The Block Estate, Westchester
The iPad (Massie's Room)
Wednesday, July 2
1:53 AM
The moment her eyes fluttered open for the third time that night, they filled with tears. Again. The whole depression thing with losing weight, and getting tons of sympathy stuff was so not cracked up as it was meant to be. Not that she ever wanted to go into depression, but still…
"Claire," a voice whispered, "are you awake?"
She froze, concentrating on not moving a muscle. Minutes later, she heard a shuffle, and Massie went back to bed.
She just didn't feel like facing anybody…she felt locked up in her own little world, and didn't want to plague anyone with her moping and sorrow filled days.
She was standing in the OCD halls, laughing with the PC…
"Claire?" His voice sounded so far… "Can we talk?"
"What is it?" She asked, her voice still merry from the laughter.
"I…I think it's time we took a break. Well…a permanent break…"
She tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
He closed his eyes and then looked at a petit brunette who smiled politely at him. The new girl. "I…I think I like…somebody else." He refused to look into her hurt eyes.
"You mean…"
He nodded.
"But…what about what we had?" She started shaking. By now Massie and the others had looked up and were looking at her in confusion.
"I-"
"No!" Her voice rose chokingly. "Lake Placid, all the notes, the gummies!" By now she was loud, very loud, and bystanders began staring. "The long nights talking about the future!"
Massie was frowning and began to walk over.
"Listen, it's just that…there's nothing. I don't…"
And just like that, it came out of her. She slapped him hard on his arm, tears rolling steadily down her cheeks.
"Ow," he yelped, jumping back.
"What's going on?" Massie rushed over, putting her arm around her. And her bewildered eyes filled with understanding. "Leave!" She spat at him. "Now!"
He stared at her, and then turned and shuffled out of the halls, his hand rubbing the sore spot where she hit him…
It was over. For good.
--
"OK," Massie rested her elbows in gossip position at table 18, and waited until the others were in position before talking. "Leesh, you've won this week for GP's."
"Yes!" Alicia pumped her fist in the air, giggling. "Again!"
"Congratz," Dylan burped.
"Anyways, as I was saying," Kristen sighed at the interruption. "This weekend, I'm-"
Rrriiiinnnnngg!
Kristen groaned.
"There's the bell!" Massie jumped up, grabbing her Coach tote. "Isaac will be waiting outside."
"Mass," Claire said, "I'm not gonna drive home with you guys,"
"Why?" Massie turned, staring at her friend suspiciously. Ever since the episode a month ago, Claire had never smiled once, and these days, she barely talked. Who knew what this child was planning?
Claire sighed. "I have to go over to Layne's and get my textbooks back. I'll walk from there," she added, "it's not far from her house."
"Sure? We can drive by her house in minutes?"
"I'm sure. Chris is picking us up anyways. Got to run," and before the girls could utter a chorus of goodbye's, Claire was gone.
"Well…" Alicia watched Claire's Keds go through the halls and disappear.
Massie shook her head. "I'm worried about her," she said softly.
The girls walked out of the café, and passed the halls.
"Oof!" Massie blurted as somebody bumped her in the shoulder. "Um, excuse me, but-" She stopped dead as the guy turned and she was staring into deep brown eyes hidden by blonde shaggy hair. Derrington.
"Watch it," Alicia snapped, coming to her alpha's rescue.
"Listen, I know you're upset about embarrassing yourself in front of me, especially with our history," he smiled faux-sweetly. "I understand, and I forgive you."
Massie's knees started shaking. "Do you have an allergy?"
"No?"
"Because you're head is starting to swell."
Derrick glared at her and headed to his locker. He passed her quickly and glanced for a moment into Alicia's eyes. He softened slightly and raced off.
"Good job," Kristen giggled, and raised her hand to high five Massie. She accepted her congratulations with satisfaction, and small hints of resentment.
Why was it so hard for her to play her techniques with him now? Dempsey asked her on a date for tomorrow, Friday, and besides Claire, her friend and love life was going perfectly…so why was she holding back?
What was it?
A/N: Tada! A small first chapter, Lol, please R&R! And PLEASE check out my HARRY POTTER forum! Merci!