Chapter 14: Getting along

Chapter 14: Getting along (Wattpad)

5 hours later

“I don’t really think blue is my color.” Theresa mused in front of me. I was still in disbelief as I tried to grasp that my friends and I are having lunch with Travis. Edward isn’t around, but still. He’s eating with my best friends. And we’re sharing a table – with him. And that they get along like they’ve been friends forever when we didn’t even like him before and called him names. 

“I think you look nice in blue,” Travis praised Theresa from across the table, “But you could always try a deeper shade.” He smiled winningly as she muttered, “Yeah. Yeah I should.” 

Conversations buzzed around me and I stared at my lunch tray, seeing nothing. What the hell is happening? “You should eat.” Travis said to my right and he grabbed the apple from my tray and held it near my mouth, “Go on, take a bite. You look pale.”

Without thinking, I took a bite and chewed. This is not happening. I must have dozed off in class and just dreaming. 

“Does Avery act like this all the time?” I distinctly heard him ask my friends.

“Yeah.” They all replied in unison, then Cassie, “It will pass. She’s in a state of shock.”

That’s an understatement. I’m still trying to process what’s happening.

I felt Travis’ gaze on me and he put an arm around my shoulder, “Avery?” he shook me slightly, “You should eat properly or you’ll end up looking like Sarah.” He turned to my friends again and said, “What do you think I should say to her?”

“Tell her that her favorite astronomer is here.” Nicole tried.

“Tell her you’re breaking up with her.” Lexi said.

“Just tell her you’re gay.” Cassie said as everyone on the table laughed out loud. Travis was still chuckling as he said, “I’m not gay and I’ll try the second.”

They’re laughing. How in the name of God did this happen?

“Avery? If you’re not going to eat, I’m going to break – ”

“No, you’re not.” I sprang to life and faced him with a scowl, “You’re not, aren’t you?” Wait. I’m so confused here. We’re not technically together, but then we are pretending that we are, and he’s pretending to break up with me so… he’s not really breaking up with me? 

What?

“Of course not.” He grinned hugely. “Why the hell would I?”

Now I’m beyond confused. 

For the whole duration of lunchtime, I managed to be attentive to the others as we ate slash had fun with each other. It was actually not that bad, considering our past history with Travis and a smile seemed to be permanently etched to my face now. I never would have thought that I would live to experience this. 

“Do any of you have any idea that it’s already five minutes before the bell rings?”

All of them groaned, even my “boyfriend.” Lexi said, “Avery, you keep us coming back to the real world.” 

“We should have some more fun. Five minutes is a long time.” Theresa shrugged, smiling.

“Guys, I get you.” I said to them, “I’m enjoying, too and all. But we have to – ”

“Actually, Avery and I are going out today. So, we’d really love to stay here, but we really need to rush because – ” I interrupted him with a bewildered look, “What the hell – ”

“What the hell are you two still doing here, then?” Cassie demanded. 

“We are not going out. We have a Pop quiz – ”

“We’re definitely going out.” Travis said with a bright smile on his face.

“You need to rush, right?” Nicole asked as all of them gathered their belongings. Lexi and Theresa said together, “So, go.” 

Travis grabbed his bag and the package from his Mom and gripped my waist tightly and led me out of the place. He waved back to my friends, “See you!” 

“What are you doing?!” 

“I told you I have plans for us today.” He continued walking me to the lengthy hallways and I complained, “Where exactly are we – ”

“Here.” He opened to the door to his right and waited for me to come in. My feet stayed rooted to the spot. I can’t go in! And it’s not just my dramatic side or something hindering me physically – he’s asking me to go in a boy’s bathroom!

“In, Avery.” He said impatiently. I was jolted back to reality and with every fiber of my being screaming in protest, my legs carried me inside the bathroom. He didn’t waste precious time and went inside as well and shut the door and locked it. 

Why did I let myself in here?

“Travis? I really don’t – ”

“We’re going to be out in a moment.” He settled his bag to the counter in front of the mirror and grabbed my things placing them there as well, then he said, “I have to change clothes.” He winked, “Wanna watch?”

“No, thank you.” I tried to stop my cheeks from burning. “And that’s not exactly the point. We’re not allowed – ”

“We?” He looked at me, raising an eyebrow. I sighed and said, “I mean, I. I’m not allowed in here.” He didn’t respond and started taking off his shirt.

“Do you really have to do that in front of – okay, nevermind.” I turned myself around and faced the boring wall. “You know, this is totally out of bounds, and I’m sure we’ll be facing sanctions and everything when we get caught by – ”

Suddenly, his hand covered mine and he cut off my tirade. My eyes were wide and I felt his hard body against my back. I heard him whisper, “Shh.” Then I heard the voices outside.

“Dude, I heard a girl. Seriously – ”

“I heard the gal, too. Should we…” 

Travis cursed harshly from behind me and he grabbed our bags, all of our belongings and opened a bathroom stall at random. My mind was still whirling in confusion as he locked both of us in and stuffed our things on top of the tank and he covered the toilet and sat down. He wrapped her arms around my waist and said, “Sit down – ”

“What?!” I shrieked. Then he forcibly jerked me down and he said, “Shh. Lift your feet so they won’t see.” 

I whispered, “You’re shirt – ”

“Fuck my shirt.” He whispered back, “Your feet.”

I lifted my feet, wrapping my hands around my knees and leaning far away as possible from his naked torso. Shit. He has abs. 

“What are you looking at?” he smiled slyly. Blushing furiously, I responded, “Nothing,” I grumbled, “Your ego’s as big as Russia.” I grumbled as we heard the door swing open and footsteps filled the bathroom.

“I swear I heard her, Nate.” 

“I know you did, idiot.”

They continued bickering and I sat on Travis’ lap, breathing heavily. Without saying anything, he tightened his arms around me and my gaze drifted to his six-pack. 

“You can stare as long as you like.” He whispered in my ear. 

I shivered and couldn’t respond properly. I was hyperventilating and my heart was pounding like crazy. Something seemed to be stuck in my throat. 

He kissed my cheek slowly, “You’re blushing like hell.” 

“Don’t you dare.” I said in a throaty whisper as his lips skimmed towards my mouth. His lips were so soft and captivating and his scent was intoxicating. Like mint. I felt like melting honey. But he turned away at the last possible moment. 

“As you wish.” He smiled.

Damn. And to think that they call me genius. 

Oh, no. Wait. That was out of line. Forget I said that. Seriously, forget I said that. This situation is definitely messing up my sense of propriety.

Chapter 8: For sale

Chapter 8: For sale (Wattpad)

I must’ve entered another dimension this morning. There’s no other explanation for this phenomenon. That must be it. Other dimensions do exist. I calmly wrote my reply, 

That joke was funny. Better than your pick-up lines, actually. And I think you were possessed by some evil spirit before going to school.

His reply made me catch my breath.

I’m serious, Avery. I need a girlfriend. And I mean, now.

My eyebrows drew together and I looked at him. I raised an eyebrow that was both skeptical and questioning at the same time but instead of answering, he got the piece of paper from me and started writing. I went back to my notebook and almost laughed out loud. I wonder how I’ll go back to my own dimension or if it’s a matter of willpower. Probably both. 

It was a few more minutes and a lot more information on genetics later when he gave me his reply. It was in a paragraph and it said, 

This is me, Travis. I’m not an evil spirit, And snap out of it, Avery. Whatever scientific skirmish you’re thinking right now, stop it. I said it wrong – what I meant was I need you to pretend to be my girl. Just for a couple of months. I really, really need this, please? I’ll beg on my knees if that’s what you want, I’m desperate.

I think I just came back to my own dimension with a few details misinterpreted. I shook my head in disbelief. I feel disconnected from my body, to be frank. I feel numb – like a ghost. Of course, I have no idea what being a ghost felt like, but just had a near-death experience right then so, close enough. I wrote back to him,

I thought you have a girlfriend? A real one, I mean.

I sort of expected what his answer would be, but I was still surprised to see it.

I don’t. Just say yes, please.

Gah. The disconnected-from-the-body-feeling was starting to go away, replaced by the harsh reality. 

What about Athena? Ask her, not me.

You don’t understand. Please just tell me that you’re okay with it and I’ll explain.

Okay with it? What the – okay to pretend to be with him? That’s like taking a bath using a gasoline and lighting a match in the bathroom. And isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? The decision after the situation, right? Or did I do some time travel and things are just different in the future? That would be more sensible. And I really prefer time travel to dimensions – the idea of alternate universes kind of makes me small and hey, did you know that Einstein said – Warner pushed the now-crumpled piece of paper in my hand and I read it.

You’re doing it again. Snap out of it.

I sighed from the very depths of my being and wrote of the only thing I could think of answering in return, 

Let’s talk later. And I’m not saying yes now, okay?

So you’re going to say yes later?

Aaargh. Whatever dimension or timeline I am in, he is still that annoying.

LATER. Talk to me LATER. 

You’re a lifesaver.

He is so irritating! I didn’t say the bloody yes! Jesus Christ, this day just gets better and better.

45 minutes later 

“No.”

“You didn’t even let me – ”

“Whatever it is, no.”

“Come on, Avery, please?”

I finally turned around and faced him. It’s a free period – we rarely get free periods so I was looking forward to spending it with Cassie and the others but aaargh. He’s always in the way. We were in the hallway and people’s eyes were on us as we walked past. That’s another reason not to like being around the Boy E – people always stare at him. And there’s nothing even worth staring! Okay, there is. 

“Of all the female population in the school, why the hell are you asking me?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you but you wouldn’t let me!”

“Fine! Go on, tell me.” I punctuated that with crossing my arms over my chest. I just want to get to Cassie. I need to tell them this and probably I’ll get my explanation for this erroneous work of nature. Or maybe he had retrograde amnesia and lost some of his memories?

“Oh, thank God. Come here. I’ll explain.” He yanked my arm with an intensely relieved expression on his face and led me towards an empty classroom through the crowd of people.

“I said tell me, not drag me. You have some hearing problems, Warner – ”

“Travis. I told you to call me Travis. I call you Avery and you call me Travis.” My mind was still wrapping up on the undeniable fact that he just demanded – yes! demanded! – me to do something. He is so infuriating. He shut the door and turned the lights on, without breaking his stride, he walked to the teacher’s desk and pushed me to sit. He stood in front of me.

“Okay.” He said, running a hand through his hair. “First of all, I’m in a little bit of trouble. I’m panicking, actually and I don’t know why this just has to happen to me when I did nothing wrong – ”

“Stop the drama. What do you need me for?”

He took a deep breath, “My parents are nosy,” Well, we have that in common, “And they talked to me yesterday. I thought it was nothing but God. Was it really something. My Dad, he’s terrifying and he jumped at me and said that he wants to meet my girlfriend and I know he has high expectations from me – hell, everyone does – but I don’t have a girlfriend! I don’t bloody want one. You know me, I don’t have commitment.” 

He looked at me, his eyes searching for an answer while I just sat still, in some kind of trance. “Right, Avery?” I nodded soundlessly, and then he continued his rant. 

“I know people here have been thinking about me and Athena but I can’t let her meet my Dad. He’ll kill me! Not that Ena isn’t nice; it’s just that she’s not my parents’ taste.” He looked at me, his look imploring me and it’s glaringly obvious that he’s implying something. I said hesitantly, “What’s your parents’ taste, then?” 

He bit his lip and responded, “They like smart people.”

Oh.

Oh, dear.

I slowly stood up in my chair and said, “Well. That was a nice chat. So, I’ll juts,” I cleared my throat, edging away from him, “I’ll just see you around.” I took a step backward. “Bye, Travis.”

“Wait! Don’t go – I need you Avery, please?” He took a step towards me and I stuttered, “Cassie is waiting for me, I should go. Oh! Look at the time,” I said, glancing at the wall clock at the back of the room, not noticing that it wasn’t working, “Time flies by so fast – ”

“Avery, you’re the only one who can save me. I’m begging you, please?”

“There are other nicer people around; all you have to do is look. As for me, I’m in a bit of a rush so I can’t – ” He caught my wrist and gripped it like it was a lifeline. By the look on his face, it probably is. He held both of my hands and looked in my eyes, “I’m begging you. And I don’t even beg!” he added with a slightly hysterical tone in his voice, “Do you want me to kneel?”

“No! Don’t kneel…don’t, don’t…Oh, God.”

He was kneeling.

I stared at him and he looked back with deep desperation etched to his features, “Please?” No! This is not happening! Why the hell am I feeling guilty?! 

“I can’t! We’re not even close – ”

“We are! We are close! Pleeease?”

“Don’t make me feel guilty!”

That was the wrong thing to say.

His eyes widened and he gripped my hands tighter, “Tell me, is it okay for you to have that in your conscience and knowing you could have done otherwise?”

“Otherwise? I can’t do anything – ”

“Yes, you can!”

“I can’t!”

“I’ll pay you if you want!”

“I’m not for sale!”

“Please?”

He stood abruptly an now he’s inches from my face. Face. Oh, God. I don’t like this. His Mediterranean eyes were pleading silently and I said apologetically, “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I have no idea how I can – and I don’t – I’m supposed to hate you, okay? Not feel sorry and help you out.” 

“No! You’re too nice to hate someone – ”

“You were the bane of my existence, okay? Can’t you grasp that? You always have been.”

 

“Were?”

“What?”

“You said ‘were’ as in past tense.” he scrutinized me.

Jesus. This is insanity.

“I meant – it’s so hard to explain – will you just take three steps back, please?”

“You’re blushing.” He said in an awestruck voice as he removed one of his hands from mine and touched my cheek softly. Oh, no.

“Please don’t – don’t touch me – I really have to go now, okay? Just go – get the hell away from me. I don’t owe you anything.” I pulled away and ran to the door.

Chapter 7: The offer

Chapter 7: The offer (Wattpad)

Thursday, 7am 

“Ave, I know martial arts. I could teach you.”

 

“No, thanks.”

Theresa shifted the weight of her bag to her other shoulder, “You could teach the Boy E some extra lessons.” 

“I could help with that.” Cassie shrugged.

“I’ll get our knife.” Lexi added.

I laughed out loud, “You guys. It’s fine, really.” I said to them as we walked on the hallway. People were still cramming around, putting things on their lockers and doing last minute assignments. I really can’t see the sense in cramming when the bell’s about to ring at any minute. 

I used to go to my room alone, but this morning, they insisted on going with me. To be truthful, I like the idea; I’m not really looking forward to seeing Warner today. Ugh. I can’t even stand to think of his name.

“Here we are, Ave.”

This is the classroom I don’t like the most.

“He looks pissed off.” Lexi observed with her brow creasing. She turned to us as Theresa said, “He looks like he ate something.” 

“I think that’s a good thing.” We smothered our chuckles right then. Cassie’s so pitiless. I looked at the person we’re talking about. 

He really does look pissed off – he was scowling at his English book and his shoulders were slumped, like he just received bad news.

God must’ve been listening to my prayers.

“Avery, I think you’ll be alright today.” Nicole said. The others muttered their same opinion. A smile appeared on my lips as they waved goodbye and I walked into the room. I slowly sat down on my chair and made myself comfortable, facing the window. The other students were already pouring in and the noise started to go up as well, but I’m getting what I’ve wished for last night – peace and quiet. Simply peace and quiet. 

As I watched the view outside, I saw the student athletes jogging – jogging! – passing by and disappear through a curve in the pavement. Well, that’s just ruined the perfection of my good mood. Anything that relates to running is basically not good for my temperament. I remembered what happened just this summer. Gah. I hate bringing that up. I blinked once and I felt as though I’ve gone back in time.

It was the MHS fun run. The school actually has different ones annually, but just this one time, I decided to join, seeing as it would help a lot in my application for the said school – especially in my Gym grades. I never really excel at sports.

I’ve been running for over an hour, but it feels like damned minutes. I feel so, so tired. People around me are still running with energy together with their friends. When I get home, I’m going to sleep like never before. I slowed from a jog to a walk, feeling the perspiration go through my face and my back. I breathed hard, wiping my arm through my forehead. 

I took a deep breath even though I was bone tired and even as I felt my legs would be paralyzed for days. Then I saw the finish line, not far from where I was. I ran faster, filled with sudden energy and endurance. Almost there. Just a bit more and it would be over.

The next thing I knew, I was hit by something painfully solid from behind and I fell to the ground. 

God, that hurt. I groaned out loud and sat up, putting a hand gingerly on my head. People around me didn’t even glance; they just continued running. That really, really hurt. I turned and found another person sprawled on the ground and he seemed to be in pain as well. He sat up and looked at me. His eyes were the bluest I’ve ever seen and they were bright, yet apologetic. 

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking! I just hit you and – oh. Here.” He offered his hand to me and I took it, standing up. 

“It’s okay. We’d better get going.”

“Oh, wait! I didn’t catch your name. What did you say it was again?”

“I didn’t. Really, it’s fun. We have to get going.”

“Don’t you believe in love at first sight?” the guy asked, his blue eyes full of mirth. What the hell? Did he just say that?

“Uhm, sorry?”

“Oh, you don’t?”

“I have no idea why you’re – ”

“How about second sight?”

“Are you okay? I think – ”

“Do you?”

This person must be on drugs. I replied cautiously, “The first sight would be more sensible.”

“Well, do you believe at love at first sight or should I bump you again?”

My eyes widened. This stranger is really crazy, he really is. Do the students at MHS act like that as a code or something? He offered his hand for me to shake.

“My name is Travis. And you?”

Oh, God. I hate memories. And jogging. Oh, no, wait. Hating jogging memories would be more appropriate. I had no idea back then that he would be my seatmate and everything else. Back then, he was just the weirdest stranger I have ever met. 

I pulled out my ballpen and notebook as I listened to the ever energetic Kristine Handler interrogate students on their opinions about the school’s popularity ladder. She’s the most explosive friend I have ever had, though we’re not close. And I just managed to avoid her schemes fair enough, and I intend to keep it that way. 

We all heard the clanking of five-inch heels striding into the room and instantly, everyone settled down in their seats, their notebooks and pens out just like me.

Mrs. Jones is one of those scary teachers. I mean she really is; when you’ve done something wrong, she absolutely throws it in your face and expects you not to make the same mistake again. Ever.

I see her logic.

“Today we’ll be talking about genetics. Copy everything I will write and we’ll discuss it later one by one. If I hear someone say one syllable, you all better get ready.” She didn’t pause to relish the look on our faces and started scribbling on top of the board without any books or notes in her hand. She’s got everything memorized inside her brain, stored safely.

She’s actually me favorite teacher.

I looked down at my notebook and started copying with my lips pursed when felt my seatmate grab my arm silently and stuffed a piece of paper in my hand. After that, I mean right after that, he went back to copying notes.

Is he bloody kidding me?

I scribbled more things on my notebook before placing the folded paper on top, opening it discreetly. The page was obviously torn off from his notebook and written on the first line was – 

Can I ask you a favor?

My head tilted back in shock in slight surprise and I faced him. He wasn’t even looking at me. 

Favor? Not bloody likely.

I scribbled on his paper furiously, Not interested. Go away.

I passed the paper to him and continued copying. Just who the hell does he think he is? I thought he won’t bug me today, ugh. So much for expectations. I almost made a hole on my notebook as I dotted the first paragraph with unnecessary force. I brushed my bangs away with my left hand and Warner stashed the same paper on my palm. I gritted my teeth and stifled a sigh. He’s such a stubborn human creature. I looked at the paper.

I’m serious. Please, I need this.

Gah. Since when does he need anything from me? He is such a little – oh. Maybe it’s a project or reviewer. I licked my lips and mused. Yes, that would be it. I mean, what else can he need from me? I wrote in reply, Do you need help with a project? Or a reviewer for the tests on Friday?

I passed the paper again and resumed writing. I know I should just ignore him, but I know I would receive incessant poking when I don’t write a reply and I need notes. He caught my wrists and gave the paper to me again. I scowled because he was smiling. Smiling like he was about to laugh and I rolled my eyes at him and read the next message,

You’re funny. I don’t need help for something like that. I’m fine. This one’s different.

Different? My shoulders slumped in defeat. I just want to get this over with so I can take notes properly. I scribbled underneath, 

Shoot.

I laid the paper on the space between our desks and I faced the board. I really don’t have any inkling on what he could possibly want from me, but whatever. I just want lunchtime to save me. That’s my mantra ever since. He gave me the paper once again and I resignedly opened it, but when I looked at what he wrote, I had a heart attack.

I must be dying.

I must be.

Can you be my girlfriend?

Chapter 6: Helping hand

Chapter 6: Helping hand (Wattpd)

 “You sure about that, Avery?”

“Yes, why? Is there something wrong?”

My friend on the other line had no hesitations on how to answer, “There’s nothing wrong at all. It makes perfect sense but it’s just that I tried to solve it thirteen times and I never ended up with your answer.” 

“It’s fine, Will. I’ll help you tomorrow.”

“Thank you so much.”

“No problem.”

“Oh, wait. Why can’t I contact you yesterday?”

“I had my phone turned off, sorry.”

“No, it’s fine! Thank you again. Bye.”

“Bye, Will.”

I pushed a key on my phone and cut off my conversation with William Ricks. He’s actually a nice pal, and he’s really adorable when he asks me how to do this, how to solve that, yadda yadda.” I grabbed my book from under my pillow and walked to the cabinet. I arranged it with a pile of others and debated on what to read next. Rowling? I read the series five times already, so no. Tolstoy? Nah, too lengthy. Austen?         

I bit my lip and played with the hem of my t-shirt. My hair was down and my attire was for bedtime already, but I want to read. I opened the windows slightly to let some night breeze in my bedroom, even though I was wearing shorts. I finally decided and took Pride and Prejudice from the small shelf inside the cabinet and shut it tightly.

I’ve read it before, of course, but whatever.

I settled myself on the sheets, placing the blanket higher up to my waist and leaning my back on the headboard. I haven’t even read the first word on the book when I heard my phone beep once. Oh, God. I bet it’s another person to ask help for the complex assignment. 

I unlocked the phone with my security code – bamboo. Yeah, I know. Boring. But no one would really know that unless they know me really well. I went to the inbox and read the message.

It’s from Athena.

The text read, Hey Avery. It’s Athena Larsen, but you know that, don’t you? Travis certainly talked about me since you’re both seatmates. So, anyway. I was hoping whether you can give me a reviewer or just make one for the upcoming test on Friday? I really need it. Thanks!

I stared my phone in absolute shock. What am I? Her puppet? After insulting me she orders me to listen to her like I’m some sort of  aaargh. All I want is to read my book in peace. I need quiet and solitude and now I can’t –

My phone beeped again and I felt it vibrating against my palm. I sighed and opened the message. It’s from Will, and he’s asking the same thing as well, only he said it in a more decent way. He said specifically history test.

I’ll just make two of the damned reviewers. Two ages would suffice. I got my planner – a Harry Potter planner, no less – from my side on the lampshade and started scribbling on my to-do list tomorrow. But I paused. I unlocked my phone again and looked at Athena’s massage.

What bloody test was she talking about? 

There’s a flood of tests on Friday and I can’t possibly make one for every single subject because I – hell. 

I pressed reply and started typing in with both thumbs, What test? We have a lot for Friday.

I placed my phone on my side after sending together with my planner. Just read, Avery. Read. I was on the second page when my phone vibrated again. Athena’s reply was – 

Who is this?

What the – is she bloody kidding me? I gritted my teeth in frustration. If she’s going to ask for a favour like that, she should atleast know who she’s asking for the damned help and certainly not forgetting about them in a blink of an eye.

It’s Avery, I texted furiously. I didn’t add anything else and just pressed send. She should just get with Warner and migrate somewhere far away. I returned to the book, hoping to lose myself in another world before reality would come crashing down on me. My state of anger slowly ebbed away, but about a minute later, my phone beeped again. I composed myself this time before opening the message. 

I have no doubt that it would be her apologizing and as well as the demands that would fill the text. It read, Oh gosh! So sorry, Avery! I was busy calling Travis and I thought we were somebody else. Somebody else? She thought I was a complete nobody! Irritation overwhelmed me. And I don’t care about her and bloody Warner.  And about the reviewer – I need the one for history. Thank you again!

I hate them both.

“Avery, honey?”

I heard a rapping on my bedroom door and I called out, “Yes, Mom.” The door opened and she came in with her pajamas, reading for sleeping as well. 

“I just wanted to talk to you about something.” She closed the door gently and went to sit beside me. I was still simmering about the reviewer issue so I put my cellphone under my pillow to avoid any reminders.

“What’s up, Mom?”

She pursed her full, pink lips before smiling, “It’s not really important. It’s just something your Dad wouldn’t understand.” 

Dad is my best buddy in the whole world but there are some things he wouldn’t understand. I blinked once, “So what is it?” She gave me a reassuring grin and said, “I know that you really don’t have a boyfriend.”

Not that again. Isn’t this just my lucky day? With Warner on Bio and in the damned shop, then Athena and now this. I hate this day. I can’t even begin to describe how much.

“I know that you know, Mom.” 

“Yes. I was just wondering if by any chance, you really want one.”

What? “Want what?” She chuckled and said as though it was really obvious, “A boyfriend, silly.” 

I stared at her weirdly, quite shocked. Has my mother been possessed in the past hour or something? “Uhm, Mom? I don’t do relationships.” 

“I was just wondering. You’re seventeen, Ave.” she shrugged.

“I know, Mom. Someone hasn’t caught my eye yet.” 

She exhaled a little breath and bit her lip, then she held up her hand and stroked it through my hair. “All you do when you go home is to study and read – not that I don’t like what you’re doing. Your Dad and I just want you to enjoy. Hang out with your friends more – ”

“I hang out today. Just today – ”

“And I heard from Cassie that you’re not planning to go the school dance.”

Cassie.

“Mom. I like what I’m doing. It’s fine.”

“Are you sure?”

No. Not really.

“Yes, Mom. It’s really fine. Don’t worry.”

She mussed my hair then. “Okay, darling. Goodnight.” 

“’Night, Mom.”

She switched the light off and I heard her go out that door. This day is really screwing with my mind. And things don’t even screw my mind. I placed my Austen book on the table beside the bed and settled under the covers. I shut my eyelids close and thought about tomorrow. 

I’m sure it would be better than today. How the hell can it not be?