A/N: Yeah, I didn't update for 2 months... I'm so sorry! I got super busy with school.. But hey, I'm back and I owe you a lot of chapters. I'm workin' on it, okay? =) Here's Chapter 12, enjoy!

CHAPTER 12: Blame the Alarm Clock

"So, I went to Claire's place yesterday..." I told my parents during breakfast.

"Really now? What did you do?" my mom asked, taking a sip from her coffee.

I told them everything that happened yesterday, skipping the I-almost-got-hit-by-a-pick-up-truck-but-Rodrick-saved-me part. By the way, the bruise that I got on my face yesterday was not that visible anymore... but I still put a bit of make up (which I don't usually wear) on it. Also, I didn't tie my hair so I could cover that side of my face. So far, my parents haven't noticed it.

"That's great! Good to hear you're bonding with your new friends," my mom smiled with delight.

"Yeah, they're really nice," I nodded in agreement. "So Claire's asking if I could go back today so we could continue our movie marathon. Could I?"

"Sure. Why not?" my dad answered while reading today's paper.

"Thanks dad. Is it okay with you, mom?"

My mom got up from her chair, "Of course!"

"Yay thanks mom!" My cheerful eyes followed her as she walked towards the sink, bringing her plate and mug.

"Oh wait," she paused after putting the plate and mug in the sink. "Is it Saturday today?"

"Uh, Yeah. Why?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Sorry, April. You can't go to Claire's today," she turned her back on us and started washing the plate.

"But why? You just said yes!"

"Because I promised Susan to let you go with them to the Roller Rink later."

"What?!" I might have said that a little louder than I intended to. "But mom-"

"Come on, it would be a great opportunity for you to bond with Greg and Rodrick," she reasoned as she finished doing the dishes.

"Do I have to go too?" my dad interrupted, directing the question to my mom.

"No, honey. It's either I go with April, or she goes alone," my mom explained while walking over next to my dad.

"Alright," he returned to his paper. And I'm pretty sure I heard a "Yes!" whisper from him.

I groaned, "Mom, dad, come on. I don't wanna go there. I mean, we have dinner with the Heffleys almost every week! That's enough, quote, unquote, bonding with them."

"April, just go. It will be fun! And this will be the only time you'll get to go skating with them. And you might also meet some of your new schoolmates there. Right, hon?" she tried to encourage me and get back up support from my dad.

"Right. Uh, you'll have a great time." dad just agreed with mom so they won't get into an argument.

"Ughhh," I rolled my eyes. "Can't you just tell Mrs. Heffley that I have to do something and I can't go?"

"No, because I already promised and I already said yes," she replied firmly.

I brought my plate to the sink and there was silence for what seemed like 3 minutes.

"No, I won't go," I said blankly and went up to my room.

. . . . . . . . . .

I was trying to convince my mom the entire morning that there was no point in making me go there just to bond with people who aren't even my close friends. Guess what? She told me to be ready by 3pm because the drive going there is a bit long and according to her, the traffic is unpredictable. Yep, I'm going to the Roller Rink. I am so annoyed that I could just scream a sarcastic hooray.

After having lunch, I went back to my room and texted Claire that I won't be able to go today because of some reasons.

She replied: "It's okay. Mae and Olivia are here. See u on Monday!"

I lied down on my bed for a while. It was almost 1:40pm already, but who cares? I really don't want to go.

I went over to my laptop and turned it on. I checked my facebook for updates. Well, there were only like 2 game notifications (what? I mean, who still plays fb games?), a friend request from Rodrick Heffley, which I didn't respond to yet, and a message from an old friend. He asked me how I was doing in this new place. I replied with the stuff I usually say: I'm fine. So far, so good. I'm adjusting well. Blah blah blah.

After signing out of my fb account, I opened my twitter, and I just scrolled and scrolled. There was nothing to tweet really... except for rants. So yeah I ranted for a while before deciding to log out.

I glanced at the clock. It said 2:25pm.

I went back to my bed and closed my eyes for a short nap.

I know my mom told me to be ready by 3, so before I slept, I set my alarm to 2:45pm.

. . . . . . . . . .

My alarm didn't wake me up. My mom did. She was endlessly banging on the door, "April?! Are you ready?!"

I checked my clock. It was 3:15. The alarm never rang. What the heck?

"Almost done! I'll be downstairs in a while!" I lied.

The knocking stopped, "Alright, I'll wait for you there." I heard her going down the stairs.

I grabbed my towel and headed to the bathroom. It usually takes me around 15 minutes for a shower, but today I guess it took me around 30. Yeah I should be rushing right now, but I don't see why I should.

When I got in my room I started to dig in my closet for something to wear. I picked a pair of dark skinny jeans and a plain white top with long sleeves, and I wore my favorite black chuck taylor shoes. I was putting on some accessories when my alarm suddenly rang. Darn it. I just realized that I accidentally set it to 3:45pm.

"Apriiil!" my mom yelled from downstairs.

"I'm done, mom! Wait a sec," I replied as I grabbed a small bag before rushing to the stairs.

Both my mom and dad were at the bottom of the stairs when I got there.

"What time is it?" my mom asked with a frown on her face.

I checked the time on my phone. "3:58," I answered.

"And what time did I tell you to be ready?"

"3:00"

"Okaaaay guys, let's go," my dad said it loud enough to stop the argument and to make us follow right behind him.

As the car started moving, I noticed that my mom calmed down a bit. So I asked my dad something, "Dad, I thought you weren't going with us. Change of plans?"

"Nope, your father and I are going to have dinner together," mom answered for him.

"Oh. And I'm the only one having dinner with the Heffleys?" I asked, while thinking:
Please say no, please say no. I don't want to be freakin' left alone there with them.

I saw my mom smile from the front seat. "Yes, you're having dinner with them."

"Dammit," I muttered under my breath.

. . . . . . . . . .

"Welcome back 7th Graders," I read the sign on the big bill board as we approached the Roller Rink. "Welcome back 7th graders?! Mom, this isn't even a high school thing!"

"Oh," she just realized that too because she sounded surprised. "I'm sure you'll still have fun. There are a lot middle schoolers who have high school siblings, you know."

I sighed and looked at the window, "Will you guys pick me up?"

"Yes we will," Dad answered this time.

"Alright, see you later." I opened the door and started walking towards the venue.

A/N: Chapter 13 will be uploaded soon, I promise! =) Please don't forget to leave a review, and feel free to share your ideas. =))