High School 06
By Corbin
How life tests the endurance, patience, and sometimes faith of one young woman.

**********

"It's the friends you can call up at four a.m. that matter." 
Marlene Dietrich (1901 - 1992)
 
**********
 
'This is so strange' I thought as I walked down the hall that Monday people I 
never knew before today were saying hello, while others, friends of Taylor gave 
me suspicious looks with hints of retaliation, 'Or maybe I'm reading too much 
into it', I thought. For someone who had been able to fly below the radar for so 
many years, I now found myself thrust into the spotlight. I didn't stop at my 
locker, 'Too many people hanging around' I noticed and took a back stairwell to 
avoid being interrogated by anyone. As I came around the corner and saw my 
homeroom door I let out a sigh of relief, 'Just a few more feet to go!'
 
"Hey, Corbin!" The guys' voice called out and I froze, looking suspiciously over 
my shoulder, it was Mitch! One of the cockiest Seniors in the school; loud, 
obnoxious and believed himself to be far more popular then my really was. 
That fallacy was kept afloat by his inflated ego, further assisted by a group of 
guys and girls that were always hanging around him. I believe that it was his 
carefree bravado that gave him just enough charisma to get away with being the 
class clown, and bully at times. 

"Hey WHAT!" I shot back at him with a stern look that caused him to slow his 
advance a little. Mitch hadn't figured me out yet (most guys and girls haven't) 
and was still jilted when I had flat-out rejected his request for a date, 
entirely his fault since he asked me out in front of his friends. But that was 
the chance he took! Although my 'No way' response was harsh, tough shit, if he 
didn't want his ego blown out of the water then he should have asked me in 
private!

"So what happened, you kicked that girl Taylor's butt? Have you seen her? She's 
got a nice shiner! Did you break her nose as well?" he was walking towards me as 
the hallway became hushed, everyone apparently waiting on my response.
 
"Why don't you..." I was about to respond all right, in a less then friendly 
manner when I was interrupted by my homeroom teacher Mrs. Trice, "Corbin, can I 
see you?" I just flicked my hand 'get lost' in Mitch's direction before turning 
around.

"Yes Mrs. Trice?" I stood, clutching my backpack over my shoulder.
 
"You're wanted up at the office." She looked up briefly as she sat back 
down at her desk. I thought I was going to faint, "What?" my jaw dropped open, 
"What about? Did they say?" I felt my heart pounding as I broke out into a faint 
sweat. The teacher set a paper down and looked up casually, "I haven't a clue as 
to what they wanted."
 
"Okay, sorry." I sighed and quickly turned around, stepping out of the class I 
turned the opposite way to avoid going past Mitch and his group. 'This is awful, 
I've never been in trouble one day in my life. Not once! Not even one 
detention! Oh god!' my heart pounded, 'I'm going to be expelled! I know it! I 
just know it! I don't need this stress in my life!' by the time I got to the 
office I was barely holding it together.
 
"I was told to report to the office." I stood looking down at the Secretary. 
The woman hesitated for a second as she finished typing on her keyboard and then 
answered, "Yes Corbin, please have a seat over there." I leaned over the front 
counter lowering my voice, "Do you know what this is about?"
 
"I'm not at liberty to say, sorry." The secretary replied, trying to give a 
sympathetic look. 'Can't anyone just give me a freaking straight answer!!'
 
"Okay, thanks." I mumbled and turned around to feebly walk to a nearby bench in 
the waiting area, I felt so weak and faint that I doubt I could have kicked the 
crap out of a pile of dust at that moment. A few other students sat nearby, I 
recognized a couple of guys and girls, but found an empty bench that offered a 
little seclusion, especially since one of the guys looked a little pale and 
ready to puke any second. In any case, I didn't look anyone in the eye, although 
I could feel them staring at me and waited to see if anyone was going to talk to 
me. My eyes had begun to drift around the room as I wondered how everyone seemed 
able to go about their daily routines as if everything was normal, 'My life is 
ruined here people!' My mind dramatized, 'My parents will ground me for the rest 
of my days.' I thought, 'I know! I'll throw myself on the mercy of the 
Principal.' Nervously, I leaned forward to pull down on my shorts, but that was 
more to give my hands something to do, my khaki shorts were already loose and 
baggy right down to my knees. My wardrobe was actually selected based on one of 
avoidance, I wasn't at ease wearing clothes that accented my figure or muscles, 
although I was pestered by friends and my mom to dress more feminine, 'almost as 
if they wanted me to flaunt my body'. I was well aware of my amazing figure and 
muscular definition, 'I don't need to impress anyone!' I told myself.
 
"They always say to look out for the quiet ones." This girl to my left says, 
kind of smiling at me, I knew her and she was just teasing me. Before I could 
respond I suddenly hear: "Corbin!" The secretary called out, "Mr. Vincent will 
see you now!" I practically jumped straight into the air, 'God I am such a 
spaz!' I followed the Secretary who stopped and knocked on the Principal's door 
(I cleverly deduced this fact because of a name plate that said 'Principal'), 
the door now seemed grow several feet in height, but that was all psychological 
as I was just nervous, feeling like a scared little kid. 'Damn you Sharon! If I 
had never made friends with you I would never be in this mess! I should kick 
your ass next!' 
 
"Come in!" The man's voice called out from the other side. The secretary opened 
the door and I walked in my heart felt like it was palpitating towards a heart-
attack when I saw Taylor already sitting in the office. I swallowed hard when 
I saw the light bruising on Taylor's cheek, her nose and lips looked a little 
puffy.
 
"Have a seat Corbin." He pointed to the chair next to Taylor and then looked up 
to his secretary, "That will be all, please close the door." The secretary 
nodded and quietly left the room. "Look Corbin," The Principal leaned forward to 
place his forearms on his desk, "There is no need to be nervous okay? But the 
fact of the matter is that some information came to our attention this morning 
that directly implicates the two of you in a fight, on school property." he 
jabbed his left forefinger firmly into the top of his desk, obviously trying to 
punctuate the seriousness of the matter.
 
'That's it! The jig is up!' My mind raced and my heart began to pound 
frantically.
 
"Now you're a model student and never once have I seen you or even heard of you 
breaking a single school policy, so I know I can count on you to be 
forthcoming." Oh Lord! Not the 'Model Student' thing again! Gheesh! Must I carry 
the weight of the world on my shoulders!
 
"Well...I...I...uh..." I tried to swallow but my throat was now dry, I've never 
fainted but now would be a good time to start! "...I'm sure Taylor has been able 
to fill you in on everything." and I felt my voice began to fail me again. 'You 
lying fool you! Honesty it paramount!' My Good subconscious scolded me at the 
direction I was taking. 'That fat fool will believe anything you tell him, he is 
mesmerized by your beautiful hazel eyes, and your nice breasts!' the Devilish 
girl whispered into my other ear, I almost smirked at that subconscious analysis 
but quickly collected myself when the Principal started to speak.
 
"Well yes, but you see I am all too familiar with Ms. Taylor, she has had 
several visits to this office for disciplinary reasons so I find it odd that 
your name would come up in all of this." I watched him like a hawk trying to 
decipher some clue as to how to talk my way out of trouble, and to pickup on 
'that stare' Taylor was giving me. Almost as if he wasn't trusting Taylor's 
'version' of everything. 'Don't stare at me like that' my mind screamed, 'I can 
not interpret bullshit scheming from a stupid hard stare!' was all I could think 
every time I glanced at Taylor.

Taking a leap of faith I called upon the classic one liner that had been used 
since the beginning of time, whenever anyone got into trouble that is;
"It was an accident!" I blurted out and looked over at Taylor, who had an ever-
so-slight look of relief in her eyes. The principal leaned forward a few inches 
and lowered his head while raising his eyebrows with suspicion, "An Accident?" 
He repeated. 

'Hahaha...You're a genius!' my subconscious patted me on the back of the brain 
for that clever 'accident' excuse. 'Why thank you!' I replied. (Great, I'm 
having another conversation with myself in my own head, while sitting in the 
principle's office.) 
 
"She's got terrible aim!" Taylor jumped in and tried to smile casually, but that 
disappeared when Mr. Vincent shot her an angry look as if she was not suppose to 
speak yet. "Yeah" I looked up and smiled weakly, but it felt phony, The 
Principal leaned back in his chair his left hand coming up to scratch under his 
soft, round chin in irritation as he looked up at the ceiling in despair. (Now I 
started thinking he could use some gym-time and get in shape. Damn must stay 
focused!) Leaning forward again he let out a big sigh, "So why am I hearing that 
you two got in a fight?" shrugging his shoulders as if mocking our little 
'accident' excuse.

Taylor and I just sat frozen, staring dumbfounded at him and then he got this 
extremely determined look on his face as he raised his left forefinger to point 
first at me then at Taylor, "It's too close to the end of the school year for 
this crap and you two will be graduating this year. The only reason, and I mean 
the ONLY reason I am going to allow this story to stick is because Corbin has an 
outstanding academic record with this school." I had to force my lips from 
curling into a smirk of satisfaction where good behavior does pay off! And then 
his gaze shifted to Taylor now, and stayed focused on her, "So if I hear of 
anymore 'accidents' between you two..." he looks over at me now "...I will not 
let the matter go so lightly."
 
"Yes sir." I quickly said, almost choking on the words.
 
"Okay." Taylor said in an almost uncaring manner, she had been here too many 
times before so his spiel seemed somewhat routine by now, having lost some of 
the edge.

"See you girls later, much later I hope." He sighed.
 
"Thank you sir." I said yet again and stood up, Taylor and bumped into each 
other awkwardly as we both bolted for the door. I was the last one out and 
closed the door gently before turning and bumping into her yet again! Taylor was 
just standing there looking at me, and waiting before speaking, "I didn't think 
you could pull it off, you're a terrible actress, but it was enough." Taylor 
said as we started to walk towards the front of the office.
 
"Look," I snapped pulling my bag up over my shoulder, trying to refocus on 
the seriousness of the situation, "You're ridding my coat tails on getting a 
free pass out of trouble, so show some appreciation." That fireball, threatening 
Corbin was coming out of my shell now and Taylor froze, unblinking at my 
remarks, even a little fearful as I jabbed my finger in her face.

"Sorry," Taylor said, "I didn't mean it like that."

"It's fine." I sighed, lowered my hand, tried to relax and turned around to 
start walking again, I quickly regained my composure as I realized the ordeal 
was over!

"Oh Yes Sir! Oh No Sir! Oh Thank you Sir!" Taylor started in again mocking my 
comments from the principals office in an attempt to keep the conversation 
lighthearted and it seemed to work, I couldn't help but smile at the taunting.
 
"Be quiet" I blushed. There were several students still in the waiting area and 
looked at the two of us as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing. We 
got the same reaction as we stepped into the hallway that was bustling with 
activity, it created a stir that Taylor and I are actually having a civil 
conversation when everyone knew about the fight, Errr...I mean ACCIDENT! :)
 
"Seriously, thanks for what you did in there and believe me when I say 'Thanks' 
for helping me out." Taylor sighed, "And like he said, we're too close to the 
end of the year." She shook her head.
 
"Nice shiner!" a couple of her softball friends called out as they walked by 
laughing.
 
"Ha-ha-ha you'll get yours later." Taylor called out after them as they kept on 
walking, I felt a slight sense of relief that some humor was emerging out of the 
whole thing. All felt right with the world! Life was going to be A-OK in my 
little world of drama! I was about to say my goodbyes when Taylor's expression 
suddenly changed and became a little more irritated, but she wasn't looking at 
me anymore, but past my shoulder. Quickly I looked back over my left shoulder 
and saw Sharon approaching, all decked out in her Cheering uniform (Gag me now! 
I hate those 'look at me' uniforms!').
 
"We'll three's a crowd," Taylor sighed, "So, I'll be going."
 
"Don't you talk to her!" Sharon said angrily when she got close enough. 'Oh no' 
I thought, images of another brawl breaking out in the hallway caused my heart 
to hammer violently. 'It was just another accident sir!' I thought and almost 
smiled, well I was smiling inside. :)
 
"I'll talk to whomever I want!" Taylor snapped back her face blushing with 
emotion and a few students stopped to watch. I stood looking at the ceiling 
'This is sooooo embarrassing' for one fleeting moment things looked like they 
could get back to being their normal, dysfunctional High School self. But a 
horrible reality-check was taking place, those pre-existing battle lines began 
to sharply resurface and I was thrust into the middle! My friends, Sharon's 
friends, Taylor friends, there seemed to be friction coming from all sides! Why 
all this petty drama!!

I had to interject, "Come on! We're right outside the freaking office!" I 
pleaded in a lowered voice. Several students had run off to quickly gather more 
friends to witness would could be another fight, right in the middle of the 
hallway, while others seemed to gather a little closer.
 
"Run along you freckled face, fat-lipped, black-eyed freak before I give you a 
matching shiner on that other eye." Sharon clenched her fist and raised it.
 
"Sharon, take it easy!" I looked over and squeezed my body between them.

"Bring it on anytime princess!" Taylor hissed in a low, menacing voice and 
slowly turned to leave. I rolled my eyes uneasily at the exchange but thankful 
Taylor was backing down, well not backing down, but she really did want to 
graduate out of this insane asylum. When Taylor was out of earshot Sharon tugged 
on my sleeve, "What was that all about? What did she want? Was she bothering 
you?" While I didn't appreciate Sharon's rude interruption I couldn't help but 
feel swayed a little by Sharon's protective attitude 'Almost possessive' I 
thought, silly huh?
 
"We got called into the Principals office this morning, he heard about the 
fight." I said.
 
"Oh no! Did you get in trouble? Well don't you worry about a thing my dad will 
take care of everything!" She said while continuing to tug urgently on my left 
sleeve.
 
"No we told a fib that she got hit in the face with a softball." I sighed, 
looking back down the hall, but Taylor was gone.
 
"What? Are you serious! He bought that load of crap!" Sharon's eyes grew 
wide with disbelief.
 
"Not really, but I kind of supported the story so..." I sighed.
 
"You what?" Sharon leaned in, "You could have nailed her butt to the wall, do 
you realize how many violations she has had!"
 
"I just wanted the whole thing behind me, you know." I let out an exasperated 
sigh.
 
"Okay, we'll, at least it's over come on and I'll walk you to your next class." 
Sharon said softly, recognizing a weary look on my face.
 
"What the hell are you dorks looking at! Go back to picking your nose, or 
whatever you do!" Sharon barked at a group of students that were still staring. 
A few stiffened with fear, even though a few of the guys were using the scene to 
ogle Sharon in her cheer outfit, they quickly scattered because the brunette had 
that commanding way about her. I just looked over at them sympathetically, I did 
not like the way Sharon treated other people sometimes.

But she was now walking me to my class, isn't that special! <rolls eyes>

**********

I didn't let my new found notoriety go completely to waist, I had taken a mental 
note of how differently I was treated when walking thru the school 'With an air 
of respect' almost, or maybe 'fear'? The fact that I still maintained a quiet 
and distant demeanor only added to my mystique and intimidation factor, 'not 
that I would ever act on it again' I told myself, but having the reputation for 
someone that can fight definitely was having it's perks. Finally, but probably 
most worth mentioning was my notoriety for attacking the weights in the gym, the 
resulting buildup and toning of my body only reinforced that perception as a fit 
'tough' girl.

I was glad my senior year was at a close, only days away now, that took the 
focus off of me and all the other petty dramas going on, I probably wouldn't 
have been able to handle another year of this. Yeah okay, on one hand I was 
having a blast, but on the other I was now expected to be more 'social' more 
then ever. Dating Eric threw me into a whole new social scene where other 
couples circulated, going on double dates, parties and so on. Eric was a very 
touchy-feely kind of guy in public, my response was very stiff at first because 
I'm not used to someone always wanting to hold my hand and give me hugs all the 
time. I understand a guy's mentality it's a way of showing possession around 
other guys, that he and I are dating and that by me allowing him to hug me and 
hold my hand that *I* was with *him* exclusively. All a very territorial kind of 
thing, which over time I learned to accept as harmless, and even enjoyed it 
because it was a very bonding experience for us. However, I made it clear that 
hugging and holding hands was it, no kissing in public, I despise that as being 
in very poor taste, low class. He agreed reluctantly, well he agreed to whatever 
I said anyway, I was the boss in our relationship, hell I've been the boss with 
every guy-friend or boyfriend I have ever had! (I have control issues I think).

I make dating sound all very scientific don't I? It's just how I analyze 
everything. 

In private however it was a different story all together, when we had a moment 
alone at his house or mine we would get very cozy on the couch and that is when 
I would relax. We loved to stretch out and cuddle, make out and I let his hands 
roam a little more freely. Eric was (as is every guy I have ever known) obsessed 
with my ass and breasts, very flattering I suppose. Also he always showed up at 
my Gymnastic meets (as did his friends) he made no secret of the fact that he 
thought I looked "hot as hell" in my leotard.

The bad side of things? 

Well I sensed allot of jealousy and resentment building toward me by members of 
both sexes. Allot of girl's were now whispering names like, 'muscle head jock', 
but none dared openly say it around me. Sharon thrived on such petty junk, but I 
despised it. To make matters worse some guys thought my athletic abilities and 
strength also meant it was an open invitation to challenge me to things like 
'arm wrestling' or other stuff. Not because they wanted to really try and beat 
me, but because I was realizing that there was a significant number of guys who 
were infatuated with 'fit' girls. Most guys were discrete, asking if they could 
take a picture of me flexing, on the last day of school I rolled up my sleeves 
and flexed for a couple of guys I had known for many years. I never saw cameras 
click so quickly, it was harmless fun.

And now most ironic of all, towards the end of my senior year I had unwittingly 
become the lynchpin of several Social 'groups/clicks'. Me? 
(*snicker*snort*giggle*) The anti-social-jock-fashion-disaster ME! 
If I wasn't the go-to-person, I was the go-between person, or the get-help 
person. How could this happen? Well for 1.) I was the Sharon's best friend and 
she is Captain of the Cheerleading Squad so she had influence over them, 2.) I 
was one of the best girls on the Gymnastics Team and eventually made Team 
Captain (my Lord the pressure never ends!) so I had great influence over my 
Gymnastic buddies, 3.) I was now friends with Taylor who had influence over the 
Girl's Softball Team..........See where I am going with this? None of the 
Girls/Teams really intermingled that well or got along that well, but I moved 
in-between the groups with some ease. No guy dare risk getting on my bad side or  
suddenly all the Athletic Girls and their friends would 'shun' you as 
punishment. And no girls dared get ugly/mouthy with me because I would probably 
drag them around back of the Gym and beat the crap out of them (not that I would 
but everyone knew I could beat the crap out of any girl and most guys).

But all good things must come to an end, Sharon had broken up with David, much 
to his dismay, and I continued to date Eric over the summer until I left for 
Duke. He went up to Penn State although he wanted to try the long term 
relationship thing, I wasn't so sure it would work.
And then it was over, talk about a Kodak moment as the afternoon sun had 
fired up the sky with a brilliant orange and red display while Sharon and I sat 
on the school bleachers. Everyone else had eagerly fled home, to party, 
celebrate or whatever the last day of school was to bring. But the two of us 
just sat there, not at all eager to leave, in fact it was the very solitude and 
peace that kept us rooted high up in the stands neither of us speaking a word. I 
looked out over the football field and glanced to the buildings over to my left. 
"This is it." I sighed sadly, "I didn't think I would miss all of this as much 
as I am already starting to." I leaned back and propped my elbows up on the row 
of seats directly behind me while stretching my legs out. The air had started to 
cool but my t-shirt and khaki shorts were still comfortable. Sharon sat to my 
immediate left, hunched forward, her arms wrapped around her legs with her short 
pleaded skirt tucked under, she wasn't as chatty as normal, but that didn't 
bother me too much.
 
"Yeah." Sharon finally sighed.
 
"You're not going to get all mushy on me are you Sharon?" I teasingly smirked.

Sharon's mouth just dropped open in shock as she leaned away, "You're so mean to 
me!" Sharon pouted and then looked away, folding her hands in her lap.
 
"I was only kidding, I'm sorry." I leaned over and touched her right forearm.
 
"I know..." Sharon looked over with a big smile, "...you're such a sucker." and 
nudged my elbow jokingly.
 
"Yeah, I am." I smiled and leaned back to my resting position on the bleacher.
 
"But that's okay," Sharon leaned over with a smile, "Your still my best friend." 
the words seemed to come out in a soft and sincere tone that took me a little by 
surprise. I knew Sharon and I had become close friends, in fact Sharon was the 
closest friend I had ever had.
 
"Thanks." I sighed, "It only took you how many years to figure that out?" I 
chuckled to which Sharon lowered her head and blushed. But there was an out of 
place somberness to my expression and tone that had nothing to do with leaving 
behind school and the memories that were made here.
 
"What is it?" Sharon leaned forward. I guess I had such an intense way about me 
that Sharon found herself being overly attentive to my needs at times.
 
"Just something silly." I shrugged.
 
"You always say that, but it never is so tell me." Sharon smiled leaning in 
closer as if to hear a secret. Hearing her say that meant allot Sharon was one 
of the few people that seemed to sincerely understand my personality and 
genuinely seemed to listen to what I had to say.
 
"Well it's just, I don't think I've ever had a best friend before. Now isn't 
that just the most pathetic thing you've ever heard." I smirked in self-
amusement and looked away. I really didn't want to dwell on it and looked back 
toward the setting sun and squinted a bit, yet something made me continue 
talking "But I know why, it was my choice you know?" I glanced back up at 
Sharon, "I've been a loner most of the time so I keep everyone at arms length." 
But that was it, I didn't finish and let it go, not wanting to turn the 
conversation down a dark depressing road.
 
Unexpectedly, I felt Sharon scoot right up next to me and her left hand crossed 
over and cupped my right cheek, "What?" I looked up as I felt Sharon gently 
pull.
 
"Come here" Sharon smiled a little, but still there was something very serious 
about the moment. I pushed off and sat up, letting Sharon pull my head down onto 
her right shoulder, I simply smiled at the embrace it felt wonderful and safe. 
She brought my left hand up to her lips and kissed the back of it, "Friends for 
Life." Sharon simply said reassuringly.
 
My heart began to beat faster as I felt bold in returning the favor, and the 
moment seemed much more intimate as I pulled my friend's hand up to my lips to 
return the gentle kiss, "Friends for life" I said.
 
"College, I think it's going to be interesting." Sharon sighed to which I could 
only smile.



  
06_High_School