by Sharlay
“Excuse me? Jealous of what exactly?” I asked in an angry tone as I watched him trying to start up my car, for the third time.
“Well, everyone seems to think that you have a crush on me and since we live together, you want me all to yourself. You see, everyone just thought that you were trying to warn other girls off me, it turns out that that only makes them work even harder, so thanks,” He said before chuckling to himself and then jumping out of the car.
“How stupid are these people! I don’t want you, I don’t even like you!”
“Yeah, I was going to tell them that but why spoil the fun,” he replied.
“You have some serious issues,” I said as I stood, staring at him.
“I don’t have any issues, you and I could have been fine but you decided to declare war, Princess.”
“Me? You started this by covering me in chocolate sauce!”
“Once again, I was twelve-”
“And I’m not over it!” I shouted as I looked at him, angrily.
As I stood there staring at him, for the first time, I really got the chance to take in everything about him. The way that his light brown hair was cut down low, the way that his abs were fighting to rip through his tight, white tee. How his blue, denim jeans hung slightly low but still looked good. For the first time, I even noticed just how much his hazel eyes were shining in the sun, and even as the small drips of sweat were forming on his forehead that still didn’t take away from just how good he looked. Then there was the slight caramel hint to his skin that looked as though it had never even known about the existence of pimples. I took all of this in and realized that even with how damn irresistible this guy was, I still couldn’t stand the sight of him.
“You really need to move on, seriously,” he said as he began to chuckle.
“Move on? You ruined my dress and humiliated me in front of everyone-”
“You mean, like you did to me today?”He said in a frustrated tone.
“Yeah, well you deserved it!” I shouted. I can’t believe that he would even try to compare me and him. It was completely different, mine was revenge, I’ve been driven to do the things that I have, and he did all of his things, just for fun.
“Oh yeah, because you’re just a regular Mary Poppins, right?” He said as he rolled his eyes at me.
“Compared to you? Yeah.”
“This has nothing to do with the prank that I played on you,” he said as he stepped right up to me so that our faces were inches apart, “you’re angry for other reasons, and you just chose to take it out on the world but trust me, it’s a very lonely road that you’re choosing to take-”
“You don’t know a damn thing about me. I’m not angry at anyone, except for you. I don’t like guys like you, and I don’t want you in my house. No, it’s not just about the stupid prank that you played on me; I just don’t like you as a person. I get that you and your dad are in desperate need of help but the bottom line is; it’s not my problem.”
He stood still and stared at me for what seemed like forever. It was like he was dissecting everything that I had just said then he finally took a deep breath, and spoke.
“You really do hate me, don’t you?” He asked in a more serious voice as he scanned my eyes with his, as though he was searching for the answer to his own question.
Hate him? Hate is a strong word, and I don’t want to say that I hate anybody but Caleb has made it very difficult to like him. I mean, had he of just come into my house that first day and apologized for all his wrongs, then perhaps we could have been friends, or at least acquaintances but he didn’t. He confuses me, and I don’t like that. He acts like a moron all of the time and then, every now and then, he’ll do something that makes absolutely no sense. Like the night when he was singing outside of my house or when he covered for me, when my dad was ready to ground me. It just makes no sense, it’s as if he doesn’t really know who he is, and to be honest, if he doesn’t know then why should I try? Then he stands here, acting as though he knows a damn thing about me, what gives him the right?
I was about to answer Caleb’s question, out loud, when suddenly, without saying a word, he just turned around and walked off. I wasn’t sure whether he was mad because of what I said or whether he could tell what I was thinking because of the expression on my face. I did, however know one thing; he was probably the only thing standing between me and a long walk home.
“Where are you going?” I asked as I chased behind him. I started to get frustrated as he remained silent. “Seriously, you’re mad because I didn’t say that we were best friends? What the hell did you expect me to say?” I shouted as he jumped into his car, and started up the engine. Again, I was met with silence. As I heard the car engine begin to roar, I took a step back and stared at Caleb. He took one last look at me and before I could say another word, he just drove off.
I stood still, staring at his truck making its way out of the parking lot when it suddenly dawned on me, how much this reminded me of the night that I went to the movies with James and he left me then. The only difference was that instead of feeling angry, this time, for some reason, I felt guilty...
CHAPTER 9
Vambamboosals
After Caleb had gone, I sat in my car thinking about our conversation. The guilt that I had felt earlier had suddenly subsided, as I thought about that fact that he had left me, again. There was no point in feeling guilty about the things that I had said to him, because they were the truth. It wasn’t as if I had just started an argument anyway, he asked. It was his fault, if he hadn’t have asked, then that wouldn’t have happened.
I decided that it was probably time to try calling for help, again. I dialled my dad’s number, only to be greeted by the sound of his pre recorded voice, again. I didn’t bother trying a second time, if he had seen my call then he would have called back already. I knew that it was time to start walking; something that I seemed to be doing a lot of. I jumped out of my car and headed to the trunk, to grab my bag and books. I was even more frustrated about having to walk today, because this time, I had a load of heavy books to balance as well. I wasn’t very happy about having to leave my baby sat in the parking lot all night but I didn’t really have a choice. I made sure that the doors to my red, mini were locked before starting my second journey for the week. I probably should have learnt to start carrying around my iPod with me; at least I could have had some entertainment during the walk.
As I walked through the blue gates at the entrance of the parking lot, I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for the long walk ahead of me. It always annoyed me that a journey could take ten minutes in a car but forty minutes when you were walking.
I began thinking about what Mrs Connerlay had said earlier about the writing competition. It was nice that she believed in me, and in a strange way, I kind of wanted to make her proud. I knew that my idea had to be interesting. It had to be something different, and fun. Whenever I got an idea for a story, I always visualised it as a movie first. That technique worked for me because it meant that when I had to write it down, it was like I was just retelling a story that I was really a part of. As I walked down the road, I started to look for some inspiration for my story. Unfortunately all I saw was a strange looking, old guy with two twists in his beard, whistling the American anthem while trying to see what food he could find in a dumpster. I don’t know why but I automatically checked my pockets, and discovered that there was five dollars tucked inside. As I looked at the man, I began a mini battle with myself about whether or not I should give him the money that I was holding. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t being greedy - I could easily get another five dollars from my dad – I was more concerned about whether or not he was a crazy killer who might have dragged me away, into his little lair if I took a step too close. Don’t judge me; you hear stories like that, every day. Ok, maybe not the bit about the lair, but you know what I mean.
I quickly scanned my surroundings and spotted an empty can of soda that somebody had
thrown on the floor. I walked over to the can and picked it up. It made me scowl, as I remembered how quickly I drank the two cans of soda at Courtney’s house, the first day that Jerk Face moved in. I quickly placed the five dollars on the floor and then placed the can of soda on top of it, to hold it in place.
“Hey,” I called to the old guy, who immediately stopped what he was doing in the dumpster. He looked pretty confused when he heard me call him. It made me feel kind of sad to know that people live in the world like this and have no one to talk to. I guess that my problems aren’t as big as I thought. Who am I kidding? Caleb is definitely a big problem.
I saw a small smile form on the guy’s face as I pointed at the money on the floor before taking huge strides away from him, and the money.
As I rounded the corner, I looked behind me and realized that the old guy was nowhere to be seen. I felt a sigh of relief leave my mouth as I slowed down my pace and began walking normally.
I had been walking for a good five minutes when a voice suddenly dragged me out of my thoughts.
“What are you doing?” The voice repeated.
As I turned my head to see who was talking, a feeling of anger raced through my body. I ignored the question and continued on my journey.
“Come on, Addy, do we always have to do the silent treatment? You really need to come up with something new.” I could hear the stupid smirk in his voice as I felt my hands begin to tighten into small balls.
“Go away,” is what I finally managed to mutter.
“Just get in the car,” Caleb said as he continued to drive next to me.
What is it with guys and following me in their cars?
“Go away,” I repeated with a bit more force. The truth was that nothing would give me more pleasure than ending this stupid walk, and arriving home in half the time. However, there was no way that I was getting into Jerk Face’s car.
“What’s your problem-”
“What’s my problem?” I shouted as I span around to face him, causing him to stop the car. I noticed that a few passersby were also watching the scene now, but I didn’t care.
“Yeah, that was the question,” he said as he kept his eyes on me.
It took every bit of strength that I had, not to jump through the car window and strangle the boy. Seriously, he was sat in front of me, smiling, like nothing was wrong. Either he had gone crazy or he was suffering from amnesia. I decided that either way, I needed to take my time to explain my anger to him, in a slow and clear voice.
“Firstly, you offer to help me, then you drive away and leave me, on my own, and now here you are, again, acting as though nothing is wrong. Seriously, have you lost your mind or something?” I said in a calm but sarcastic voice as I kept my eyes focused on his face.
I watched him as he tried his hardest to stop the corners of his lips from rising.
“You’re pretty hot when you’re angry, you know,” he replied as I stood there, staring at him with a shocked expression on my face.
“Caleb-”
“Addy, look, it’s going to take a long time for you to get back home, so why not just save the drama, and get in?”
“You’re crazy, and I’m not getting in your car,” I said as I began to walk away, again.
“Yes you are,” he replied as I continued to ignore him. “Princess, don’t make me get out of this car and put you in here,” he said as I snorted to myself.
“Ok, then,” I heard him say as the sound of his engine disappeared.
“You are-”
I was suddenly interrupted as I felt myself being lifted off the ground.
“Put me down, now!” I screamed as I allowed my bag to connect with his back, several times.
“No can do. Now keep still, before I drop you,” he replied in a calm voice as he walked towards to his dumb truck.
“I swear, if you don’t put me down I’ll-”
“Just calm down, and stop screaming in my ear,” he replied before I purposely inhaled a deep breath, and screamed, loudly, down his ear, making him remove one hand from my waist to cover his ear. I couldn’t believe that he was actually strong enough to carry me with one hand.
“Are you trying to deafen me?” He groaned as he rubbed his ear.
“Yes, did it work?” I replied as I began smirking to myself.
“Nope,” he said as he carried on towards his car.
“I’m not kidding, Caleb, if you don’t put me down by the time that I have counted to three, you are seriously going to regret it-”
“Oh scary-”
“One-”
“You don’t scare me Add-”
“Two-”
“What exactly can you do to me-”
“Three-”
“Ouch!”
“I warned you,” I said as he lowered me to the floor and rubbed his shoulder.
“I cannot believe that you just bit me. Who the hell are you? Hannibal Lector?” He asked as he stared at me in shock.
Even though I wanted to be angry, the whole Hannibal Lector comment caused me to burst out laughing.
“It’s not funny,” he replied as he tried to hold back his laugh.
“It really is,” I said as I burst out laughing again.
“That hurt, you know. I can’t believe that you actually bit me,” he said as he rubbed his shoulder again.
“Oh, grow a pair. It wasn’t that bad-”
“Wasn’t that bad? You just took your canines and ripped my skin,” he said as he smirked at me.
“Well, I did warn you.”
“No, you said that I had till the count of three, but there was no mention of teeth,” he said as he looked at me.
“Yeah, but you were still warned. You should know that I never break a promise, and my promise to you, was pain,” I said as I chuckled to myself.
“Whatever, are you going to get in the car now?” He asked as he leaned against his truck and stared at me. Gosh he looked so hot; it was just a shame that he’s a jerk.
“Nope.”
“Come on, you’ve just bitten me, and I’m still willing to let you in my car-”
“Well, that just makes you utterly stupid-”
“Or, utterly caring-”
“Ha! We both know that’s a lie,” I snorted as I folded my arms across my chest. “Why do you want to help me all of a sudden?”
“I don’t, but I’ve got a date tomorrow, and leaving you alone with a broken down car, is a one way ticket to getting grounded, so...” He said as he opened the car door and gestured for me to get inside.
“And what’s in it for me?” I replied.
“We both know that you were not enjoying your little walk, Princess,” he said as he jumped into the driver’s seat of his truck.
I hesitated for a minute before finally giving in. The truth was that all of the energy that I put into fighting, and biting Caleb had made me tired, and walking was the last thing that I wanted to do.
“Fine,” I said before stepping into the car.
“Put your seatbelt on,” he said before driving away.
It was strange but once Caleb started driving, we just stayed silent but it wasn’t uncomfortable. We were both in our own little worlds, and I was happy with that.
“What about my car?” I asked, breaking the silence.
“I’ve got a friend who is going to check it out for me,” he said, taking me by surprise.
“Really?” I asked in shock.
“Yes, really,” he said as he chuckled to himself. “I need your car working, otherwise I’ll have to put up with driving you to school every day,” he said as he glanced at me.
I don’t know why but what he said bothered me. What’s so bad about driving to school with me? Not that I want to drive to school with that jerk anyway, but still.
“Whatever,” I mumbled before going back into my own silent world.
* * *
“I need your car keys,” Caleb said, snapping me out of my daydream. I suddenly realized that we we
re parked outside of my house.
“Why would I give you my car keys?” I asked as I looked at him, as though he was crazy.
“Do you want it fixed or not?”
“Yeah but-”
“No ‘buts’ just give me the keys, and stop being so stubborn,” he said as he smiled at me.
These are the reasons why I don’t like Caleb: he has this stupid ability to make me want to say yes to him, even though I despise him, I thought to myself.
“Do you want it fixed or not?” He asked, breaking me out of my daydream.
“Yes,” I grunted. “How am I going to get it back?” I asked in a confused tone.
“After my friend and I have fixed the problem, it’ll be outside the house ready for tomorrow morning.”
“I don’t know this friend of yours, what makes you think that I want him driving my car?”
“Her, and she won’t be driving it, I will. She’ll drive mine, now keys,” he said as he held out his hand in front of me.
Her? I should have known!
“Oh, because that gives me so much more confidence,” I said as I handed him the keys.
Before I even had the chance to think about what was happening, Caleb had slowly leaned right over to where I was sat. His face was so close to mine that I could feel his breath on my cheek, causing tingles to go through my body. I wanted to ask him what he was doing, or tell him to move away but it was as if my tongue had been removed; I was speechless. As I felt his hand lightly brush my thigh, I was suddenly brought out of my daze as I heard him open my car door.
“It should, now get out of my car,” he said as he smirked at me, knowing exactly what he had done.
Once I had finally composed myself, and realized what was going through my mind, I pushed his stupid, smirking face away from me and stepped out of the car. I suddenly felt my face heat up as my body was dragged back into the car.
“You should probably take this off before trying to get out,” Jerk Face said as he undid my seat belt and began laughing.