fake smile. "What can I do for you today, sir?"

Ricky took a step back. "My… dad called a take out order." He stammered.

My stomach released. Thank god, he wasn't here to pick up our conversation from a few nights ago. "Right, I think it's just being wrapped up."

"I can wait."

I nodded and began to turn around. "Hey Gene… I am sorry, I wouldn't have come if I knew you were working."

I gave Ricky a small smile, I believed him. Ricky was terrified of my brothers, he knew if he talked to me in front of them, my brothers would have had a fit. "Let me get your food. You want a soda to go?"

"Yeah-"

"Hey," I turned to see Billy standing a little too close to me. Part of me didn't mind that, but I would be damned if he knew that.

"Yes?" Fake smile back on.

"I don't have a fork or a knife." Billy's eyes flicked to Ricky and then back to me.

My eyes widened. How could I forget that? "I am so sorry- Marcus," I called over the busser. "Can you bring a set a silver wear over to table twelve?"

The boy nodded and ran over to the table. Billy did not move thought. Instead, he kept standing and watching Ricky. "We also are ready for drinks whenever you are … done here." Billy's eyes shifted from me and back to Ricky. He then looked at me one last time.

"Here is your order, Ricky�� Tony stepped out and looked at me. "Take care of the Hargroves."

I nodded and followed Billy back to his table. When I got there, I noticed something shining on the ground. I reached down to get it only to have Billy kick it away. I glared at him and straightened, I guess I would have to deal with that later then. "So, I heard a rumor we had drinks in mind?"

The rest of the dinner went by quickly. I tried my hardest to avoid Billy, I felt him staring from time to time.

"Hey, Sweetie" My father came out of the kitchen. "Maisie just called. She will be here in five. You can head home,"

"What about the Hargroves" Why the fuck did I not run out the door? I saw my get out of jail free card. JUST TAKE IT.

"It will be fine, darling," He replied.

"Okay!" I beamed as I began to take off my apron. I let my hair down and walked over to the Hargroves one last time. "Well, I am heading out. My Dad will take care of you for the rest of the night."

"It's late to be riding your bike…" Susan said.

"Oh, I am just going to walk," I smiled.

Billy gave me a hard look. "You can't walk this late." He said,

"I agree," Neil said. "Billy, you insisted on bringing your car, drive her home. We are done here anyway."

"Oh that is unnec-"

"Let's go" I was surprised that Billy didn't fight with his Dad. He hated me.

"Really… It is fine."

He grabbed my elbow gently. "Come on, Gene… just take the free ride." He gave me a pleading look.

My heart melted instantly at Billy's blue eyes. How did he have this power over me? I nodded before I could catch myself. Billy let out a breath and waved to his family one last time.

We were dead quiet as we headed to his car. Billy seemed different. He even opened the door for me. I got in and looked around. I didn't know cars, but this one looked beautiful. I then looked up to the review mirror, and my heart stopped.

There dangling was a sand dollar… the sand dollar? I reached forward, and then the door clicked open. I pulled my hand back and looked out the window.

The car started, but my mind was on the day on the beach. Everyone was upset. So angry. But my mother still took Billy and me to the beach. I remember the look on his face when I gave it to him. That smile, I doubt I would ever see it again.

"Curls," He barked. And I was back in reality. "Where am I going."

"Oh, sorry," I said as I looked out the road. "Take a right at the light and keep driving until you see a fork, then take a left."

"Okay"

More silence. I hated silence like this. "So when do you start school?"

"Why?"

"Because I couldn't think of anything else to ask you?" I scowled at him. "I'm trying to make conversation here Billy,"

There was a pause. "I start the day after tomorrow."

"Right in time for Halloween," I smiled.

"You like Halloween?" He said.

"I loved it… but I haven't really gotten involved… since California,�� I said. "Not really much to do around here."

"I hate Halloween. Only good for parties," Billy said, there was another pause. "Are you going to any?"

I shrugged. "Once I get the invite,"

"You going to drag that boy around?"

"Who?" I cocked an eyebrow.

"The one is the restaurant."

"Ricky," I scoffed. "Please, he and I have been over since summer started."

"Then why are you talking to him?" I looked at Billy, he wasn't staring at me, but I knew the look in his eyes. He wasn't happy.

"Because he is a customer." I said. "that's what I have to do as a waitress. Talk." I let the venom dripping off of every word. "That okay with you?"

"Whatever," He said as we continued driving.

"Why do you even care?" I said. "You made it so clear you want nothing to do with me."

"I can't ask questions?" Billy shot back as he lit a cigarette. I rolled my eyes.

"Maybe if you answer one of mine once in a while,���

Silence. I don't know what I should have expected, but the silence made the most sense. And also the most limited option.

"I don't care." He said suddenly. "My Dad gives a shit about you… and that guy doesn't look good. Its less drama for me if you leave guys like him alone."

"So now… your dad has a say in who I hang out with," I repeated, to make sure that was the exact bullshit falling from his mouth.

He shrugged.

"Pull over," I said.

"What?"

"Pull over," I repeated.

"No, I am taking you home. No way I will leave you on the side of the road,

I shrugged. "Okay, let me try this again; pullover, or I will scream the whole way home."

"You cannot-"

And I began to scream. I know this is effective because I did it with Steve and my brothers all the time.

"Jesus fuck FINE," The car swerved to the side of the road and came to a jolting halt. I slammed the door behind me and began to stomp down the road. "Gene," He yelled. "Get back in the car."

"No, you and your dad can go shove it," I said as I stomped down the street.

"GENE"

"Fuck off, Billy, I don't need your ass hole brand kindness," I kept walking.

"FINE" He got in his car. That was easy. It started up and pulled up right next to me.

"What are you doing," I asked.

"Driving." He said bluntly.

"You live the other direction."

He was silent, but it was clear Billy wouldn't leave me alone. I walked faster, and he sped up. If I stopped, he would too. I was fuming as the walk continued.

"FINE," I sneered as I walked up to the car and got in. Billy was glowing with satisfaction, which made it that much worse for me.

We were quiet for a little longer. "I didn't mean it like that." Billy suddenly said. "You… you should be with a guy who is good to you."

I didn't know what to say to that. "Me and Ricky are long done. So you can stop worrying."

He was silent until we got to my house. I jumped out before Before could get the door for me. I didn't wave goodbye or say anything, just stomped into my home.

"Night Curls." He called.

I slammed the door close and ran upstairs and pulled out my diary.

Dear Billy,

Since you moved here, I stopped sending you these letters. It's clear you want nothing to do with me, and I am okay with that. However, I am still going to act like I'm writing to you in my journal. I don't know why, habit makes the most sense.

You confuse me. Suddenly you are soft, and then you are horrible. You want nothing to do with me but don't want me to get hurt. I just wish I understood what makes you hate me.

I would also like some clarity on how I feel about you. You are… troubling to me, to say the least. The way you look at me is dark, and I don't know how to feel. And despite all of this… I still wish you didn't hate me. I hope I could be near you.

School won't be boring, at least.

Wishing I was there,

Gene.

I sighed as I went to the window. I wasn't ready to go to bed. I knew what that meant. I reached for the phone and began dialing.

"Hello?"

"Steve?"

"Gene?" I could hear the smile in his voice. "I was just about to call,"

"Meet me at the bridge in ten," I said. "Bring drinks."

"Can I bring Nancy?"

"I would love that," I said.

I hung up and grabbed some clothes to throw on. As I left, I felt some anxiety, which was strange. I wasn't scared, not after what happened. But I thought I wasn't alone. I pushed the feeling away as I grabbed my bike. It wasn't long before I was at the bridge. Nancy and Steve were waiting for me.

"I have been asked," Steve said while giving a loving look to Nancy. I couldn't help but feel bad for him. "That I do not push you in the water tonight. So… I will abide."

"Good, I didn't feel like swimming today" That was a lie. I loved to swim.

"Let's drink up." He threw me a beer. I grinned and took a few drinks. My body was warming up, and things got simpler.

"Someone is coming," Steven said as he hid the drinks under a blanket. The Sherriff's headlights were pretty recognizable. He gave us a wave before speeding off.

"Looks like he has something to deal with," I said.

"You don't think…" Nancy gave a look.

"No… its almost Halloween," I said. "I heard the pumpkin feud has been getting out of hand."

"Oh … good."

We kept drinking for a while. It was then that I realized my bike was not going to be a good thing to ride home. "I am walking," I said. as I got up. "Can I put my bike in the back of your car?"

"Want me to grab you tomorrow?" Steve said. I nodded. "Be safe, Genie."

"Sure thing," I said as I began to walk back home. Everything was fine. The walk was nice and quiet. Until I cut through the woods.

That fear returned. Which was strange because I didn't understand it. What did I have to fear? I lived through the worst night of my life. Yet it still bubbled and bubbled. My breath became shallow, and before I realized it, I was running through the woods.

It wasn't until I saw the house that I calmed down. I snuck back inside and look out my window one last time. What was making me scared?

I curled into bed and let the fear pass away.

**

"Gene," I turned to see Carol staring at me. I wasn't sure what she would want. She always hated me.

"… yes?"

"Is it true you know the new kid who is coming to school?"

"Oh," Carol was looking for gossip on Billy. Her friendly behavior suddenly made sense. "Sort of … my mom sold the house to their family."

"Is he creepy?" Tommy suddenly appeared. That's when I realized I was cornered.

"No, you guys would probably like him. I hate him." I said as I began to step away.

"Well, then I will definitely like him," Tommy said. Tommy wasn't as mean to me as Carol was, but that was only because he didn't have a reason. The moment he found one, Tommy would give me his worst.

"Exactly," I smiled and turned on my foot.

"See you later, Shark bite," I flinched at my nickname. Ricky was the only one who called me that and meant it as a term of endearment. Everyone else who said it meant it in the worst way possible. I kept walking, though. It was best to ignore Carol.

I then felt someone pull my arm and pull me into the stairwell.

"Fuck… Ricky?" I looked up at him.

"Hey." He said. "Sorry, I thought you could use an escape."

"Thanks…" I raised an eyebrow. This wasn't totally out of Rickys behavior, and yet something was off. "So, you going to let go?" I said, looked down at his hand that was still on my arm.

"Oh… sorry," He grinned. "I am a little nervous today."

"What's got you revved up?"

"The bike is done… and I … I wanted … to see if you wanted to ride it with me."

I sighed—the bike. I knew what Ricky was talking about. He got that old thing right before we broke up. We spent almost every day in his garage while Ricky fixed it up. I wanted to ride it so badly, he said that I was going to steal it one day.

"I … why?" I asked.

Ricky let out a breath, it was clear he expected the question. "I … I don't like that we don't talk. I know we can't get back together, but I still miss you. I want us to be friends." He then gave me his famous smirk. "plus … it would be nice to go to the best restaurant in town without the staff wanting me dead."

I laughed and took a look at him. Ricky was trying… and I needed that from someone. "I can be friends with you, Ricky… but you can't get mad when I am out with other people."

"Sorry about that." He grinned. "I was drunk and stupid."

I shrugged. "So you free after school?" I asked. "Can I meet you at yours, and we can take a ride."

"I brought it here." He grinned. "I wanted to try it on that country road before anything else."

I nodded and then smiled. Maybe things can get a little more reasonable. Billy didn't need to be everywhere I was, and I doubt he would find out I was with Ricky.

Wait, why the fuck did I care? Billy was awful, all the time.

And yet the idea of disappointing him hurt more than I wanted to admit.

The rest of the school was easy. Enjoyable. When the final bell rang, I grabbed my things and raced down the steps. I was so focused on getting out that I didn't recognize that someone was calling my name.

"Genie!" I turned to see Max grabbing my jacket. I smiled.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I led her out of the way.

"We are meeting our teachers today… its so boring."

"Oh, that sucks." I smiled, and then my stomach dropped. "When you say… we."

"You stalking people, Curls?" My mood dropped when I turned around.

"Hello. Billy." I sneered. Which made Billy smile like he was entertained with me. Which only made me hate him more.