The Only Exception

Chapter 3: Part 5

“Oh shit. I have to get to my locker.” Drew announces, soon after the kiss. “I’ll see you later, yeah?” I nod in response, and watch as his cute butt saunters away. I sigh happily, but turn around to face two identical disapproving faces.

                “Do you really expect me to stand here and watch you eat face with your boyfriend?” Hilary asks, her arms crossed in front of her. “Please,” I tell her, “It was only for like one second. You’re so bitter you can’t even handle a Mississippi?”

                “Longest Mississippi I’ve ever had to witness.” Julian adds, “I don’t get why you’re even with him. You should be with me, I wouldn’t mind if you kissed me for 100 Mississippi’s.” I roll my eyes towards him, “Okay both of you need to get over your jealous selves. You’ll find people! In fact, Hilary why don’t you tell Julian about Caleb Benton?”

                “Nope. Already heard all about this Caleb guy and his pantie soaking voice and luscious golden hair. From what I can tell, he’s no different than any other guy that Hilary has thirsted over.” Hilary scoffs in response, “Shut up, Julian. You don’t even know the guy.”

                “Yeah well neither do you!”

                Hilary is about to make a comeback but is interrupted, “Hilary, Amanda!” I glance up just to become face to face with Bianca Pembrooke. Her long graceful eyelashes flutter as if they are a greeting all by their selves. “Hey Bianca!” Hilary says with way too much enthusiasm. I don’t know why she does this. Hilary hates Bianca’s guts, and for no particular reason; and even makes an effort to complain about her on a daily basis. So why does she go out of her way to pretend that she adores her?  “Hey I don’t know if you’ve heard but my birthday is coming up. In a week actually.”

                So, that’s what this entire buzz is about. I turn to Hilary and it seems that she’s come to the same conclusion. “I was just wondering if you guys want to come to my party!” Bianca chirps happily, her genuine kindness is almost too much for me to bare sometimes.  Keisha Harrison from the cheer squad places two robin blue envelopes into our hands. “You’re invited.” Is sprawled on the back in an elaborate font. “It’s my sixteenth but don’t worry, it’s not going to be a huge MTV worthy celebration with gumdrops and live performances and temper tantrums or anything. Just a get together, and I want you two to come. Oh, and you’re welcome to bring guests.” Bianca pauses to look up at Julian, who shrugs in response. “Great! So the RSVP is in the invite, try to contact me as soon as possible.”

                “Don’t worry, we’ll be going.” Hilary answers on the behalf of both of us. “Great! Thank You so much! I’ll see you next Friday then!” And with that Bianca saunters away, Keisha trailing closely behind her. The bell rings just as they exit, and Hilary turns to me, the smile wiped off her face. “We need to go shopping for a new outfit this Saturday.” I roll my eyes and begin walking towards my Family Studies class, “You know you don’t need a new outfit for every social occasion.”

                “Yeah I know that.” Hilary states, “But I absolutely need one for Bianca’s party.”  I don’t answer her, raising my eyebrow in response instead. “Imagine how mad she’ll be when I come to the party looking ten times better than her!”

                “Why do you hate her so much, anyways? It’s not like she’s done anything to you before. Anyways, you’re not going to out dress Princess Pembrooke and you know that.” I glance down at my phone; there is about 2 minutes left until class starts. Just about the whole class already waits at the door.

                “Okay whatever I just need an excuse for a cute outfit, okay? Plus she’s a total bitch! Behind that plastic exterior, she is ice cold. Look, nobody can be that genuinely nice. It’s so fake, it’s not even funny.”

                “Hilary, some people are just nice. That’s all there is. And one of those people happens to be Bianca Pembrooke, give it a break, will you?” I conclude as the bell rings noisily.  Hilary doesn’t get to reply, before I am whisked away into the classroom.