Chapter 2

During the first few weeks of school Winnie had trouble getting into a routine. Her roster was changing nearly every day because of the bad job the scheduler had done. However, she didn’t mind having bridge hours as she used them to get ahead on the next subject or finish homework from previous classes. Luckily, Betty had almost the same schedule and she loved to work together with her.

It always made dealing with boring tasks so much easier. Only one thing was a constant annoying factor: Frankie. Somehow, he managed to be around whenever Betty and she were working together.

Winnie groaned when she saw his short shock of red hair appear in the library entrance and knew instantly he was planning to pay them a visit. Frankie had a very distinctive way of walking, as if he was walking on shards of glass.

“Let me guess,” Betty said, clearly having trouble hiding her excitement, “Someone is happy to see you.”

“Look who’s talking,” Winnie retorted while she closed her books, “I’m out of here.”

Betty took hold of Winnie’s arm and pleaded, “But we’re not finished yet!”

Winnie sighed and responded, “I’m just not in the mood to be gawked at all the time as if I’m only a pair of tits.”

Betty grabbed a large book and handed it to her. “Open it, keep it in front of your chest and act as if you’re reading.”

Winnie rolled her eyes, knowing all too well her friend was desperate to get his attention. She had to admit Betty’s suggestion gave her the feeling of security, and the sense of not being the center of attention for once. She shuddered as she saw Frankie’s smug smile when he reached their table.

“Hi there Winnie,” he said, trying to lower the pitch of his voice. It was obvious he tried to glance over the book to get a glimpse of her large chest and by instinct she instantly moved the heavy book towards her. She winced trying to prevent it bashing into her and said to Betty, “Gosh look who is paying us a visit. It’s Peckerwood.”

Betty’s eyes shot fire at Winnie as she answered smoothly, “Hey Frankie, sup?”

Frankie totally ignored Betty’s question as he looked at Winnie. “The Griffiths are going to have a Halloween party at their house again and I’m wondering if you and I could go together.”

Winnie sighed deeply and said with a condescending smile, “Let me try dumbing it down for you, Alfalfa. You and I will never be together at any party. So, stop asking me. Why don’t you ask Betty?”

The guy shook his head and as he looked away, he said, “Nah, I’ll find someone else.” Then he suddenly grabbed the book Winnie was holding and managed to pry it away from her. His smile was victorious, as he feasted on the sight, he said, “But if you change your mind, let me know.”

This time something snapped in Betty and before he knew what happened her hand shot out and slapped him full on the face. “Get lost, you fucking asshole!”

“You filthy bitch!” Frankie growled, “How dare you to touch me with your defiled skin!”

Completely shocked, Winnie stared at Frankie when she realized he was the worst kind of person she’d ever met. She knew Betty was a mix of Cuban and European blood that made her look stunning but apparently Frankie had dismissed her because of her darker complexion. She shook her head in disgust and said, “You’re just a sad racist. Leave or I shall start to scream #metoo.”

“Watch my words,” he spat as he furiously rubbed his reddened cheek. “You both will regret this.”

Betty huffed as she defiantly crossed her arms, “Go fuck yourself, looser. Soon the whole school will know about your creepy and foul fetish.”

He laughed. “You just don’t get it, you scum. We don’t want your filthy genes mixed with our superior race.”

“Mr. Aspen,” the librarian said with a menacing tone as she marched with big steps towards him, “This is the last warning. I can get you expelled if you keep distracting others from their study.”

“But she slapped my face,” he sputtered as he pointed his index finger at the red mark on his face.

“That is what you get when you willingly disrespect someone’s personal space,” she said while purposely moving her body in front of Betty and Winnie. “I’ve seen your immature behavior too many times and now it’s time you stop bothering these girls.”

“But I’m just asking them a question,” Frankie argued, “There’s nothing you can do about that.”

The librarian crossed her arms and stepped towards him. Her sturdy body towered over him as she calmly continued, “This is my domain, with my rules, and I am telling you to stop harassing these girls. You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Do you understand?”

“But she slapped me,” he complained meekly as he pointed to Betty, “surely that is against the rules.”

“Do you understand, Mr. Aspen?” She retorted, as she stared him down.

His voice sounded hoarse as he replied, “Yes, Mrs. Wood.”