Troubled with Tattoos

Chapter Six:

Ridiculous Bets

We have all gathered around the lunch table, each person distracted into their own conversations with one another. Except for me of course, my mind was stuck on one thing and one thing only. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to ask.

"What do you guys know about an Austin?" I blurted out of nowhere, the whole table grew quiet. After yesterday I couldn't stop thinking about the boy, he just seemed so mysterious. I wanted to know more about him and the curiosity was burning inside of me. If he's only nineteen he must've graduated last year.

Lizzie's eyes popped out of her head while Rose's' food dropped right off her fork as she stared at me in disbelief.

"Austin? As in the Austin who works at a garage repair shop?" Lizzie asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Exactly that one." I nodded taking a bite out of my sandwich Aunt Cherry made, yes she made my lunch at the age of seventeen. Lizzie sighed and I mentally prepared myself for the back story she would soon unleash about him.

"Well, his name is Austin Hayes," She began, I recognized the name from the sign on the shop. "He graduated last year, one of those bad boys I mentioned yesterday."

"He's also super sexy, and he has lots of tattoos like his brother," Rose finished. I nodded knowing exactly how sexy he was, I didn't need to be told.

"He's the kind of guy your parents warned you about," Rose muttered.

"Other than that, the rest is pretty much a mystery. Nobody really knows much about him besides his desire for trouble," Lizzie shrugged. She seemed to know a lot about the kids in our school.

"What makes you bring him up?" Rose asked.

"He just seems so mysterious," I said shaking my head after realizing how pathetic I sounded. I had to constantly remind myself I wasn't here to gawk at boys. I was staying with Cherry to keep myself safe. 

"Well, I wouldn't go near him if I were you," Lizzie warned waving her fork in front of my face as if lecturing me. The smell of hot cheesy pizza hit my nose, today was pizza Friday.

"Ugh, the things I would do to that boy if he were mine." Rose bit her lip stuck in dreamland. Lizzie made a face at me and I returned it.

"Ew." I laughed at how sexual she was. Sometimes I think she forgets she's in a relationship.

"Save it for your dreams. You too Violet. Not to burst your bubble but he doesn't date. " Lizzie chuckled.

"I think I will, in my dreams it's much better because I-"

"Rose. We don't want to hear about your weird dreams." Lizzie deadpanned. The table laughed at her embarrassed face as a familiar surfer looking boy came over. Max sat down next to Rose setting his plate down full of pizza.

"What are you guys talking about?" He said sitting down scooting closer to Rose.

"Oh, nothing." Lizzie chuckled playing with her food. Max looked at us all skeptically before resuming to eating his lunch.

He mumbled an "Okay.." in a curious tone. The table shared a knowing look, Rose's face was still a slight shade of pink.

The rest of lunch was semi-normal. Nobody brought up Austin Hayes after that, but I didn't miss the curious stares I got from Lizzie after I asked.

Max and I were walking down to biology together again, the last class of the day. He was really quiet, but he was super friendly. We were greeted by the teacher as we sat at our lab table. Our desk was right next to a window, and I couldn't help but notice the pouring rain.

"Ugh, it's raining," I mumbled resting my face on my chin watching the droplets roll down the window. I hated the rain it just gives off this sad, gloomy look to the world.

"I heard we're expecting a snow storm tonight," Max said. I wish the snow would just go away already, spring was right around the corner.

"I'm no weatherman, but you can expect more than a few inches tonight." Cam came out of nowhere nudging me in the ribs. My smile faded as Lizzie words invaded my thoughts.  

He sat down next to me making a few people stare. They probably thought I would be his next victim. I laugh at his jokes but players really weren't my type. Besides, as I keep reminding myself, I am not here to get a boyfriend.

The teacher walked in, her skirt was much longer than what it was yesterday. Her hair was wavy and you could see a few grays peeking through. Her face was always in a scowl, her lips always pursed.

"Okay class, we are doing a lab today." The strict teacher gathered everyone's attention.

The teacher continued talking but I couldn't concentrate on what she was saying with Cam whispering next to me.

"I would absolutely love to swap bodily fluids with you," Camden whispered huskily in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I shook my head at his perverted self as I struggled to pay attention to the teacher.

"Everyone needs a pair of gloves, safety goggles, flasks-"

"Wanna do our own little experiment?" Cam whispered again interrupting my listening. I turned on my stool sending him a weird look. He winked at me, smirking with confidence.

"No, I don't want to see your little...experiment." I threw back nodding towards his pants. He glared for a second, surprised I spoke back to his pick up lines for once.

"You have to try and figure out how much of each chemical to put in the flask to set off the reaction correctly. You only have one chance so think intelligently. She handed out flasks, beakers, test tubes with chemicals inside, gloves, and safety goggles to each table. I would know what the chemicals were if Camden was quiet.

"Wow," Max said as he put on the oversized goggles. "How much should we mix?" He asked, his eyes looked huge from the goggles.

One test-tube had a pink substance inside, the other had a dark blue. I pulled mine over my head and it held tightly against my nose. We were supposed to use the beaker to measure but Camden had his own way as he took charge.

He picked up the two test tubes investigating them.

His mouth was slightly ajar as he concentrated on mixing the two chemicals. He first poured the test tube that contained the pink chemical inside the flask, then the blue. I watched silently as the blue liquid mixed with the pink causing a reaction. The liquid looked like smoke as it turned into a nice shade of lavender.

"How'd you know how much to pour?" I asked curiously. He didn't even use the beaker to measure.

"I just guessed." he shrugged effortlessly. There was no way he could have just randomly poured it and viola! He got it on the first try. I looked at him in disbelief and he smiled his killer smile.

"Ok, so maybe I'm a nerd when it comes to science..." He admitted shrugging once again. I thought they said he was the biggest player? They didn't mention that he was also smart. Maybe they didn't know. He pulled a bunch of tiny pieces of papers out of his pocket.

The papers were all sorts of colors with small handwriting. Some had hearts, others had lipstick stains.

"What are those?" I raised a blonde eyebrow even though I had a pretty good idea of what they were. He smirked, "Numbers."

"I got seven by walking my friend's dog around town for an hour, girls love dogs" He bragged smugly.

"You must feel so accomplished," I feigned excitement. Just when I was almost impressed by his brain, he pulled these out. I took off my safety goggles placing them on the lab table.

"I bet you can't get seven guys numbers by walking a dog for only an hour," He said leaning a muscular arm against the lab table.

"Why would I want to?" I laughed. Unlike him, I'd have nothing to do with the numbers.

"Aw is someone not confident enough?" he teased in a baby voice.

"What do I get out of this? Unwanted dick pics and possible herpes? I'll pass." I answered.

"Well, there is the lovely reward of my naked body on yours," He winked. I rolled my eyes in return.

"Anything worth my time?" I asked just to piss him off. His face slightly altered in amusement. He clearly wasn't used to being declined.

"I guess we can add twenty dollars into the mix." He shrugged.

"Make it fifty." I attempt to smoothly sit back in my chair and remain cool but when my back reached nothing but cold air I stopped myself before I fell on my ass. Play it cool, Violet.

"Thirty," he said back.

"Fifty. Take it or leave it." I said as if I had fifty dollars to spare.

"Deal." He agreed.

"Great, I don't have fifty dollars though." I admitted. In the odd chance I lost this bet I didn't want to be a poor sport. My father taught me better than that. If you make a deal you keep your end of the bargain up. You don't want to hurt your reputation.

"If you win..." His eyes raked the room for some kind of idea. Suddenly there was this spark in his eyes as they met back with mine.

"If you win, you have to kiss me." He said smugly

"Absolutely not." I argued before I could even consider the idea. Camden was attractive but Lizzie had warned me that he was nothing but a player.

"What have you got to lose?" He teased. Little did he know I had already lost everything. His words hit me like a brick, what did I have to lose? Nothing. I had nothing to lose. I might as well have some fun with my time here since it is only temporary. Besides, I would win this bet anyway. Surely Ollie was cute enough to attract some guys.

"Deal," I swear I almost saw him jump up and down with happiness.

"One kiss." I added quickly knowing he would find a way to twist it around later on, not that he'd win anyway. His smirk faded as his mind thought of the ways I could get out of this.

"On the lips?" His eyes narrowed. Well, there goes my chance of using the whole I didn't say where trick just in case he won.

"On the lips," I confirmed. I really had to get these numbers now otherwise I looked no better than the other girls who fell for his pickup lines. It suddenly dawned on me how this would make me look. Regret instantly crept up my stomach.

"Okay." His eyes lit up with mischief and I was soon wondering what he had stored up his sleeve. I mean literally, this guy  was lifting some heavy stuff.

"Give me your number so you can text me every time you get one if you do that is." He said sliding over a piece of paper and pen.

I debated on whether or not I should give this player my number. I scribbled my cell phone number down with the black ink.

"Make that 8." He grinned shoving them all in his pocket. After some disagreement we agreed on a time for me to start.

"Better get ready, class ends in five minutes." He put his bag over his shoulders and took one last glance back at me and left with a wink. Game on, player.

"Cherry! I'm taking Ollie for a walk!" I called out to her from the den. I wore my business casual attire from my fathers work banquet years ago. The skirt was tight but made my ass look rather larger. The matching jacket was tight in the armpit but if I didn't move my arms too much it was hard to notice. I had a few tricks up my sleeve as well.

I had to get these numbers. I wasn't planning on losing this bet. Otherwise, I had some tough consequences to face if I did. Sure Camden was the hottest guy in the school but I'm not into players.

"OK hun, be back for dinner!" She shouted back. I could hear the sound of her knife hitting the cupboard. I left the house before she could question my outfit closing the giant door behind me. I only had an hour, a whole sixty minutes to get seven guys to give me their numbers. That's roughly one guy every eight minutes. But, I had a plan. I tucked the clipboard under my arm and began my dreadful walk.

I hopped down the stone steps, Ollie right behind me. His tiny legs hit the pavement leaving an irritating scratching noise.

"Alright Ollie, where do you suppose is the most popular place here for boys?" I asked the chihuahua knowing damn well he couldn't answer me.

Does this town have a skate park? A basketball court? This would be easier if I was familiar with this town. I was suddenly glad I had chosen my flats rather than heels. My phone had buzzed inside my jean pocket and I reached in to take it out. There was a new text message from an unknown number.

1 minute down, 59 to go.

My mind instantly went to Camden. My fingers tapped away at my keyboard sending out a quick message.

You're delirious if you think you will win. I dont know my way around here, help me out?

Ollie led me to a small, thin tree that he could lift his leg on to pee. I held my phone so when he texted back I could get it quicker. And as if on cue the phone buzzed in my hand and I opened the new message.

There's a basketball court near the library, a park next door, and a mall on the other side town.

Great, I only had two places to try to get some numbers. What guy hangs out at a kids playground? None that I know. 

I resisted the urge to reply to his text. I wanted him to assume I was busy talking to men and not wondering why I agreed to this ridiculous bet in the first place.

"Come on Ollie, were going to the basketball court." I moved the leash with a flick of my wrist and Ollie was leading me the way to the center of town. I still remembered the directions Cherry gave me and used them as a guide.

My phone buzzed once again and I managed to multitask by walking and texting.

I'll be waiting for my kiss

I rolled my eyes at the phone hoping no neighbors were watching me smile at my phone. I typed back a cocky answer.

I'll just change my name and move across the country

I hesitated to press send when I realized I had just done a minor version of that scenario. My phone buzzed quickly after and I opened it.

I'd find you

If this boy wasnt a teenager who went to my school I would automatically assume he was a creep. Luckily, his reputation proved otherwise. Lots of people, girls specifically, loved him.

That sounds very stalkerish

I didn't read his reply after that figuring he was trying to distract me from getting numbers. Suddenly my body has clashed with something hard and metallic. The something hard and metallic was the light pole I just walked into. My head pounded for a few painfully long seconds. I winced applying pressure with my hand.

My eyes flickered to a figure in the distance. It was a guy, I could tell from the frame of the shoulders.
I nearly screamed with excitement until I remembered I was in public. Ollie barked at him weakly causing him to look up. His circle glasses and thinning grey hair became more noticeable.

I frowned, it was an old man. He squinted in the process looking terrified of the tiny pup.

"Get that ankle-biter away from me!" His old, hoarse voice spoke as he began walking in the other direction very quickly.

"Sorry!" I called out to him leading Ollie away quickly. Ollie was just a little dog, the only harm he could possibly do is by licking you to death. I mean sure he acts all tough on the outside but he'll jump a mile if you pull out something as simple as a plastic bag. He was very skittish and therefore couldn't hurt a fly.

We reached the center of town, forty minutes left to spare. I gulped nervously. I had a boyfriend once, freshman year. It only last a week. No one had known I had never been kissed before. I certainly didn't plan on giving Camden that satisfaction of stealing my first kiss.

We crossed the street to the basketball courts. Camden was right when he said it was popular here, boys were shooting hoops, chatting away and some even were swapping spit with a few girls. My devious plan became apparent. I pull the clipboard out from under my arm and created some columns. I began pretending to look around the court and jot down notes. The boys were falling for it, I caught their attention quickly.

I turned back around to face the courts surprised to see two guys standing right in front of me. One had long brown hair with tanned skin and dark eyes. The other was a blonde, his hair snipped short with gray eyes. I gave them a flirty smile which probably didn't look flirty at all.

"What's up, blondie?" The boy with long hair spoke wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I grew uncomfortable and had to remind myself, this was only for the bet. I wasn't actually going to use the numbers afterward.

He made it obvious as he checked me out letting his eyes roam. I held back the urge to slap him but kept my cool. I had this under control.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, I'm from the town hall. Im conducting a survey regarding this court. It looks like there's a petition to turn it into a dog park. How do you feel about this petition?" I asked in my most professional tone. I knew absolutely nothing about petitions but they looked like they were buying it.

"There's already two dog parks in this town, how many more do these old people need?" One groaned. The other shook his head in annoyance.

"I feel the exact way which is exactly why im starting an appeal. I need one hundred signatures. Now if you boys don't mind writing your name here and number there to help me, I can assure you this court will not be turned into another park." I handed over the clipboard and the boys immediately took it.

""Awesome, thank you gentlemen." I finished before walking away with Ollie in tow. That was way easier than I thought. However, that was only two numbers, I still had five to go.

I checked the time nearly dropping my phone as I had wasted ten minutes. I now had thirty minutes to get five more numbers. The court was empty besides those two boys. Next stop, the park.

I whipped out my phone eager to tell Camden about my success. But I decided against it and put my phone back into my pocket.

"Come on Ollie!" I jogged with him to the other side of the library looking for any boys.

The park reminded me of my little Ashton, however, I couldn't think of that right now as the crave to win was far too much. Peeking past the giant yellow slide, I spotted a young-looking guy pushing a kid on a swingset.

I walked over smiling down at the puppy I had in my arms now. The boy had light brown hair that reached his eyebrows, his eyes were a dark green with thick, black glasses covering them.

I sat on the empty swing next to him swinging back and forth with Ollie.

"Dogs aren't allowed in the playground, they pee on the wood chips..." He pointed out bitterly. I froze for a second remembering a certain boy from the repair shop saying those words. Well, minus the peeing on the wood chips part.

He gave me a pointed glare when I made no move to leave. "Charlie, Parker! We're leaving!" He shouted at two boys running around. They looked around Ashton's age the last time I saw him, six or seven.

"Someone can't follow the rules and I'm not stepping in dog poop." He muttered clearly hinting at me. Um excuse me, sir, did you think I didn't hear that? I will make him poop just so I can fling it at you. He gave me a dirty look assisting two small boys out of the park.

The park was empty besides a few women and their kids. I needed teenage boys who want to give me their numbers. 

I stood off the swing debating on where to go for the next twenty-five minutes. These minutes seemed like seconds and they were passing by quickly.

So maybe I wasn't a player like Camden, but I could still get numbers, just not