by D. K Lake
"No, you can't...go...in...there." Nessie says, and it sounds as though she's wrestling him away from the curtain.
"Sir!...Sir?!" the shop assistant repeats as though it will actually make a difference.
"Mitchel!" JT booms, and walks into the changing room, and I can hear Boston talking in the background.
Great, the whole gang is here.
"Don't grab me!" Nessie yells and I guess Mitchel is attempting to move her away from the curtain.
"If you don't leave I will...I will call the police!" the shop assistant says but even she didn't sound too sure where she was going with that.
"Touch me again and I will kick you in the blueberries." Nessie shouts.
"SIR!!!"
"It's all right, lady. No need to call the police." JT comes over. "Mitchel, I don't think this is the best time to-"
"Fuck off." Mitchel growls.
"Will you get him out of here!" Nessie shrieks.
"Boston." JT calls Boston over and a second later I hear Mitchel yelling and cursing as JT and Boston drag him out of the changing rooms.
"Keep moving!" JT orders.
I open the curtain and Nessie looks over her shoulder at me.
"You ok?" she asks.
"No. Why won't he leave me alone?"
"I don't know. I don't even know how he found us?" she muses.
"I think the bubblegum pink car parked outside might have given him an idea."
"Oooh, yeah!"
"Yup. I'm guessing not many people own Barbie pink cars in Radley."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine, no harm done. I'm just sorry they all saw you in your underwear."
"I'm not. I was waiting for the perfect moment to show off my new set." She smiles, referring to her red lace bra and matching panties.
JT appears by the curtain again and we both jump.
"I just came to say sorry. We were across the street and he spotted the car."
"It's fine." I say.
"It's not fine! You need to keep that nutjob brother of yours away from her." Nessie glares at him and puts her hand on her hip.
JT looks in my direction then back at Nessie.
"I liked the pink one better." He points at her bra. "You know, the one with the clasp at the front that you had on the other day in the janitor's clos-"
"Yes, all right...go, go!" Nessie waves him away and he smirks at me before leaving.
I copy her pose and put my hand on my hip.
"Janitor closet?"
She throws her hands in the air.
"He forced me in there! He dragged me away after we'd just come out of the Principal's office, remember?"
"Yes, I remember. But I'm confused how he saw your bra when you had a shirt on. Did it fall off? Is this what you were talking about on the field when you were trying to piss Amber off?"
"Maybe."
"What did you do in there? You came back to class all hot and bothered."
"We just made-out..." she trails off and picks up the dress I picked out for her.
"And?" I know there's more by the red blush that's spread across her face and down her neck.
"And we...um...you know,"
"No, I don't. Please tell me you didn't lose your virginity in the janitor's closet?"
"No, of course not! But I did get finger banged pretty hard."
"What?" I burst out laughing.
"One of the best orgasms I've ever had." she adds, fanning herself, getting hot just thinking about it.
"I can't believe you just said 'finger banged'. That's what horny teenage boys call it."
"Fingering just sounds dirty."
"And finger bang sounds better?"
"Shut up." she laughs.
"So you and JT?"
"There is no me and Jacob. We just hooked up in the closet, it was hot, but he's dating the queen of skanks, and he's a drug dealer, he's aggressive, and he changes his mind like the weather here."
"He's a boy, that's what they're like. I can't believe you didn't tell me!"
"I know, I'm sorry. I was embarrassed."
"Why? I already know you have a female boner for the guy."
"Really, female boner?"
"What? You just said 'finger banged'."
"I might like him, but it's never going to happen."
"And you're with Cole. You are still with Cole, right?"
"Oh, yeah." she says like she suddenly remembered he exists.
"What am I going to do with you?" I tease.
"Me? You're the one being stalked by that unstable druggie. I don't get it, he has Phoebe-plastic-face and he still won't leave you alone."
"I know, I don't get it either. But I don't care anymore. I'm done caring. Now hurry up and get your ass in this dress, I'm starving."
"All you do is think about food."
"Yeah 'cause there's never enough food in the house, and I'm always hungry."
She walks into the changing room and doesn't bother to close the curtain as she tries on the dress.
"What do you think?" I ask.
The dress looks perfect on her, the color goes with her deep red hair, and it's rhinestones galore down the front and I know how much she loves rhinestones.
"It's actually kinda perfect. Now we just have to find you one." she says.
"NO."
We already had that conversation like fifty times.
"I'll put these other dresses back then."
Nessie nods her head in approval. At least one good thing came out of today.
35
Friday evening I get the lovely job of making dinner. Mom hadn't left a note and I hadn't spoken to my sister so I assumed she was at an after-school club. I decide on chicken korma 'cause it's super easy. I cook the chicken, add the sauce, and use two packs of microwave rice because I know how much Mom loves microwave food.
I dish it all up for seven o'clock and end up eating mine at the front window, wondering where everyone is.
At 7.30 pm I know something isn't right. Paige is always back by seven no matter where she goes after school and Mom usually finishes work at 5 or 6 but she's always back by 7 pm. I pick up my phone. (I found it hidden in the cleaning cupboard under the sink. I guess Mom thought I would never look in there, but I needed some stain remover for my carpet). I scroll through my numbers.
I soon realize I don't have Paige's number on my phone. I check by the house phone and find it scribbled on a sticky note.
She picks up after the fourth ring and I can hear Little Mix playing in the background. I swear we're not related.
"Hello? Who is this?" she asks curiously.
"This is, I'm wondering where the hell you are because I spent all night cooking dinner and you're not here?"
"Kelsey?"
"Well, duh!"
"I'm at Emily's. I'm spending the night. Didn't Mom tell you?"
"No. She doesn't tell me much anymore. Ok, next question, where is Mom?"
"She's away."
"Come again? Away? Since when does she go anywhere?"
"She's in Nebraska."
"Huh? For a minute there I thought you said Nebraska."
"I did."
"What? What the hell is she doing over there?"
"Visiting, Aunt Jane."
"Wh-why? She doesn't even like Aunt Jane."
"I don't know, she left this morning."
"Well, it's nice to be told these things. And when is she coming back?"
Is all I wanted to know 'cause I couldn't care less that she was gone.
"Monday or Tuesday, I think."
"What?!"
This woman has never left us alone for more than a day and now she just drives off to Nebraska and abandons us and forgets to tell me?!
"When are you coming home?"
"I'm not, I'm staying with Emily until Mom gets back."
"So what, I've just been left at home on my own where I can be murdered, raped or eaten."
"Eaten?"
"Hey, it happens."
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"Mom probably thought you'd stay at Nessie's."
"Well, I would of if she'd told me to go there. So what do I do go to Nessie's or stay here...wait, is this a test? Is Mom testing me?"
"No, Kelsey, it's not a test. Just don't get into trouble. I'll see you at school on Monday, and don't forgot to lock up if you leave the house." Paige tells me before she hangs up.
"Wh-wh-what the hell?" I stand there staring at my phone, babbling. Did that just happen?
I'm still convinced Mom is hiding in the house and is about to jump out and tell me off for even thinking about leaving.
It's nice to be told what is happening. And Mom wonders why none of us can get along. I don't know what this is but it's not a family. Family stick together, they are there for each other. And I'm pretty sure they let each other know if they'll be home for dinner.
I stare at the dinner that I just cooked. I can't eat anymore and it will go bad in a day or two. I don't know why I bother sometimes. I take the food outside and chuck the rice on the grass for the birds, they eat rice, right? Or maybe a hungry rat will find it.
Charlie is barking again next door. I don't think the neighbors have been home for two days. They just leave him in his kennel with a bowl of dry kibble while they go tree-hugging, or whatever it is those two do next door. They are full-on hippy-type-people and are always talking about our planet and how bad the pollution is and all that. They're probably chained to a tree right now. I don't know why they even bothered to get a dog if they weren't going to be here to look after him. I chuck the chicken korma over the fence and hear it splat on the patio.
"Enjoy your dinner, Charlie! I hope it doesn't give you the poops."
I message Nessie. I don't want to be left in the house on my own. I could get eaten. I did see Hannibal.
Me: You cheering tonight?
I couldn't remember if there was a game because I had lost track of the weeks.
Nessie: No game tonight. I already told you that but you were too busy emptying my fridge at the time.
Me: Whatever.
I decide to ring Nessie to save time. Nessie answers her phone with her mouth full.
"Hawoooo.."
"Hey, girlfriend."
"Ok, what did you do?" she starts and I can hear her quickly trying to chew down whatever she has crammed in her mouth. "Why are you so happy? Did you overdose on sour sweets, you know they mess with your brain." she says.
"Nope. Mom's out of town."
"What? You're serious? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I only just found out. I rang Paige a minute ago wanting to know where she is. Turns out she's staying over at Emily's until next Monday or Tuesday."
"Where's your mom gone?"
"Nebraska." I say and hear Nessie spit out whatever she is eating.
"What she's doing over there?"
"She has a sister over there, but she hates her so I don't know what's going on."
"So what's the plan?"
"I don't know, what are you doing?"
"Sitting in the video store parking lot eating popcorn."
"You know, you're supposed to wait until you get the movie home before you eat all the snacks."
"I know but I got hungry."
"What are you doing?"
"I'm just on my way over to Cole's for movie date night. He's here in the car with me." she giggles.
Ugh. I had nearly forgotten about him.
"Oh, that's nice." I lie.
"Sorry, I didn't know you'd be on your own."
"No, it's ok. What's your brother up to?"
"What's he usually up to on a Friday night?"
"So another party?"
"Yup. I left him to get on with it."
"Would it be alright if I went over to yours and borrowed your laptop? I still can't locate mine."
"Uh...yeah, you know the password. What do you want it for?"
"History and Netflix."
"Do you think you'll be able to get much work done with the party going on downstairs?"
"I'll be fine, I'll just take my earbuds."
"Do you need a ride?"
"No, I'm going to go on my rollers. I need the exercise anyway."
And I don't want to get in a car with Cole.
"Ok, well, text me if you need anything."
"Will do."
I pack a few things into my school bag, books that I need, a toothbrush because I don't plan on rollerskating back at 11 o'clock at night. Nessie won't mind if I stay the night, she'll probably roll in after midnight and crawl into bed with me.
I lace up my roller skates. It's been too long since I have been out in them. I might even stop for a slushie 'cause I found some loose change while I was sorting out the couch cushions.
The ride into town isn't too bad, it's a little windy but I brought my beanie and have my hood up and the wind is blowing from the direction behind which only helps me get to where I want to go a little faster.
I roll into the place where I get my slushie and say hi to Earl who practically lives behind the checkout.
On my way out the door, I'm distracted by voices, two I recognize. I scan the parking lot and see JT's blue Mustang parked three spaces down. I pull out one earbud.
Mitchel is yelling at JT and shouting something about how he's had enough and he's not doing it anymore. Doing what? I wonder.
Mitchel and JT squabble outside the car, and Mitchel tries to walk away but JT keeps pushing him against the car. Boston is sitting on the hood, looking at his phone and smoking. Mitchel spots me and I don't know where to look so I quickly turn around and start skating, putting my earbud back in.
"Kelsey!" Mitchel shouts so loud I can hear him over the music in my ears. Crap. Fudge bucket.
I pretend not to hear him and keep going.
"Mitchel!" JT yells.
I have to stop at the corner, waiting for the lights to change.
"Kelse, wait!" Mitchel pants, jogging over to me where he uses the street sign to hold himself up.
I reach up and pull one of my earbuds out.
"Sorry, were you calling me? I had my music on."
He tilts his head to the side with a smirk. We both know I'm fooling no one.
"What do you want, Mitchel?"
"Where are you going?"
"Home." I lie.
"Where's Nessie?"
"With Cole."
"Cole?"
"Yeah...him."
"Wasn't he the same guy that tried to...you know,"
"Yup, but she's convinced that was just a big misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding my ass." Mitchel mutters as the lights change.
I go to cross the street but he grabs my arm.
"Can we talk?"
"We just did."
"No. I mean, really talk, like face to face and no running away, or skating away."
I look behind him and see JT and Boston waiting.
"I think your brother is waiting for you."
"He can wait all night for all I care."
"Where are you guys off to?" I ask.
"Conrad's." he says and I laugh. "And that's funny because?"
"Yeah...that's where I'm going."
"You just said you were going home."
"I lied. I'm going over to Nessie's to use her laptop."
"You don't have a laptop?"
"I do but my mom confiscated it and I need to finish off some stuff for history."
"I have a laptop you can use. JT can drop us off on the way to the party."
"Um...no, I'm good. I think I'm just going to use Nessie's"
Mitchel's lets out a sigh. "Ok, but will you at least get in the car and let us give you a ride?"
"To Nessie's only?"
"Yes."
"Alright. You can give me a ride."
Mitchel smiles and it's a big goofy grin. I try not to smile back. I'm still mad at him for being a douche.
I follow Mitchel back to the car and JT flips the seat forward and I climb in t
he back the best I can on roller skates and then once I'm inside I take off my skates and put my pink slipper boots on (present from Nessie). I wasn't planning on leaving Nessie's room so I didn't think I would need shoes.
On the ride over I stare out the window and avoid looking at Mitchel. JT's phone won't stop ringing and he eventually answers it.
"Hey, babe." he answers the phone. Babe? Ugh. Amber. "We're just on our way now." Great, Amber is at Stephen's.
"Hmm...keep talking." JT says, lowering his voice.
I pretend to stare out the window, all the while I'm trying to hear what JT is saying over the loud music. "Oh...really, what color?" Double ugh.
Something touches my hand and I snap my head around to see Mitchel's hand next to mine. I move my hand away and hug my bag to my chest.
"I can't wait." JT says before hanging up.
"It's on." JT turns to Boston and fist bumps him and they both laugh.
What? Never mind. I don't care.
JT parks three houses down the street and as soon as Boston opens the door and flips the seat forward Mitchel climbs out and JT tips the seat forward for me and I jump out as soon as I can but catch my foot on the edge of the car and fall into JT.
"Careful." JT catches me.
"Uh, thanks." I slide my bag onto my shoulders, holding onto my roller skates, and start walking.
I can hear the music booming from inside the house and I can see the stupid flashing disco lights from the DJ. I would hate to live on this street, the neighbors must hate Stephen. The driveway is packed with familiar cars I recognize from school, always the same cars, always the same people and Amber's white Jeep is parked on the grass. Nessie isn't here so I need to keep my cool and avoid running into any of them. I don't think I can take them all on at once on my own.
A guy from my French class opens the door just as I get to the porch steps. I don't even look behind me as I dash inside. I quickly scan the area for Amber but don't see her and hurry through the foyer toward the stairs.
There a few people hanging around on the stairs, sitting on the steps and leaning on the banister. I squeeze past them and make it halfway up the stairs before I hear Mitchel.
"Kelse. Wait!"
I glance over the banister and see him pushing his way through a crowd of people in the foyer. JT and Boston stroll in and then I spot Amber's fiery orange hair coming through the archway and I bolt up the stairs. I stop at the top and lean over to spy on them.