CH 43

In January I am swamped with studying for exams. I have my application in for university and I've applied to three different programs at my dad's school. Everything I've applied to is in the English department, although I really don't want to have to see him on a regular basis. I know my average from this semester is important, but I have great grades as long as my exams go well, which they should.

The last day of exams after school I am stuck in the parking lot. I got the car started okay, but then when I try to drive away there is an unusual noise. I put the car in park and step out, walking around the vehicle.

"Shit" I've got a flat. Fortunately Steve taught me how to change one when I got my licence. I start on the repair, blowing on my fingers to keep warm. As I am working on the lug nuts, I hear crunching on the icy pavement behind me. I grip the tire iron as a hand grabs my shoulder.

"Having trouble, Grace?" It's Audra and I am furious.

"Get your hand off me, Audra." I loosen my hold on the tire iron because I really want to hit her with it.

"Don't you want my help?" she asks, nastily.

"Not really. I've got this." I stand up and turn to face her.

"Just like you've always gotten everything."

"What the hell are you talking about? I've never gotten anything."

"Sure you have. All my life I've never been as cute or as good as poor little Gracie. Gracie the girl with the golden hair, who goes to Europe, who has guys trailing her around." Her voice drips with venom.

"Audra, give it up."

"Sure. You finally mess up and act like a total slut, and things still go in your favour. All I wanted was a chance with Ian, and you were in the way."

"What the hell. You went out with him, I wasn't even talking to him then."

"No, but he dumped me because of you. He wouldn't say a mean word about you and it was sickening."

"How is that my fault?"

I guess she couldn't think of a good comeback for that one, so she tries a different tack, "Chad was right about you, you're a total cocktease. You fucking stole Kyle from me."

"Audra, how did I steal Kyle? We're friends and friends only."

"'Oh, Angel'" she says in a low voice, trying to mimic Kyle. "Give it up Grace. You're just a fucking whore underneath that pure exterior and when someone finally gives you what you've been begging for, you cry rape." She pushes me and I knock back against the car.

I stand back upright again and get right in her face, "I didn't cry rape you fucking idiot, Chad tried to rape me. If Ian hadn't stepped in, he would have."

"Bullshit, my boyfriend isn't a rapist." My eyes open in shock, she's dating him? That's just crazy.

"Well, I hope he treats you better than what he did to me, because holding me down and tearing my shirt and bra, forcing his hand down my pants, none of those were things I asked for." I feel sorry for her, I really do, but I still want to punch her.

"You were drunk, you have no idea what you asked for," she retorts.

"Yes I do Audra, and it wasn't that."

"Whatever, Bitch, you'd better not try that shit on anyone else, because no one will believe your lies the second time 'round." She stalks off and I finish changing my tire after I stop shaking.