Chapter Five: Seriously...
I didn't get home until late. My mom was already in bed so I just
busied myself by cleaning up after her. I grabbed empty vodka bottles and
threw them in the trash. The dishes went into the dishwasher, the shot
glass stayed out. I pulled out a half empty bottle of tequila and poured a
shot. I still couldn't believe the way things went tonight. After I had
started to cry Marco had just pulled me towards him and we just stayed like
that until I was finished. I didn't realize how much I had needed to cry
until an hour had passed. Afterwards we went on like everything was normal
and like I hadn't broken down.
We went to the all-night video arcade and I whooped his ass in just
about every fighting game possible. I practice plenty at night when I can't
sleep so I'm a force to be reckoned with. But he killed me in all the
racing games. I'm a hopeless driver, even if it's just a video game. Yeah,
I basically failed driver's ed. Guess I won't be getting my license anytime
soon... Oh well, I'll just make Marco, Ashley, and Sean drive me around. They
have it coming those responsible drivers...
Mmm, the tequila felt good sliding down my throat. It burned a bit
but not as much as it used to. I stopped. See, that's the difference
between my mom and I. I know when to stop. I can take just one shot before
I go to bed. I don't have the urge to do fifteen more. Sure, I like to go
out and party as much as the next person and I usually get wasted off my
ass, but that's a social thing. I'm a big social drinker and just a tiny
private one. My mom's the exact opposite.
I put the drink away and went into the computer room. I might as well
check my e-mail. I logged on and noticed that Ashley was logged on too.
AKRocker: Hey Ellebelle.
Seansgrrrl: Ellebelle?
AKRocker: I don't know... just in a good mood.
Seansgrrrl: Why's that? Visit from Craig?
AKRocker: Yeah. He came over. We talked. THAT IS IT. But he had
to babysit Ang.
Seansgrrrl: Am I the only one who can't stand that girl?
She drives me nuts when
she's at Caitlin's.
AKRocker: Aww. She's sweet. Sometimes... By the way...
Seansgrrrl: Yeah...?
AKRocker: Since when are you all... well...
Seansgrrrl: Say it Ash.
AKRocker: What is with your name?!!!
Seansgrrrl: Haha. Yeah, I was waiting for you to say
something. I'm just joking. I was
waiting to see how long it would take you to question
my sanity. Seansgrrl.
Pshh... I'm not that pathetic. Hold on.
Ellie.: There. Did you really think I'd ever write
"grrrl"?
AKRocker: That's why I was so confused. So what did you do
tonight?
Ellie.: Hung out with Marco- ice cream, video games,
Chinese food. Stuff of
that sorts.
AKRocker: Sounds good. Did you like your surprise the other night?
Ellie.: Thanks! It was so awesome. We had a great night.
AKRocker: Great as in...?
Ellie.: As in none of your business.
AKRocker: Okay, okay. I won't try and persuade details out of you. I
know how
stubborn you are. Hey, you know what comes out on Monday,
right?
Ellie.: What?
AKRocker: The class superlative list.
Ellie.: The official ones or the "underground" ones?
AKRocker: underground.
Ellie.: Oooh. I'm so excited. Note my enthusiasm.
AKRocker: You are such a party pooper.
Ellie.: Exactly. That is why I'm going to get off now and do
something more
useful with my time. Au revoir.
AKRocker: Bye.
Why did my e-mails consist of free dental plans (I have perfect
teeth, thank you very much), chain letters from idiots like Paige and
Terri, and porn? Hmm, maybe I'd forward that to Hazel. I logged off the
computer and turned off the lights downstairs before retreating back to my
room. Maybe I'd start a new sketch.
I pulled out my sketch book and art pencils and began drawing. Hours
later, my sketch was finished and dawn was almost approaching. I walked
outside on my little balcony. I could see the sun just starting to peek
over the horizon. I had an idea. I ran back inside and grabbed the cordless
phone on my bed and dialed a number.
Five rings passed and I was ready to give up until I heard a groggy
voice answer. "Hello?"
"Don't hate me. Get up and look outside."
"Ellie? Why?"
"Just do it, Sean."
I could hear static and then some stumbling going on as I assumed
Sean was going outside. "Yeah, so?"
"Look at the sun. We can watch it rise together. It'll be romantic."
"It'd be even more romantic if you were over here."
I laughed, "I bet. Shut up and watch."
We sat in silence for ten minutes. I was in awe of the sunrise. I
appreciate small things like this. Okay, it's not exactly small since if
the sun didn't rise then civilization would pretty much not exist... but
people usually take it for granted. I noticed Sean's heavy breathing over
the phone. Wait... was he...?
"Sean?!"
I repeated his name again. And then for a third time. Yeah... he was
asleep. I hung up the phone a bit pissed. I know I shouldn't be since it
was like 5:00am, but still. You'd think he could stay awake for twenty
minutes to watch the sunrise with me. To do something romantic like that.
Yeah, he can plan a huge meal for me and make out, but what about doing
simple things like this? I sighed. What is wrong with me? I really
shouldn't be getting this upset because Sean fell asleep over the phone. I
imagined him asleep on the grass outside, but that didn't even make me
smile. I walked back into my room and shut the sliding door behind me.
Whatever. Maybe I'd just paint the damn sunrise for him.
Sunday was pretty much uneventful for me. I didn't answer Sean's
calls, I didn't answer Marco's calls, and I didn't answer Ashley's calls. I
guess I was just in a bad mood. Or maybe it was just the PMS. Whatever it
was, I didn't want to be bothered. I threw myself on my bed later that day
after I had finished two movies and gotten to level 7 in a video game. I
groaned into my pillow. Curses for being a girl.
"Eleanor!"
Sigh. Mom. And would she call me by my REAL name. Ellie. Get it
right... I swear.
I walked down the staircase. "Yeah, mom?"
She peeked her head out from the kitchen. She had awoken in a chipper
mood this morning. I guess she didn't have a hangover. Yay! "Could you run
to the store for me? We need a few things."
Running to the store meant walking like five miles. Sometimes I hate
living in such seclusion. But my mom looked like she was in a great mood.
And she was actually talking to me. I had to be nice. I had to be a good
daughter. "Sure mom. What do you need?"
"Here's the list. Don't buy candy with the change."
I pretended like I didn't hear the last part. She knew I was going to
buy candy anyway. She does this every time she gives me money.
So, yeah, it took me awhile to get to the store. I picked up the few
things my mom needed and then practically skipped to the candy store. Being
in that store is like being in heaven. I ran my hands along the glass cases
filled with just about any chocolately, gummy, gooey, sour goodness
possible. Maybe I'd buy some stuff for Marco. His parents don't approve of
his sweet tooth either. So usually we pick a day to go after school, stock
up, and then hide it in our lockers. And then whenever one of us needs a
fix, we'll have it at hand. I picked a few different varieties out and put
the bags of candy in my backpack.
As I was walking back home, I passed the Dot Grill and just happened
to look in the window. I could see Ashley, Marco, Jimmy, Hazel, Paige,
Spinner, and all of them sitting in one huge booth together, laughing, and
joking around. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I kind of felt left
out. Maybe I should have answered everyone's calls before... Before I could
hurry and walk away, Jimmy turned his head and caught me staring. He lifted
his head in a greeting and I repeated the gesture. Ashley looked over at
me, then at Paige, and gave me a half-ass wave. Yeah... She wouldn't want to
step on Paige's toes or anything by pretending to be my best friend...
Marco waved me on in, and I couldn't be rude. So I decided I'd hand
him his candy and then leave. I stepped in and stood next to him. Paige and
her posse looked me up and down before going back to their own meaningless
conversations on whether or not orange or yellow nail polish was the next
big thing. If those idiots knew anything they'd know that bronze was in...
Anyway...
"What are you doing here, Elle?" Marco looked at me curiously.
"I had to pick up a few things for my mom. But I stopped in the candy
store. Bought you something..."
Marco rubbed his hands together in anticipation as I took out his
little bag of candy. It was filled with gummy fish, rollos, and Swedish
fish. "This is great. Thanks Elle."
"Doesn't she realize he'll never like her like that? How desperate
can you be to go after a gay guy. Much less your gay best friend."
I couldn't believe I had just heard Paige make that comment. To Terri
of all people. She raised an eyebrow at me and I raised mine at her. Ashley
must have noticed the tension between us.
"I'd ask you to join us Ellie, but..."
"Don't bother Ash. I wouldn't want to be seen with the pretentious
snobs you're hanging out with."
Paige fake pouted. "Aww, I'm a snob now!" Terri hid her laugh behind
her hand. But whatever, I saw it. I can't stand her.
"And you're a fat bitch," I slammed at Terri. With that I spun on my
heel and started to walk about the door.
But not before I heard Spinner. "Yeah, wait until she sees who was
voted Biggest Bitch."
"Seriously..." Paige piped in.
Biggest Bitch? What did he mean? And why didn't Marco or Ashley stand
up for me? I flipped my ponytail over my shoulder and stalked off. Times
like these, home sounded real good to me.
I didn't get home until late. My mom was already in bed so I just
busied myself by cleaning up after her. I grabbed empty vodka bottles and
threw them in the trash. The dishes went into the dishwasher, the shot
glass stayed out. I pulled out a half empty bottle of tequila and poured a
shot. I still couldn't believe the way things went tonight. After I had
started to cry Marco had just pulled me towards him and we just stayed like
that until I was finished. I didn't realize how much I had needed to cry
until an hour had passed. Afterwards we went on like everything was normal
and like I hadn't broken down.
We went to the all-night video arcade and I whooped his ass in just
about every fighting game possible. I practice plenty at night when I can't
sleep so I'm a force to be reckoned with. But he killed me in all the
racing games. I'm a hopeless driver, even if it's just a video game. Yeah,
I basically failed driver's ed. Guess I won't be getting my license anytime
soon... Oh well, I'll just make Marco, Ashley, and Sean drive me around. They
have it coming those responsible drivers...
Mmm, the tequila felt good sliding down my throat. It burned a bit
but not as much as it used to. I stopped. See, that's the difference
between my mom and I. I know when to stop. I can take just one shot before
I go to bed. I don't have the urge to do fifteen more. Sure, I like to go
out and party as much as the next person and I usually get wasted off my
ass, but that's a social thing. I'm a big social drinker and just a tiny
private one. My mom's the exact opposite.
I put the drink away and went into the computer room. I might as well
check my e-mail. I logged on and noticed that Ashley was logged on too.
AKRocker: Hey Ellebelle.
Seansgrrrl: Ellebelle?
AKRocker: I don't know... just in a good mood.
Seansgrrrl: Why's that? Visit from Craig?
AKRocker: Yeah. He came over. We talked. THAT IS IT. But he had
to babysit Ang.
Seansgrrrl: Am I the only one who can't stand that girl?
She drives me nuts when
she's at Caitlin's.
AKRocker: Aww. She's sweet. Sometimes... By the way...
Seansgrrrl: Yeah...?
AKRocker: Since when are you all... well...
Seansgrrrl: Say it Ash.
AKRocker: What is with your name?!!!
Seansgrrrl: Haha. Yeah, I was waiting for you to say
something. I'm just joking. I was
waiting to see how long it would take you to question
my sanity. Seansgrrl.
Pshh... I'm not that pathetic. Hold on.
Ellie.: There. Did you really think I'd ever write
"grrrl"?
AKRocker: That's why I was so confused. So what did you do
tonight?
Ellie.: Hung out with Marco- ice cream, video games,
Chinese food. Stuff of
that sorts.
AKRocker: Sounds good. Did you like your surprise the other night?
Ellie.: Thanks! It was so awesome. We had a great night.
AKRocker: Great as in...?
Ellie.: As in none of your business.
AKRocker: Okay, okay. I won't try and persuade details out of you. I
know how
stubborn you are. Hey, you know what comes out on Monday,
right?
Ellie.: What?
AKRocker: The class superlative list.
Ellie.: The official ones or the "underground" ones?
AKRocker: underground.
Ellie.: Oooh. I'm so excited. Note my enthusiasm.
AKRocker: You are such a party pooper.
Ellie.: Exactly. That is why I'm going to get off now and do
something more
useful with my time. Au revoir.
AKRocker: Bye.
Why did my e-mails consist of free dental plans (I have perfect
teeth, thank you very much), chain letters from idiots like Paige and
Terri, and porn? Hmm, maybe I'd forward that to Hazel. I logged off the
computer and turned off the lights downstairs before retreating back to my
room. Maybe I'd start a new sketch.
I pulled out my sketch book and art pencils and began drawing. Hours
later, my sketch was finished and dawn was almost approaching. I walked
outside on my little balcony. I could see the sun just starting to peek
over the horizon. I had an idea. I ran back inside and grabbed the cordless
phone on my bed and dialed a number.
Five rings passed and I was ready to give up until I heard a groggy
voice answer. "Hello?"
"Don't hate me. Get up and look outside."
"Ellie? Why?"
"Just do it, Sean."
I could hear static and then some stumbling going on as I assumed
Sean was going outside. "Yeah, so?"
"Look at the sun. We can watch it rise together. It'll be romantic."
"It'd be even more romantic if you were over here."
I laughed, "I bet. Shut up and watch."
We sat in silence for ten minutes. I was in awe of the sunrise. I
appreciate small things like this. Okay, it's not exactly small since if
the sun didn't rise then civilization would pretty much not exist... but
people usually take it for granted. I noticed Sean's heavy breathing over
the phone. Wait... was he...?
"Sean?!"
I repeated his name again. And then for a third time. Yeah... he was
asleep. I hung up the phone a bit pissed. I know I shouldn't be since it
was like 5:00am, but still. You'd think he could stay awake for twenty
minutes to watch the sunrise with me. To do something romantic like that.
Yeah, he can plan a huge meal for me and make out, but what about doing
simple things like this? I sighed. What is wrong with me? I really
shouldn't be getting this upset because Sean fell asleep over the phone. I
imagined him asleep on the grass outside, but that didn't even make me
smile. I walked back into my room and shut the sliding door behind me.
Whatever. Maybe I'd just paint the damn sunrise for him.
Sunday was pretty much uneventful for me. I didn't answer Sean's
calls, I didn't answer Marco's calls, and I didn't answer Ashley's calls. I
guess I was just in a bad mood. Or maybe it was just the PMS. Whatever it
was, I didn't want to be bothered. I threw myself on my bed later that day
after I had finished two movies and gotten to level 7 in a video game. I
groaned into my pillow. Curses for being a girl.
"Eleanor!"
Sigh. Mom. And would she call me by my REAL name. Ellie. Get it
right... I swear.
I walked down the staircase. "Yeah, mom?"
She peeked her head out from the kitchen. She had awoken in a chipper
mood this morning. I guess she didn't have a hangover. Yay! "Could you run
to the store for me? We need a few things."
Running to the store meant walking like five miles. Sometimes I hate
living in such seclusion. But my mom looked like she was in a great mood.
And she was actually talking to me. I had to be nice. I had to be a good
daughter. "Sure mom. What do you need?"
"Here's the list. Don't buy candy with the change."
I pretended like I didn't hear the last part. She knew I was going to
buy candy anyway. She does this every time she gives me money.
So, yeah, it took me awhile to get to the store. I picked up the few
things my mom needed and then practically skipped to the candy store. Being
in that store is like being in heaven. I ran my hands along the glass cases
filled with just about any chocolately, gummy, gooey, sour goodness
possible. Maybe I'd buy some stuff for Marco. His parents don't approve of
his sweet tooth either. So usually we pick a day to go after school, stock
up, and then hide it in our lockers. And then whenever one of us needs a
fix, we'll have it at hand. I picked a few different varieties out and put
the bags of candy in my backpack.
As I was walking back home, I passed the Dot Grill and just happened
to look in the window. I could see Ashley, Marco, Jimmy, Hazel, Paige,
Spinner, and all of them sitting in one huge booth together, laughing, and
joking around. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I kind of felt left
out. Maybe I should have answered everyone's calls before... Before I could
hurry and walk away, Jimmy turned his head and caught me staring. He lifted
his head in a greeting and I repeated the gesture. Ashley looked over at
me, then at Paige, and gave me a half-ass wave. Yeah... She wouldn't want to
step on Paige's toes or anything by pretending to be my best friend...
Marco waved me on in, and I couldn't be rude. So I decided I'd hand
him his candy and then leave. I stepped in and stood next to him. Paige and
her posse looked me up and down before going back to their own meaningless
conversations on whether or not orange or yellow nail polish was the next
big thing. If those idiots knew anything they'd know that bronze was in...
Anyway...
"What are you doing here, Elle?" Marco looked at me curiously.
"I had to pick up a few things for my mom. But I stopped in the candy
store. Bought you something..."
Marco rubbed his hands together in anticipation as I took out his
little bag of candy. It was filled with gummy fish, rollos, and Swedish
fish. "This is great. Thanks Elle."
"Doesn't she realize he'll never like her like that? How desperate
can you be to go after a gay guy. Much less your gay best friend."
I couldn't believe I had just heard Paige make that comment. To Terri
of all people. She raised an eyebrow at me and I raised mine at her. Ashley
must have noticed the tension between us.
"I'd ask you to join us Ellie, but..."
"Don't bother Ash. I wouldn't want to be seen with the pretentious
snobs you're hanging out with."
Paige fake pouted. "Aww, I'm a snob now!" Terri hid her laugh behind
her hand. But whatever, I saw it. I can't stand her.
"And you're a fat bitch," I slammed at Terri. With that I spun on my
heel and started to walk about the door.
But not before I heard Spinner. "Yeah, wait until she sees who was
voted Biggest Bitch."
"Seriously..." Paige piped in.
Biggest Bitch? What did he mean? And why didn't Marco or Ashley stand
up for me? I flipped my ponytail over my shoulder and stalked off. Times
like these, home sounded real good to me.