The Oklahoma-Texas Line

When they entered the cafeteria Kelly had been surprised at the lack of stares she had received. Maybe they’ll all calm down now that they realize I’m not running down the halls with a rainbow flag announcing my gayness. She glanced over at Ashley ready to ask where they should sit but she found her staring off at something passed her head, her eyes slightly narrowed.

“The Baker whores are staring.” Ashley muttered, causing Kelly to follow her gaze.

She shrugged. “Whatever just let them stare, I don’t even care.” With each step they took they grew closer and closer to “In” table, where anybody who was “somebody” sat. There was a time they were a part of that elite group.

Ashley sucked her teeth. “No, it’s not okay. Now that skank Schuyler is staring too, and look at Barbie, it didn’t take long for them to sink their claws into that one.”

“Don’t call her that.”

Ashley stopped walking, causing Kelly to halt too. “Kel, you really don’t need to go there again.” She warned.

Kelly’s face fell. “I know,” She whispered, “I know.” She repeated above a whisper.

They finally reached the “In” table and Ashley groaned when she realized that their eyes were still on them. “Seriously, what’s with the damn staring?” She snapped.

Ashley rolled her eyes as they all continued staring at them. Kelly couldn’t help but notice Carrie’s eyes darting all over the place unsure of where to look and what to do.

“I’ll give y’all something to stare at.” Ashley said, abruptly taking hold of her face and pulling her towards her until their lips touched. She flinched at the contact, her body instantly tensing up. Just as quickly, Ashley released her, a loud wave of gasps circling around the table beside them.

“You assholes need to get a life.” Ashley added, taking hold of her wrist and guiding her away from them. She followed, complete shock written all across her face.

When they reached the only empty table left in the lunch room Ashley finally released her wrist. Kelly wiped at her mouth and turned towards her friend.

“What the hell was that?” The kiss had completely caught her off guard and stunned the hell out of her.

Ashley lowered herself down onto a chair around the empty table. “I was just trying to help, it’s not like I stuck my tongue down your throat. You can thank me later.” Ashley shrugged, pulling her lunch from her backpack.

She shook her head and took a seat on the opposite side of the table. “For what, what kind of help is egging them on?” She asked, slamming her bag down onto the table.

Ashley smirked. “Oh come on, you can’t act like it wasn’t kind of fun messing with them.”

“Okay, it was a little fun.” She admitted with a laugh, “But you’re a terrible kisser.” She laughed harder when Ashley tossed a chip at her.

“Bitch please, don’t you act like you didn’t see fireworks.” Ashley joked.

She couldn’t help but snort. “Puppies being slaughtered maybe, yes, fireworks? Not so much.” She laughed harder as another chip flew passed her head.

“Bitch.”

She grinned mischievously. “You weren’t saying that when you kissed me.” She retorted in sing song, catching the next chip that flew at her face and popping it into her mouth with a smile.
 

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They paused together at the entrance of the classroom. “So you’re gonna be alright, right?”

Kelly adjusted the straps of her backpack and laughed. “Yeah, mom, I’m going to be fine, I’ve gotten through my first four classes just fine. Are you gonna start following me into the bathroom now and holding my hand?”

Ashley frowned at her. “I’m only trying to look out for you.”

She smiled appreciatively. “I know you are, and I love you for it, but you can’t follow my every move, Ash. The year is bound to have its ups and downs and sometimes I’m sure you won’t be able to be there for me, I’m not completely fragile.”

“I know.” Ashley sighed, “I know. Alright well, two more periods to go and we’re done with the first day. I’ll wait outside of the Choir room for you after sixth period.” She said, slowly backing up down the hall.

“Sounds like a plan Donovan; I’ll see you after sixth.” She waved before finally turning and entering the class.

She immediately noted that most of the lab tables were already occupied with two students to a table. No one is going to want to sit next to me. Frantically she scanned over the rows of tables until her eyes fell upon the only remaining empty table in the back of the room. Looks like I’m flying solo this year. She made her way to the back of the classroom, silently walking between the sections of tables on both sides of her. She flung her bag down onto the solid black surface of the table and easily slid onto the stool, setting her attention on the front of the room. That’s when she saw her out of the corner of her eye. Sucking her lip between her teeth she fought to keep her eyes forward but when she noticed the blonde making her way towards the back of the room she panicked and her eyes fell to the table.

“Um, is this seat taken?”