"Shit my car door!" Tanner grumbled. "Asshole."
Guys were so nice to each other.
I was the next to be dropped off, as I only lived down the road from Cameron. I untangled myself from Jason, feeling the cold sink in. When I got out of the car I swore I nearly died from the freezing cold air. I waved goodbye to Jason and Tanner, only recieving a wave back from J. I sloped down the path to my house, pushing on the door to let myself in.
It didn't open.
Shit.
I banged on the front door with my fist.
"Mom! Troy!" I yelled. "Open up!"
No reply.
"Come on guys! I'm cold!" I whined.
Still no answer.
I groaned loudly. I couldn't even get into my own house! Tonight was a failure. I thought over the events of the whole day- crap, crap and more crap. I couldn't wait for it to be tomorrow. I sunk down against the door, wondering if I'd be out all night. Mom knew I'd be home around now- surely she'd come looking for me?
Cold, so cold.
I moved my body so I was pressed up against the door, when suddenly- it opened. I fell backwards, my head landing on some feet. Troy's feet.
"What are you doing down there?" He smirked.
"Oh shut up." I grumbled, sitting up. I held out a hand for him to pull me up, but he just walked away. I rolled my eyes and pushed myself up, closing the front door behind me. I was greeted my Rolo rooing, making my Mom appear in front of me too, bubbling with excitement.
"Tell me what happened!" Mom shrieked.
"Can you please act your age?" I laughed.
"Farrah!" Mom moaned. "If you don't tell me, I'll show up at your school tomorrow and sing songs to all your little friends."
"Oh, Jesus Christ." Troy looked alarmed.
"Okay, okay!" I gave in. "It wasn't good though."
"Oh no, honey! What happened?" Mom asked, now looking concerned, if a little bored. What a great Mom I had.
"Well...first, we went to see this movie and Tanner made me get the popcorn and I swear to God the guys are supposed to do that and then I sat on a chocolate bar and it looked like I sh...uh, pooped myself." I gabbled.
"Well that's not too bad." Mom lied, wincing at my appearance.
"Wait for it." I groaned. "Cameron and J showed up."
"J?" Mom quizzed.
"Jason." I told her.
"Right." Mom nodded. "Continue."
"And then they came to this restaurant with us, then we started a food fight because Cameron dumped some ice cream down my back...and the manager yelled at us. It was so scary." I shuddered. "Then we got kicked out and the boys started laughing."
"Again, it's not so bad." Mom shrugged. "Just Farrah, don't start food fights in restaurants . I thought I raised you better than that?"
"I missed a part." I remembered, sighing. "Perhaps the most important part."
Troy sat up and peered at me, like I was his daily entertainment.
"Tanner kissed me." I muttered.
"Aww, Farrah!" Mom squealed. "That's good, isn't it? You've always wanted that!"
"I...yeah...but...I kinda...uh, dumped water on him?" It came out as a question, and both my Mother and my brother's mouths dropped open. But for two different reasons. My Mom was silent- she was shocked. However my idiot of a brother, was laughing.
"It's not funny!" I yelled.
"It kind of is!" He cackled. "What a story! Oh, sweet baby Jesus this is going on Facebook!"
"Don't you dare you ass!" I screamed, lunging at him. I grabbed his phone and chucked it across the room, hoping it would break. Unluckily for me, it just dropped onto the other couch. Rolo started barking (or his version of barking) at us because we were fighting.
"All right stop it, stop it!" Mom broke up apart. "Troy, you don't put that on Facebook. Farrah, Farrah! Stop hitting Troy!"
I fell back, but only because I remembered the horrible things my Dad had done to Troy. I sighed angrily through my nose and stomped upstairs.
"Goodnight, then!" Mom called sarcastically.
"Goodnight." I snapped.
I had to shower before I went to sleep, or my bed would be filled with various foods- and probably Rolo too. I flopped onto my bed when I was done, smelling of fresh lemons and warm water. I was completely shattered. But apparently my night was not finished yet, because Troy was leaning in my doorway, smirking.
"What do you want, Troy?" I asked him.
"I just think it's funny how you poured water over the guy you've liked for so long, after he kissed you." My brother chuckled.
"Get out of my room." I groaned.
"I'm not in it." He told me, stepping back a bit to show he wasn't actually in my room.
"Go away." I threw one of my pillows at him. He caught it, and threw it back- only to hit me in the face. I tried ignoring him, and started talking to Cookie, who was laying her little self on my bed. "How did they find me, Cookie?"
"You make a drama wherever you go, maybe that's how." Troy cut in sarcastically.
"Piss off!" I snapped.
"Mee mee ow." Cookie sang, prancing around my bed, rubbing herself against me.
"Yes, meow." I nodded sadly. "I wish I was a cat, then maybe I wouldn't be so strange."
"Yeah you would. You would be abnormal no matter what creature you are." Troy snickered. "Besides, if you keep throwing water over guys that kiss you, maybe you'll end up a lonely cat lady!"
"Troy!" I barked. "What is your problem?"
"I'm just glad Cameron and Jason showed up. Tanner would have done something stupid with you if they hadn't." Troy growled.
"I'm not stupid, I can look after myself." I snapped.
"No, you can't! You don't know how to act around anyone- let alone guys! You should be grateful I even sent Cameron and Jason to watch out for you!" Troy shouted. My eyes buldged after what he said. He shut his mouth and covered it after realising what he had just told me.
"You sent them?" I echoed.
"No..." Troy lied- badly.
"Troy, you ass! It's none of you freakin' business!" I leapt up, pushing him out of my room. Unfortunately for me, I was small and he was tall.
"I was looking out for you!"
"You were interfering!"
"So what if I was?" Troy raged. "I'm your brother! You don't have a Dad to tell you what to do! I'm looking after you, I know these guys better than you! You shouldn't even hang out with them- they're bad news, Farrah!"
"Get out!" I pushed him away. He slammed my door in my face and I heard him march to his own room.
Good riddance.
I shakily got back into bed, covering myself with my blankets. I had had the worst day in my life. And to make it worse, I had fallen out with my brother- the one person in my family I wanted to stay in touch with for the rest of my life. Now he'd hate me. He was looking out for me, for crying out loud!
It wasn't his business.
He was being kind.
He was being rude.
He was my brother.
I groaned and lie down, closing my eyes. I tried to think of who I needed to talk to, to sort out my messed up head.
1) Troy- make up with him.
2) Jason- why couldn't I tell Cameron about the kiss?
3) Cameron- why was he so mad?
Ugh, boys.
I couldn't sleep. It was about two in the morning, and I was lying in my bed, staring at my ceiling. I wish I'd never met Cameron. Never talked to Tanner. My life could have been normal! No. I was still Farrah Chambers, I'd still have a nutty life.
I sat up, switching on my light. All I could think about was the date- when much worse things had happened today.
And the worst bit?
All I could think about was why Cameron got so mad. And why I wasn't allowed to tell him about the kiss.
I picked up my phone from my bedside table, unlocking it. I scrolled through my contacts until I found Jason.
WHY CAN'T I TELL CAMERON?
I waited and wai
ted for a reply. Nothing came. I'd have to wait until tomorrow. Because hell, it was bugging me to no end.
***
I woke up feeling like jelly. I was too tired to move. But I wanted to have a good day, so I started it off by having a shower, even though I had one the night before. I let the warm water wake me up, and made myself stink of lemon. I knew I had woken up early, I never slept in late after a bad day. I chose my outfit- a white floaty top, with some baggy blue jeans. Not the best look, but I was not in the mood for tight tops and skinny jeans. I slipped on some flip flops and headed downstairs, ready for some breakfast.
"Morning, Mom." I smiled.
"Hello." She said quickly, pouring milk onto my cereal for me.
"Where's Troy?" I asked.
"In the car." She told me, shoving the cereal at me.
"Already? But we're early! And Troy doesn't even go to school anymore." I chuckled.
"I need him to drop you off, so off you go!" Mom ushered me to the front door.
"But Mom...I need to eat!" I cried.
"Eat on the way to school."
"But the bowl-"
"Give it to a homeless man." Mom instructed.
What was going on?
"Mom, are you feeling-"
"Bye!" She shut the door on me, leaving me standing outside holding a cereal bowl. How odd. I saw Troy sat in his car, fiddling with his keys. I walked over to him, knocking on the window with my elbow.
He winded it down, raising an eyebrow at me. I wished I'd never taught him that.
"What?" He asked flatly.
"What's up with Mom?" I wondered aloud. He just shrugged in response. Helpful. "Oh well...can you drive me to school?"
"You're not eating in my car."
"But I'm really hungry!" I whined.
"Then walk."
"With my breakfast?" I cried. Troy just shrugged again. I sighed. "Look, I'm sorry about last night. I didn't mean-"
"Whatever." Troy told me, switching on the engine, revving it up before slowly driving away.
"Hey, wait!" I yelled after him. It felt like when Cameron left me at the mall all over again. Troy didn't stop and turn back for me either. I was left with my mouth hanging open, holding cornflakes.
Great. My family were just lovely.
***
I wandered into my homeroom, holding a now empty bowl. Hayley looked up at me with confusion written all over her face.
"So...what's with that?" She asked, pointing.
"Family stuff." I waved her off. "Where's Riles?"
"Hello." He said, sitting down.
"There." Hayley grinned. "So how did your date go last night?"
"Terrible." I told her honestly. I couldn't help but notice Riley perk up at that. Were all guys the same?
"Oh no, what happened?" Hayley cooed. I sighed again and told them both all about the date. Hayley hugged me, but Riley seemed very off.
"You okay, Riles?" I asked.
"Fine."
"That means no." Hayley raised her eyebrows.
"What's wrong?" I quizzed.
"Nothing." He shrugged. "It's just...your upset, that makes me upset."
"Aw, Riley!" I cried. "You little sweetheart!"
"What are friends for?" Riley asked shakily.
"I haven't been a good friend recently. I'm sorry for that." I told them.
"It's okay. You can spend time with other friends too, you know." Hayley grinned.
"Thanks, Hayley." I smiled. "So what did you do yesterday?"
"Not much." She shrugged.
"I got covered in ice cream." Riley smirked.
"Aw man! I totally forgot you were there!" I laughed. "Man, I wished we'd taken some photos!"
"There's always the security camera." Riley chuckled.
"Hey, can we take some photos of us today?" I asked them. "So I can have some new ones? We don't hang out as much anymore."
When our teacher finally came in we were taking cheesy photos of ourselves. I had about twenty five photos of us now- but as I looked through them, I couldn't help but notice most of them were just Hayley and Riley. Hayley was taking the photos too.
I was sure she liked Riley.
The bell rang and we headed off to math. Riley was in the top class, me and Hayley were in the third. We sat in our seats which were sadly on opposite sides of the room. I got bored half way through the class, so I texted Hayley.
DO YOU LIKE RILES???
I didn't get a reply until the bell went again for the next class. We were walking out, and I caught Hayley before she scuttled off to French.
"No." She whispered, turning red. Woah, didn't expect that. She so did like him. Hayley liking Riley? I wasn't sure how I felt about that.
I made my way to French, and took my seat next to Jason. He was busy scribbling on the desk, drawing a stickman on a skateboard.
"Hey." I greeted him.
"Hi." He replied, his brows furrowed in concentration as he drew.
"Hey, what did you mean by not telling Cameron about the kiss? Why?" I asked out right. "I sent you a text but you didn't reply."
"I didn't get it." He told me.
"Well answer now, then." I prodded him.
"Just don't tell him." Jason repeated.
"Ugh, yes, but why?" I whined.
"Hello, class!" Mr Lopez boomed, bursting into the room. There were a few people muttering 'hello' and 'morning sir' but most of stayed quiet. "Now first I just want to remind you, that you have until Wednesday to prepare for your exam."
We needed to do some serious work.
I was yet again bored in my class, so I nudged Jason to talk to him.
"Why was Cameron so mad yesterday?" I whispered.
"I don't know." He replied.
"Can you not think why? You're his best friend." I poked him.
"Ask him yourself." Jason replied, keeping his eyes on the front of the class. Or maybe just the girl speaking at the front of the class.
"Fine then." I muttered. I ripped a page from my journal, writing on it;
Hey Cammie! What's up?
I flicked it across to Cameron, who just let it fall to the floor. Hm. I decided to text him instead. Waiting for Mr Lopez to turn around, I pulled out my phone and texted Cameron. I heard his phone buzz, and he looked at it...but didn't reply.
What the heck?
"Cameron!" I hissed. "Cameron!"
"Farrah is there something you wish to share with the class?" Mr Lopez asked.
"No, hold on a sec." I waved him off. "Cameron!"
Cameron did look at me, but only because everyone else was too. Oops.
"Farrah, outside now." Mr Lopez shook his head at me.
"But-"
"Now."
"Sir-"
"Go."
I got up and stood outside the classroom, fiddling with my long hair. It was still sticky at the ends, even after the two showers. Mr Lopez came out minutes later, frowning.
"Don't talk in my class." He said simply.
"Sorry, Sir." I bowed my head, my cheeks burning.
"Go back inside." Mr Lopez nodded. That was it? Phew.
"Yes, Sir." I nodded.
"Wait, Farrah?" Mr Lopez put his hand on my shoulder to stop me.
Creep, creep, creep, creep, creep...
I swallowed. "Yes, Sir?"
"Are you all right?" He asked kindly, leaning towards me. "Is there something the matter?"
"N-no Sir." I shook my head.
"Hmph. Okay, then go back inside."
I nodded, scurrying inside.
Pervert.
The bell to end French finally sounded, with me still bright red. Riley was waiting for me outside, so I walked with him.
"I think Mr Lopez is a pervert." I told him.
"Why?" Riles asked, chuckling.
"Because he's creepy." I shuddered.
"Good reasoning." Riley laughed. "Where do you wanna go?"
"Vending machine? I want an apple." I suggested.
"A
n apple?"
"An apple." I nodded. "Where's Hayley?"
"Talking to our teacher about extra credit, I think." Riley told me.
"Ah cool." I nodded. I saw Cameron and waved at him. "Hey Cameron!"
He ignored me and walked straight past us.
"What's his problem?" Riley asked, a tiny smile on his face.
"No idea."
***
It was the end of the day, and I was walking to SAVE-AN-ANIMAL with Riley and Jason. Well, Jason was walking home, but was still with us.
"What's with your friend?" Riley asked Jason. "He's ignoring Farrah."
I couldn't help but notice he sounded sort of smug.
"I don't know." Jason groaned. "Time of the month?"
"Ew." I cringed.
"Lovely." Riley said sarcastically.
"Have you not spoken to him today? Found out what's wrong?" I quizzed Jason.
"Oh look this is my turn off." Jason said suddenly, pointing to a dark alleyway.
"J!" I called after him.
"Have to go, see you later, blah blah, bye!" He called over his shoulder.
"Rude." I muttered.
When we got to SAVE-AN-ANIMAL, I cornered Riley.
"Um, Farrah?" He squeaked.
"Do you like Hayley?" I demanded.
"What? No." He shook his head.
"Hm. Well I think she likes you. So you need to like her." I told him.
"I can't just force myself to like someone." Riley sighed.
"Well try!" I prodded him.
"But I like you." Riley whispered.
"Riles." I sighed. "We're just friends. That is all we are, all we'll ever be, yes?"
"I...yes." Riley agreed sadly.
"Good. Now like Hayley." I ordered, before setting off to see Aunt Tessie.
"You can't force the boy to like someone else." My Aunt told me.
"I can too."
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