“Hey, geek.” A beefy hand reached out and slapped the books out of Randy’s hands. “You should be more careful!”‘

“Asshole,” Randy muttered.

Rough hands grabbed his shirt and slammed him against a locker. The chaotic murmur of the hallway stopped as eyes turned to the spectacle. “What’d you say, you little prick?”

“Nothing! Leave me alone!” Randy searched for salvation. Stares averted or filled with contempt no matter where he looked.

Except for one. Elizabeth, a cheerleader, put her hand on Brad’s arm. “Come on, Brad. You don’t want to be suspended, do you?”

Brad’s face filled with disgust. “Whatever. You’re not worth it, nerd.”

Randy’s eyes watered as he bent down to pick up his books. He never saw Elizabeth looking back at him.

***

“Do you think Elizabeth Rogers would say yes if I asked her out?” The sounds of silverware against plates and mouths masticating stopped in unison. Randy squirmed at his parents’ incredulous looks.

Randy’s older sister, Lisa, cackled, sending food flying in his face. “Go out with you? Elizabeth Rogers? She would never go out with you.”

“Lisa, that’s enough,” Mom muttered, not looking at Randy. Dad studied his mashed potatoes.

“I’m not hungry.” Randy left the table and stormed upstairs. He flopped on his bed, muttering, “Whatever. I don’t care what they think. I don’t care! I don’t…”

***

Randy waited until the hallways filled. He glanced around, feeling phantom eyes watching. Everyone ignored him.

Except one.

Brad stood at his locker nearby. Randy breathed deep, the bulge under his jacket colder and heavier than it was in the morning. He stalked close, hand inching in his coat, when Elizabeth intercepted him. “Yes,” she said.

“What?”

“I heard your sister talking about how you wanted to ask me out. The answer is yes, but,” she glanced at his left side, “only if you don’t do this.”

Randy sighed, hand falling to his side. “He’s not worth it.”

Lips brushed cheek. “You’re right. He’s not. You are.”

Word Count: 333

Trifecta time again! This week’s word prompt and third definition to be used:

WHATEVER: (adverb) Used to show that something is not important

The challenge: Use 33-333 words to tell your story using the word.

Normally, I’m not one to shy away from the dark stuff, and I almost went there with this one. As I wrote, I found I really didn’t want to go that route. I went with what I wished would happen instead. Why? Because I wanted a happy ending for this situation where too often there is only horror. I didn’t think anyone would object.

Head over to Trifecta and read some great writers and their takes on the prompt.

Happy Reading and Writing!

J. Milburn