a/n: i know, another update within october. i guess you could say, with all my projects finished, i've finally taken the time to write this chapter. hope you like it. i've got another set of projects coming, so there won't be much updates. until they're done, of course. have fun reading!
Work has never been this boring. First of all, I have no one to talk to. No one to spend time with. No one to have lunch with. No one to hang out with.
And I guess you could really say it's my fault.
Maybe I should apologize. I mean, fine. I admit it. I've been a bit of a hardcore bitch these past few days. But you can't blame me. There were many things that triggered it. One: my mother had given me a letter, stating that everyone in the family had been married - cousins and all that - except for me. And that she was quite surprised, since I'm such a fantastic lady. Which made me all the more depressed because it obviously means I'm not 'such a lady', I'm not the greatest catch, and that I'm just sad.
Another thing was that quidditch game. And Fred. And Maurie. And my still unhealed arms. God, my arms look hideous.
I miss Nasuada. We haven't been talking for a whole week. Do you know how lonely it is, to be sitting here, in the most fun department, with no friends? Exactly. It's horrible. I'm so alone. I have no friends. I mean, I'd gladly go make some, but I'm scared. Scared that they'll ask me to join their ultra-fun gobstones club.
I haven't seen Oliver all week. But that doesn't surprise me. I mean, I did tell him to go away, right? Oddly enough, I do miss his company. I mean, after being around him literally every other day for the past three months, you tend to get accustomed to things. Or people. Whatever. But let's not think about Oliver. Because we're still mad at him. Yes we are.
Or, I am, at least. Don't know about you.
Speaking of Oliver, I haven't seen Alan around either. But then, he's probably busy with quidditch. He did eventually walk me home. And as promised, left me there at the door of my building. Of course, he watched me enter, and then left afterwards. it was still nice of him to walk me home.
It's almost lunch time. God, how I hate lunch time. I eat alone. I don't have my Nasuada with me anymore. I've seen her around the lunch room. She eats with her fellow Floo Network buddies. I remember her telling me how she didn't like them much. Funny how she'd go through such lengths to avoid me.
I've been doing nothing for the past two weeks, since I did most of my work during the remainder of my vacation. Since I'm not talking to Oliver, and Alan's away, Nasuada not talking with me, Fred still scared of me, making Angelina stay away from me, and Alicia off to visit her parents in France, there's no one to hang around with. Harry's busy with Jeffrey and Ginny, George is always working at the new store, and Lee is just... never available. So basically, I'm just showing up for work to get paid. Selfish, yes, but there's nothing to do at home. I can't talk to Float because fish don't talk back. Scoop and Brown have each other to squak at. Or hoot at... well, whatever. They have each other.
Well, since no one's noticing me, I think I'll kip down to lunch early today.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So that was interesting. Marlene decided to sit with me at lunch today. And surprise surprise - she brought some gobstones with her. And then her lunch buddies came. And started playing gobstone in my face. I was most displeased; the stupid gob juice squirt into my soup. And it smelled funny too.
And then as an apology, they invited me into a game of gobstone. Or actually, they more like forced me to. And so I did.
I know I'm a hypocrite, but it's not half bad, gobstones. In fact, I actually like the game now.
In that half hour, I learned the rules, the tricks, and all the good stuff on gobstones. I won two games - pretty good for a beginner, or so said Marlene. Now guess what guys - I have friends! Yes, I have friends at work! In my own department! At the moment, I'm all smiles. They even invited me to sit at their table. The only reason they sat with me was because the gobstones table looked dirty today. But they've invited to have lunch with them! And of course, play gobstones. One of these days, I'm going to own those guys.
But of course, each good moment comes with a price. I bumped into Nasuada at the lunch line. Quite surprised, actually. Who would think that Nasuada Keele, prefect, Ravenclaw, ultra rule-follower, would skip work and come down to lunch early as well? At first, I didn't know it was her because her back was to me. And then she turned around. And then she gave me eyebrow. Yeah, eyebrow. The big right eyebrow lift. And then walked away. Harsh.
Well, whatever. I'll apologize soon. I'm just working on what to say. Honest!
As of now, I must get to work. Jameson just came in and piled some new reports for me. About gobstones. But that's alright. And you know why? Because I like gobstones. So it's all good.
"Katie?"
Wow. A visitor already? Glancing up, I see a wave of brown hair. Oh great.
It's Maurie.
"Yes?" I ask bluntly, setting my report and quill down, my face impassive.
"Katie, are you busy at the moment?" she asks, her hands clutching her purse.
She's kidding me, right?
"Well, people do report to work because they have a job. And usually, when one is at a job, they're busy. So... yes, I'm busy."
"Oh... really busy?"
Come on!
"Is there a problem?" I ask, drumming my fingers on my desk. How long will this woman stay?
"Yes, there is," she says, starting to pull out my guest chair. "And I wanted to talk to you about it."
Well, sorry, I don't want to talk to you.
"What?" I state, crossing my arms and eyeing her. She sits down uncomfortably in my guest chair, backing as far away as possible, and sitting as erect as possible.
"I wanted to talk to you about our situation," she tells me, looking me in the eye.
Our situation? She came all the way here to disturb me at work to talk about our situation?
"We have no situation," I say in a monotone voice.
"Why do you hate me?" she asks, ignoring my statement.
"I don't hate you."
That's a lie and you know it.
Maurie raises her eyebrows. "You don't hate me?"
"Of course not."
Lie number two.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure," I reply, scrunching my hand into a fist underneath the table.
There's an awkward drift between us as I stare at her, and she looks around the place. Yeah, I know it's shitty in here. What are you gonna do about it?
"Nice place," she murmurs, coming to a conclusion, therefore looking at me.
"Thank you," I say harshly, not taking my eyes off her. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?"
"No, actually. There's still a few more things I need to talk about."
Oh, goodness gracious.
There's another moment of silence as she taps her hands on her lap, once again avoiding my gaze.
"Well?" I demand, after at least a minute had gone past without talking.
"It's about George," she suddenly blurts, leaning forward, both hands on the top of the desk. Whoa there, lassie.
"What about George?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at her. "What did you do to him? Oh my god! You tricked him into getting pregnant with you! You slu - "
"No!" she exclaims with a high pitch, bringing a hand to her chest! "I would never!"
"Then what is it?" I challenge, sticking my nose in the air. "I swear, if you did something to him, I'm gonna - "
"I don't understand him!"
... What?
"Sorry, I'm a bit lost here," I say, scratching my head. What is she going on about?
"George!" she cries, combing her fingers through her hair. "What is wrong with me?"
"There are many qualities, actually. If you like, I have a whole supply - "
"What I mean is," she says, giving me an annoyed look, "why won't he like me?"
Okay, is it just me, or does this situation not make sense?
"Why would you want George to like you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, afterall, you already have a boyfriend..."
"Um, no, I don't," she replies, her brows furrowing together. "How on earth did you get that impression?"
Wow. This girl is like, fucking kidding me. She's... wow. I have no comment.
"Because!" I exclaim, now my turn slamming my hands on the desk. "You - you - oh - my - god - !"
"It's Oliver, isn't it?" she says matter-of-factly, a smug smile on her lips. I want to pucnh her. Seriously.
"No kidding!" I cry, rolling my eyes at her. "First you're with George, then you go after Oliver! And now you want George back? Stop messing with the minds of my friends! Or, friend. Just George. I don't care what you do with Oliver's head at the moment."
"But Katie, I'm not... with Oliver."
What?
"I'm sorry," I say, clearing my throat and leaning towards her. "Could you run that by me again?"
"I'm not with Oliver," she says loudly and slowly, rolling her eyes at me. How dare she roll her eyes at me! Oh whatever. I rolled mine at her anyway.
"How could you not be with Oliver?"
"How could I?"
"How could you? For the past... however long it was, you've been hanging around him! You've been flirting with him! And he's always... always choosing you."
At this comment, she stares at me, her head tilted to the side, as if she's trying to consider me.
"Stop staring me," I tell her bluntly, crossing my arms.
"I have to tell you something," she says quietly, leaning foeward. "But you have to promise not to tell anyone."
"Fine, whatever."
"I'm not with Oliver."
"I've been informed of that."
"Oliver was helping me."
Why is it that what she just said sounded so horribly, amazingly wrong?
"Sorry?" I say, furrowing my brows at her.
"Well, see, all this time, I've only liked George," she says, bringing her hands together, looking a bit embarassed.
"Yeah, okay," I say sarcastically, leaning back into my chair. "Because that's very believable."
"No, honestly! Just ask Oliver!"
"Can't do that. We are currently not on speaking terms."
"Why?"
"It's none of your business."
She seems to be offended at this, biting her lip to keep from saying something back. I love it when I win.
"Alright, so go on with your story," I tell her, waving my hand at her.
She glares at me. "Has anyone ever told you how rude you are?"
"Yes, in fact I've been told many times."
"Don't you think you should start considering the feelings of others?"
"Oh, I do. But do you?"
"Of course I do!"
"Of course you do."
"Why are you so mean to me? What could I have possibly done to make you hate me so much?"
Oh, wouldn't you like to know. You should already know you... woman.
"What could you have done?" I repeat, rage once again entering into my blood. "What could you have possibly done? Everything! You ruined everything! It was all good, and then you just had to show up!"
"What - "
"Don't interrupt me!" I cry, slamming my fists on the table. "You love doing that, don't you? Just barging into other people's live and relationships, claiming them as your own? Oh, but not this time, Maurie. Not this time!"
"Katie, I don't understand - "
"You took him away from me! We were friends, and now you've turned him over to your side! He always picks you over me! And it's not fair! You've ruined my arms too! And now you're trying to sabotage George!"
Steaming, I breathe heavily, noticing that I've... stood up during my rant. Maurie, who is suppossed to look scared, does not look at all impressed.
"I didn't steal him away from you, Katie."
"Yes you did!"
"No, I didn't. Go ask him if you want to."
"Well, I can't. I'm not speaking with him."
"You know," she says, her eyebrows raised at me. "He was right. You're one of the most temperamental, difficult and stubborn people ever."
"I am not!" I exclaim indignantly. "You're just a... taker!"
"A taker? Wow, Katie. You're one with a wide vocabulary."
"Yeah, shut up! Why are you here? And what's your problem with George?"
She stares at me, with a funny look. "I like George. Not Oliver."
"Would you care to explain?"
"Will you not interrupt me?"
"Fine."
"Thank you," she replies stiffly, resting her hands on her table. "Remember Fred and Angelina's wedding?"
I give a nod, not wanting to speak at the moment. This story better be good.
"Well, a few days before, I met George. We were both waiting for robes at Madame Malkin's. And after a drink and whatnot, he asked me to his brother's wedding."
"This is going to get somewhere right? Because frankly, I don't really care about your past with George," I say, jingling my leg out of sheer boredom.
"Anyway" she continues, acting as if she hadn't heard me. "I liked George. I really liked him. But at the wedding, he was so... not there."
"Care to expand?"
"His attention wasn't focused on me. It was focused on Alicia."
"So?"
"What do you mean so? If you ask someone on a date, you don't ignore them for someone else! Why would he ignore me?"
"But weren't you the one who was trying to get Oliver's attention?" I ask, making her face turn red.
"That's different," she says, crossing her arms.
"Really? How so?"
"I was only talking to Oliver and flirting with him to make George jealous."
"Oh, alright then. That's a believable story."
"Wow, you actually believe me? Oliver often told me you needed quite the persuading - "
"I was being sarcastic."
"Ah."
"So would you carry on with your story now?"
"Right," she replies, clearing her throat. "So I told Oliver what was happening between George and I. How ever since the wedding, he hadn't spoken to me, or owled me. So Oliver, being such an aid, decided to help me. Everything between Oliver and I were an act. Maybe George would see and get mad."
"Hate to tell it to you," I say, rolling my eyes at her, " but your plan isn't working."
"Oh, you think?" she retorts, leaning back in her chair. "Anyway, I came here to tell you that."
"Why would you want to tell me that? It has nothing to do with me - "
"Because I know you like Oliver."
What? What?
No I don't! Why is it that people always make assumptions of my being? I never said I like Oliver. I have never shown that I like Oliver. So why does she think I do?
"I don't like Oliver," I say, trying to keep my voice even. "Maybe as a friend, but not like that. Well, actually, I don't really like him at the moment."
She stares at me, eyebrows raised, her head tilted to the side. "Yep. Whatever you say, Katie."
Okay, now she pissing me off again. "I don't!" I cry, standing up, trying to make an effect. "I don't! Stop saying I do! Because I don't!"
She doesn't seem to care. In response, she shrugs, crossing her arms. Argh! Why is it that every argument I have always turns onto me? It's not fair!
"For someone who doesn't like Oliver," she says lightly, a small smile on her lips, "you sure are making a big deal out of it."
Damn! I can't think of a response! Man, of all times to have my brain malfunction!
"Oh, shut up," I grumble, sitting back down forcefully into my seat, biting on my tongue.
"So I'm also here to clear things up between you, Oliver and myself," she tells me, leaning forward, her hand on her chin.
"Clear what?" I say harshly, still not looking at her. Stupid bitch.
"One; I'm not 'taking' Oliver away from you. He's all yours if that's what you want. Two; Oliver and I are mutual friends and nothing more. Three; you should go apologize to Oliver for being a bi - "
Oh, don't you dare say it.
"A bit hard core," she finishes, looking satisfied with herself.
Well, that's new. Hard core.
"And I'm sorry if I've caused you any grief," she says, her voice now a little less confident. "I really didn't mean to make you angry. I didn't know you'd get so angry at me for befriending Oliver. But we're just friends. Besides, he's far too fond of you to choose me over you. Anyway, I'm also sorry for scratching your arms. I guess I'm just that bad at quidditch, the only defense I could use are my finger nails."
She falls silent as her eyes are on me. Oh great. Now she's made me feel guilty. I hate feeling guilty. No matter how much I hate her, I have to forgive her now.
"I'm sorry for being..." I start, looking at her. "I'm sorry for being..."
"It's alright," she says simply, smiling at me. "You can say it. I promise I won't tell anyone."
Glaring at her, I take a deep breath. "I'm sorry for being a bitch."
Her smile grows bigger as she suddenly gets up from her chair, walking over to my side, and gives me a hug.
"What are you doing?" I cry, trying to push her away from me.
"Thank you, Katie! You don't know how much this means to me!"
"And I don't think I ever will," I mumble, as my face is being squished.
Oh, what the hell. I might as well. Deciding not to fight her off, my arms wrap around her, making the hug complete. I think she took this as a good sign, because this hug just got that much tighter.
Finally letting go of me, she settles back into the guest chair, all smiles.
"So," I say, shifting around uncomfortably.
"Can I ask you something?" She leans forward as her face gets serious.
"Yes?"
"Did um... did George and Alicia like each other before?"
Of all questions to ask, she decides to ask this one. And I have to answer it.
"Yes. In fact, they went out for a bit in their sixth year I think. Didn't work though."
"Why not?"
"Too many differences back then I guess. Not too sure about now."
"Do you think they like each other?"
How the hell am I suppossed to know?
"Um... ask George," I reply slowly, shrugging. "Or Alicia. She's got a boyfriend named Elbert. Although I haven't heard her mention him lately."
Her hand bends down, making her hair hang limp. "Oh."
Well, what am I suppossed to say to her? Do I betray Alicia and help her get George? Besides, no offense to Maurie, but those two are meant for each other! Oh great. I hate forks like this.
"Bell, I hope you've got the report anlysis done - "
Looking away from Maurie, I find Jameson at the opening of my cubicle. He stares from me to Maurie, eyebrows raised.
"Should you really be having guests right after getting back from your break?" he asks, shaking his head at me. "I mean, the whole department's running around as if a whole cage of Doxys went loose."
At his, Maurie looks up, a bit surprised. "Oh! Sorry, Katie! I didn't really mean to disturb you at work! I should go now, since we've got everything settled."
Grabbing her bag, she smiles at me and waves, a walks quickly out of the cubicle, leaving me alone with Jason.
"For your information, Jason," I say through my teeth, handing my parchment over to him. "I am finished my report. And I don't need you to be so rude to my guests."
"Oh, don't get dramatic about it," he says, rolling his eyes at me. "The whole office heard your conversation. Of course, they don't know who Oliver is, thinking he's some random bloke. I do though."
"Yes, well, you've got my report now."
"So who was that girl?" he asks me, sounding casual.
That's weird. Why on earth would Jason Jameson ask me who that girl was? I mean, he can't possibly be interested, could he? He's... well, gay. Now, I don't have anything against gay people. I don't! One of my friends are gay, and I am absolutely fine with it. It's actually even better, because I prefer shopping with him than anyone else. But why would Jason want to know who that girl was?
Unless...
No. Don't be stupid.
But let's have some fun.
"Why?" I ask, smiling up at him. "Why do you ask?"
The colour in his face drowns. "Nothing! Nothing. Forget I asked. It doesn't matter."
"Oh, but it does matter. I would like to know your intentions with her."
"What intentions? I don't even know her!"
"Getting awfully upset over someone you haven't even met now, aren't you?"
"Nevermind!" he exclaims, waving a hand at me. "Nevermind! Just drop it, okay?"
He starts to walk away, until I call out, "Her name is Maurie Maravilla."
Stopping in his tracks, he turns around, staring at me.
"Yes?" I ask him, my back straight, hands clasped together, smiling brightly.
"Maurie Maravilla?" he repeats, looking distant.
"Maurie Maravilla."
"How old is she?"
"I dunno."
"Where's she from?"
"I dunno."
"Does she like flowers?"
"I dunno."
"She's your friend, and you don't know?" he asks, looking oddly at me.
"I never said she's my friend," I retort, crossing my arms. "You can say we're.. neutral to each other."
"She... doesn't have a boyfriend, right?"
"I suppose not."
"Do you think..." he starts to say, but then looks at me. "No, nevermind. I'd rather drown myself in dragon dung than to ask for your help."
Ouch... well, at least we know that he really does hate me.
"Are you sure?" I ask, in a luring voice. "You'll never, ever see her again. Do you want that? The only time you'll ever see her is in your wide imagination. Do you want that? You never even said anything to her, and the first impression she got of you is a little booger. Do you want that? Is that what you want?"
"No." He narrows his eyes at me. He looks so silly. "That's not what I want."
"So what is it that you want?" I ask, resting my hand on top of his. "I promise I won't tell anybody."
"I don't want anything!" he exclaims, shaking my hand off of his. "I just wanted to ask you if you could introduce me to her! God!"
"Now, now, Jason. Angering me isn't going to help you."
"Well, then, I don't need to know her! Alright? Okay, let's just forget this ever happened."
"It's a free world, full of different choices,' I reply lightly, resting my arms behind my head.
Grumbling, he leans back into the chair, avoiding me. "WillyouintroducemetoMaurieplease?"
"Sorry, can't hear you!" I say in a sing-songy voice. Oh, I can hear him perfectly fine.
"Will you introduce me to Maurie please?" he asks in an undertone, glaring at me.
"Why, Jameson! I thought you'd never ask!"
"Don't tell anyone!"
"I promised you I wouldn't. I'm not like you."
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing."
"That's what I thought."
"Anyway," I say, smiling at him. "I'm quite astonished by you, Jason. You always surprise me."
"What does that mean?"
"Well, my impression of you was that you were gay. Apparantly, you aren't - "
"You thought I was gay?" he asks, his mouth agape at me.
I shrug. "Jameson, everyone in the building thinks you are. Except Nasuada. She's always had faith in you. I guess she was right all along."
"I'm not gay!" he says, clutching at his heart. "Why would you think that?"
I raise my eyebrows, eyeing his hand clutching his heart. He sees me looking, and immediately drops his hand.
"Well, other than that, why would you think that?"
"Oh, come on Jameson! Don't make me answer the obvious! You're so... prissy. And all snitchy. And you're protective of your hands. You always need to dress right and be matching. No one cares!"
"I care! I need to look nice!"
"See? That's why."
"But I'm not gay..."
"And don't you worry. I'll pass on the word."
Rolling his eyes at me, he makes a sound underneath his breath, getting up from the chair. "I'll deliver these to Boister."
"Bye Jason! And I'll tell Maurie all about you."
Biting his tongue, he leaves with a nod.
Now isn't this an interesting day? Maurie comes and apologizes, saying she likes George instead of Oliver. And now Jason Jameson isn't gay. How glad am I that I didn't report today as a sick day?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"I can't believe you're pregnant!"
"I know, neither can I."
"When did you find out?"
"Three weeks ago."
"And you never told me?"
"Well, I didn't want to alarm anyone!"
"I still can't believe it!"
"And neither can I!"
At the moment, I'm sitting in Angelina and Fred's house, enjoying a nice talk with Angelina and Alicia. Fred decided to go have lunch with Lee Jordan. That and because I think he's still a bit scared of me. Whatever.
We were having tea, when Angelina had sprung it to Alicia and I that she's pregnant. Pregnant! Angelina! Can't tell you how suprised we both were.
"So is that why you sat out of the game at Oliver's?" Alicia asks, holding onto Angelina's hand.
"Yeah. I just found out the day before, and I got a bit freaked out," she replies, smiling sheepishly. "Gotta be careful now. And I have to give up quidditch."
"Only until the kid's born," Alicia says, waving her hand dismissively. "How long will that be?"
"In another six months."
"What's morning sickness like?" I ask, curiosity getting at me.
"Ew, Katie! We're having tea and you ask about morning sickness?" Alicia exclaims, making a face at me.
"I just wanted to know." I shrug, sipping my tea.
"Let's just say it's gross," Anglina says, looking a bit disgusted herself. "Anyway, I hope it's not twins. No offense or anything."
"Why not?" Alicia asks, leaning on her hand. "Twins seem like so much fun!"
"After hanging around Jean and Antonin, you have second thoughts," I answer, smiling fondly.
"Hear hear," Angelina says, shaking her head at me.
Our conversation dies down a bit, as everyone takes a sip of tea again. Or, in Angelina's case, two cups of tea and three cakes.
"So, um, Alicia," I start, trying to make myself sound casual. "How's Elbert?"
At this, colour fades from Alicia's face. "Oh, we've broken up just last week."
"Oh god, I'm awful!" I cry, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, Alicia!"
"No, that's alright," she replies, waving her hand. "I don't really mind. I broke up with him anyway."
"Why?"
"Too many differences."
"No offense, Alicia," Angelina scoffs, taking another two slices of cake. "But that's your excuse with every guy you decide to go out with."
"Untrue!" she shrieks, looking affronted.
"George Weasley, Jan Douglas, Kennith Ornelli, Shang Chen - "
"Oh, shut up, you!" she says, hitting Angelina lightly on the arm.
"So what's with you and George?" Anglina asks, taking the question away from me. Hey - at least I don't have to fret about thinking of a way to ask her now.
"What about George?" she asks in return, sounding light.
"I saw you two at Oliver's. Don't deny anything."
"Who says I'm denying anything? If you're talking about denial, go talk to Katie."
"What the hell is that suppossed to mean?" I exclaim, crossing my arms.
"Oh, give me a break, Katie," Alicia says, rolling her eyes. "I know you have a thing for Oliver."
"Why does everyone keep saying that?"
"Because you do?"
"I don't!"
"Yeah, okay. Fine, whatever."
"Don't change the subject, Alicia," Angelina says, smiling at her best friend. "Is there something between George and yourself?"
"I'd be lying if I said no," she replies simply, but I can see the blush creeping up her face.
And apparantly, so can Angelina. "So what have you two been up to?"
"Nothing!" Alicia says, putting up her hands. "We just went out to dinner a couple of times, went over to each other's houses a couple of times, and... well, that's it."
"What did you do at each other's houses?" Anglina asks, looking interested.
"Oh, come on, Angelina!" I say, laughing at her. "You can't possibly be that thick! What do they do at each other's houses... honestly."
Alicia smiles devilishly as she picks up her cup of tea.
"So is it safe to say you're together?" I ask grabbing for a cake. Angelina slaps my hand, taking it for herself. Rolling my eyes, I say "Geez, all you had to do was say you wanted the cake."
Shrugging, Angelina takes a bite out of it. "I'm eating for two."
"What an excuse," I reply sarcastically.
"Anyway!" Alicia says, diverting our attention back to her. "We're not together... yet. At the moment, we're just... reserved for each other."
"Well, that's good," Angelina says, swallowing the last piece of cake. "At least you're finally together again. I mean, in my opinion, you two are the most perfect match. Aside from myself and Fed of course. And Katie and Oliver."
"I don't like Oliver!"
"Yeah yeah, pipe down there, Katie. Speaking of Oliver - "
"We weren't even talking about him!" I cry, running my fingers through my hair.
"Well, we are now! Have you talked to him?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm still mad at him."
"What, for calling you a bitch? Come on, Katie. Everyone's called you that at least once. Hell, even Alicia and I have!"
"That's different!"
"Why?"
"Because she secretly likes Oliver," Alicia pips in, smiling at me. "And it bothers her how someone she likes sees her as one."
"I - don't - like - Oliver!"
"Fine. You don't like Oliver. Satisfied?" Alicia says, rolling her eyes at me.
"Yes!"
"Talk about stubborn. No wonder why Oliver's stopped talking to you."
What?
"I stopped talking with him!" I announce, nose in the air.
Angelina shrugs. "If you really want to stop talking to him for the rest of your life, have fun with that. It's not going to last."
"Boy, you sure have faith in me," I say tonelessly, looking over at her.
"Well, it's true. For one thing, Oliver can't stand having people mad at him. When I got mad at him, he wouldn't leave me alone for a second! He was constantly complimenting me on my quidditch and offering help with homework and the such, until I finally forgave him. And for another - "
"He never left you alone?" I ask, an eyebrow raised up. "Odd, he hasn't been... tailing me around..."
"Because you told him to leave you alone forever," Angelina says, patting my hand. "Don't worry. Give him about another two weeks or less. He'll crack. He can't stand it."
"No! I don't want to talk to him!"
"Suit yourself," Alicia says, shrugging. "What's that second thing then, Angelina?"
"Secondly," she says, looking back over at me. "I know you want to talk to him."
Can these two be any more frustatring?
"No, I don't."
"Oh, it's alright, Katie. We understand perfectly," Alicia says, now her turn to pat me. "But let's not kid yourself."
"But I'm not - "
"One day, you'll look back to this day, and see that Angelina and I are the people who know you best."
"I don't like him - "
"So, Angelina, I was thinking Katie and I could throw your babyshower."
"Stop changing the subject!" I cry, slamming my hands down on the table.
"Oh!" Alicia exclaims, smiling at me. "Did you want to discuss Oliver?"
"What - no! I don't like - "
"Settle down, settle down," she says, patting my head. "Anyway, I was thinking on your fifth month, you know?"
Sigh...
i LOVE your long reviews! well, i love the ones i got. seriously guys, LONG REVIEWS. they make me happy. i hate reading homework questions and word problems. i'd much rather read your reviews! and i hope you liked this chapter. first one without oliver since the first chapter. well, don't worry. he'll be making a come back. 8)
by the way, i really hate peer tutoring. i really do. it's not the teacher. it's class. they're rude, rowdy, and little shits. ugh, grade nines. NOT THAT ALL GRADE NINES ARE BAD! just those bunch. well, a few from the bunch. other than that, peer tutoring is great. i just had to get that off my chest.
LONG REVIEWS PEOPLE, LONG REVIEWS