Chapter 14

The next couple days were quiet and uneventful. I didn't know how long Jon was going to be staying but it was nice having someone to come home to besides my dog. He seemed to enjoy our little town when he wasn't at my apartment he would walk down to the coffee shop when I worked. I guess it might be as he was so used the hustle and bustle of New Jersey with everyone on the go, that a place that just took its time to *smell the roses* was a nice break. I also worked hard on my class reports that I had to get finished for my final. The days I worked on them he was quiet and kept my dog occupied. He either hung out with my brother or just took Jovi for walks. The poor guy had a couple runs in with Kari and a few other girls who basically were the town gossips. I finally finished my last research paper and sent it via email as I took most of my classes online as it was just easier as we didn't have a college close enough to travel to.

I was enjoying just the quietness of my town when Friday hit. I had forgotten what had been coming up till the signs around town started cropping up.. I tried to ignore it as it was just something that was not on my to do list. Jon was sitting talking to Jake in the corner when the town gossips walked in. He and Jake seemed to get along pretty well. Anna even seemed to like him.

Tawney was walking in with Kari. She was what I would call the event planner from hell. Our town was known for having dances for all sorts of things. I could tell exactly what they were talking about just by their excited tone of voice. This Sunday was our town's Spring Dance at the dance hall. It was a way to dust off their clothes get rid of the winter blues and just have fun. Not something I was keen on doing. I think I might have went to one in my whole entire lifetime when I was in high school. It was a Christmas one and it was a memory I just rather not revisit. I much preferred to relax at home with my dog and a good book.

I was pouring Jon a cup of coffee when I heard Kari say my name. I looked over at her as she motioned towards me talking excitedly then at looking over at Jon. I knew something was up but shook my head clearly dismissing whatever she was gossiping about. It was none of my business and I really didn't care.

“So I wonder who's going to the dance this Sunday...” I could clearly hear Karianne talking about it. I went back to my book which was off to the side. When there was not a lot of customers I just enjoyed reading.

Tawney giggled “I don't know but this year's spring dance is going to be out standing … the fountain has been polished .. Jason got it gleaming with Eric's help the decorations are all decided lots of baked goods and other food is being volunteered” They continued to talk about the dance while I tuned them out. Any mention of those two buffoons generally made me want to avoid it at all costs.

Jon's voice could suddenly be heard. “Dance?” He looked at Jake. “You guys holding a dance?”

Jake sipped his coffee “yeah its the annual spring dance at the dance hall....Anna and I usually go... the whole town goes … just some refreshments, music and some dancing.. not a big deal man...” He was taking his break waiting for more customers to come in. It was a very quiet Friday.

Kari over heard him and walked over “IT IS a big deal its our town dance and everyone should attend..” She batted her eyes at Jon causing me to roll my eyes. I didn't say anything if he wanted to go to the dance with her it was no skin off my nose. I went back to my book. “You want to go with me Mr Bongiovi...” She ran her hand down his arm again trying to make another ploy for him.

He gave her a polite smile as he saw Tawney standing by her. “no thank you...” He looked over at me.

Karianne and Tawney saw his gaze turned towards me, Tawney snorted “Oh Shanna never goes …. don't' think I've ever seen her attend one...” She shot a look towards me. “I don't think anyone has ever asked her ...” She smiled back at Jon missing the dark look he had directed at her. “but Kari loves to dance...”

I just shook my head ignoring the dig for what it was. It was true I never had been asked to the dance not that I had ever wanted to go anyway. I was intent on reading my book when a hand rested on mine. I looked up to see Jon's caring blue eyes. “yes Jon? Do you need something...” I hadn't even seen him step near me.

“I was just letting you know I am going to head out … Jovi's gonna need a walk soon. Do you need me to pick up anything...” He looked like he wanted to get as far as he could from the terrible duo.

“No I think I'll grab something from the diner … and meet you later...” I gave him a tired smile before he nodded and left.

Karianne muttered as he left as if it was my fault. I finished up my shift by ignoring her the whole time. Jake told me he'd see me later. I headed out after grabbing my coat. I heard Kari talking to a few of her friends outside. She was laughing it up saying how she was going to snag the new hottie for the dance. I just kept going.

“So going to spend another night at home with your books ...” Janice one of Kari's friends commented as I walked pass. “think you are too good to hang out with us or show your town spirit and come to the dance. OH that's right you don't have a date...”

I kept going not caring what they thought. I had been used to this attitude my whole life. Sometimes it hurt but I was better than this. They could say all they wanted about me they weren't worth my time or energy. They didn't matter not really, someday I was going to get out of this town and never look back. I kept walking to my apartment. I nearly knocked Jon over as he came out the door. He had his coat on and Jovi on the lead. I refused to look at him as I headed inside shutting the door. I could hear him say my name but right then I just wanted to go hide in my room. Hide the tears and the pain and the hurt, okay so I lied it did hurt the digs and the remarks made towards me. So what if I am an adult so what if I know I am the homeliest thing on two feet in this town. God I hated the catty girls in this town. The ones that were the cheerleaders the popular in school. I thought I had out grown the taunting but sometimes, sometimes it just got to be a bit much and I'd just shut myself up in my apartment to become the recluse they all claimed I was. . I'd rather work on my studies anyway so that I can get out of this town and away from here. The only reason I stayed besides my mom, Kami and my brother was because right now I just didn't have the money to get out of this town.

I had finally arrived into my room throwing the door shut I locked it. I moved to my bed throwing the blankets back. I wished sometimes I could be just as invisible as most see me. Then the barbs and remarks couldn't hurt me. IF they didn't see me they couldn't hurt me. I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart, I was better than this I didn't need their approval I didn't need them hell I didn't need any of them. I changed out of my work clothes threw on my sweats, washed my face making sure that I didn't look like I had been crying. I could hear the door shut downstairs. It was probably Jon after he took Jovi for the walk. I headed downstairs forcing a smile to my face. I may not feel like smiling but I was damned good at making everyone thing I did.

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