22. Potluck- Natalie -.“I am not going anywhere!” Amy yells and shuts her door so loud, my table trembles with shock. I peek towards my door to see what this drama is all about.“What happened?” I ask Mom as I see her in front of her door.“She is just being…” Mom shrugs and air quotes, “Amy.”I chuckle and Amy opens the door, “Oh really!! Only because I am young doesn’t mean I always have to run errands. Everyone just bosses around me.”I choke at her words. She may or may not be right. I confess I often send her downstairs to bring a thing or two, twice or thrice every day. That doesn’t mean I boss her around. Noo... She is just.. too polite to say no.Amy is either too quiet and shy or angry and yelling. There is no in-between. I understand her meltdown, so I ask mom, ”What is it? Do you need something done?”Mom sighs. ”Yeah, I baked some cake. Just wanted to send it to Rachel’s house while it’s still warm.”“Rachel?”“Jacob’s Mom.”I frown. ”But you sent her cookies yesterday.
23. Not my problem- Jacob -.June scurries around the living room as I throw a few cushions on her way. I chase her behind as she goes upstairs to her room.“Behave like your age, Jacob!” Mom yells from behind.God everyone pampers June so much! I gotta kill her. I don’t think I have ever felt this much embarrassment in my life before!!!I try to push through June’s door as she tries to stop me from entering her room.“I did you a freaking favor!” She glances at me from the door crack.“Let me inside! Or I will push hard… Don’t cry mommy when you fall on your bum.”“Promise we will talk like civilized people.”“Ok..” I stop pushing the door and June locks it.I scoff. ”I knew it. Coward.”“Go pick someone your own size!”“How long are you planning to stay there? You gotta come out sometime.” I warn her and walk away from her door.Wait, what?I go back to her door and knock.“I am not stupid, Jacob!”“What do you mean, you did me a favor?”There is a pause, then she opens her door.
26. Injustice - Natalie - . After an uneventful and surprisingly peaceful day at school, I spend my time watching tv and hearing mom rumble about my college choices. She doesn’t want me to go away. I, on the other hand, want to put as much distance between this town and myself. I glance at my watch, expecting Jacob to turn up anytime. Half an hour passes, then almost an hour. I sigh, thinking about texting him, but remember that boy barely uses his phone. I change my clothes and walk over to his house. If he can come unannounced, it’s only fair if I surprise him too. I am eager to visit him. I want to see Coco, not him… I needlessly correct myself. After all, I didn’t meet her during my morning jog today, or him for that matter. I give myself more excuses. I walk towards his house, cursing myself inwardly. I am probably getting too involved with him. As I knock on his door and patiently wait for it to open. I suck in a breath as I see, Not Jacob, Not his mother, nor any other
29. Hot New Transfer- Natalie -.Bloodsucking Monday is back. I was holed up in my room the whole weekend. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. I feel a little guilty about not replying to Jacob. It is his first day at this school. I am sure it will be great.As I put my stuff in my locker and turn. Millie almost bumps into me, then gives me a smirk.What is that smirk about?She has a locker next to mine. She often passes mean comments or strange questions in my way. Norris has been dating her for the past few months. From what I have heard, she is super possessive of her boyfriend. Norris could do better.Ok, Stop... Not my problem.“I heard that hot new transfer is your neighbor.”WHAT??Has his house address leaked already?“New Transfer?” I am not gonna admit I know him. It will end up with the same signature question.Are you planning to fuck him, too?Not exact words, but something subtle.“Oh, come on! He lives somewhere near the lake. You live there too… Rich people!!”I
32. Ask Norris- Jacob -.After getting home, I lay in my bed and hugged Coco for a long time. I didn’t see Natalie much at school today. It was for the best, but it made me feel miserable. She came in late and left early from the classes we had together. Didn’t notice her anywhere in the cafeteria either. I get it they don’t get along. But was it necessary to shut me out without a word? I probably read it too much when we visited my old place. It meant nothing. That day and our last few interactions were nothing.My phone goes off after some time. I realize I had fallen asleep and Coco was long gone.West calling…“Where are you? I texted you an hour ago.” I rub my eyes and his voice breaks my drowsiness.“What happened?”“Could you bring something to eat? I will bring drinks. Turns out it’s a surprise party… So we gotta arrange everything.”“Oh… Will his parents allow us at his place?”“They ain’t home. I know that for sure.”“You better be... I will see what I can do. How many peo
33. Dread- Jacob -.I have been dreading this day for the past week, but it’s finally here. Coco is cooped up against me in bed. She never came into my bed when I was asleep. But now, here she is… as if she can tell I am upset.This entire week was wretched. David & Sam apologized for their behavior at the party. But things are sour in the team. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting their apology. It looked half-assed, anyway. Probably, coach or West forced them to apologize.I am thankful to June for taking on David that night. Me raising hands on them first wouldn’t have ended in a good way for any of us. With the evaluation match coming up close, we cannot afford an injury. Consequently, team spirit is low right now. But I couldn’t ignore what happened. They will get around. If they don’t, it’s their loss.Although I am glad that the argument didn’t end up in some new rumor. I have seen stories stir up for no reason at old school, so I was a little concerned. But West told me he had w
Rude....After being blown off rudely by him. I stay quiet for a while. I know beggars don’t get to choose, but he should at least acknowledge my apology.“Do you want me to stay quiet the whole ride or I can talk?” I ask him in annoyance, when I cannot hold my tongue anymore.He chuckles dryly. “I guess you can talk. But keep in mind I am not feeling great. So avoid justifying why you ignored me last week.“Ok… this ride will be awkward.“I… I am… just sorry, you know,” I mumble. I want to justify myself, but there is no point. With the excuse of taking control of my life, I stopped talking to him. Ironically, it means I let West and his facade influence my decision. I can be fucking stupid sometimes.I shouldn’t have avoided him in the first place. Even if I did, I should have given him a reason. Ignoring him with no explanation was a wrong thing to do. No one deserves that.“So, how far is this place?”“Approx Three hour drive…”Why didn’t they come to pick her up?As if he reads
36. Ella- Jacob -Natalie cannot sleep, because Coco keeps licking her ears. It’s hilarious. She books a bus ticket for the afternoon. I tell her about my plan for a short hike and camp tonight.“Alone?”“Yeah.. Why?”“Is it safe?”“If you are experienced and have informed someone… It’s safe enough and it’s a famous site. So it’s relatively safer.”She makes a face. I happened to notice it in the rearview mirror.I chuckle," What?"“Do you know there are 4000 serial killers on the loose in USA? What if-““Please tell me you made that up?”“Nooo... Research data suggests.” She scowls.“And I suggest you stop overthinking.”She pouts. “but the threat is still there”I shake my head ruefully. “I love your overthinking, pessimistic attitude, Natalie!”She pouts again and I laugh harder.“We are only five minutes away,” I tell her after a while and she stretches her arms, then starts fixing her hair.God! She is cute.I shake my head… I need to stop looking at her now and then while drivi