Wow, so this still came out freakishly long...sorry guys XD
I'm back home.
My limbs are splayed out across my bed; it's dark in my room, though I can see the faints rays of the sun peaking over the horizon. I haven't been able to sleep since I woke up god knows how long ago, I had yet another nightmare. This time Robbie wasn't there for me to grab hold of, to steady my shaking limbs. Turning away from my window and opening my eyes again, four red, blinking letters assault my senses. It's too late to be early and too early to be late. I bury my face into my pillow and screw my eyes shut, hoping for a few short moments of sleep before my alarm goes off.
Apparently my mind managed to eventually slow enough for my body to get some rest. I'm jarred back into consciousness by the blaring sound of my alarm. With a grimace, I pry myself out of bed, sitting upright and attempting to blink the sleep away from my eyes. Dragging myself to my feet, I stumble towards the bathroom, feeling more zombie than human.
Stepping into the shower, I feel the warm water cascade over me. This is most definitely the thing that I needed in order to wake up. I'm halfway through washing my hair when I hear the screech of tires. Eyes widening, all traces of fatigue suddenly disappear, I'm wide-awake and leaping out of the shower before I know it. Clad in only a towel, I trample towards the nearest window. I'm probably freaking out over nothing, our car will still be in the driveway, there's no way Trina has ditched me.
Wrong.
Trudging back to the bathroom, feeling entirely deflated and leaving a trail of drips behind me, I decide today is not my day. Stepping back into the rushing water, I wonder what exactly it is that I'm going to do. I don't have any way of getting to school now. It's too far to walk, there aren't any bus stops near by and Trina is gone. The water beats down on me, but the satisfaction I had felt before is nowhere to be found, my mind preoccupied with somehow finding a way to school. I quickly wash the shampoo from my hair and set about drying myself off. Peering across the bathroom, the sight of my favourite jeans and a purple blouse greets me. At least I had already picked out something to wear, I've got to look for a silver lining in this somewhere.
Fully clothed, I walk back into my room. My phone buzzes angrily, like the darn thing is annoyed I was in the shower and missed the first alert. Eyebrows digging into my nose, I snatch it up, ready to dismiss whatever the message is. It's probably just somebody wanting to know what class we have first.
"Good morning, can't wait 2 c u =)"
I feel my irritation melt away as my eyes scan through the message. It's from Robbie and it's incredibly sweet, I feel my heart flutter in my chest. I think it's the first time somebody has sent me a message saying good morning just for the sake of it. Prior to this, I woken up to an offer to come over and fool around from a boy and not much else. Needless to say, this topped that with ease. Robbie's text offers no hint of an ulterior motive, just that he wants to see me, that I'm important to him. It hits just how much I want to see him as well, I feel smile tug at my lips for the first time this morning. My fingers skitter across the screen as I compose my own reply.
"Morning Robbie! Miss u 2. Want to come over and see me a little sooner? I need a favour… :-{)"
Nervously, I hit send and place my phone back down, hoping he doesn't take it the wrong way and freak out. Turning away from the phone and clasping a hairdryer, I peer into my vanity mirror and begin the process of drying my hair. It's a task that can be tedious even on a normal day, but right now the dryer feels like it's made of concrete. The roar of my hairdryer fills the air, muting the sound of my phone. It's only when my gaze lingers on the screen of my phone for a moment and I see the screen illuminated, that I notice I already have a reply.
"Sure? It isn't heavy lifting tho ryt? lol"
Breathing a sigh of relief that he didn't think it was a booty call or something; I type my own reply. Trying to word it in a way that doesn't betray my anger that Trina would just ditch me proves to be a minor challenge though.
"Trina was meant 2 b giving me ride…not happening now tho lol"
My eyes scan over the message time and time again, re-writing it and re-analysing it. Eventually, I feel satisfied that the message doesn't sound overly bitter, that it might encourage Robbie to come over. His reply is almost instantaneous. I haven't even had a chance to turn my hairdryer on again, before my phone begins buzzing and the screen once again lights up with Robbie's words.
"B there soon =)"
Stepping towards the mirror, I switch my hairdryer on once more. Biting down on my lip nervously, I hope I'll be ready by the time Robbie gets here. Even though he's seen me broken and at my worst, I hate people seeing me when I first wake up, before I can put on my mask.
A gentle tap against the door shatters the silence surrounding me. Pausing halfway between having scooped up a spoonful of cereal and delivering the treat to my lips, I peer at the door for a brief moment. Realizing just who must be behind the door, I leap out of my seat with more vigor then I thought I was capable of this morning. Pulling the door open, I find Robbie standing in front of me. His usually unruly mop of hair is slicked down; well he's tried to slick it down at least, it's still wild and sticking in every direction in all honesty. What really draws my attention though, is the smile on his face. It's like I've made his day by simply answering the door. My heart twitches in a way that's fast becoming associated with the boy in front of me at that realization.
"Shall we go?" He offers, lips still curled upwards as he motions lightly towards his car. Whipping my head backwards and eyeing my half eaten bowl of cereal, I decide that I'd rather just leave with Robbie.
"Lets do that." I reply, something resembling enthusiasm creeping into my words. Smiling and suppressing a yawn as I move toward my school bag, I wonder if I would have literally jumped for joy at the sight of Robbie, had I slept properly. I turn around and return and notice Robbie's brows jump together in concern, it seems as though he's noticed how lethargic my movements are.
"Didn't get much sleep?" He asks, his line of questioning direct and to the point. It's a stark contrast to the babbling mess he resembles at times. I nod mutely, feeling as though my feet are made up of lead as I trudge towards Robbie's car alongside him. Robbie's concerned expression only deepens and before I know it, his fingers are filling the spaces between my own; as if he's trying to transfer what energy he has into me.
"What happened? Was it Trina again? Nightmares?" Though his words resemble the babbling mess of old, Robbie's tone takes on a harder edge and a storm seems brew within his eyes at the mention of my sister. Biting down on my lip, I debate whether or not to tell him that he's pretty much bang on the mark. He'll just worry more if I tell him I'm still having nightmares over that one stupid incident; just grow more and more resentful towards Trina.
"Oh, one of the houses on the block was having an…um..." My lie begins promisingly, like my mind is functioning fully. Then something clatters to a halt in my brain and words fail me. Cursing my luck, I fumble with the handle, opening the door to Robbie's car. By the time I've done up my seatbelt, Robbie is sitting in the drivers seat next to me. His frown has faded slightly, my failed attempt at constructing a lie obviously a source of amusement for him.
"Party?" He offers politely, smiling angelically at me as he does so. Casting a playful glare at him, the ease of our conversation is not lost on me. It's such a massive step from only a week ago, when we would have been lost in a sea of awkward small talk.
"Yeah, I'm…not good with the lying." I confess, smiling sheepishly at Robbie. I've been found out so utterly, so completely, there's just no point in continuing. Slumping lazily into the passenger seat, my limbs still feel as though they're made of lead, though my mind is at ease for the moment. I'm thankful that we don't have any physical education classes today; I'd most likely pass out.
"Really?" Robbie states, rolling his eyes and smiling playfully as he places his keys into the ignition. Shaking my head slowly, I don't fight the smile that my lips pull themselves into. For a morning that got off to such a rotten start, this has really not turned out so badly.
"I had another nightmare and was missing a key ingredient in getting back to sleep. There wasn't a boy with curly black hair in my bed." I announce, caving and telling Robbie the truth. I keep my words light, the phrasing humorous. Robbie doesn't need to know how freaked out I was when I woke up, how much I missed his arms around me.
"You should have called me then. I would have been awake most likely." Robbie's words have the same rehearsed, light tone that mine do, like he's hiding something as well. Peering around his car, looking for clues, I notice the bags under Robbie's eyes. The large cup of coffee in the console of his car and the skeletons of dozens of other cups in his backseat are evidence that only confirm my suspicions.
"You don't sleep a lot do you, Robbie?" I question, dragging my hands together and fidgeting with them. It's enough of a distraction that I can ignore just how irregular we are beneath the surface, how damaged we both are.
"What makes you say that?" He replies, eyes darting between the road and myself. His own fingers are drumming on the steering wheel, as if he's trying to distract himself, just as I am.
"The mountain of coffee cups behind us." I state, extending an arm to his backseat, I don't even have to force a smile. This conversation may be heading into darker territory, but there's still a light, a wonderful feeling within me at Robbie's mere presence.
"Oh…" He replies lamely, as I feel a chuckle tickle my throat. We're not sharp in the morning at all. As much as I'm trying to avoid it, my mind mentally adds this to a growing list of things I like about Robbie. You might think having a lack of wit in the morning would be a con, but contrary to popular opinion, I like quiet mornings. It's nice to ease myself into the day, free of trying to live up to everybody's expectations.
"How come?" The words dart out of my mouth before I have a chance to stop them. I feel rude for asking about something that's probably not easy to talk about, but I want to help. If I'm going to try and solve this problem, I need to know what I'm up against.
"Uh…" Robbie's words fail him once again, his eyes dart away from me, focusing intently on the road once more. I notice just how nervous he looks about the issue, like it's something that could drive a wedge between us, like it could scare me away.
"Pretty please?" I plead, allowing a pout to fall over my face. It's a dirty trick, one that I feel guilty for as well. I mentally justify it by telling myself it's for the best; it's going to help Robbie. His eyes return to me, scanning my every feature. Something like this would make me nervous usually, but I know he's just checking for traps, protecting himself.
"You're not going to let this go, are you?" He asks, eyebrows knitting together in concern. Robbie doesn't look annoyed at my insistence like I half expected. He just looks concerned; like he's worried I'll think he's crazy. I don't know why he's worried, I just told him I'm still having nightmares about my own sister. Not like I'm in a position to judge.
"Nope." I reply, smiling at him and fixing the brightest smile I can muster to my lips. It's an something I've often used to annoy Jade into just telling me something so I'll stop. Robbie exhales, lungs deflating as he finally gives into me.
"I have nightmares too, like the worst, most horrific nightmares. I've been having them since I turned 12. They're worse than any horror movie, worse than anything I could have imagined. Yet, they're in my mind and no pill I've been given seems to suppress them." Robbie laments, looking away from me slightly, shying away from my gaze. I feel my heart drop, he's been in so much pain for so long and I never bothered to find out.
"So you don't sleep to avoid them?" I question, throat tightening painfully as I attempt to swallow my apprehension. I think I already know the answer, but I need to hear it from his tongue.
"Pretty much." Robbie replies, staring intently at the road, his eyes smoldering with intensity. I wonder if there's anything I can do to help, my mind searches desperately for something, for anything I could do. The only thing that crosses my mind is a brief unsanitary thought of keeping him awake in a physical way that he might enjoy. Shrugging the thought off, I scold myself for getting off track.
"That's not healthy." I state finally, unsure of what else to say. I wish I could have come up with a miracle cure or a fantastic idea, but I've got nothing. I feel useless. Based off Robbie's next words, my expression must reflect that.
"Yeah, I know. If it makes you feel any better though, when you were next to me I actually got some sleep. It was the first time I've slept more then three consecutive hours in a long time." His words are warm, like he's not worried about his own problems at all, just making me feel better. The worst part of his response is that there's no pretense, he just genuinely wants me to feel better. Guilt washes over me because it actually works, I do feel better. I resolve to research the issue, to at least try and do something more than what I have this morning.
"Really?" I ask, it's a placeholder in our conversation, an excuse to avoid a heavy silence. I'm still lost in my own thoughts and theories about what to do, when I feel Robbie's fingers snake between my own. Peering over at him, he's still watching the road. The apprehension I had seen in his eyes when we had made physical contact in the past seemingly gone.
"Yeah…as cheesy as it is, you seem to be the answer to my problems." Robbie's cheeks flush at his admission, I feeling a familiar twitch in my chest as I take in the sight. He's so cute, so innocent, so unlike any other guy I've gotten to know. Even Andre isn't anything like this when he's in big brother mode.
"It's not cheesy…uh, ok yeah it kind of is." I grin, amusement sparkling in my eyes as I tease him. Any tension I had been worried about is a distant memory, a comfortable silence falls over us for the brief remainder of the trip. As we pull up to the front of Hollywood Arts, I finally pluck up the courage to say something I had wanted to say for the last three miles.
"You know, I could…" I begin to speak but the words catch in my throat. It's like my body knows what I'm about to say could end in disaster, could end in Robbie going back into his shell. I shift nervously as Robbie pulls into a park and shifts towards me, giving me his full and undivided attention.
"You could what?" He questions lightly, indicating that I should continue with a gesture towards me. His soft smile and gentle eyes spur me on, urging me to continue my suggestion. It's as if he knows what I'm about to say.
"…Stay over more often." The words leave my lips with the cadence of a machinegun. Blushing, I peer over at Robbie, I expect to see a questioning look on his face, I doubt he heard any of that machinegun fire sentence. Instead, he's smiling widely, that look of a child of Christmas gracing his face once more.
"So this weekend wasn't a one time deal?" He states quietly, the smile sliding off his lips, as self-doubt appears to be setting in once more. I notice students filing towards their classes; we're going to be late. I've been too lost in the world Robbie and I have created to notice the bell ring. Placing a hand over Robbie's as a sign of reassurance, I catch his gaze. As our eyes lock, I know exactly what to say.
"I'd like it to be more." Despite my conviction, the words tumble from my lips clumsily. I've never had this much trouble talking to a boy. As a blush reddens my cheeks, I wonder if it's because Robbie's never tried anything inappropriate. He's just been there for me whenever I've needed him this weekend; he's shown concern for something more than trying to look down my shirt. It's petrifying to think that we share something deeper than a mutual physical attraction.
"Me too" Robbie answers with a grin, his mouth opens once again, like he wants to say something more, but the bell for class cuts him off. Cursing our luck, I pull him into a quick kiss. Hopefully it's enough to reassure him we're going to pick up this conversation again later. Hopping out of Robbie's car, I feel a spring in my step that hadn't been there before. When he pushes his cup of coffee into my hand, eyeing me in a way that says he thinks I need it more then him, I can't help but grin like a fool. Then, when takes hold of my hand, his gentle touch has me positively walking on sunshine.
Robbie and I are among the last to walk into Sikowitz's class.
I quickly drop into a seat near the back of the room, tumbling into place in a less then graceful manner. With a lump in my throat, I notice Cat pull Robbie into a seat next to her. It's nothing out of the ordinary, but suddenly it bothers me more than Jade's words could ever aspire to. My mind is so completely preoccupied with thoughts of Robbie, with thoughts of our collective issues, that I miss the majority of Sikowitz's disturbing morning rant. It's not until a familiar venomous voice assaults my senses that I snap out of my daze.
"You look like crap today, Vega." Jade states, lips pulled into a sadistic grin as she leans over my shoulder. I feel my eyebrows pull together and my lips purse together into a frown at the sound of her voice.
"Shut up." I respond irritably, twisting away from Sikowitz and glaring at the girl behind me. Jade's eyes sparkle with malice as she soaks in my response as though it's the most exquisite thing in the world.
"Ooh, feisty today aren't we?" She retorts, looking more pleased by the minute. I simply roll my eyes and turn away from Jade, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. She's the hardest person I've ever had to deal with, constantly harassing me, constantly putting me down. I'm almost reminded of when a boy who had a crush on me did that in grade school. Shaking the thought off, I resolve to pay more attention to the lesson.
"...Now lets get started." Sikowitz announces, concluding his rant as his hands come together in front of his chest and a wild eyed expression crosses his face. Peering at the look of glee in his eyes as he darts around the room, weaving between students, I know nothing good can come of this. Sikowitz is up to something, as usual.
"You're going to be paired up with a partner and the two of you are to perform a scene of my choosing." He states, enunciating each vowel perfectly. For somebody I mistook for a homeless person, he sure does have a good grasp on the English language. A chorus of groans reverberates through the classroom as I ponder Sikowitz's words. Whenever Sikowitz says that, you always end up working with a nightmare of a partner, it's not just an irrational fear like it would be in most classes, with Sikowitz it's inevitable. One time Andre got paired up with a girl that doesn't even go to Hollywood Arts. I have no idea how this happens, it just seems that Sikowitz works in mysterious ways.
"What kind of scene?" Jade's voice rises above the chorus of discontent around us, sounding skeptical as usual. Stealing a glance at her, Jade's lips are pursed, eyes narrowed as she glares at Sikowitz, the look of enjoyment that had graced her face only minutes ago is completely gone. He wilts under her scrutiny, looking significantly less excited than he had a few moments ago. I could swear his wild hair almost seems to droop as well.
"Oh, it could be anything…" He replies vaguely, backing past me and towards the front of the classroom. Hearing Jade's huff of annoyance, I don't have to look up to know that she's currently glaring at Sikowitz, arms folded over her chest, nostrils flared. Chuckling to myself, I take a sip of my coffee, feeling content at Jade's frustration.
By the time Sikowitz has reached the halfway point of naming the pairings, I feel my heart thudding in my chest. It's not that I'm nervous; it's the coffee surging through me. I've finished a whole cup of Robbie's extra strong blend and I can barely contain myself from tapping my feet or running around in circles. In moments like these, I wonder how Jade manages to power through several cups a day and still sleep.
"Jade West and..." Sikowitz's voice slices through my thought's drawing my attention back to him. I prepare myself, anxiety finally bubbling to the forefront. There are only 6 of us remaining to be paired up. Either I'm going to end up with one of the kids that never seem to talk, or I'm going to end up with Robbie, Cat or Jade. Crossing my fingers, I really hope it's not Jade. The longer this has dragged on, the angrier she's looked. Right now, it looks like laser beams are about to shoot from her eyes and incinerate Sikowitz.
"...Tori Vega." I should have known. The worst possible things seem to happen when Sikowitz pairs people up using his hat. I could swear that the thing is cursed. Slumping in my seat, I brush a strand of hair from my eye and cautiously peer over my shoulder, towards Jade. I'm hoping she won't hurl something at me as if this is my fault. Strangely, the girl is merely sitting and looking towards Sikowitz impassively, the rage on her face seemingly gone for the moment. I'd like to think it's because she's recognized that I have at least a little talent, but I know there must be something else.
"Cat Valentine and..." Sikowitz's voice drags me from my thoughts of Jade and back into the monotony that is this lesson. My stomach drops as my eyes scan the piece of paper adorned with Cat's name, I know exactly what's coming.
"Robbie Shapiro." Despite know it was going to happen, the sound of Robbie's name being read out hits me like a blow to the stomach. I fight the urge to double over and study Robbie for any sign of emotion. He's simply staring straight ahead, other his lips pursing slightly, he hasn't moved since the announcement. As my gaze comes to rest on Cat, I feel thankful that he's not clapping and giggling happily as she is.
"And the rest…you can do whatever you want." Sikowitz concludes, dismissively pointing at two students sitting to the far right of the classroom. Idly, I wonder if I could possibly have died in my sleep and ended up in hell. Class is off to the worst possible start, I'm paired with Jade and Robbie is going to be spending time with Cat...alone. Jealousy surges within me, conspiring with the caffeine coursing through me and leaving me feeling nauseous. I sink further into my seat, thoughts of it swallowing me whole and spitting me out in a universe where this project doesn't exist entering my mind.
"So, when do we get our scenes?" Robbie asks, speaking for the first time since we arrived. His words laced are with apprehension, I find myself wishing I were sitting next to him, holding his hand to give him confidence. Sikowitz spins on the spot, eyes coming to rest on Robbie as he flounces towards him.
"Right now!" He hollers after a long pause, catching half of the class off guard. Hearing Jade's cursing in the background, I know that she was part of the half that know this just means more of Sikowitz picking paper out of his random sorting hat.
"You're all going to be enacting a scene of your own creation, the only catch is that I will pick the location...at random!" Sikowitz's words are once again dripping with enthusiasm, as he whips his head from one side of the classroom to the other. His face falls slightly as he realizes just how alone he is in his excitement. Watching Sikowitz's hand dip into his accursed hat, my mind wanders once again. Thoughts about Robbie and whether or not Jade will make my life working on this scene with her complete hell drowning out Sikowitz's voice.
Sometime after what feels like an eternity the class ends.
Thank god.
"Get a room." Jade states sourly, before returning to maiming the salad in front of her. As I watch the massacre unfold, I'm thankful that we're sitting at our usual table at the Asphalt Café, that Beck and Andre are separating me from her. Robbie is to my left and I suppose we're sitting too close or something, because Jade has taken issue with our proximity. I'm the only one that seems to have taken her words to heart though, Beck and Andre are immersed in a game of cards, while Cat is off in her own world as usual.
"But Tori has a room, I've seen it, it's nice." Cat cuts in suddenly. I jump slightly, caught off guard by her shrill voice. I guess she had been paying more attention then I had thought. Jade's eyes narrow even further, becoming something akin to the slits of a snake. I feel a shiver run up my spine, Cat is probably in danger of catching ablaze, such is he intensity of Jade's gaze.
"I meant a room together since they're ignoring the rest of us, Cat." Jade retorts, her words dripping with venom that's so potent it could kill even the most resilient of beasts. I slouch slightly, sinking into myself and hoping that Cat's friendship with the pale demon in front of us will be enough to save her.
"But, where will the room be?" Cat questions, unaware of how worked up Jade is becoming. Stealing a glance at Jade, her eyes are widened and her nostrils are flared, if looks could kill, Cat and I would be pushing up daisies.
"I don't know. In their house when they get married and hopefully move far, far, away." Jade hisses in response. I almost catch a trace of bitterness within Jade's words. I want to call her on it, to peel away one of her many layers, but I'm too afraid of the consequences. I see Robbie's mouth open slightly, as though he's going to say something, but thankfully another voice beats him to the punch.
"Jade, calm down or I'll give you another time out." Beck states, finally looking up from his card game. Jade shoots a look towards him, which seems to be a cocktail of annoyance, confusion and resignation. Seeing her response, Beck pulls her towards him and slings an arm over her shoulder. Seeing the gesture has me remembering my own quasi-relationship, I slither my fingers between Robbie's, relishing the contact between us.
"Robbie, before you go to your room with Tori, we need to practice our scene." Cat's words are soft, like she expects rejection. A moment ago, she was her normal happy self. But it's like Jade's words have finally sunk into her brain, leaving her like this. It's hard to see Cat look so defeated like this, she looks so lost, so dull. Even the luster seems to be gone from her usually vibrant locks of hair.
"Cat, there's no..." I begin to explain, before silencing myself at the miserable look on Cat's face. She's sad enough, I don't need to make it worse. Robbie's face is a mask of concern, worry written deeply within his features. He turns towards Cat and I feel the grip of his hand loosen, sending my own mood plummeting south.
"Uh, ok Cat. When?" Robbie replies, hesitation in his voice. It's so strange seeing Robbie in our usual environment after this weekend. He was so much more confident, even at his most bashful. Then again, you have to tread carefully around Cat. She's extremely sensitive.
"My brother is taking me on a road trip to Mexico tomorrow until Friday so..." Cat's words are brighter; the misery disappearing from her tone, replaced by confusion colors the end of her reply. She trails off, like her brain is attempting to analyze the situation. Despite her bright tone, Cat's answer fills me with a sense of dread; her brother is not the most responsible of people. I'm sure he's part of the reason Cat is the way that she is. Scanning around the table, I'm greeted by similar looks of apprehension, like we all want to tell her not to go.
"Oh my god! Come on Robbie!" She squeals, bouncing out of her seat and grabbing Robbie by the arm, wrenching him from my grasp. I guess she they need to do their work today. I feel jealousy rise up within me, burning my throat. It's a struggle to suppress the glare attempting to force it's way onto my face as Cat and Robbie disappear from sight. Bitterly, I realize I won't get to spend any time with him today if Jade wants to work on our scene today as well.
"Why would they be going on a trip during the week?" Beck asks, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Cards lying forgotten on the table as he peers over in the direction Cat and Robbie went. I notice Andre is wearing an expression of annoyance that seems to mirror my own. I wonder what exactly he's upset about; usually it's impossible to wipe the smile off his face.
"When it comes to Cat's brother, you're better off not asking questions." Jade states, sadness creeping into her voice. I glance over at her, expecting to see her usual malicious smirk, but she just looks depressed.
"Vega." She barks suddenly, pulling me away from my thoughts of Jade and compassion. Allowing my gaze to rest on her, the look of sadness is buried under her usual look of irritation. Jade's a good actress, but she's not good enough to hide how troubled she is by Cat's brother.
"What?" I ask resigned to the fact that she's about to start yelling. I slide my hands through my hair, before bring them forward and rubbing my throbbing temples. I already feel fatigued; this conversation is not going to do wonders for that at all.
"We need to work on our script today as well." Jade's words are softer then I had expected. Her eyes aren't as malicious as I would expect either; instead she's merely watching me, waiting for an answer. Allowing my hands to slide away from my temples, I can only hope this peace lasts.
"We do?" I ask, knowing that I'm only giving her reason to get upset. I just don't feel like dealing with Jade today though, I just want to go and melt into my bed. At my response, Jade's eyes blaze with fury for a moment and I mentally prepare myself for her sharp words.
"Yes. I want a good mark." Jade replies through gritted teeth, obviously trying hard to maintain her cool for Beck's sake. More then a small part of me takes pleasure out of her suffering. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's true. I guess Jade's traits have rubbed off on me somewhat.
"But..." I state, not really knowing what else to say, but wanting to test her limits. I have no intention on saying anything else, since I know Jade's response will be here in 3…2…1…
"No!" Jade shrieks, her façade of calmness shattering utterly, just on time. I feel bad for almost deafening Andre and Beck, but Jade's constantly harassing me. Sometimes it's fun to serve up some of her own medicine.
"My house or yours?" I reply, finally giving her a straight answer. Jade's breathing relaxes noticeably and I see Beck release a breath in relief. Stifling a yawn, I watch Jade, awaiting her response. I've never been to Jade's house; I wonder what it looks like.
"Yours. My stupid step mother is having a tea party today." Jade replies, crushing my thoughts of seeing her house. She looks more annoyed than usual, rolling her eyes as she crosses her arms against her chest. I guess she hates tea because it's the natural enemy of coffee.
"Another one?" Beck asks, tone casual, his eyes not leaving the cards he's currently holding. I have to wonder how Jade and Beck are able to stay together; they're so completely different. Jade shifts at Beck's words, looking uncomfortable with speaking about her family in front of people.
"Yeah, it's like a weekly thing or something." Jade replies, her words soft and almost vulnerable for once. It's as though she's remembering something from the past and her younger self has blunted her usually harsh edge. It's so strange hearing Jade speak as though she's lost in a thought, speaking as though she's not fully focused on spewing vitriolic statements like usual.
"I'll see you at 4pm then." I state, gingerly making my way to a standing position. If I'm going to be dealing with Jade after school, I'm going to try and find a quite spot to get some peace right now. Hopefully I won't fall asleep under a tree and miss class this afternoon.
"4pm it is." Jade responds, eyes returning to me again. I can still feel her gaze burning into me as I walk away. It's unsettling to say the least. As I move further and further away from our table at the Asphalt Café, I feel my body uncoil, the tension abating slightly. It's short live though, my mind soon remembering I have Jade to deal with after school.
Well there we go, little bit of flawkwardness (thanks for the groovy new word stagetrinity!) and some more hints at what's to come. Next chapter is a big one for story development, so yeah, don't miss that one.
A few people have mentioned wanting a love scene/lemons...I've never really written one before, but if that's generally what people want, let me know in the reviews and I'll give it a go later in the story?