The Hostile Hookup
Okay Ima keep this short and sweet. Umm I may have been a little to hasty in writing this chap (some parts seeming a little butchered) yet at the same time I'm sorta pleased with it. It came out okay just not fully what I had expected for it. Does that sound wierd? Alright let me shut up now.
Enjoy!
The way we work
That afternoon between the passing of seventh and eighth period Heather stood discreetly by a line of lockers looking down the hallway to two unsuspecting students.
Jasmine and Richard stood just a ways down talking in low voices.
Jasmine looked upset and on the verge of tears while Richard though seemingly exasperated stood talking to the girl with accepting patience. It seemed as though he were trying to calm her down.
Heather crossed her arms biting the inside of her cheek testily.
For the past few weeks it seemed as though all Jasmine had been doing was hanging out with that annoying nutcase!
And it had come to the point that Heather had to finally wonder if perhaps maybe the two really were back together?
And if they were why had Jasmine not told her?
Sure she didn't like the boy, but she didn't like him three years ago the first time the two had went out and that hadn't stopped Jasmine from gushing about him every twenty four seven! And even so what was she gonna do?
Force Jasmine not to go out with him!? Sure she would nag her to death on why going through this again was a horribly stupid idea, but it's not like she was her mom or something! She was free to date whoever she wanted…with her say so.
Okay so maybe she was a little hand's on with other peoples relationships, but like she had said before, that's never stopped Jasmine from sharing about her latest crush.
Heather raised a thoughtful brow.
Maybe…she was just looking at this all wrong.
Maybe this didn't even have anything to do with a relationship…? Maybe there was something else going on with her friend…?
But then why was she going to that idiot for help? Jasmine always told her all of her problems first! It had been that way since…since she could remember.
Just what the hell was so upsetting she couldn't talk to her about it!?
Heather fumed as she glared at the two, "Stupid traitor."
She mumbled to no one in particular.
And she really hadn't expected to get a reply in return for her little comment so it was no wonder she nearly jumped a mile when a voice behind her casually asked,
"Who are you talking about?"
Quickly turning she was met with Duncan who was curiously looking past her to see just who Heather had been referring to.
With an angry start Heather quickly shoved the delinquent quickly around the corner she had been peering from so as not to be seen by the other two students.
Duncan scowled at her shoving, "Hey, lay off!"
"Sshhhh! Shut it!"
Once safely out of danger from being spotted Heather took a step back to glare up at the delinquent,
"What are you trying to do get me caught!?"
He raised a dull brow, "By who? Jasmine and Richard?"
Heather rolled her eyes before turning to resume watching the two, "Um, duh." Heather shot him one last quick glare over her shoulder, "You know nothing about stealth." She spoke as if it were her one true professionalism.
Duncan grinned, "Don't need it." He came up to stand behind the raven haired girl also looking out to the pair, "You see, one look at those two is all I need to know exactly what's going on."
Heather returned her gaze to the pair, "Oh yeah." She asked uncaringly, "And what exactly is going on?"
Duncan's grin grew smug, "They're gettin' it on."
Heather felt her brow twitch, "Yeah right."
"Don't think so babe?"
With her always high and mighty air about her Heather stated, "I'm quite positive that's not what's going on here."
With a taunting raise of his brow Duncan asked, "So what do you think it is?"
"Don't know yet." Heather sighed breezily, "But I'll find out today."
"How you plan to go about doin' that?"
"Me and Jasmine are hanging out after school today. She wanted to do something, just the two of us." Heather gave a half shrug, "So I figure she's going to tell me what her damage has been lately."
"Hm." Was Duncan's only response as he allowed his gaze to wander again to the couple.
For a moment nothing was said between the two as they watched the unidentified relationship among their two friends.
Though for some reason it wasn't at all as interesting as Heather had first found it to be.
Perhaps it had something to do with the delinquent standing so close by her side…?
Timidly, discreetly and almost shyly she allowed her gaze to wander toward him.
He watched on with dull interest at the scene she herself had been distracted with not to long ago.
With the coming of the spring season and the slight rise in temperature it was now no longer costumed to wear the Riverdale school blazers. Students now walked up and down the halls with crisp clean short sleeve button up shirts and boys were no longer required to where the school ties (it was still allowed but no longer mandatory).
As it were Duncan chose to remain ever the unique individual by means of allowing his short sleeve button up shirt un-tucked and unbuttoned showing off the white under t-shirt he wore. Not dress code policies, yes, but as of yet no one had bothered to correct him.
His dark hair was growing and now hung in dark bangs stopping just before his eyes. His hands tucked casually away in his pockets he released a soft though irritable sigh. As though the scene he was watching was extremely tedious and not at all worth his time.
This was something Heather found herself doing more and more…
Whenever she found herself anywhere near the delinquent whether in the cafeteria, passing by in the hallways or (on a rare occasion seeing as they didn't share any classes) just in the same room with him her gaze would always somehow find their way to him.
And it would be as if the simplest actions were suddenly fascinating to her…like now as he raised a hand up to rub lightly behind his neck.
What was suddenly so different about the delinquent that she hadn't noticed before?
Though before she could ponder any more on this Duncan suddenly turned his gaze on her.
"Hey I thought you wer-" He paused to find his gaze suddenly linked to Heather's instantly startling the girl with a soft gasp and a blush.
Duncan blinked raising a questioning brow while Heather gave a defensive glare her blush deepening at being caught off guard.
And not just being caught off guard, but being caught off guard whilst staring stupidly at…the delinquent off all people!!!
Her mind worked rapidly trying to come up with something mean to say to him!
Anything to get him to stop looking at her like that!
But when the silence dragged on it turned out to be Duncan who spoke first,
"What's your probl-?"
"What's your problem!?" She snapped back hastily, embarrassed!
Very smooth-like.
Again Duncan blinked allowing his gaze to wander curiously over the girls face taking in her flushed appearance.
He felt a smirk pull on his lips.
Interesting…
"See something you like babe?" He asked waggling a brow.
Heather scoffed quickly looking from him haughtily, "Yeah you wish! Stupid criminal!"
God she hated him.
Doing his best to keep his face neutral Duncan began his question again, as casually as possible, "I thought you were still grounded?"
Heather blinked before her silver eyes narrowed knowingly into a glare her blush darkening considerably, "I am." She ground out irritably.
This time Duncan couldn't help the slight snicker that escaped his lips.
Heather turned her glare on him, "It's not funny idiot! I've been on complete and total lockdown because of you, you know that!?" Crossing her arms Heather lowered her glare dejectedly to the ground, "This so isn't fair! I can't believe they've kept me grounded for this long! Just who the hell do they think they are anyway!?"
His amused smirk still in place Duncan supplied, "Um…your parents?"
Heather scoffed with a roll of her eyes, "Whatever."
Duncan's smirk grew into a grin, "Well," he started slowly, "I can't say I don't agree with them."
Heather turned an icy glare to him.
Duncan continued, "I mean, babe, you invited me into your house and then the next thing I know you're practically getting naked for me on your kitchen counter! I for one was shock-!"
"Shut the fuck up! That's not how it happened and you know it!" Cried Heather completely scandalized!
Duncan's grin grew as he raised a challenging brow, "It's not?" Moving he took a step closer to the girl and he watched with high amusement as she quickly moved to take a step back.
"You tricked me asshole!" Heather glowered angrily.
So far it was her best and only excuse she could come up with for what had happened that day.
Duncan ignored that lame comeback as he simply stated in a low and tempting tone,
"I had no idea you were so adventurous, babe." He took another step, "It's really kinda hot."
This time Heather moved to take a step back so fast she clumsily almost tripped over her own feet before placing a fast hand against the line lockers to catch herself.
Duncan then broke down into a fit of taunting laughter while Heather gave her meanest glare through her heated blush.
"Perverted jackass." She grumbled irritably trying desperately to fight back her embarrassment for the situation.
His laughter subsiding into amused chuckles Duncan only shot her a smug and victorious look before replying quite casually, "Whatever." And moving from the flustered girl to make his way down the hall calling over his shoulder, "Catch ya later babe!"
Heather glared angrily after his retreating figure.
Him and his damn smugness! She swore somehow, someway she was going to get him back! It was her mission in life now!
Suddenly Duncan paused in his leave before turning back to Heather he asked,
"Oh yeah I almost forgot. Have you seen Joey around lately?"
Heather blinked.
Huh…actually that was a pretty damn good question right there.
If Heather really thought about it she would find that she herself hadn't seen hid nor hair of the boy since he had promised the disks for her.
Heather's lips twitched into a light frown.
He had better not be backing down from his duty!
It was then the raven haired girl gave a thoughtful expression, "Ummm, no." She said as though she had really been putting a lot of thought into it, "Why would I care about that nerd anyway?"
Duncan nodded slightly in understanding but still felt the need to say, "I don't know…It just kinda feels like…he's been ignoring me lately."
Again Heather blinked, if she didn't know any better…she would think that Duncan's steady gaze on her was almost…accusing. She fumed feeling utterly exposed unable to help nervous habit of biting her lip or the light blush under his dark blue gaze. She found she was getting horrible at keeping a poker face whenever his eyes were on her.
When the hell had that started happening!?
"Anyway, if you see him tell him I need to talk to him."
Heather diverted her gaze to the side, "Right, I'll make that my top priority in life." She replied with sarcastic ease.
Duncan rolled his eyes before turning to continue down the hallway.
Once Duncan was gone Heather released a thankful sigh.
Crap! Crap! Crap! Crrraaaap!
That idiot was getting more under her skin than she would like to admit!
She raised a hand up to rake irritably through her dark hair.
She had to be careful…
Heather leaned heavily against the line of lockers before lowering her silver eyes disdainfully to the ground.
If she wasn't she could end up losing much more than some stupid leverage advantage to that delinquent…
~*~*~
By the end of eighth period and the dismissal bell for the day had sounded Heather had been quick to rush to her locker to empty out her school backpack along with a large Prada bag with a change of clothes.
Making a stop in the girl's bathroom she quickly changed from her school uniform into a pair of hip hugging Capri jean pants and a simple yellow tub top with a white edging that showed off her mid section quite nicely.
Hey, it was getting warmer, why the hell not?
Though just in case the day decided to end with a sudden decrease in temperature (as it had been doing from time to time) Heather was ready with a light purple hoodie.
She switched out her school dress shoes for black heels though not so dramatic were they wouldn't be uncommon for casual wear and with a light touch up to her makeup she was ready to go.
After all Heather always loved to look her best when going out shopping! For her shopping was always a special occasion for she never returned home empty handed. It was one of her most loved hobbies!
From the girls bathroom she then made her way through the large school out into the still crowded parking lot and toward a cute orange mini cooper.
Sitting lightly against the hood of the car Heather awaited her friend. A few girls she knew spotted her upon their leave and stopped to talk to her admiring her outfit and asking about her plans for the weekend. Heather, as always, was quick to drink up the attention talking to them as she waited.
"Sorry I'm late!"
Cried an out of breath Jasmine gaining the attention of Heather along with the four other girls she stood with.
"That girls bathroom on the second floor next to the science rooms was a lot more crowded than I thought it was gonna be!"
She stood wearing a pair of skinny jeans along with a one strap light blue tank top with the silver lettering of 'Cutie' going across the bust along with silver flats.
Her curly light brown hair was pulled back in a high ponytail allowing soft curls to spill down framing her face prettily.
Heather frowned, "You should have used the down stair bathrooms next to the art hallway. There was hardly anyone in there."
One of the girls smiled, "Cute top Jasmine."
The brunette smiled back accordingly, "Thanks." but bringing her hand down to grip lightly at the end of her shirt she allowed her gaze to wander to Heathers outfit looking to her midriff, "But god Heather, seeing you in that makes me wish I had worn something to show off my tummy too." She pouted, "I'm jealous."
Heather gave a conniving smirk, "Yes, well…you should be." She said quite easily earning a light glare from Jasmine.
Grinning one of the girls asked, "Are you guys going to bourbon? Cause we were thinking of heading out that way later today."
Before Jasmine had a chance to answer Heather said, "Nope, we're going to North Park Mall over off of 77th."
Jasmine furrowed her brow, "We are?"
"Oohh!" Cried another girl, "I love that place they have the best designer clothes!"
Jasmine sighed, "Yeah...very expensive…"
Heather smiled superiorly at the girls as she then said, "Well girls, we'll see you when we see you."
She pushed herself casually from Jasmine's car, "I don't want to sit around all day chatting while all the good sales get snatched up."
Taking that as their queue the other girls said their quick goodbyes and promises of 'definantly doing something together sometime soon' before taking their leave.
Jasmine shot Heather a pointed look as she opened her car door, "You know it might have been nice if you had told me we were going to the North Park Mall in the first place!"
Heather shrugged, "Why what's the difference?" opening the passenger side door she moved to take a seat.
"It's about a forty five minute drive difference!" Jasmine also moved to take a seat in the car. Closing the door shut she looked to Heather, "Why couldn't we just go to Bourbon?"
Heather gave a loud and rude sigh as though she really shouldn't have needed to explain this before saying, "Because, schools out and it's a Friday afternoon which means everyone and their grandma will be at Bourbon! Duh!" Heather leaned back heavily against the car's seat, "And to tell you the truth, Jasmine, I'm just not in the mood to deal with familiar faces right now." Heather gave an over exhausted look, "Being popular can be so tiring sometimes you know?"
Jasmine felt her brow twitch, "My goodness your majesty what was I thinking!?" placing the key in the ignition she started the car before looking sourly to Heather, "Alright, we'll go to the North Park Mall, but you're chipping in for gas money! You know that right!?"
Heather only shot her a perfectly sweet smile, and Jasmine had known Heather for far to long to already realize that smile meant she would most likely be paying for gas alone.
She gave a grueling sigh before pulling out of the parking space.
~*~*~
Along the sunny highway Heather only half listened as Jasmine rattled on about something that had happened in some class today. With large designer shades on Heather looked out to the fast moving scenery dully.
As it seemed whatever had been bothering Jasmine before sure as hell wasn't bothering her now. Her friend had reverted back to her normal bubbly over talkative self and Heather found although annoyed and still slightly curious she was grateful for the old Jasmine.
"-So, of course, Ryan found out about it and in eighth period class he practically barged into the classroom and announced that they were over! To the whole class! Can you believe that!? And poor Susan was so embarrassed! And now she has no one to go to the prom with!"
Jasmine paused there, also wearing designer sunglasses; she gave a sideways glance anxiously awaiting her friend's response.
Having heard the ending of the story Heather turned her dull gaze to Jasmine then back to the scenery before uncaringly commenting.
"Ryan's kinda cute. It'll be no problem for him finding a replacement for prom."
"Yeah." Agreed Jasmine furrowing her brow as she looked back out to the road, "But I feel so bad about Susan. He really didn't need to break up with her the way he did."
Heather sighed leaning back in her seat, "That little slut had it coming."
It was Jasmine's turn to sigh, "I know you don't like Susan….cause of that one time where she accidentally spilt soda all over your dress."
Jasmine looked to her rearview mirror getting ready to switch lanes.
"But seriously, Heather, that was nearly two whole years ago. You need to let that go!"
Heather snorted, "Accident my ass!"
"The way you hold grudges isn't healthy you know." Jasmine shot her a quick sideways glance, "As a matter of fact…I don't even think it's sane!"
With a glower Heather said, "I'll forgive her when the stains come out of that dress!"
"She offered to buy you a new one!"
"When!?"
"When you were busy cussing her out!"
Steely gray eyes narrowed, "I don't remember that."
"Of course you don't." Jasmine said breezily. Then giving Heather a sly and playful grin she said, "You know the first step to overcoming a problem is admitting you have one in the first place."
"I don't have a problem."
"Okay, right sure." She said with a light nod of her head, "You don't have a problem. Whatever."
Crossing her arms Heather looked to her, "Well what about you!? When that one guy….um what's-his-name turned you down at that one party you threw cake on him and then pushed him off a balcony! If I have a problem than you must have some major issues!"
Jasmine felt her brow twitch irritably, "That's not what happened and you know it. I mean sure I was a little upset but it's not like it was a big deal for me or anything."
Although for ten minutes she may have cried…a little.
"But the thing is at least he was nice and upfront about it and still wanted to be friends. So I was bringing him a piece of Jody's birthday cake and then out of nowhere 'you' shoved me! Throwing me forward so that I accidently spilt cake on him and then crashed into him accidently pushing him backwards and falling over the balcony! For a second, because of 'you', I thought I had killed a guy!"
Heather looked thoughtful before brightening slightly, "Oh yeah. I remember that!" She then burst out into laughter saying, "And remember after that Jody's dogs began to chase him around her backyard cause he still had cake on him and he's like insanely scared of dogs!" Her laughter rang merrily throughout the car, "O.M.G! That was just to priceless!"
Jasmine gave her friend a dull sideways glare, "It wasn't funny Heather…" But she couldn't deny the tilt in the corner of her mouth or the wavering smile that began to make itself steadily on her face. "He could have been seriously hurt, okay. And it's in no way funny to be chased around…by a bunch of yorkish terriers…screaming like a little girl…" She couldn't help it as she also burst out into hysterics.
And Jasmine knew that Heather always had her own way of doing things. And in showing emotions such as concern was one of them.
Having seen Jasmine that night at the party in tears had seriously irked Heather making up her mind to make whats-his-face pay for dissing Jasmine as he had done!
So when Heather had shoved Jasmine into him she had only been planning to get the girl to spill cake on his leather Italian jacket he kept bragging about. She had no idea her plan would unfold quite nicely into having the boy pushed off the balcony and chased by dogs effectively bringing everyone at the party into a fit of hysterics! (Well everyone except for Jasmine that is, who had only watched the scene play out with incredulous and fretful eyes. Though she could laugh about it now.)
And Jasmine knew…that in her own twisted way…Heather had just been looking out for her…like she always had.
Because sometimes Jasmine was just to nice and feeble to really stand up for herself so Heather took it upon herself to watch over the other girl. Because that's what she seemed to need.
And that's just how they worked.
It took some time for both girls to calm in their laughter.
~*~*~
It had taken Jasmine quite a while to find a park at the large and crowded mall and when she finally did it hadn't really been a good space. They still had to walk a ways to the mall with Heather complaining about her horrible choices in parking spots the entire way and Jasmine arguing there were no such things as a good parking spot at fancy malls on Fridays!
North Park Mall was all one story but it was huge, with all the best stores and eatery's one could think of! In fact it was so big that the mall rented out little golf car like carts to drive yourself around in.
All to soon they found themselves caught up in the crowded mall and it didn't take very long for Heather to find one of her many favorite designer clothing stores!
Whilst going through one of the many clothe racks Heather looked up to the excited cry from Jasmine as she happily proclaimed,
"Ohmygod Heather, look at this skirt!" She held up the white and lace covered mini skirt for Heather to see. "Isn't this the cutest thing ever!?"
Heather frowned looking the material over, "I don't know." She said thoughtfully, "That's worse than the school skirts. One windy day and you're screwed."
Jasmine pouted, "But it's so cute though." She looked at the price tag, "And look at this it's on sale!"
A sudden thought ran through Heather's mind, "You know what?" She said with just a hint of excitement, "We should so shop for new swimsuits for spring break!" grinning conceitedly Heather said, "We could show them off at the spring break jam in Toronto!"
Jasmine blinked, "Oh…Oh yeah." She smiled uneasily, "I almost forgot about that…"
Heather gaped at her as though Jasmine had suddenly sprouted another head, "Are you serious!? It's just about all everyone's been talking about Jasmine! Spring break is next week and they say that this year's Spring break jam is supposed to trump all others!" Heather gave the girl a disapproving glare, "How could you have forgot!?"
Jasmine looked sullenly to the ground, "I don't know. A lot of things on my mind I guess." Looking back up to the raven haired girl she grinned before saying, "Just let me pay for this real quick and we can go to Le Bell's. They have a good selection of swimsuits there!"
And with the white mini skirt in hand Jasmine made her way hurriedly toward the check out center.
Heather shot an annoyed glare after her friend.
There she went again, withholding information from her.
Whatever.
Heather would find out what secret she was keeping by the end of the day. Of that she was sure.
~*~*~
It had to have been about…two hours into swimsuit shopping…maybe two and a half give or take that Jasmine found herself wholly exhausted with the whole deal!
Sitting on a bench in the dressing rooms with piles of swimsuits cluttered around at her feet she sat hunched over her chin propped up in her hand as she groaned,
"Heather…are you done yet?"
A few seconds of silence then came Heather's voice from behind the dress room curtain, "This one feels to tight around the bust."
"Which one is that one?"
"The emerald green."
"What about the blue one? Did you try that one on yet?"
"Again, too tight."
Jasmine fumed lightly giving the curtains a dull accusing glare, "Are you sure? Your boob's couldn't have grown that much larger since the last time we went bra shopping."
"First of all," came Heather's haughty voice from behind the curtain, "Bra shopping and swimsuit shopping are two totally different things, and second, I can't help it if I'm a growing girl!"
Jasmine could hear the gloating smile in her voice she scowled, "Well it's going to be one embarrassing spring break for you if you buy a loose fitting top!"
"I think I would know how to shop for my own size okay, Jasmine. Now quite whining and go get me a larger size of these." She tossed the swimsuits they had been discussing over the curtains, "And while you're out there get me that yellow one with the red flowers on it. And be quick about it!"
She bent down wearily to pick up the swimsuits Heather had carelessly tossed over, "Yes, oh great one." She sarcastically grumbled before leaving to do just that.
It hadn't taken long for Jasmine to get the different pair of swimsuits Heather had just tried on though it did take her some time to find the yellow swimsuit she had wanted.
Though once found she hastily made her way back to the dressing rooms calling over the curtain Heather was behind,
"Okay Heather, I got them."
At this Heather pushed aside the curtains with a proud "Ta-da!" showing off a white bikini the bust tied together with a golden clasp with the back of the top and the sides of the bottom tied together with a simple dainty bow.
Heather struck a playful pose, "How do I look?" She asked with a smirk.
Jasmine smiled, "Ohhh, that's adorable Heather! Totally cute!"
The raven haired girl blinked breaking from her pose, "Cute?" She gave Jasmine a dull glare, "I'm not cute you ding bat I'm hot!"
She turned to gaze admiringly at herself in the mirror striking another pose, "I make this bikini look sexy!"
Jasmine smiled with a roll of her eyes, "Of course, that's what I should have said." Then fixing Heather with an almost bashful gaze she said, "It looks great on you Heather but I seriously don't see how girls can wear stuff like that. There's hardly any material!"
"Well I seriously can't see how come you don't wear stuff like this! It's not like you don't have a body to show off."
Jasmine felt her face warm as she looked nonchalantly to the side, "I think I'll stick to the traditional one piece thank you."
Heather looked to her friend with a raised brow, "What the hell are you so bashful about?"
"It's practically a bra and panties!"
Heather rolled her eyes before redirecting her gaze to continue admiring herself. "Whatever."
Jasmine sighed turning from her friend she then began to pick up the many swimsuits littered on the ground, "You've got guts Heather. I'd die wearing something like that in front of Richard. I don't see how you could be so casual in something like that in front of Duncan."
Heather instantly stilled feeling her face heat up before quickly rounding on Jasmine, "What!? Why would you say that!?"
Jasmine paused in her attempt to clean up the dressing room turning a quizzical gaze to Heather, "Hm? What do yo-?"
"Is Duncan going to the Spring Break Jam!?"
Jasmine blinked before giving a thoughtful look, "Well Abdul and Markus once told me that he had said he might go." Looking back to Heather with a kind smile and a soft shrug she said, "But who's to know for sure? He's always changing his plans. You should ask him."
Heather fumed through a heated blush crossing her arms almost protectively before her. Turning back to the mirror she again examined herself in the mirror.
The bikini really did look great on her.
Her blush deepened.
A little to great.
Heather would hardly mind it if other guys were to see her in this. She would adore the attention this swimsuit was sure to garner.
But she didn't want him to see her in it.
And yes Duncan had seen her in a swimsuit before…
But suddenly it didn't seem so…casual as back then.
After all that had happened between the two it almost felt as if…she would be inviting him to try something if she wore this in front of him!
And she didn't want that!
With an irritable look and a dark blush Heather muttered, "Maybe I should get something else…"
Jasmine (now standing with a pile of discarded swimsuits in her arms) looked to Heather in slight surprise,
"What? But why!? I thought we were done! You like that one don't you!?"
Not really looking to her friend Heather muttered, "I've changed my mind."
Jasmine frowned, "Well god Heather, how long are we gonna be in here!?"
Heather turned to her placing her hands haughtily on her hips, "As long as it takes damn it!"
The brunette groaned before opening her arms so that all the swimsuits she had picked up once more fell to the ground.
She moved back to take her seat grudgingly back on the bench.
"At this rate we're gonna spend the entire afternoon in this dressing room!"
Sliding the curtain shut to switch swimsuits Heather said, "Quite you're bitching, we have all day! This mall closes at nine thirty you know."
"Yeah, I know." Sighed Jasmine, "But I was thinking I needed to get you home sooner than that. Aren't you still grounded?"
"Yeah well. Technically I'm not even supposed to be out now so since I'm already breaking a rule I might as well just keep going."
Jasmine gave a cheeky grin, "You're logic is flawless." Then leaning back against the wall she said, "You've been grounded for a long time now. You're parents rarely ground you and even when they do it's usually only for about a week. If that."
"Hand me that yellow swimsuit." Came Heather's sudden order along with an outstretched hand poking from the curtain.
Looking for that particular swimsuit in all the mess Jasmine asked the million dollar question,
"So what did you do anyway?"
As Jasmine continued searching for the item she was met with silence for a moment before Heather answered rather nonchalantly,
"I just…didn't do so well on my last report card. And with it being this close to graduation my parents just kinda…freaked is all."
Finally finding the bikini Jasmine stood up tall placing her hands haughtily on her hips, "You're dad once took you on a one hundred and fifty dollar limit shopping spree just for passing a class with a D."
"So!?" Snapped Heather her patience already gone.
Jasmine smirked smugly, "Soooo, I think you're lying."
Heather then poked her head from the curtains to glare banefully at the other girl.
"For christ sake Jasmine will you let it go!?"
Jasmine blinked to find her friend's glare accompanied with a dark blush and in an instant she understood.
"Ohhh, I see. It's something Duncan related."
Heather glowered her face burning quite considerably before reaching out an angry and impatient hand to snatch the swimsuit from Jasmine's grasp.
Disappearing back behind the curtain she angrily cried out,
"You think you're so goddamn smart!"
To which Jasmine laughed in amusement.
Hooking the clasp to the bikini tops around her upper body Heather fumed irritably before angrily challenging the other girl,
"Well what about you and that reject huh!? What's been going on with you two?"
Quickly calming down Jasmine asked quite curiously, "You mean Richard?"
"Duh!"
She gave a half shrug, "Nothing."
It was then the dark haired girl decided to try and get some answers, "You two have been hanging out a lot lately. Everyone's saying you two are back together."
A light pink tint dusted the other girls cheeks but she scoffed anyway saying, "A guy and a girl just can't be friends in that school without someone thinking its something scandalous."
"Hm." Said Heather slipping on the bikini bottom, "So what is going on with you two?"
"Nothing. We're just hanging out."
"Why?"
"Cause that's what friends do." Jasmine said quite plainly.
"You two have always been friends but the last time you guys hung out this much you were an official couple."
"…And?"
Heather glowered testily, "And, if it were up to me I'd have to say there's a lot more going on with you two than just 'hanging out'."
Jasmine sighed, but before she had a chance to get a word out Heather spoke again.
"Are you lying to me?"
In the dressing room Heather stood before the mirror studying her reflection as she fixed the strap of the bikini top. Her expression was casual and her tone had been uncaring but there was something more to her words that left Jasmine in a temporary state of silence.
Accusation.
For Jasmine rarely ever lied to raven haired girl for a multiple of reasons. For one she thought she was terrible at it. And for another it just wasn't in her nature.
Though if Jasmine did lie it would, of course, be for good reason. For if Jasmine ever kept a secret from the raven haired girl it always seemed to come out as for her best interest.
Because even though Jasmine thought of herself as much more…mediocre compared to Heather there were times where she took it upon herself to take care of the more meaner girl.
Like that one time when they were seven and after seeing some movie (for Heather was a very impressionable child) got the idea for them to run away and become a gypsy's. And after telling Jasmine of her plan the young girl had instantly (though secretly) told Heather's parents who had simply followed the two young girls till it got dark and they fell asleep on some bus stop bench. And with little to no fuss Heather's parents had simply carried the sleepy children safely back home.
Or that time when they had been twelve and Heather (who had sworn up and down that she knew how to drive) had crashed her dads new Mercedes into a neighbors brick mailbox. And Jasmine had taken the fall for it because at that time Heather was already in so much trouble that one more strike against her and her parents would have sent her to a girl's boot camp.
And that time at fifteen when Heather had gotten into a huge argument with a boy that was two times Heather's size and though the queen bee had angrily stood her ground not at all intimidated Jasmine had fearfully pulled her friend to leave the scene of the over-escalating argument. Because though Heather did like to think of herself as invincible at most times Jasmine wasn't about to take any chances at seeing her get hurt for the boy did not look like one who would hesitate beating down a girl.
And Heather could be so brash and troublesome…and other times (when others weren't looking) she could be so sad…that Jasmine had taken it upon herself to watch over the other girl. Because that's what she seemed to need.
And that's just how they worked.
And that's why Heather suddenly came to the conclusion that perhaps she shouldn't know the secret.
And suddenly she didn't want to know.
Jasmine frowned deeply, "Heather-"
"You know what?" Came Heather's sudden curt reply from behind the curtains, "Keep your stupid secret. I don't even care anymore."
For a moment Jasmine only stared tensely at the curtains which her friend currently stood behind. Then with a sudden breath of relief she lowered her gaze fretfully to the ground.
Good. She had not been ready now.
Suddenly the curtains whisked back to show off the raven haired girl in the yellow bikini decorated with red flowers (though much more tame than the last swimsuit), Heather grinned,
"How's this one?"
Jasmine blinked allowing her brown gaze to roam over her shapely friend. Since last time Heather had not enjoyed the word 'cute' she readily commented with a playful,
"Oohh! So sexy!"
Her grin growing Heather said,
"Aww, Jasmine, you always now just what to say!"
Jasmine gave a light laugh, "I know, right!"
~*~*~
Hours and a few dozen stores later Heather and Jasmine sat in the large food court their many shopping bags settled around them on the ground.
For the millionth time Heather made a sound of great disdain as she thickly swallowed the noodles she had ordered from a Chinese eatery.
With a gasp she angrily stuck out her tongue and began to fan it quite frantically with her hand!
"It's to spicy!" She cried out angrily…again.
Jasmine only gave Heather a dull look as she continued to chew on her own meal of noodles, swallowing she said,
"That's why I told you not to get that kind. They use that spicy red sauce to make it."
Frowning Heather began to bite irritably on her still burning lips as she looked down to her noodles with scorn then raising her angry glare to Jasmine she demanded,
"So trade me!"
Jasmine scoffed, "No way! I've tried that kind before. I could hardly-Hey!?"
Heather had suddenly reached across the small table they sat at effectively grabbing hold of the side of Jasmine's plate pulling her food across the table toward her before replacing Jasmine's plate with her own plate of noodles.
"There." Heather said simply, "Trade complete."
"But I didn't want to trade!"
Already eating Jasmine's noodles Heather simply said, "You shouldn't whine so much Jasmine. It's not very attractive."
The young girl fumed, "You're so mean! Trade me back or I won't be your friend anymore!"
With a bored look Heather simply said, "You do realize you've been saying that since the second grade."
"I mean it this time!"
"And you've been saying that since the third grade."
Jasmine pouted, "I hope those noodles go straight to your thighs!"
Heather smiled happily, "They're soooo gooooood!" She cried out blissfully earning a scowl from the brunette.
Bringing her elbow up to prop against the table Jasmine looked away from the infuriating girl as she lowered her cheek to rest against her palm.
For a moment they were shrouded with silence save for the sounds of the overly crowded mall.
Jasmine had delved deep in thought where as Heather took to continue eating merrily.
Brown eyes softening lightly Jasmine asked, "Hey…will you still be here for Sarah's birthday?"
Heather paused in her consumption looking to Jasmine with a slight start, but she was quick to replace her expression to that of casual uncaring.
"I'm not sure. Why?"
Jasmine gave a half shrug, "Her birthday's in May isn't it? You'll be leaving again for the second season of Total Drama Island."
Heather gave a light nod, "Yeah." She replied slowly, "But…I think they're calling us back for that in early June. So…I'll still be here..."
Jasmine looked to her with a smile, "That's good. You know how Sarah hates being alone for her birthday."
With a light smile of her own Heather gave a thoughtful look saying, "Well…even if I wasn't here…mom and dad would never leave Sarah alone on her birthday. And then she has you as well, sooo…" Heather allowed her sentence to trail off as she continued eating.
Jasmine nodded, "Well yeah." She said for Jasmine always opted to go with Heather whenever she went to visit her, "But I thought you're mom was all into making it a whole family kinda deal when going to visit her."
"She is." Heather answered easily, "But like I said I think the show starts in early June so I should still be here to visit before I go."
With a light tilt to her head Jasmine asked, "When's the last time you went to see her?"
At this Heather frowned, "God, I don't even know…" she really gave it some thought, "Before the delinquent showed up I'm sure of that…so way to long." Heather gave an almost guilty sigh, "I've just been so caught up in school and everything…"
Again Jasmine nodded with complete understanding, then grinning cheekily at her friend she said, "So she'll be extra happy to see you come her birthday."
Heather's smile resurfaced as her eyes softened happily, "Yeah…I'm sure she will."
It seemed to have become a tradition for them. To talk like this that is…
As if Sarah was a living breathing person.
As if Sarah was still alive.
But Heather believed that, if any, this tradition was worth keeping…
"Ohmygod!!" cried Jasmine suddenly earning her a shocked look from Heather. "These noodles really are to spicy!" She had began fanning her tongue, as Heather had done, before giving the raven haired girl a mean glare.
"Trade me back!"
She only shot her a dull glare, "Hell no."
Again Jasmine pouted, "Meanie!"
~*~*~
As the two girls continued on their shopping spree they talked of the most random things and latest gossip around school when Heather made quite the unsettling discovery.
"They did what!?" Cried out the raven haired girl in shock.
Jasmine only nodded her head in assertion, "Yep, they've been hacking into school computers and changing their grades." Jasmine gave Heather a pointed look, "That's how they've been passing all their classes with flying colors without even being in class."
Heather scowled angrily, "Richard and Duncan have been changing their grades!? But how!? They don't have the brain stamina to do something like that!"
"Oh, well it's not just them." Jasmine replied breezily, "It's a few other guys as well. One of them must be a wiz at computers or something."
"How do you know!?"
"Richard told me."
With an irritable look Heather said, "He could be lying."
"Yeah…" Jasmine said slowly, "But it's either this or they're really secret geniuses and passed those classes fairly just with little to no effort."
With a flat look Heather said, "Aright then Richard isn't lying."
She then turned an irritable gaze to the ground, "Geez I bet Duncan fifty dollars that I would make a better grade than him by the end of Mrs. Doley's class. That cheat owes me money!"
With a grin Jasmine was just about to reply to that when something…or rather someone caught her eye.
With a surprised start and a happy smile Jasmine said, "Oh, look Heather, its Madeline!"
Heather looked to her friend before following her gaze to, sure enough, rest on the red headed girl standing near one of the mall's many water fountains talking with some guy. Her red hair fell down loose just passing her shoulders and she wore a pretty light purple spring dress and white heels.
Heather blanched quite irritable before saying, "She hasn't seen us yet, let's just-"
"MADDY!! HEY, MADDY!" Cried out Jasmine loudly waving her hands enthusiastically before happily making her way toward the now startled red head.
"For fucks sake…" Heather grumbled as she slapped her palm to her forehead.
"Goodness dear, you almost gave me a heart attack!" Cried Madeline once Jasmine was before her and the two girls had enraptured in a hug.
With a grin Jasmine said, "Sorry, I was just shocked to see you here!"
Madeline scoffed giving Jasmine a look that screamed, 'Are you kidding me!?'
"It's a mall dear! Trust me; this is one of the few places you will find me!"
"Hey, Jasmine." Greeted the boy Madeline had been talking to causing the brunette to redirect her gaze,
"Oh…?" Then upon recognition, "Oh, hi Derek! I almost didn't recognize you for a second!"
He grinned, "Haven't spoken to you in a while. How you doing?"
She smiled, "Pretty good."
With a tilting smirk he raised a playful brow, "You know words have been spreading around school, you and Richard getting back together?"
With a blush Jasmine quickly shook her head, "No…! We just-"
"Okay, Jasmine," Came Heather's exasperated voice suddenly as the raven haired girl appeared beside her grabbing hold of her arm, "That's enough of that, it's time to go now!"
"Well hello Heather!" Madeline greeted just oozing all sorts of false joy, "So nice to see you again dear."
"Right," Heather said with a roll of her eyes, "Always a pleasure." Giving Jasmine's arm an impatient tug she scowled, "Any day now Jasmine!"
Getting the hint the brunette smiled kindly at the couple, "Okay well it was nice seeing you guys-"
"Hey Heather," Said Madeline cheerfully reaching into her purse, "check out my cell phones new screen saver!"
Pulling out the small flip phone she opened it to show off a picture of shocked and highly devastated picture of Heather just seconds after she had gotten her head shaved in the triple dog dare challenge.
"Totally the best episode in the entire season! I sent it out to just about everyone I know!"
With a dangerous scowl Heather rudely shoved Jasmine aside to make her way purposely toward the red head, "You bitch!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Cried out Derek quickly making his way to stand between the two girls and placing a halting hand on Heather's shoulder.
"It's always a matter of violence with this one." Said Madeline with a roll of her eyes though a teasing smile still played at her lips.
Heather pointed a warning finger, "You better watch it." She said in a threatening tone.
"Heather, she's just kidding." Derek soothed kindly.
"Ugh, how can you go out with this…thing!"
At that Madeline narrowed dark green eyes, "Ah?! How rude! Standing right here!"
"I swear Derek you're taste in girls has been shot to hell since that time you almost asked me to the homecoming dance!"
Madeline fumed, "Or," She sneered, "Perhaps when he was about to ask you out his taste in girls was already shot!? And going out with me was his step up!"
Heather scoffed, "Oh yeah! Puh-lease!"
The red head smirked, "Well, why not ask my adoring boyfriend then!?" She turned to him with a pretty smile, "Oh, honey? Which of us would you prefer as the step up?"
"Yeah!" Snapped Heather also turning towards the boy, "In other words which of us do you thinks is prettier!?"
Derek blinked shifting his gaze back and forth between the two girls.
He paled under the intensity of both the angry glares knowing that there would be no safe answer.
Jasmine watched on from the sidelines feeling quite bad for Derek but was far to wise to pipe in now.
With a deep frown Derek decided on the safest bet, he smiled kindly, "Ah…I think you're both prett-"
If it were possible there glares darkened even more monstrously,
"Don't give us that bull crap." Heather replied in a low tone.
"One or the other." Madeline also replied in a low tone.
Now granted the obvious choice would of course be his very own, girlfriend. But Derek found that he did not fear Madeline as much as he did Heather. He was also worried on what Heather's retaliation plans would be…especially considering his mom still worked below Heather's dad in the law firm… And Heather was never known to be a very rational girl…
With a deep frown he again allowed his gaze to shift from angry girl to angry girl,
"Well…" He started unsurely, "I think that…" Suddenly he looked up just past the two girls with a surprised expression, "Oh look! A shoe sale!!!"
To which both girls instantly turned toward the direction of his gaze,
"WHERE!?" they cried simultaneously.
But the upon turning the only store they found was an unnecessarily large Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Furrowing her brow irritably Madeline turned back to her boyfriend saying, "That's not a shoe sto-!?"
Only to find that Derek was no longer there!
She blinked, "Where'd he go!?" she asked looking left and right through the crowded mall.
"Oh, he took off." Said Jasmine casually, "He's fast to!"
"Damn him!" Scowled Madeline irritably, "He is so not getting off that easily!"
Heather suddenly began to laugh merrily.
"And just what is so funny!?" Cried out Madeline looking to Heather irritably.
With a mean smile the raven haired girl said, "I bet this is how all the guys leave you!"
"Tch, whatever! At least I know how to get a man!"
"To bad you don't know how to keep them!"
"Excuse me!?"
"You heard me!"
Jasmine frowned at the escalating fight, "Um…guys?" she tried in a small and unsure voice.
Madeline narrowed soft green eyes icily, "Ooh, look at little miss high and mighty! You know I wouldn't speak so highly if I were you while you're dating that criminal!" She gave a mean smirk, "He's probably cheating on you anyway with that uptight bossy girl!"
Heather blinked shocked at the statement before narrowing her steel eyes nastily, "No way." She said darkly.
Because she just wasn't the type to be used as such!
Madeline raised a brow her lips tilting forcing her mean smirk to grow, "Oh, no?" She questioned lowly.
Heather glowered irritably, "Duncan…" She lowered her angry gaze to the ground hinting at uncertainty before looking back to the other girl, "He wouldn't do that…"
And the sentence hung in the air sounding highly incomplete as Heather suddenly…for the first time ever…found herself rather curious about the status of Duncan and Courtney's relationship…
She completely missed the strange look Jasmine shot her.
"You don't sound so sure dear." Said Madeline, her voice just borderline taunting, "What a shame."
Heather glowered.
"Well, you know what they say about the bad boys. They're so hard to control." She gave a light shrug, "This whole time he could have still been with that girl and all the while you were just…a nice convenience." She gave a gloating laugh, "How positively embarrassing would that be!?"
"Keep laughing you little bitch," Heather said taking a step toward the girl, "You won't think it's funny when I slam my fist-!?"
She paused at the sudden grab made around her arm, she looked down to scowl at Jasmine but the brunette's gaze was cast to the side a little ways off. In a warning tone she said,
"Mall security at three o'clock."
Heather instantly followed her gaze to a middle aged African American man who's facial expression hinted at him not having the greatest day.
Bringing brown eyes back to her friend she gave Heather a pointed look saying, "Remember what happened last time you got into a fight at the mall?"
Heather's frown deepened into an irritable grimace.
Yes that hadn't ended to well, what with the riot and all…
"Dammit," Heather muttered, "I cannot get banned from this mall also!"
Jasmine frowned, "So then calm down!"
"Yes calm down!" Said Madeline with an exasperated roll of her eyes, "Seriously, I don't know why you're getting mad at me for anyway! All I'm doing is telling you the things that you should already be worried about." Madeline gave a pretty smile, "You wanna be mad at someone? Why not be mad at that C.I.T. girl?" And then her smile turned into a smirk.
Before Heather could get in an angry word Jasmine spoke up, "I'm very sure Heather doesn't have to worry about something like that." She smiled kindly at Madeline, "Duncan can be a jerk at times but I don't think he would do something like that."
Looking to Jasmine Madeline's smile became sincere, "If you say so dear. I've never met him so what would I know?" She looked back to Heather, "I'm sure he's the picture perfect boyfriend." And her lovely smile grew and her eyes danced with mischief.
Heather glared icily.
Sensing the danger was not entirely over Jasmine gave Heather's arm a meaningful tug,
"Well it was nice seeing you again Maddy! But we really need to get going. I'll call you tonight!"
Madeline smiled, "Be sure you do dear. Ta-ta Heather!"
Heather felt a vein pulse in her head as she allowed herself to pulled away, "Fucking bitch." She muttered.
"Shhh!" scolded Jasmine quietly as she continued to lead her friend away.
Madeline watched the two of them leave with a satisfied smile on her face.
Messing with Heather was always so much fun!
The smile soon slipped from her face though as her green eyes darkened irritably,
Now to find her loyal boyfriend.
"Oh Deeeerrrreeek!" She cooed lovingly with just a hint of malice attached to it.
Somewhere in the crowded mall Derek felt a foreboding chill crawl down his spine.
~*~*~
Joey walked fretfully slow down the deserted hallway. He tiptoed and sneaked his way cautiously around each corner. It was late nearly six o'clock but it was a normal thing for him to stay in after school hours. He was a constant for after hour tutorial programs.
With him being a tutor of course.
And though tutorials were long since over with he remained in school using it's library as an excuse of finishing up a very important essay.
He still had his promise to fulfill to Heather…and though the mission he was about to accomplish guilted him so he would go through with it!
After all Heather needed his help and he would not let her down!
Not to mention this did give him the excuse to stay away from his family…just a little longer.
He felt another wave of guilt wash over him with that last thought.
"Darn it!" Cried Joey irritably giving his head a resolving shake, "Not now! Don't think about stuff like that now!"
He fumed, "I gotta get those disks for Heather!" He muttered determinedly to himself.
As if he were a spy on a secret mission Joey peered quite stealthily around the last corner down the empty hallways lined with lockers with only one particular locker in mind.
Richard's.
Joey's frown deepened as the nervous knot in his stomach tightened. He reached a nervous hand into the backpack slung haphazardly over his shoulder pulling out a folded piece of paper. Unfolding the paper he was met with Richard's personal school information that he had…borrowed from the counselor's office.
Yes that's it! Just borrowed without asking!
With a deep frown Joey took in another deep breath before saying a chant he found himself saying more and more often,
"I'm not like Duncan. I'm not like Duncan. I'm not like Duncan. I'm not like Duncan."
Because he was going to return the page back to its file! And then he was going to return the disks to Heather! And then everything would be okay!
And Heather would be so very grateful! She'd probably even like him!
This last thought was enough to refuel the boy's courage and he quickly took off down the empty hallway making a stop at the locker he knew belonged to Richard!
He looked quickly to the paper's information finding Richard's locker combination right under his class schedule for last semester and this semester.
With unsteady and nervous fingers he quickly applied the locker combination and opened the locker.
Then with a gasp and a quick stumble backwards just nearly avoided the spill of falling papers and books that had never before seen a day of class time!
Joey grimaced horribly.
"I'll have to help Richard organize his locker when I get the chance." He muttered grudgingly.
The young boy quickly began to go searchingly through the locker and nearly jumped a mile when lone piece of paper, that hadn't fallen from the locker, suddenly began to move on its own accord!
The smaller boy stared at it unsurely, with just a hint of fear. "What the…?"
With a fretful and shaky hand he reached into the locker quickly grabbing the piece of paper before he lost his nerve!
Quickly pulling back Joey's brown eyes widened to find…a very large iguana looking back at him with lazy eyes.
For a moment Joey stared at the large reptile and it stared back.
He furrowed his brow irritably, "Richard must not have read page 119 of the school manual which clearly stats the no pets on campus policy." He sighed. "Although that's usually a given."
Moving the iguana gently to the side Joey continued searchingly for the disks…and in no time he had found them.
The small black CD holder that Heather had easily described.
Pulling it from the locker Joey opened it to find at least ten burnable computer disks.
These had to be it!
As quickly as possible the young boy began to pick up the many scattered papers and fallen books from the ground.
He stuffed them back into the locker being mindful of the slow moving reptile and quickly closed the locker door shut!
He had done it!
He had got the disks! Now all he had to do was return Richard's papers back into the office, get the disks to Heather and he would be home fre-!?
In his triumph of getting the disks and his anxiety in quickly leaving the scene Joey had failed to notice the presence making their way steadily toward the boy until he had moved away from the locker turning to make his escape only to crash heavily against the figure standing suddenly behind him!
Startling the boy so greatly Joey gave a small scream of surprise stumbling backwards crashing himself against the locker walls!
He looked up with wide wavering brown eyes at the person who stood before him.
"Wh-wha-wha-what are you doing here!!??" He practically cried out in his frightened state of being caught!
The blonde haired boy raised a brow his square framed glasses flashing lightly as he gave his head a light tilt.
He didn't answer his question.
Instead Shawn asked a question of his own,
"Isn't that Richards locker…?"
Joey paled completely panic stricken.
Shawn smiled highly intrigued, "What were you doing in there?"
~*~*~
Walking into the large and lovely house Heather made her way into the dimly light kitchen. Opening the fridge she took out a canned soda before asking,
"You want a soda?"
The question hung in the air.
Finally Heather got a response by way of an irritable grunt and the sounds of rumpling shopping bags.
Opening the can with a snap Heather looked to find Jasmine making her way in after her. Her arms loaded with many mall shopping bags most of which belonged to Heather. Jasmine had tried to eliminate the need to make two trips and had piled the many store bags in her arms even going as far as to carry one bag in by her teeth the sack swinging back and forth from its handle. Which explained her reason for having not yet answered the raven haired girl.
Heather gave her friend an exasperated look before taking a drink from the soda.
With an irritable glare Jasmine allowed her arms to give way causing all the bags to fall noisily to the ground.
Heather's exasperation turned to annoyance.
With a light "blah." Jasmine also opened her mouth to allow the bag hanging from her teeth to fall before saying.
"No, no it's quite alright. Don't help me or anything. Cause that's the last thing I want you to do is help me."
With a roll of her eyes Heather said, "I offered you a soda." It almost sounded like a peace offering which made a soft smile form on Jasmine's face.
"Oh you did? I didn't hear you. What kind do you have?"
"Coke zero and 7-up."
"Um, a Coke zero please."
Heather continued looking to her friend with casual disinterest before taking another quick sip from her can of Coke zero and then saying,
"We don't have any more, this was the last one. We only have 7-up now."
Jasmine frowned, "You don't have anymore?"
"That's what I just said."
"Then why'd you offer it to me?"
"How was I supposed to know you'd pick coke zero?"
Jasmine scowled, "You only had Coke zero and 7-up! So it was a fifty-fifty chance I'd pick it!"
Heather heaved an exasperated sigh rolling her eyes as she leaned into the fridge to get a 7-up.
"Not to mention you know I like coke zero! So you knew I was gonna pick it!"
"You're crying will be the death of me." Heather replied flatly tossing Jasmine the 7-up.
Fumbling only slightly Jasmine caught the drink by pressing it up against herself. She gave Heather a pout.
"Your mean."
Heather blinked, "Really? And all this time I thought I was nice! Go figure."
It was Jasmine's turn to roll her eyes as she leaned against the counter opening up her can of soda with a snap.
After a moment's silence Heather asked, "Are you staying the night?"
Jasmine turned brown eyes to rest on her friend.
It hadn't been planned. But it's not like this would be the first time Jasmine had stayed over for an unplanned sleepover.
The brunette gave a light shrug.
"I don't know. If it's alright with your parents I guess."
Heather gave a dismissive wave of her hand, "They won't mind. You know how much they adooore you." She said stretching out the adore part in a teasing manor.
Jasmine grinned, "Yeah, but your still grounded remember. So they probably won't-"
"Like I said, they won't mind." Heather said in an uncaring tone.
Jasmine blinked before her grin turned sly, "So what exactly were you and Duncan doing that forced your, usually so lenient, parents to ground you for so long hm?"
Heather only shot Jasmine a cold and annoyed look before diverting her gaze away from her friend and taking another casual sip from her can.
"Ohh! Come on tell me!" Her grin grew at the fact that Heather's face was reddening quite considerably, "It must have been something naughty!"
Heather scowled.
She would much rather forget.
She was pretty sure it was dangerous territory to allow her mind to wander to that particular memory…Because of the twist in her stomach and the hammering of her heart…but there were just some things that just…could not be blocked away.
Like…rough hands trailing quite unabashedly over soft skin…or the feel of his lips moving over her own with a dominating persistence…or sharp dark blue eyes watching her most heatedly…or…the way he had sounded…
'Heather… Can I touch you?'
Heather placed the nearly empty soda can against the counter near the stove as she felt her face heating up steadily. Raising a nervous hand up she tucked some of her dark hair behind her ear she tried desperately to ignore these thoughts as she unsurely stated,
"N-no…I mean…there's nothing…" She trailed off in embarrassment her gaze lowering to the ground.
Jasmine now stood staring quite incredulously at her friend. In all the years she's known the mean girl she'd never seen her like this!
It was like freakin' amazing!
With a light blush of her own the awe struck brunette proclaimed,
"Ohmygod Heather! I've never seen you like this before! You look so totally cute right now! If I were a dude I'd so wanna marry you!"
At this statement Heather raised a scrutinizing look to the other girl,
"What!? What the fuck!?"
Jasmine laughed, "But it's true though! You're so adorable!"
Heather fumed looking away quite disgruntled, "I'm not sure if I should find that flattering or just plain shocking."
Again Jasmine laughed quite amused and Heather couldn't help the light smile as well that graced her features.
And for a moment they allowed the conversation to drift to things that were usual and comfortable for the two.
Such as school, family, friends, life in general, and Sarah.
And for a moment it was like nothing was wrong.
Like everything was okay.
But when Heather happily said,
"Come on, I think my mom is upstairs. We should go show her the outfits we bought for the Spring Break Jam. Oh! And we still need to tell her you're staying over tonight."
Reality came crashing back to brunette.
And she suddenly remembered what all today had been for…
The smile slipped from her face as Heather moved toward the large pile of shopping bags Jasmine had left on the kitchen floor.
The raven haired girl went through the bags searchingly looking for the swimsuit she wanted to show her mother. They both shared a common love for clothes.
But she paused when Jasmine's voice spoke up to her, sounding quite small and fragile the young girl said,
"…I won't…I won't be going to the Spring Break Jam."
Heather looked to her quizzically, "You're not?"
Jasmine took a deep breath.
For the past few weeks she had fretted on how she would tell Heather something like this and going to Richard for emotional support the boy had simply told her again and again that the longer she took in telling the raven haired girl the worst off it would be…
So it was now or never.
And now was always better than never…or so they say.
Jasmine opened her mouth, closed it then tried again.
"I won't be here for spring break…"
She looked to the ground then back to Heather,
"…we're moving that week."
She finished quietly.
~TBC~
Awww! Kouu Hissori How did you know!? Could it be that I'm not as clever and secretive as I like to think of myself as!?. Lol, but yes Jasmine's affliction is reveiled and come next chap the question of Sarah and the promise will be brought into light as well. Till then guys!
Peace)-AR