Disclosed Truce

Harvets

After school, the three girls piled in Shelby's car. Surprisingly, it was silent. Unlike most times, Bristle yearned for someone to say something-anything. She needed confirmation that she wasn't the only one.

The sickening note burned at her back pants pocket. She just wanted to toss it, but what if the other girls received the same one? They would need Michelle to look over it.

She watched as Shelby kept her eyes on the road, and Michelle was too focused on the scenery outside. Nothing seemed out of the normal, but how would Bristle know? She hadn't talked to those girls in years, and suddenly they were all in a car together. What was she supposed to expect?

Her phone vibrated at her hand, she knew without looking it was a text. Flipping it over to face the screen, Bristle read Garrett's message. He was asking if she still needed a ride.

Shaking her head, she let out a tired sigh. She forgot to let him know she didn't need one. That note just completely shook her up. It was her first one, and it was scarier than what Cammi and Shelby received.

The phone only rang three times before Garrett picked up.

"Did I forget that you were staying after school or something?" Garrett asked. In the background, Bristle heard a car door shut.

She shook her head, "No, no I forgot to tell you..." Michelle turned her head, and Shelby looked through the rearview mirror, "...I am riding with Michelle and Shelby. We're uh, catching up."

Garrett laughed a little, "Glad you're defying your mom. Have fun with your girls, I guess, and if you need a ride, just call me."

Bristle smiled. She loved how concerned he was. "I won't hesitate. Thanks Garrett."

"Anytime. Bye," Garrett said hanging up.

Bristle pressed the power button, and tossed her phone to her side. She looked up to still see Michelle and Shelby staring at her. "Oh my God, what?"

For the first time the whole ride, laughter filled the car. It was relieving, Bristle needed it.

Michelle turned even more in her seat, "So who's that? You're boyfriend?"

Bristle shook her head, "No, just great carpool."

Shelby laughed, then it stopped. Michelle and Bristle turned their eyes on her. She looked as if she was contemplating a hard decision. Her eyebrows were low, she kept her eyes on the road.

Then out of no where, Shelby reached across Michelle's seat, opening the glove compartment, and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. As quickly as she grabbed it, she swiftly flicked the lid open, and grabbed one with her lips. The box dropped into her laps, while Shelby grabbed her lighter out of one of the cupholders.

Flashing the lighter at both girls, she asked, "You mind?"

Michelle's face showed hesitance, "Isn't second hand smoke more deadly than first hand?"

Shelby shrugged, "Don't know. Don't care. Cover your nose." The lighter sparked the reddish orange color, sending tiny flames to the cigarette. When it was lit, small smoke immediately appeared.

Shelby's window opened as well as Michelle's. Bristle reached to her left, pressing down on the window button. The wind immediately wooshed against Bristle's hair causing it fly over her face.

She could barely smell the burning cigarette, which was good. Cigarettes weren't her thing, they had an awful taste.

"Did uh, Shelby shook her head, "...my-my locker, someone slipped another one in my locker."