Right for Me
Disclaimer: Don't own a damn thing, but then you probably knew that.
Author's Note: Seems like this little story has some reviewers. I'd like to thank all the people that reviewed and I hope that this story continues to please you. BTW: to my beta-reader- starting with the next chapter, I hope you can start editing my story. I just had to get this chapter out, since it's long overdue.
Chapter 3
Later that week, Lizzie was telling her best friends what happened at Zanzibar's.
"So does that mean we're all invited?" Gordo said at Lizzie, lifting an eyebrow
"Yep." Lizzie said. Miranda laid back on Lizzie's bed and sighed. "Ok, are you sure that this isn't some sort of joke?"
"Yes Miranda, she made me well assure of that fact." Lizzie answered. Miranda sat up and gave Lizzie a huge hug.
"Oh my God! You're a genius! How in the world did you get Althea and her cronies to let us go?" Miranda asked, excitement in her voice like the old days.
"Well actually, Althea was trying to find me when I bumped into her." Lizzie said while she walked to her desk and got a soda. Miranda gave Lizzie a suspicious look from across the room.
"She was looking for you? Doesn't that sound a little weird to you?"
"I know, I know, that's what I thought." Lizzie replied "But she seemed generally interested in me."
"Lizzie." Gordo said from across the room. "Are you sure she's legit?"
"She made a damn speech over it, so I'm pretty sure."
"So that leaves us exactly one week to get ready for the biggest party of our junior year, .and we don't have our outfit's yet. That just perfect." Miranda said.
"Miranda, give me a break. We just found out that we are invited to the party and you're already going on about 'outfits'"
"Whatever Gordo." Miranda said, turning to Lizzie. "We need to find the perfect outfits by Friday. We especially need to make sure that the 'clueless wonder' over there doesn't show up with a dumb ass suit. We have got to set a positive impression on Althea and her people or else our social status will drop pretty far."
"Hey! I think that I look good in my suit! Stacie Coleman even said so!"
"Yeah, maybe at a funeral." Miranda muttered and rolled her eyes. Gordo picked up a pillow and threw it at Miranda, knocking the soda she had from her hand. Miranda retaliated by jumping up on Lizzie's bed and grabbed a stuff animal. She thumped Gordo on the head and ran around the room as Gordo chased her.
"Damn that hurt, Miranda!" Gordo said, rubbing his head.
"You sissy! It was just a stuff animal, wimp." Miranda said as she slipped on Lizzie's rug.
"Guys please." Lizzie interjected. "Your acting like we're back in middle school." Gordo stopped running after Miranda and Miranda sat down near Lizzie. "Now Miranda, can you take care of the wardrobe for the party?" Miranda nodded and went to the computer, searching sites for cool accessories and clothes. Lizzie turned her attention to Gordo. "Your job is to get some cash for supplies and make sure that can score us a good ride to the party." Gordo glanced over at the blond with a look across his curly- covered face.
"And what exactly will you be doing while Miranda and I slave away for this special event?"
"My dearest Gordo. I will be the one to make sure that our parents will allow us to go a wild and under supervised teenage hormone fest until three a.m." Lizzie said with a smile.
"Ok, whatever, you're the boss." Gordo said and sighed. He went to the phone and called up his dad, hoping that he would agree to let him and his friends borrow the Lexus, no questions asked. This was going to be the start of one long week for the trio.
* * *
So after long searches on the Internet, many phone calls, countless trips to the mall, begging and pleading and promising parents that they would be on their best behavior; the trio had the perfect ride, outfits, and gifts for the party. Miranda had planned the outfits- Lizzie planned to wear a pretty burgundy spaghetti strap shirt with the Chinese word for 'flirt' in black ink on the front. She had tight black pants that zipped up from the side and a silver 'hoop' belt for her slim waist and black high heels to match. Miranda considered wearing a tank top with a sparkly rose on the front with red string accenting the hem of the shirt. She had medium color blue jeans there was red string where the zipper should be and red sneakers. Gordo made an outfit as basic as he could. He wanted to wear a black shirt with a big skull and cross bone on the front, blue jeans and a jacket, and plain black sneakers. Miranda didn't approve of his outfit, but in the end she let him have it. Gordo had scrounged up enough money to buy a couple of packs of beer, a tank full of gas, and a big bag of Doritos without his parents bugging him why. They had to use Miranda's car to get there, but at that point, none of them cared.
It was Friday and the group was in 6th period, waiting for class to end and a weekend of mystery and fun to begin.
"Gordo, are you sure that you have everything ready for tomorrow?" Lizzie asked Gordo, who was in front of her. He turned around to glance at her.
"Yes, Lizzie for the fifth time today, I have everything ready. So could you please stop bugging me!"
"Sheesh, Gordo. I just wanted to know."
"Excuse me, I thought I was teaching up here, but since you two think it's important to talk right through my lesson, then please go on with your conversation and forget all about me." Mr. Gibbs shouted. Lizzie and Gordo looked over at each other and said a very small 'sorry' and turned towards the front of the class. Two guys in the back of the classroom busted out with a big laugh, but the rest of the class was silent. Mr. Gibbs turned around and went back to explaining the French and Indian war timeline on the board. Miranda just smiled at the two as the man droned on about how inconsiderate the teenagers are today.
Kate. Claire, and their group of stupid followers were sitting in the back, listening all day to hints that the trio had been invited to the party. Now as they heard Lizzie and Gordo talk and get yelled at for it, Kate knew her 'victims' were falling into her perfect trap. When Mr. Gibbs let people break off into little groups to do the assignment, Kate and Claire separated from their pack to discuss the plan.
"Thank God! I didn't think that Althea was going to invite them but she pulled through. Good job Claire, everything is ready for tomorrow night." Kate said with a sigh of relief. Claire on the other hand was sitting there silent, thinking about what she had found out yesterday. She knew that she had to tell Kate the situation, but this would lead to some negative effects for her. So she decided that the best thing is to worry about that another day.
"Are you sure about that Kate? Isn't there some aspects of the 'mission' that you forgot to check upon?"
"Claire, sweetheart, this is not you we're talking about. I know that everything is fine- unless there's something you want to tell me?"
'The nerve of that bitch! If I didn't help her pathetic plan, she would be screwed without me! Well, not screwed maybe, just completely loss. Oh I hope she doesn't find out about him until the party, cause that could be a real nasty surprise for her.' Claire thought as she stole some paper from one of her lackeys and started to do the assignment. Kate took her angered silence as a sign that she had nothing to offer and the plan was fine and ready for tomorrow night.
"So did you tell that little brat what I told you to say?"
"Of course I did Kate. I had nothing else to do with my time but to tell a loser like her a bunch of washed out lies. "
Kate looked over at the girl with a nasty look on her face. She whispered to her "You better watch what you say to me, Claire. I'm not one of those annoying little bimbos that you try to play and tease around with. I know things about you that could destroy you in a second, so keep that smart ass attitude to yourself."
Claire looked at Kate liked she had lost her mind. She wanted to say something real evil and nasty, but not in front of all their lackeys. If people knew that there was hostility between the two girls, it would definitely ruin their reputation.
"Ok Kate, you wanna talk about secrets, huh? Just wait to we get out of this class and we'll talk about real secrets then."
"Claire, you have absolutely nothing on me. So try your pathetic best before I put you to shame." Some of their lackeys had turned around to try and listen to their conversation, but Kate and Claire had given them a death glare and they turned back around.
'God I can't stand that girl!' Claire thought. 'If she says one more thing to me, I might just jump up and smack the bitch. Oh, whom am I kidding? I'd steal her first, and then smack her. What in the hell had convinced me to let her use me like that? Popularity, that's what.'
The rest of the day went as normally as it could, and school was let out on time. The trio crammed their way into Miranda's car and they headed to Gordo's house to discuss and plan the final aspects of the plan. The rush to get out of school delayed them a bit, but they finally made it to the house. Miranda parked in the garage and Gordo opened the door.
"Thank God it's Friday!" Lizzie said while throwing her book bag on the couch. Gordo grabbed a couple of sodas and a bag of chips and headed to the family room.
"I thought this week would never end."
"Miranda please. You've only been in school three times this week!"
"So? I had some business to attend to this week." Miranda replied as she popped the top off the can of soda.
Lizzie raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"
"You'll see."
Miranda of course had something to tell Lizzie, but not in front of Gordo. She had met Claire in the bathroom in 2nd period. Miranda ducked into the girls' bathroom to avoid some really evil administrators. She jumped into a stall and stood on the toilet seat, hoping that the Ms. Kali, the administrator who was chasing her, would not do a stall sweep. She waited until her legs were about to give in when she busted out of the stall. Miranda put her hands on the sink to brace herself and to stare at the mirror. A few seconds later, Claire and one of her lackeys came through the bathroom door, laughing and being loud. Miranda scrunched up her face at the sound of Claire's voice and tried to leave for a stall, but Claire caught her.
"Hey Joyce, could you please wait outside? I have some business to attend to." The girl known as Joyce looked at Miranda, then at Claire. Claire just returned the glare and the girl walked out, muttering "whatever".
"I'm gonna have to have a talk with that girl if she thinks she can back talk me. Anyway Miranda, I wanted to talk to you about the party." Claire said as she walked toward a mirror to refresh her makeup.
"Hold on, could this be a miracle in the making? Claire Miller talking to me?" Miranda said, leaning on the back of a bathroom wall.
" Miranda, don't act like that. I came here to do you a favor."
"What? Now she's doing favors? How did I ever receive that honor?"
"Sarcasm must be your native language at home, huh."
"Coming from you, I'd say that's a complement." Silence followed her last words as the two girls stood there and stared each other down. Finally after five minutes of glaring each other down, Claire sighed heavily and put her hands.
"Please, let's stop all of this bullshit. Miranda, as you know, this is probably the first time you have been to a wild, out of control party like Althea's."
Miranda just stared at the girl. "So what? Are you going to taunt me about the fact."
"No, I'm not. I'm here to give you some advice."
"About what?"
"The party, of course."
"Really? I never thought of that." Miranda said, sarcasm deep within her voice. "I meant about what specifically?"
"Do you have to be so rude? I am helping you out."
"I didn't ask for your help."
"But I'm giving it to you so deal with it."
"Whatever. Can we get on with it before Ms. Kali comes back and decides to suspend us both." Miranda said.
"Sheesh, so snappy. Ok this is so freaking embarrassing to talk about." Claire said, shaking her head.
"Well, get on with it."
"Ok at the party there will be several horny guys."
"Really?" Miranda said with mock surprise.
"You're really not helping me out here." Claire said.
"Alright already, go on then."
"So it's best to tell you now that you'll need some kind of protection. for you know." Miranda was staring really hard at the girl next to her.
"Are you telling me that I need co."
"Shut up! There is no need for you to say that out loud!"
"Why in the world are you telling me this?"
"Um. It's my duty." Miranda thought on the girl's statement.
"That is such bullshit. Why would you, my mutual enemy, want to help me out? I've never have or will help you out, so what is with all the kindness now?"
"God, why is this so hard? I wanted to help you and that's what I'm doing. Why can't you just trust me?"
Miranda let off a little laugh. "Trust you? Trust you? When in your life have you deemed yourself to me 'trust worthy?'" Claire glared at the Miranda, knowing fully that she couldn't answer that question.
"I thought so." Miranda said quietly. The bathroom was filled with silence as the two looked around at their surroundings, not at each other.
"You really want the truth, Miranda?" Claire said as gently as she could. Miranda looked up at her and nodded. "This was all Althea's idea, not mine. She knew that you and McGuire and Gordon couldn't handle this type of party that you've never been to before. So I volunteered to tell you since I thought we had a mutual distaste against each other."
Miranda just stood there, taking all that new information in. She knew that the answer that Claire had given her was probably right, but she still had lingering doubts. In the end though, she would choose to listen to logic rather than intuition.
"Fine then. Thank you for telling me. I'll keep your 'advice' in mind."
Claire smiled. "Your welcome. Next time though, don't be such a bitch about it." She said as she was walking towards the bathroom door.
"Sure, whatever you say." Miranda answered, Claire walked to the door. She beckoned Joyce to come into the bathroom.
"Joyce, our meeting is done. And, no, you can't tell any of those annoying little idiots you call your friends that you were here. Oh and next time you want to disrespect me in front of someone, try to keep you damn voice down." Claire said to the redhead in a calm anger. Miranda admired this from afar- the way Kate, but mostly Claire could keep their demeanor and poise and still show some emotion. Claire left the bathroom with Joyce following closely behind. Miranda sighed as she grabbed her purse and left the bathroom.
The next morning, Miranda felt like a hundred bricks of pressure were on her chest when she woke up. She could feel it, some kind of change in the air. Ever since that conversation with Claire, something had change between them, and Miranda couldn't exactly tell what it is. Even though summer was just around the corner, Miranda decided she needed a break. For three days she wandered around, in and out of the malls, driving to far out places or hiding in dark movies. She didn't know why she was wandering, she just felt like school and homework could wait. While out though, she noticed that she would wander to a drug store if she were near one. She figured it out though, she was thinking about what Claire had said.
So one day with a big black hoodie borrowed from her cousin who was staying with her family, and regular blue jeans on. She walked to the nearest drug store, in the Penn stone Shopping Center. She walked in the store, as cool as she could, toward the cosmetics section. It seemed to her that every adult eye was focus on her, like they knew what she was up to already. She felt a twinge of nervousness but forced it down as she looked at lip- glosses and lip liners that she and Lizzie would use for the party. She walked around slowly, trying to avoid attention from others. Miranda picked up some candy for the car ride, some more cosmetics, a big bag of chips, and a nail manicure kit for her and Lizzie. Slowly she made her way to the health care row, where the objects she desired were hanging at the end of the row. Miranda looked all around to make sure the coast was clear, then she walked down the aisle and picked up two packs of condoms, then rushed to the front of the store. She waited until all the customers were done with their purchases, and then stepped up to an old lady, about in her fifties.
"Well hello young lady, how are you today?"
Miranda grimaced. This wouldn't be easy with this old grandma at the cash register. "I'm fine ma'am. How are you?"
The lady, named Sara, smiled brightly. "Oh I'm fine, just fine."
"Can you check out these things for me?"
"Sure sweets, right away." Sara said. She started to ring up Miranda's things. "Boy I'll tell you, their letting you kids out earlier and earlier. Why it's only 2 o'clock!"
Miranda laughed a little laugh. 'God this woman is thick. I'm sure she seen some kids skipping around here. It's right next to the freakin' movie theater!' Miranda thought. She waited patiently until the lady got through with her stuff.
"Almost done here." Sara said. She trailed off when she reached the package of condoms. Miranda saw the look of confusion on her face.
"Dear, are these for you?" Sara asked. 'Well duh, who do you think it is?' Miranda thought to herself bitterly. She wanted to leave quickly and get back home soon. But this lady was making it very difficult.
"I'm sure that these were put in your cart by accident so I'll just." The lady made a move to put the condoms aside but Miranda gently grabbed her arm.
"No ma'am, I actually need them. So if you could just." Sara looked at Miranda with questioning eyes. Miranda felt like people were staring and that uncomfortable feeling came back.
"Ok dear if you want." The Lady said. She finished up with the checkout and Miranda gave the lady the money for the items. Miranda thanked Sara and tried to leave quickly, but Sara still had something to say.
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into young lady." 'I hope I do to' Miranda thought in her head as she left the store.
A/N: I'm done, finally! Thank the good spirits who helped me finish this chapter off. I know I know, It's kinda tedious in this chapter but I promised that the next chapter is all about the party! Review and tell me what you think of the story so far. See ya soon!
Disclaimer: Don't own a damn thing, but then you probably knew that.
Author's Note: Seems like this little story has some reviewers. I'd like to thank all the people that reviewed and I hope that this story continues to please you. BTW: to my beta-reader- starting with the next chapter, I hope you can start editing my story. I just had to get this chapter out, since it's long overdue.
Chapter 3
Later that week, Lizzie was telling her best friends what happened at Zanzibar's.
"So does that mean we're all invited?" Gordo said at Lizzie, lifting an eyebrow
"Yep." Lizzie said. Miranda laid back on Lizzie's bed and sighed. "Ok, are you sure that this isn't some sort of joke?"
"Yes Miranda, she made me well assure of that fact." Lizzie answered. Miranda sat up and gave Lizzie a huge hug.
"Oh my God! You're a genius! How in the world did you get Althea and her cronies to let us go?" Miranda asked, excitement in her voice like the old days.
"Well actually, Althea was trying to find me when I bumped into her." Lizzie said while she walked to her desk and got a soda. Miranda gave Lizzie a suspicious look from across the room.
"She was looking for you? Doesn't that sound a little weird to you?"
"I know, I know, that's what I thought." Lizzie replied "But she seemed generally interested in me."
"Lizzie." Gordo said from across the room. "Are you sure she's legit?"
"She made a damn speech over it, so I'm pretty sure."
"So that leaves us exactly one week to get ready for the biggest party of our junior year, .and we don't have our outfit's yet. That just perfect." Miranda said.
"Miranda, give me a break. We just found out that we are invited to the party and you're already going on about 'outfits'"
"Whatever Gordo." Miranda said, turning to Lizzie. "We need to find the perfect outfits by Friday. We especially need to make sure that the 'clueless wonder' over there doesn't show up with a dumb ass suit. We have got to set a positive impression on Althea and her people or else our social status will drop pretty far."
"Hey! I think that I look good in my suit! Stacie Coleman even said so!"
"Yeah, maybe at a funeral." Miranda muttered and rolled her eyes. Gordo picked up a pillow and threw it at Miranda, knocking the soda she had from her hand. Miranda retaliated by jumping up on Lizzie's bed and grabbed a stuff animal. She thumped Gordo on the head and ran around the room as Gordo chased her.
"Damn that hurt, Miranda!" Gordo said, rubbing his head.
"You sissy! It was just a stuff animal, wimp." Miranda said as she slipped on Lizzie's rug.
"Guys please." Lizzie interjected. "Your acting like we're back in middle school." Gordo stopped running after Miranda and Miranda sat down near Lizzie. "Now Miranda, can you take care of the wardrobe for the party?" Miranda nodded and went to the computer, searching sites for cool accessories and clothes. Lizzie turned her attention to Gordo. "Your job is to get some cash for supplies and make sure that can score us a good ride to the party." Gordo glanced over at the blond with a look across his curly- covered face.
"And what exactly will you be doing while Miranda and I slave away for this special event?"
"My dearest Gordo. I will be the one to make sure that our parents will allow us to go a wild and under supervised teenage hormone fest until three a.m." Lizzie said with a smile.
"Ok, whatever, you're the boss." Gordo said and sighed. He went to the phone and called up his dad, hoping that he would agree to let him and his friends borrow the Lexus, no questions asked. This was going to be the start of one long week for the trio.
* * *
So after long searches on the Internet, many phone calls, countless trips to the mall, begging and pleading and promising parents that they would be on their best behavior; the trio had the perfect ride, outfits, and gifts for the party. Miranda had planned the outfits- Lizzie planned to wear a pretty burgundy spaghetti strap shirt with the Chinese word for 'flirt' in black ink on the front. She had tight black pants that zipped up from the side and a silver 'hoop' belt for her slim waist and black high heels to match. Miranda considered wearing a tank top with a sparkly rose on the front with red string accenting the hem of the shirt. She had medium color blue jeans there was red string where the zipper should be and red sneakers. Gordo made an outfit as basic as he could. He wanted to wear a black shirt with a big skull and cross bone on the front, blue jeans and a jacket, and plain black sneakers. Miranda didn't approve of his outfit, but in the end she let him have it. Gordo had scrounged up enough money to buy a couple of packs of beer, a tank full of gas, and a big bag of Doritos without his parents bugging him why. They had to use Miranda's car to get there, but at that point, none of them cared.
It was Friday and the group was in 6th period, waiting for class to end and a weekend of mystery and fun to begin.
"Gordo, are you sure that you have everything ready for tomorrow?" Lizzie asked Gordo, who was in front of her. He turned around to glance at her.
"Yes, Lizzie for the fifth time today, I have everything ready. So could you please stop bugging me!"
"Sheesh, Gordo. I just wanted to know."
"Excuse me, I thought I was teaching up here, but since you two think it's important to talk right through my lesson, then please go on with your conversation and forget all about me." Mr. Gibbs shouted. Lizzie and Gordo looked over at each other and said a very small 'sorry' and turned towards the front of the class. Two guys in the back of the classroom busted out with a big laugh, but the rest of the class was silent. Mr. Gibbs turned around and went back to explaining the French and Indian war timeline on the board. Miranda just smiled at the two as the man droned on about how inconsiderate the teenagers are today.
Kate. Claire, and their group of stupid followers were sitting in the back, listening all day to hints that the trio had been invited to the party. Now as they heard Lizzie and Gordo talk and get yelled at for it, Kate knew her 'victims' were falling into her perfect trap. When Mr. Gibbs let people break off into little groups to do the assignment, Kate and Claire separated from their pack to discuss the plan.
"Thank God! I didn't think that Althea was going to invite them but she pulled through. Good job Claire, everything is ready for tomorrow night." Kate said with a sigh of relief. Claire on the other hand was sitting there silent, thinking about what she had found out yesterday. She knew that she had to tell Kate the situation, but this would lead to some negative effects for her. So she decided that the best thing is to worry about that another day.
"Are you sure about that Kate? Isn't there some aspects of the 'mission' that you forgot to check upon?"
"Claire, sweetheart, this is not you we're talking about. I know that everything is fine- unless there's something you want to tell me?"
'The nerve of that bitch! If I didn't help her pathetic plan, she would be screwed without me! Well, not screwed maybe, just completely loss. Oh I hope she doesn't find out about him until the party, cause that could be a real nasty surprise for her.' Claire thought as she stole some paper from one of her lackeys and started to do the assignment. Kate took her angered silence as a sign that she had nothing to offer and the plan was fine and ready for tomorrow night.
"So did you tell that little brat what I told you to say?"
"Of course I did Kate. I had nothing else to do with my time but to tell a loser like her a bunch of washed out lies. "
Kate looked over at the girl with a nasty look on her face. She whispered to her "You better watch what you say to me, Claire. I'm not one of those annoying little bimbos that you try to play and tease around with. I know things about you that could destroy you in a second, so keep that smart ass attitude to yourself."
Claire looked at Kate liked she had lost her mind. She wanted to say something real evil and nasty, but not in front of all their lackeys. If people knew that there was hostility between the two girls, it would definitely ruin their reputation.
"Ok Kate, you wanna talk about secrets, huh? Just wait to we get out of this class and we'll talk about real secrets then."
"Claire, you have absolutely nothing on me. So try your pathetic best before I put you to shame." Some of their lackeys had turned around to try and listen to their conversation, but Kate and Claire had given them a death glare and they turned back around.
'God I can't stand that girl!' Claire thought. 'If she says one more thing to me, I might just jump up and smack the bitch. Oh, whom am I kidding? I'd steal her first, and then smack her. What in the hell had convinced me to let her use me like that? Popularity, that's what.'
The rest of the day went as normally as it could, and school was let out on time. The trio crammed their way into Miranda's car and they headed to Gordo's house to discuss and plan the final aspects of the plan. The rush to get out of school delayed them a bit, but they finally made it to the house. Miranda parked in the garage and Gordo opened the door.
"Thank God it's Friday!" Lizzie said while throwing her book bag on the couch. Gordo grabbed a couple of sodas and a bag of chips and headed to the family room.
"I thought this week would never end."
"Miranda please. You've only been in school three times this week!"
"So? I had some business to attend to this week." Miranda replied as she popped the top off the can of soda.
Lizzie raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"
"You'll see."
Miranda of course had something to tell Lizzie, but not in front of Gordo. She had met Claire in the bathroom in 2nd period. Miranda ducked into the girls' bathroom to avoid some really evil administrators. She jumped into a stall and stood on the toilet seat, hoping that the Ms. Kali, the administrator who was chasing her, would not do a stall sweep. She waited until her legs were about to give in when she busted out of the stall. Miranda put her hands on the sink to brace herself and to stare at the mirror. A few seconds later, Claire and one of her lackeys came through the bathroom door, laughing and being loud. Miranda scrunched up her face at the sound of Claire's voice and tried to leave for a stall, but Claire caught her.
"Hey Joyce, could you please wait outside? I have some business to attend to." The girl known as Joyce looked at Miranda, then at Claire. Claire just returned the glare and the girl walked out, muttering "whatever".
"I'm gonna have to have a talk with that girl if she thinks she can back talk me. Anyway Miranda, I wanted to talk to you about the party." Claire said as she walked toward a mirror to refresh her makeup.
"Hold on, could this be a miracle in the making? Claire Miller talking to me?" Miranda said, leaning on the back of a bathroom wall.
" Miranda, don't act like that. I came here to do you a favor."
"What? Now she's doing favors? How did I ever receive that honor?"
"Sarcasm must be your native language at home, huh."
"Coming from you, I'd say that's a complement." Silence followed her last words as the two girls stood there and stared each other down. Finally after five minutes of glaring each other down, Claire sighed heavily and put her hands.
"Please, let's stop all of this bullshit. Miranda, as you know, this is probably the first time you have been to a wild, out of control party like Althea's."
Miranda just stared at the girl. "So what? Are you going to taunt me about the fact."
"No, I'm not. I'm here to give you some advice."
"About what?"
"The party, of course."
"Really? I never thought of that." Miranda said, sarcasm deep within her voice. "I meant about what specifically?"
"Do you have to be so rude? I am helping you out."
"I didn't ask for your help."
"But I'm giving it to you so deal with it."
"Whatever. Can we get on with it before Ms. Kali comes back and decides to suspend us both." Miranda said.
"Sheesh, so snappy. Ok this is so freaking embarrassing to talk about." Claire said, shaking her head.
"Well, get on with it."
"Ok at the party there will be several horny guys."
"Really?" Miranda said with mock surprise.
"You're really not helping me out here." Claire said.
"Alright already, go on then."
"So it's best to tell you now that you'll need some kind of protection. for you know." Miranda was staring really hard at the girl next to her.
"Are you telling me that I need co."
"Shut up! There is no need for you to say that out loud!"
"Why in the world are you telling me this?"
"Um. It's my duty." Miranda thought on the girl's statement.
"That is such bullshit. Why would you, my mutual enemy, want to help me out? I've never have or will help you out, so what is with all the kindness now?"
"God, why is this so hard? I wanted to help you and that's what I'm doing. Why can't you just trust me?"
Miranda let off a little laugh. "Trust you? Trust you? When in your life have you deemed yourself to me 'trust worthy?'" Claire glared at the Miranda, knowing fully that she couldn't answer that question.
"I thought so." Miranda said quietly. The bathroom was filled with silence as the two looked around at their surroundings, not at each other.
"You really want the truth, Miranda?" Claire said as gently as she could. Miranda looked up at her and nodded. "This was all Althea's idea, not mine. She knew that you and McGuire and Gordon couldn't handle this type of party that you've never been to before. So I volunteered to tell you since I thought we had a mutual distaste against each other."
Miranda just stood there, taking all that new information in. She knew that the answer that Claire had given her was probably right, but she still had lingering doubts. In the end though, she would choose to listen to logic rather than intuition.
"Fine then. Thank you for telling me. I'll keep your 'advice' in mind."
Claire smiled. "Your welcome. Next time though, don't be such a bitch about it." She said as she was walking towards the bathroom door.
"Sure, whatever you say." Miranda answered, Claire walked to the door. She beckoned Joyce to come into the bathroom.
"Joyce, our meeting is done. And, no, you can't tell any of those annoying little idiots you call your friends that you were here. Oh and next time you want to disrespect me in front of someone, try to keep you damn voice down." Claire said to the redhead in a calm anger. Miranda admired this from afar- the way Kate, but mostly Claire could keep their demeanor and poise and still show some emotion. Claire left the bathroom with Joyce following closely behind. Miranda sighed as she grabbed her purse and left the bathroom.
The next morning, Miranda felt like a hundred bricks of pressure were on her chest when she woke up. She could feel it, some kind of change in the air. Ever since that conversation with Claire, something had change between them, and Miranda couldn't exactly tell what it is. Even though summer was just around the corner, Miranda decided she needed a break. For three days she wandered around, in and out of the malls, driving to far out places or hiding in dark movies. She didn't know why she was wandering, she just felt like school and homework could wait. While out though, she noticed that she would wander to a drug store if she were near one. She figured it out though, she was thinking about what Claire had said.
So one day with a big black hoodie borrowed from her cousin who was staying with her family, and regular blue jeans on. She walked to the nearest drug store, in the Penn stone Shopping Center. She walked in the store, as cool as she could, toward the cosmetics section. It seemed to her that every adult eye was focus on her, like they knew what she was up to already. She felt a twinge of nervousness but forced it down as she looked at lip- glosses and lip liners that she and Lizzie would use for the party. She walked around slowly, trying to avoid attention from others. Miranda picked up some candy for the car ride, some more cosmetics, a big bag of chips, and a nail manicure kit for her and Lizzie. Slowly she made her way to the health care row, where the objects she desired were hanging at the end of the row. Miranda looked all around to make sure the coast was clear, then she walked down the aisle and picked up two packs of condoms, then rushed to the front of the store. She waited until all the customers were done with their purchases, and then stepped up to an old lady, about in her fifties.
"Well hello young lady, how are you today?"
Miranda grimaced. This wouldn't be easy with this old grandma at the cash register. "I'm fine ma'am. How are you?"
The lady, named Sara, smiled brightly. "Oh I'm fine, just fine."
"Can you check out these things for me?"
"Sure sweets, right away." Sara said. She started to ring up Miranda's things. "Boy I'll tell you, their letting you kids out earlier and earlier. Why it's only 2 o'clock!"
Miranda laughed a little laugh. 'God this woman is thick. I'm sure she seen some kids skipping around here. It's right next to the freakin' movie theater!' Miranda thought. She waited patiently until the lady got through with her stuff.
"Almost done here." Sara said. She trailed off when she reached the package of condoms. Miranda saw the look of confusion on her face.
"Dear, are these for you?" Sara asked. 'Well duh, who do you think it is?' Miranda thought to herself bitterly. She wanted to leave quickly and get back home soon. But this lady was making it very difficult.
"I'm sure that these were put in your cart by accident so I'll just." The lady made a move to put the condoms aside but Miranda gently grabbed her arm.
"No ma'am, I actually need them. So if you could just." Sara looked at Miranda with questioning eyes. Miranda felt like people were staring and that uncomfortable feeling came back.
"Ok dear if you want." The Lady said. She finished up with the checkout and Miranda gave the lady the money for the items. Miranda thanked Sara and tried to leave quickly, but Sara still had something to say.
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into young lady." 'I hope I do to' Miranda thought in her head as she left the store.
A/N: I'm done, finally! Thank the good spirits who helped me finish this chapter off. I know I know, It's kinda tedious in this chapter but I promised that the next chapter is all about the party! Review and tell me what you think of the story so far. See ya soon!
