Where Do We Go From Here?

It wasn’t even lunch and I could hear the new buzz about Tony and I. The upside was that I didn’t hear a thing pertaining to Austin’s party last week. However, the downside was that everyone was still talking about Tony and I. It started from when Tony and I walked out of the library with our fingers intertwined, something that I caved in to do because I refused to do much of anything else. Claire Jansen saw this and boom, it was like a headliner for a newspaper. I used to be this unnoticed person who could walk into rooms without a single head popping up to see me, but now things were a little different. I still didn’t have the ability to turn every head when I entered the room; however, there were whispers that would occasionally follow me.

Most of the gossips were all speculation which gave me a good laugh when I caught wind of them. According to Devin Bates, Tony was only dating me because I was doing his homework for him. Trish Perkins disagrees and claims that Tony was dating me so that he could get closer to Callie. However, nothing beats Greg Simmons theory, saying that Tony was dating me because I was the only girl to allow Tony to do me in the ass. Whatever the rumor, I found myself rolling my eyes at just how off they were. The only people who truly knew what was going on was Tony and I, and even then we weren’t so sure of the specifics of our relationship.

Calculus class was interesting since Tara Lindsey was in it with me, and upon my entrance her eyes were glued onto me. I could see her lean over to Dean Locks, whispering something all the while keeping her gaze on me. I felt like an animal in the zoo. Everyone was observing me through curious eyes, all the while trying to figure me out as if I couldn’t speak their language. I sat in the back as usual, and on more than one occasion did someone turn around to look at me briefly. It was both hilarious and irritating to watch this go on throughout class. I just wanted to learn the lesson and leave, just as I had done all my life. When the bell rang, I bulleted out of class before anyone could approach me, which happened to be the likes of Tara Lindsey and Dean Locks.

“Debbie Burke is getting on my nerves.” Callie scowled as she plopped down across of me at our usual lunch table.

I was surprisingly the first to show up at our table and was in the middle of reading The Looking Glass for the millionth time.

“What did Debbie Burke do to get on your bad side?” I asked with a smirk on my face.

“She was incessant on bringing you and Tony up, asking if it was some scandalous affair or not. I shot her an evil glare before class ended.” Callie informed me.

I laughed. “The way this school handles news always worries me.”

“It’s ridiculous!” Callie exclaimed. “I mean it’s one thing to ask politely, but it’s a whole ‘nother story to assume that Tony is just using you.”

“It oddly doesn’t bother me, unlike the other rumor about Austin’s party.” I shrugged.

“Well it bothers me because everyone assumes either you or Tony are terrible people.” She scowled before fervently uncapping her bottle water and taking a large gulp from it.

Tony, Mike, and Austin approached our table; Mike sat next to Callie while Tony and Austin took their seat next to me. It was weird to see our group integrate like this. I wasn’t used to sharing lunch with anyone else other than Callie.

“Hey babe.” Tony said to me, causing me to roll my eyes.

“Pet names, really?” I questioned sarcastically.

“You don’t like pet names?” Tony countered.

“Not really.” I answered with a scrunched up nose.

“Then I will only call you Verity.” Tony amended.

“Thank you kind sir.” I smiled gratefully.

“I’m having another party on Wednesday. You two are obviously invited.” Austin announced.

I never really spoke much to Austin before meeting Tony, but from what I garnered about him he wasn’t really an asshole. He was actually a friendly giant.

“I don’t think so.” I answered.

Gaping, Austin asked “Why not? Tony’s gonna be there.”

I sighed. “Last time I showed up at your party, there were rumors saying how I hooked up with this dork. I can only imagine what would be said if I attended again.”

“Who cares about what they say.” Tony scoffed.

He had a point, but I really didn’t like the extra attention. “I have work that day—IGD’s remember and then I might have to take my sister to see Moira again.” I shrugged.

Tony gave me a sympathetic look. “Well if you’re not going then I’m not.”

“What?!” Austin exclaimed. “You can’t back out, Tone.”

I glanced at Callie for some help but she was too busy having her own conversation with Mike.

“If Verity isn’t going then I don’t see the point in me going.” He said.

Rolling my eyes, I said “Tony you don’t have to miss out on your friend’s party. I won’t be mad if you go without me.”

Austin smiled. “I wish Gielle was as understanding as you.” He commented before adding “We’ve been going out for five months and yet she still hates it if I go out without her.”

I let out a small laugh. “Eh, I just don’t see the point in switching up what you usually do just because you’re in a relationship.” I said before jokingly adding “For instance, if Tony somehow interferes with my grades I will totally end it.”

Tony laughed. “At least you have your priorities straight. I on the other hand will gladly let my grades sink just to be with you.”

“That is recklessly cheesy of you to say.” I commented.

Tony simply leaned in and kissed my cheek, making my face flush beet red.

Austin laughed. “Hey Verity, I was wondering if you did tutoring because I have Carver for World History and I’m failing.”

“Depends when you want to meet up because my schedule is pretty busy now that my sister moved back.” I answered.

“I was thinking maybe Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, starting next week.” Austin offered.

“Sure, I guess.” I accepted.

“But not this Tuesday.” Tony cut in. “Verity and I have plans.” He smiled.

“Right, I’m meeting your mom and sister.” I remembered. My nerves spiked with anxiety at this realization, but I kept cool.

“Exactly, Rosie can’t wait to meet you.” He smiled.

“Wow Tone, you’re taking her to meet Mama Perry and baby Rosie?” Mike asked.

I had forgotten that he was still on the table since him and Callie were in their own little world.

“Yeah.” Tony smiled shyly.

“You never introduced your mom and sister to someone before.” Mike commented.

“I know and that’s because I wouldn’t have wanted them to meet the past girls I’ve dated.” Tony admitted sheepishly.

The conversation dropped after that as we resumed to eating our lunch. I smiled to myself, feeling a little triumphant that I wasn’t a part of Tony’s usual parade of girls before me. It gave me assurance that he wasn’t just using me or treating me like the rest.

Notes

Your comments made me upload this faster than expected. i have another update I want to post, but it probably won't be up until later on tonight. Thanks for reading guys and as usual your comments made my day!

Love you all ^-^