Chapter Ten: "You guys are the best friends anyone could have."
We sat in the common room, reading our favourite books. I had 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett, whilst Belle had chosen 'Little Women' by Louisa M. Alcott. Every so often, Bella would come to a funny bit and read it to me.
"We're missing something." Bella said thoughtfully. "Aha! Accio sweets!"
We sat eating sweets and reading for another hour, when Cass finally surfaced. Her eyes were red and puffy, whilst her hands were being wrung incessantly.
"Honey babe. What's up?" I asked quietly, using her pet name that I only used in times of distress.
"There must be something wrong with me. There must be. Every guy I've ever gone out with has either dropped me before the date's begun, dumped me three days later or hasn't even shown up. There must be something wrong. I mean, you guys get dates and they go really well, you date for like, ages and then you are the ones to finish it. Why can't I be like that?" She insisted.
"No, there is nothing wrong with you. If anything, there is something wrong with us. We have been labelled as nasty and heartless because we are the dumper. You are seen as sweet and innocent, because, no offence, you are always the dumpee. Loads of guys will love you for that; it's just that you haven't found the right one. You will though. Everyone does. It just takes time." Bella smiled and handed her some sweets.
"Sit and we'll have a total girly gossip." I pulled her down between us and we sat nattering for half an hour.
As I knew it would, the conversation turned to James and what I thought of him.
"Lilykins, do you like him or not?" Belle asked exasperatedly.
"Not I think. He's an egotistical prat and it's a wonder that his broom gets off the ground with that inflated head on it. Then again, he has two friends he trusts and is deadly loyal to. I don't know. Maybe if he was less conceited, I might be friends with him. If friendship goes well, maybe even dating. I really don't know." I replied.
"He has three friends he's deadly loyal to. I'm assuming you forgot Peter." Cassie supplied.
"Fine. He has three friends he is deadly loyal to. Happy?"
"Yep." Cass grinned. This, in turn made me grin. Then Bella grinned and we sat there like three grinning idiots for about ten minutes. Yes, we are completely bonkers.
"On a lighter note, it's Christmas soon! Are you staying?" I asked.
"No, I'm going to our family's chalet up in Spain for the holidays." Bella replied.
"Sorry. I'm going to see my grandfather in hospital and staying at their house for Christmas. You?"
"I'm staying. No point in going home if your sister hates you and your mum is too busy to acknowledge your existence. I'll send your presents by school owl." I tried to smile at the prospect of Christmas without my friends, but my face didn't obey.
"I still don't understand why you bought that black cat instead of an owl. Where is Jinx anyway?" Belle shook her head.
"Under the couch we're sitting on." I shrugged.
"How'd you know that?" Cassie asked in awe.
"I saw him go under there and haven't seen him come out." I shrugged again. I got down on my hands and knees and dragged my cat out of his hiding place.
I placed him on Cassie's lap and he immediately fell asleep. She sat stroking him. It's rumoured that stroking an animal is therapeutic. See, there is method behind my madness.
"You guys are the best friends anyone could have." She smiled lazily and hugged us both.