Chapter 18:

Graphing Rational Functions

I stare blankly at the mental abuse that lies on my paper. Completely and utterly confused. My mind felt like it was about to explode as I tried to recall what was taught in class this morning. Math sucks.

I was there.

I'm pretty sure of it.

But, yet I don't know how to do any of this. Story of my life. I opened my black binder in search for the class notes. I flipped through the week's notes and agendas before placing my finger on Graphing Rational Functions. Disapointment ran through me as my fingers traced the empty page.

I didn't write anything down?

I reach for my phone to check the time.

4:28

Although she was usually out with Ethan during this time of day, I decided to check and see if Ally was in her room.

I walk up to her closed door eying the heartshaped lock that hung like a magnet under the doorknob.

Two timid knocks later, she opens the door. Much to my surprise.

Her usual bright face looked tired. Slightly worse than a few days ago when I saw her at school. She had cracked the door leaving just enough space to peak her head through.

Despite her unpleasant appearance, I smiled at her.

"Hey."

"Hey, what do you need." She replied quickly.

"Could I borrow your Pre-Cal notes?"

She seemed taken aback by my request.

"Wha-what notes?"

She dragged a rough hand across her eyes as she let out a yawn.

"The notes from today. That we took in class." I tried to remind her.

"Oooh." She recalled.

"Yeah, I wasn't there. Sorry."

She closed the door in my face.

What?

She was definitly there. This morning we drove to school together.

We have different periods for the course, so I can't be sure if she was in class today, but where else would she be? Where else would she want to be? She loves Math.

I sighed a little frustrated.

"Okay, well could you at least help me with the homework. I'm completely lost." I asked through the door. I waited a minute before she opened the door again.

"Sure! G.O.O.G.L.E there you go!" She answered quick before slamming the door in my face again.

"Oh wow. Thanks a lot." replied sarcastically.

"No problem!" She shouted hapily. I rolled my eyes annoyed at her sarcasm.

What's her problem? Why is she acting like this?

As I turn around to head back to my math homework, I spot Penny making her way up the staircase. She gives me an encouraging smile.

I let out a tight smile.

"Everything alright?" She asks

"I don't know. Ally not really talking to me and I don't know why."

"She's just confused." Her mother replies

"Confused about what? Has she told you anything?"

I bombard her with questions anxious that she might know something I don't

"No, but she's a teenager. These are confusing times."

"You're telling me." I remark to myself.

"You'll be fine." She pats me lightly on the back.

During lunch I sit with Bella and Raven. They are both eating burgers and fries while I am eating a gross salad.

"Why are you eating a salad? You hate vegetables." Bella comments.

"Why you gotta bother him? Just let him eat." Raven complains

"What are you- grieving the death of your friendship with Ally?"

"Bella!" Raven cut her eyes towards her friend angirly.

"Stop making him feel worse. Austin don't worry. Ally's just confused right now. You guys are not over."

Confused? Why does everyone keep saying that? What's she confused about?

"Thanks." I grit tightly through my teeth.

"She does this all the time ya know. When her and Ethan are going steady, she acts like nobody else exists. Leaves everyone alone. When you started going here, that was the first time had eaten with us since forever."

Bella admits.

"Why does she do that?" I asked frustratingly.

Who abandones their friends on a daily basis for no good reason?

"Beats me." Bella shrugs her shoulders lifting her juicy burger up to her lips.

My mouth waters at the sight. She stops momentarily noticing my gaze.

"What, you want a bite?" Bella asks.

I felt bad for asking, but I was really hungry. I had forgotten to pack myself lunch so I had to buy from the school. All that was left was the salad.

"Here. Just have the whole thing." She handed me her bitten burger.

I looked at her uneasy.

"Take. It." She insisted almost forcefully. But I was grateful. I took the burger in my hands and bit into it moaning at the taste.

It's soooo good.

"Thanks Bella." I gave her a smile.

"Mmhmm." She replied.

Suddenly I spot Ethan walk into the cafeteria with Ally following close behind. I immediatly lose my appetite. They walk into the lunch line, just to walk right out when they realize what's left. For a little while, they stand there, holding eachother and laughing about nothing. I turn to see Bella and Raven watching the same scene as me. Bella rolls her eyes, changing her view. I stare as long as they're there.

How can you ignore your friends and pretend like they don't exist? I don't get it.

"So, you guys just wait until she needs a friend again?" I ask impatiently.

"Pretty much. It takes a while, but she eventually comes back to us." Raven replies sadly.

"And honestly, we graduate soon. It doesn't make that big of a difference if she ever talks to us again. It'll just be one less person to cry over" Bella comments.

Raven doesn't bother to respond or refute her remark. I laugh incredulously.

"What kind of friendship is that?"

"It is what it is." Bella replies

This is wrong. I think to myself.

"And how long does this period of silence usually last?"

I break my glance from Ally to look at the two girls. Bella avoids my eyes and looks down at her phone, while Raven waits for Bella to reply. I eye the two girls waiting for a response. After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Raven answers.

"Until they break up."