Just Friends

Chapter 12: His Name

I bite my lip in frustration. I try to contain the anger and sadness welling up in me. I look at Clary to see her staring at me in sympathy, almost as if she was guilty. I knew she never meant any harm. She probably didn't think of the consequences or what not.

     "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything," Clary mutters.

     "No, it's fine," I sigh.

     Apparently, today is Makayla's birthday. And since Dakota said happy birthday at twelve a.m, I'm thinking he got our birthdays switched. Then again, I shouldn't jump to conclusions. I told Clary about what happened, and she didn't take it so well.

     Since Makayla is so popular, she's been greeted so many times. Clary and I were even insulted by her friends because we didn't say anything to her. The funny thing is that Dakota didn't even do anything.

     Right then and there, Clary was ready to pounce at him. She was ready to murder. Although, Hunter and I were there to restrain the ombre-haired girl. If we hadn't done anything, Clary could've been suspended.

     "Anyway, let's change the subject! Did you see what happened to Penny? Gosh, she tried hitting me but she tripped!" Clary exclaims, trying to brighten the mood.

     I force a smile and try to engage in her one-sided conversation.

Dakota: "It was hilarious! You should've been with us, we had so much fun."

     I choke back a sob.

     Colette: "You sound like you're in love with her."

     Dakota texted me because he was bored. I asked him how he was and what he's been doing. He went all out on telling me about his day. All I read was Makayla.

     Dakota: "I think I am. I'm planning on asking her to be my girlfriend in a creative way. Since you're a girl, how would girls like to be asked out?"

     I let out a big sigh. How can I avoid him if he keeps bringing me pain? Without texting back, I shut my phone off. Dakota can figure it out himself. I may seem harsh and selfish, but there are times when you need space and time.

Throughout the whole day of school, I've been avoiding him. I swore to myself to not say his name. It seemed necessary if I want to avoid him. It's like playing dodge ball, except I'm dodging his presence.

     "Clary, I need you to do me a favor," I say.

     Clary looks at me and groans. "What is it?"

     I hand her the invitation card for Hunter. "My party is on Saturday and I can invite whoever I want. I already gave you a card, and now I'm inviting Hunter."

     "What! No! I am not handing the card to Hunter!" Clary flicks the card out of my hand.

     I bend down and pick it up. I look at her with pleading eyes. "Please? He is sitting at Hunter's table."

     Clary rolls her eyes. She grabs the card harshly and walks to their table. I quietly follow her and hide. I watch her actions, along with listening to what they're saying.

     Clary avoids eye contact with Hunter and shoves the card at him. "Colette is inviting you to her birthday party on Saturday." She crosses her arms, unsure of what to do next.

     Hunter takes the card and smiles a small smile. My eyes widen; Hunter barely smiles at all. I look over to see him. He was staring intently at Clary. It's as if he was waiting for his invitation. Apparently, Clary noticed.

     She shoots a glare at him and angrily yells, "what, you think you have an invitation? Ha! In your face!"

     Remaining unfazed, he says, "Colette usually invited me to her birthday parties."

     Clary says something unpredictable. My eyes widen at her words. She's so reckless! 

     "Funny you say that. Is it the first time she's done that? Well guess what, Dakota, Colette expected you to text her a 'happy birthday' only to have you switching her birthday with Makayla!" Clary retorts.

     I face palm inwardly. Clary needs to learn how to keep her mouth shut! 

    Out of instinct, I walk over to Clary. She notices me and was about to say something. Although, I cut her off and pinch her ear, dragging her out of the cafeteria.