Awakening-Chapter 21
Derek's POV
Leaving Tori standing over by the corner, forced to view only our backs. I leaned over Simon and handed Chloe the cash and the receipts rapped around the folded twenties. I purposely took the longest route just to shun her. Hoping this action wasn't in vain. Does Tori even have enough brain cells to notice that nobody wants her around?Nope, it didn't even faze her. I'm still lost on why Chloe insisted on taking her.
Tori, oblivious to my hint, skipped around to face the group. A smile plastered to her face. What is she playing at? She snatched the receipt out of Chloe's hand. Just as i was about to ponder why a snobby rich bitch like Tori would pass up on the chance to fat'n her wallet, she answered my question. To inflict verbal torture upon any one in hearing range, mainly Chloe. Does she realize the only person keeping her here is the one person whom is the target of the majority of her rants. The casual smirk looks a little to forced. Is that shock in her eyes?
"My God, is this your bank account or college fund?" Tori taunts.
Chloe leaps up to grab the dangling receipt in Tori's out stretch hand. "My dad direct-deposits my allowance. After fifteen years, it adds up."
"And he just lest you access it?"
"Why wouldn't he." The look of confusion on her face made me a little confused myself. She must have known that that amount in her account wasn't a normal fifteen year olds bank account. Not even snobby ones like Tori.
"Um, because you could spend it. No wait. Let me guess you're to responsible for that."
"She's smart," Simon piped in.
Leave it to him to feel the need to save Chloe from the evil wench. But that only fed the fire. Having the guy she liked defend the girl she was taunting. Oh my head is hurting! I don't think I can handle her much longer. She is not helping this headache.
" Is that what you call it. I was thinking more..." She yawed.
Chloe's cheeks were stained with blush. The heat was readianting from Her.
"Enough." A growl escaped my mouth.
"Yeah, don't forget who gave you money for this." Simon nudged Tori's shopping bag."
Tori's jaw twitched. At any other time i would have had to suppressed a smirk. But not tonight. My headache was making me even more irritable then normal.
"It was twenty bucks for food and a blanket, and I'm keeping tabs. I'll pay her back. I'm responsible, too. Just not" waving at the receipt, "disgustingly responsible." I rolled my eyes. Give me a break Tori...
My thoughts were cut short when Chloe diverted the attention. Spinning around to face me and took the bag out of my hands. Tori taking a hint that her taunting had ended, uncapped her soda and started sipping it. Thank God. Peace for at lease thirty seconds.
"So What did I get?" She reached inside the bag. "A backpack. Two sweaters. Thank-" The sweaters had unrolled, and my peace had ended all to soon. Tori had choked on her mouthful of soda, laughing. Eyes glued to the sweaters.
Chloe pivoted slowly to face Tori. If it wasn't for her pounding heart, she would have appeared calm. "Your Choices?" One eyebrow arched.
Tori raised her hands. "Uh-uh. I offered to pick something out, but Derek insisted." She turned on me. Not even trying to hide the satisfaction on her face." No wonder you were gone so long. Must have had a hard time finding ones that ugly."
"What?" What?! We are on the run. We don't know for how long. Cash is definitely not something that should be splurged on something like fashion.
Tori snatched the tag and erupted in laughter. "I though so. They're Boys'. Size Twelve boys." She crossed her arms and signed. A look of complete satisfaction was on her face.
A luxury of fashion isn't something we can afford. Chloe isn't that vain or selfish that the need to be superior in fashion over others isn't a requirement in order to be comfortable. For the love of god, we are on the run. Wow! Tori is even shallower then I thought. "So? the women's' cost more. I figured it wouldn't matter with Chloe."
Tori's laughter rang throughout out the abandoned home.
"What?" I'm well a wear that I'm not fluent in the language of female. By all means Simon is more qualified but really, why is this such an issue.
"Nothing you were just being honest, right?" Tori said in such a sweet voice. The way she can switch her personality from raging bitch to sweet and innocent in a matter of seconds makes my mood swings look…….
Simon's calm facade was almost perfect save for a few telltale signs. When inhaling, he holds his breathe for a fraction of a second before exhales. He also slightly arches his brows as if preventing them from touching. His whole body, limb from limb, perfectly relaxed. Appearing unconcerned or even board. To someone who really knows Simon, you can tell that he was agitated. The beat of his heart was enough to spoil the show. How could anyone not hear it. Its almost as loud as Chloe's.
I glance at Tori from the corner of my eye, She was shaking with delight. I followed her stare and became dumbfounded. The taunts weren't
solely on the lack of fashion but where more on Chloe's body shape. No wonder i hadn't picked up on it before. Thats Simon's expertise.
"Tori?" Simon asked in one of his sweetest voice. The 'Deer in headlights' look passed through Tori's eyes. Does she think Simon has finally warmed up to her. What is he going to asked her out?
"Shut up!" Simon matched his tone with a glare. Tori was wrenched into reality, the 'DEER in headlights' look vanished. Before she even had a second to compose the hurt, Simon had already shifted his shoulders to block her from his current conversation.
"Chloe we'll grab you something else tomorrow." Simon's tone was sincere. He was really the best person to comfort Chloe.
"No, Derek's right. These will fit. Thanks." I could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. She fumbled as she stood and rushed out of the room clutching the sweaters. "I'm going to go and try them one." I doubt that anyone could hear her mumbled excuse to leave.