Char

by Amare, Mercy

  Layla: OMG! I totally knew you liked him!

  Layla: He’s SOOOO HOT! I can’t believe he’s your boyfriend!

  Layla: Are you bringing him to homecoming? Because you’d totally be the envy of every girl there!

  Me: Chill. Yes, I like him. Don’t call my boyfriend hot.

  “Are you coming to homecoming with me?” I ask Tristan.

  “Well I’m certainly not going to let you go with somebody else,” he answers. “So yeah, I’m going.”

  Me: Yes to homecoming.

  Layla: OMG! OMG! OMG! Totally having a panic attack!

  Me: Just breathe. LOL. See you at school tomorrow.

  “Are you sure homecoming won’t be lame to you?” I’m pretty sure high school homecoming will be completely lame to him.

  “I’m positive,” he answers. “You’re in high school. I knew that when we started dating. Obviously you still want to do all the senior stuff. I went to homecoming my senior year.”

  “Will you actually dance with me?” I ask him, remembering my junior year homecoming with Landon. He wouldn’t dance with me at all. I had a completely miserable time. The only thing that made it tolerable was dancing with Aaron, but then Landon was mad at me the rest of the night for it. Looking back, I don’t know why I stayed with him. We were obviously completely wrong for each other, and I just didn’t see it. Part of me wonders if I will ever feel this way about Tristan. Something inside me says no, but I obviously thought the same thing about Landon too. Or maybe I didn’t. I think part of me always knew we weren’t meant to be, but I just never admitted it to myself. Maybe it’s the part of me that wants to believe in the magic of true love.

  “I will definitely dance with you,” Tristan answers, then pauses for a second. “Does it matter that I am a really bad dancer? Because I am. But I like dancing. I just don’t want you to get mad if I step on your feet.”

  “I definitely don’t mind if you step on my feet,” I tell him. And it’s honestly the truth. “I’m not the best dancer either, but it is fun. Just to act crazy, and have fun.”

  “When I was in high school, I only dated college girls,” he tells me. “I brought a college junior to my senior homecoming. Now that I’m in college myself, I am dating a girl in high school. There is something seriously wrong with this.”

  I laugh. “You’re right. I obviously need to bring an older guy so I can keep up with you. Have any older friends that want to take me to homecoming?”

  “Not funny.”

  “It was to me.”

  “I’m excited about homecoming with you,” he says. “I can see where it would be a lot more fun going with somebody you actually care about. Too bad I didn’t know you when I was a senior.”

  “I was like fifteen and a high school sophomore. I doubt you would have given me a second glance then. Especially considering you took a college girl,” I tell him. “You probably would have been all into Candice.”

  “Maybe. I did tend to go for a certain type of girl back then, and if she is anything like she is on TV then she would definitely have been my type.”

  “I never thought she was like that,” I tell him. “But recently she has been… different — posing naked, the sex tape… She’s not the same girl that she used to be.”

  “Is it weird seeing your sister like that?”

  “I guess it was at first. I was sixteen when Candi started playing on Shores of Malibu. It’s a reality show, so I expected her to be… her. But we watched the first episode, and she wasn’t the Candice I knew. She was different. My mom explained to me that it was a role she was playing. Then things started changing. She became too busy for family dinner. And she started posing naked. But no matter what happens, she’s still my big sister. And I will always see her as the girl who cut my hair when I was five… the girl who played dress up with me…. and the girl who beat up Brad Pickens when I was in the second grade for calling me fat.”

  “I don’t like this Brad Pickens kid.”

  “It was the second grade,” I tell him. “He’s actually a pretty cool guy now. He plays the drums in Landon’s band.”

  “Landon… the guy who cheated on you?”

  “Yep.” When he says Landon’s name, I realize it doesn’t hurt. Maybe it should. I dated him for a year, but it feels like a lifetime ago. I realize it’s because I’ve moved on. I was a completely different person then.

  “You know, I have a feeling that your sister is the same person she was before,” he says. “Maybe she’s just caught up in this whole… lifestyle. It’s easy to lose yourself.”

  “I know. My mission is to remind her who she is.” And I will. When she comes for my birthday it will be the best sister hangout ever. “I’m excited she’ll be here for my birthday.”

  Tristan smiles. “I’m excited for your birthday too. You’ll finally be legal.”

  “Well, I’m definitely okay with breaking the law.” I scoot closer to him. “I’ve never had sex in the back of a limo before.”

  “It’s really bumpy, and awkward,” he says. “Plus, I’m kind of liking this waiting thing. The build up is going to be awesome. And teasing you… it’s the absolute best.”

  “Right. Well, the teasing thing can definitely go both ways.”

  “Good.”

  The rest of the drive to the city, Tristan and I spend talking… and kissing. But mostly kissing. I think he may just be right… The build up is going to be awesome. I just hope that he isn’t disappointed with me when we finally do it.

  TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

  8am

  Pathetic.

  Nothing is worse than going back to school after a holiday. Seriously, why can’t it be summer vacation all the time? Labor Day didn’t last long enough. Of course, the fact that I won’t see Tristan today makes it worse. Tuesdays are evil.

  When I get to school, Layla is waiting for me by my locker. Her hair is straightened, and she’s wearing make-up. She looks really good.

  “Oh em geez, Char! You and Tristan!” She’s way too excited about this. “Tell me all about it. How did it happen?”

  “We were on his dad’s yacht and he asked me to be his girlfriend. I was skeptical, but he talked me into it,” I tell her. “It’s really not that big of a deal.”

  “Not that big of a deal? Most girls would cut off their right arm for one night with Tristan. You will have numerous nights.” She let’s out a squeal. “I knew you were a good choice for best friend. Now tell me, is he as good as everybody says?”

  Everybody? Why does the thought of Tristan being with other girls make me extremely jealous? “My sex life is none of your business.”

  “Come on!” She whines a little bit when she says it. Most people would probably be annoyed by it, but I’m used to Candi. She whines about everything. And Layla really isn’t that bad. She’s just a little spoiled. I probably would be if I was an only child too.

  “You and Tristan Becker…” I hear a voice from behind, and I turn to see Sofia Clifton and her friends.

  I roll my eyes. Really? Is that all anybody is going to talk about? “What about Tristan and me?”

  “Nothing. I’m just wondering what the hell he sees in you,” she says. Her eyes glance over my body. “Though I suppose you do have a nice body. Your ass is a little big, but I hear some guys like that…”

  My ass is a little big? I want to smack this girl, but I’d rather not get suspended over somebody so stupid.

  “I’m thinking you must be really good in bed,” she continues. “I guess you’re a whore, just like your big sister, Candice.”

  I feel my face grow warm. Nobody, but me and Chloe, are allowed to call Candi a whore. “If I were you, I would shut up and walk away.”

  “Why? You going to do something about me? You’re the one who called her a whore on TV.” She laughs. It’s high pitched, and annoying. “I give Tristan a month. He will definitely get tired of you. It’s a passing fling, so I hope you enjoy it. He’s probably still screwing girls at Col
umbia.”

  The need to punch the bitch is overwhelming. “You’re just jealous because he’s mine, and he has never given you a second glance. Though, I wouldn’t either. It’s called a boob job, honey. And you need one.”

  “Well you…” she cuts off. I can tell she’s trying to think of something mean to say. “Why don’t you just go back to California?”

  “Aw, you would like that, wouldn’t you?” I laugh.

  “Yes, I would, you miserable bitch. And trust me, you will be going back there after you get your heart broken by Tristan. He’s a man whore, and I give him two weeks before he cheats on you,” she says. “When he does, call me. I’ll drive you to the airport.”

  “You think I’m so pathetic that if Tristan dumped me I’d run away? I wouldn’t run. I’d stay right here, with you, and I’d make your life a living hell. Because, unlike you, I don’t need a man to feel good about myself.”

  Sofia’s friends all gasp, but she remains silent. Probably because she knows I’m right.

  “Now, if you’re done bullying me, I’d really like to talk to my friend, Layla, before I have to go to class.”

  “Layla? Really?” she says. “Out of everybody in this school you could have been friends with, you choose her?”

  “You think I could have made a better choice? Like you?” I ask sarcastically. “I didn’t hang out with people like you in California, so why would I start now? Layla is real. She’s never once pretended to be somebody she’s not.”

  “Yeah, right. Look at her,” she says. “She’s already trying to dress like you. I’ve never seen her wear her hair down, and what’s up with the bangs?”

  Layla has stayed silent this whole time, but she steps up closer to me. “Changing my appearance doesn’t change me. Are you mad because guys actually pay attention to me now? I know how you hate competition.”

  “You think you’re a threat to me? Please. Not even a haircut and makeup can change the fact that you’re a freak.”

  Layla coughs. “Right. So you’re saying that hanging out with Charlotte really hasn’t changed me? Geez, Sofia, get your story straight.”

  Sofia remains silent for a second, and then turns to her friends. “Come on, girls. They aren’t worth the hassle.”

  She turns and walks away, followed by her friends. Layla and I both turn to each other and laugh.

  “What a miserable bitch,” Layla says.

  “Ugh, yeah. Could she be anymore pathetic?”

  “Probably.”

  Layla and I walk to class, and I decide to forget everything that Sofia said. She’s really not worth it. I’m glad I didn’t slap her, because getting suspended would probably ruin my chances of getting into Columbia. As satisfying as it may be, I won’t let her ruin my future over the fact that she’s jealous of who my boyfriend is.

  6pm

  Change is a good thing.

  After school, I get a call from Chloe. She’s in New York again and wants to have dinner with me… and she’s bringing Phillip. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised — he is her boyfriend. But I wanted to spend time with just her.

  UGH! Listen to me. I am jealous of my big sister’s boyfriend. I am officially pathetic.

  Since Phillip is coming, Chloe wants to go somewhere nice, so I have to dress up. I wear a red lace dress with a navy liner, a matching pair of red pumps, and a navy blue scarf. It’s starting to get a little cold at night, and I’m kind of excited about accessorizing with scarfs. It’s usually too warm to wear them much in Malibu. I’m also looking forward to wearing boots and leggings.

  “You look really nice,” my dad says as I come down the stairs. He’s just coming home from work. “I thought Tristan didn’t come on Tuesdays.”

  “He doesn’t,” I tell him. “I’m having dinner with Chloe and her new boyfriend, Phillip. They’re in town again. I think they’re doing promotions for Drama Queen or something.”

  “I wonder why she didn’t call me.” I hear disappointment in his voice, and I feel bad. Chloe should have invited him, or at least stopped by to say hi to him.

  “You can come.” It might piss Chloe off, but I don’t care. I don’t want him to feel left out.

  “If your sister would have wanted me there, she would have invited me herself,” he tells me. “You go ahead. Have fun, and tell your sister that I miss her.”

  Part of me feels bad for leaving, but I’m excited about seeing Chloe. I will have to talk to her about coming to see Dad. She hasn’t seen him in a while. It would be good for the both of them. Outside, the limo is waiting for me. The restaurant is only a few blocks away, but there is no way that I am walking there in these heels.

  My phone vibrates with a text.

  Chloe: We are in the back.

  Me: Awesome. I’m almost there.

  When I get there, the hostess takes me to the back where Chloe and Phillip are sitting. Well, not really sitting. They’re currently making out. Gross. I have a sudden urge to gouge my eyeballs out with a fork. That is definitely not something I ever wanted to see — ever. Which is the main reason I don’t watch Shores of Malibu. I hate seeing Candi make out with all those guys. At least Drama Queen is sort of clean. It’s a teenage show, so they don’t show too much.

  I cough loudly, and they pull back. “I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.”

  Chloe laughs. “Char, it’s so good to see you. You know Phillip.”

  “Hi,” I nod my head at him, and then turn back to Chloe. “I’m so glad that you called me. I figured you were mad at me for how we left it last time…”

  She waves me off. “It’s alright. Sisters fight. Plus, Candice told me that you apologized to her.”

  Wow. Candi and Chloe are actually talking on a regular basis. Have I stepped into some alternate universe? They generally avoid each other. “So you and Candi are finally getting along?”

  “Well, she is my little sister,” she says. “Family shouldn’t hold grudges.”

  I wonder what she means by that. I never actually understood why her and Candice stopped getting along. For me, it was when she started being arrogant. But with Chloe, it started long before that, and I always wondered what happened.

  “Speaking of family, you should call Dad,” I tell her. “I know that he misses you, and he’d love to see you. I think he was disappointed that he didn’t get invited today.”

  Her face hardens. “Well, that’s his problem. He should have thought about that before he abandoned us.”

  Chloe took the divorce a lot harder than Candice and I. Honestly, I don’t remember much about it. “He may have abandoned us, but he’s here now. You should let him make it up. He loves you, and I know he regrets not being around more.”

  She clears her throat. “Did Mom tell you that they changed the date of filming for the romantic comedy, so I get to do the zombie movie too?”

  “No, she didn’t. That’s awesome! I know you really wanted to do that movie.”

  “And Phillip’s manager was able to pull some strings, so he will be in the movie too,” she says. “So I won’t have to go to Arizona without him.”

  “That’s great.” Part of me wonders if they are getting too serious too fast, but then I realize that I am the same way with Tristan. We see each other practically everyday, and we literally just started dating. I definitely wouldn’t want to leave him for three months… I guess you can’t help how you feel.

  “There is a reason we wanted to have dinner with you,” Phillip tells me, and then turns to Chloe. He looks at her like she hung the stars and moon, and I can’t help but swoon. I’m happy that Chloe found him. “Do you want to tell her?”

  “Sure.” She smiles big. “Phillip and I have decided to get married.”

  “Married?” I choke on my water. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes,” she says. “On December twenty first. And I want you and Candice to be my maids of honor.”

  “Next year?” I ask. Please say next year.

  “This year.”

&nb
sp; Okay. December. That’s three months from now. Oh my God. Be calm, I tell myself. Don’t tell her it’s a huge mistake. Even though it is. “I’d love to be your maid of honor.” My voice is unnaturally high. “Are you sure you want to get married so soon though? A lot of planning goes into a wedding. Maybe it would be better to wait until next year. And you would know each other better then too.”

  “We don’t want to wait,” Phillip says. “There is a reason why we want to get married so soon.”

  Chloe looks at me with a huge smile on her face. “I’m pregnant.”

  “With a baby?” I ask stupidly. Of course she’s pregnant with a baby. I guess stress sometimes makes people say stupid things.

  “No, an alien,” she jokes. “Of course I’m pregnant with a baby.”

  “So you’re getting married because of the baby?”

  “No,” Phillip answers. “We are getting married because we love each other. We’re getting married in December because we want to get married before the baby is born.”

  “Why before?” I ask. “Why not wait until after? Then you can lose all the baby weight and fit into you dress. And how are you going to do the movie while you’re pregnant?”

  “Well, filming for Drama Queen stops in March. I will deliver in May. And the zombie movie starts in mid June, so I will just have to work hard to lose all my baby weight before then. And with the right camera angles and clothing, we should be able to hide my baby bump on Drama Queen.”

  “So you’re due in May?”

  “I think so,” she says. “It’s really the only possible time. I haven’t been to the doctor yet.”

  “Wait, didn’t you just have sex for the first time like three weeks ago? How do you even know?” I ask.