CHAPTER 10

I couldn't sleep. All I could think about was the fact that I was almost raped. It was terrifying and made me toss and turn in a troubled sleep. And I couldn't help feeling embarrassed because Wes saw me naked. Argh, how the hell would I face him tomorrow?!

The next morning, I literally peeled myself off my bed. It was still early. But I had to leave before grandma sees my face. I stole a look at my face when I entered the harshly bright bathroom. The jarringly bright light in the bathroom did not do me any justice at all. There were bruises on my cheek and lower jaw. Great. My eyes were puffy and were surrounded by dark circles and bags under them large enough for a 2 week vacay to the Caribbean. I sighed resignedly and took a quick shower.

After I got ready for work, I tiptoed slowly down the stairs, being careful to avoid waking Grandma up. I made my way to the back door. But just as I opened the door, I heard the familiar footsteps of grandma walking around in her room. Just then, her door opened. I quickly leaped out of the door and ran down the driveway. I decided to forgo the ride to work from Josh when I saw his pick up in front of his house. Cautiously I went closer, adjusting my dark glasses as I got nearer. Wes?!

I walked faster and Wes rolled down the window. He motioned for me to come into the car. I went to the passanger side and opened the door.

"Er, what are you doing?" I asked, mystified. I looked at Wes. He didn't look at me. He just motioned for me to get in.

"Get in. I'm going to the beach. Thought I could drop you off at work on the way." Wes said without emotion or even a glance at me. I hesitated. Just then I heard the familiar creak of the back door. Shoot, grandma was coming out! Quickly I climbed into the SUV and Wes drove off as soon as I slammed the door shut.

I buckled the seat belt and sighed as I leaned into my seat. I stole a look at Wes who was driving calmly. Why the heck was he helping me? That's just so weird. Wesley Grayson never helped anybody. Ever. I couldn't recall anyone more selfish than him.

In school, if anybody fell or dropped something around him, he'd just go about with his business, even when that person cried for help. And his face would be devoid of emotion. Like a marble wall. A disgustingly gorgeous marble wall. After being in the same school with him since first grade, I have never seen him properly smile or laugh. Not many people know much about Wes except he's rich, smart, popular and crazy good-looking. That's it. Oh, and he has many girls pining for him. I wasn't one of them though. I know where I stand. And I wasn't delusional enough to even entertain a private crush on somebody so unattainable. Plus, people always mistake me for a lesbian. Which is okay if I was one. Since I'm straight, it's kinda annoying. Sometimes, random guys bet on me, beat me up. They usually use the excuse of scaring me straight. Which is so stupid since I am not interested in girls. And I guess because of people's twisted assumptions and perceptions of me, nobody ever gave me a chance. Hey, even I don't give myself a chance. I've accepted my fate of being alone forever. So Wes being semi-nice to me right now, really threw me off the loop and confused me. Why was he being almost nice to me, anyway?

I glanced at his profile. His dark hair was still damp by the looks of it and he was wearing a clingy wet suit type t-shirt and bermuda shorts. And flip flops. I spied a surfboard tucked in the back and knew he was probably going surfing. I wanted to ask him why he was being nice to me when he suddenly stopped the SUV at the side of the road. I sat up and looked around. Oh, we're here. I took a deep breath as I loosened the seat belt. I unbuckled myself and glanced at Wes before I opened the passenger door. He was looking out his window and not paying attention to me at all.

"Um, okay. Thanks a lot for the ride Wes. Bye." I said and then opened the car door. Wes was silent and zoomed off as soon as I closed the passenger's door, blowing sand on me as the SUV sped off. Urgh, who am I kidding? He's still the same psycho that I despise since 1st grade. Muttering angrily as I brushed my pants, I walked up the steps to the beach.

It was too early to open the corn dog kiosk, since the keys were with Daisy anyway. I walked around the beach, looking at the few people who were already there. Some were jogging and walking their dogs while some were already in the water, swimming and surfing. I suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure. Is that Wes? I walked closer to the beach and squinted. The sun had started shining pretty early today, so it was starting to get a little warm and bright.

Not bad, I thought as I watched Wes surfing the waves. He was an adequate surfer. I sat on the bench and just watched Wes swimming, surfing or just sitting on his surfboard in the water. He looked carefree and unlike his usual guarded self. I just stared at him, wondering what was on his mind. He looked thoughtful and was staring at the water, his hair wet and feet dangling in the water. I suddenly realize I know next to nothing about Wes. I wonder why he is the way he is. He's not much of a snob, I realized. Arrogant, maybe. Towards me, specifically. I knew his family is rich, but I never knew anything about them other than their wealth.

Just then, somebody sat beside me. I was a little startled. I looked to my side and Daisy smiled at me. I smiled back and sloy got up and glanced at my watch.

"You're early." Daisy said as she followed me. We walked towards the corn dog stand. Daisy took out the key and opened the lock on the door.

"Yeah, thought I go out to the beach and relax for a bit." I said simply. Both of us entered the premises and headed to our lockers in the back. As we were putting on our uniform, Daisy suddenly asked.

"Hey, why did you leave early last night?! I wanted to introduce you to some people I know, but you're gone. I looked everywhere for you. " Daisy said as she took off her yellow t-shirt.

"Oh, uh, something came up-"I stuttered, trying to come up an excuse when Daisy suddenly pulled me to face her.

"Addy! What happened to your face?!" My hand flew to my beaten-up face and cursed inwardly. Oh, crap.

"And don't you dare lie to me. I know you. You're about to lie." Daisy said accusingly. I sighed. Then, I thought, eff it, and told Daisy what happened last night. She stared at me disbelievingly as I told her about the bet, the almost-rape, Wes rescuing me..everything. She stared at me unblinkingly and her face was drained off blood.

"So, that's what happened." I said and then took a deep breath, trying to rid the image of the assholes who tried to rape me last night.

Suddenly Daisy grasped my hands tightly in hers. I looked up and saw she looked horrified.

"Oh my God! Thank God you're ok. I feel so terrible that I wasn't around to help you. I'm really sorry if you thought I ditched you!" Daisy gushed, her face looked ashen.

"It's okay. Nothing actually happened in the end. Umm, Wes kinda helped me." I said and Daisy looked a little relieved.

"Wow, Wes actually rescued you from those drunk guys. Who would've thought. I mean, I just thought he's Josh's douchey cousin. Never in a million years would I guess that he'd be all heroic." Daisy said thoughtfully. I had to agree. I've always thought that Wes was nothing more than a selfish moron.

So, for the whole day, I worked at the fryer at the back. I was grateful Daisy and June volunteered to handle the chaos at the counter since my face didn't exactly scream invitation with its black and blue bruises on it.

When Josh came over for lunch with Wes I pleaded with Daisy to lie and tell them that I was out on an errand. I really didn't want Josh to see my face and feel bad. I breathed out in relief as I leaned back on the sofa at the back. That was close.

About half an hour before my lunch break was over, the back door was yanked open. I looked up from the computer in June's office. She let us use it on our breaks to mess around youtube and stuff. Before I could get up from the chair, Daisy appeared with a huge grin on her face. I looked at her weirdly. She put a white plastic bag on the desk. I looked at it.

"What is this?" I asked.

"Your lunch." She said simply. I grinned. I was about to die from hunger. I took the bag gratefully.

"Thanks Daisy. How much do I owe you?" I asked, out of habit. I never took anything for free from others. It was less complicated that way.

"OH, I didn't buy that." Daisy said mysteriously.

"Then where did you get this? Did a customer leave it on the table like before?" I asked, horrified Daisy would give unsolicited food to me. Oh yeah, she'd done it before. A customer left a burger and some fries on the table. It was probably bought and packed for somebody else since they were untouched. Daisy took it from the table and proceeded to share it with me before telling me where she got it. When she did, I felt like puking the food out. I was so scared the customer might come back to retrieve the food. I felt nauseated the whole afternoon from fear. Luckily, the customer never came back for the food. But that taught me a lesson to never trust Daisy and to always ask before accepting food from here. Believe me, she'd eat anything. She never discriminates.

"Nope. Somebody personally came here and told me to give this to you. As if he knew you won't come out for lunch for some reason." Daisy said with a sly smile.

"Who?" I asked dumbly. Was it Josh?

"Your hero, silly." Daisy said with a laugh.

"My hero?" I asked, confused with Daisy's cryptic answers.

"Oh my God, it was Wes! Darn it Addy! You are so dense!" Daisy cried in frustration. I was surprised as I stared at the bag. Wes?

"Wes? Why would he buy me food?" I asked myself out loud.

"I dunno, but I have a feeling things are going to be very interesting...Ok, see ya later. Go on and have your lunch. We'll need to make more corn dogs later...Enjoy.." Daisy said with a giggle and walked off to the front.

I stared at the bag in disbelief. Slowly, I pulled the bag nearer and opened it. Lobster roll! Well, someone's generous. I took the sandwich and the container with salad out and laid them on the table. Why did Wes buy me lunch? That was very out of character for someone as self-centered as Wes. But since my tummy was rumbling from hunger, I decided to dwell on the questions later.