Till Sunset Do Us Part

Chapter 5 ~ Tug of War

I

woke up the next day ready for school.

I spent more time looking in the mirror - making sure I looked okay, day dreaming almost.

Walking down to the bus stop, I ended up laughing at myself.

Okay, so I have a small crush on Trent.

Was that a crime?

It was after him and Rochelle pulled up in that truck and honked that I realized it really was.

Well, technically it was, but only because of an age difference.

I mean, my maturity level was the same as his, but it was still considered -

I shivered at the thought.

I couldn't even see myself doing that kind of stuff.

But, could he?

I blinked hard.

Stop it! It's just a crush.

It's not that serious.

"Hey Rita!" he called from the driver side, through the passenger side window, past Rochelle.

I walked up to the truck. "'Come on, jump in."

I looked back to Brandon and Sydney and waved.

I kind of felt bad about not keeping my promise from the other day, but I honestly didn't want to think twice about being with Trent and Rochelle.

I slid in next to Rochelle. "What happened to your car?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Trent here, decided to preach to my parents that now that you know who he is and all, it's stupid to waste gas and money on driving two cars to the same place."

I laughed at her expression. "Hey! Excuse me for trying to be Eco-friendly."

"Oh, whatever.

You just wanted to see Rita that much more."

"No.

I wanted to spend more quality time with my cousin.

And if that happens to include picking up her slightly attractive friend, so be it."

"Slightly?"

I chimed in, teasing him.

"Boy, you can't touch this."

We all started laughing.

Rochelle and I talked the entire car ride, while Trent and I stole and exchanged glances.

First period was pretty much the same

-

until we were set up with our permanent partners.

"Rochelle, you are with ..." she scanned down the paper, "CJ."

Rochelle's shoulders dropped a little, but she perked right up again.

And I knew exactly why.

See, CJ was cute, but to Rochelle he wasn't Ryan.

But on the upside, there wasn't going to be any emotional torment for anyone, because CJ was gay.

For me on the other hand, my torment was on the verge of beginning.

"Mr. Chambers," she schemed again, and I found my heart hoping, and my brain battling at two thoughts: one being hope, the other betrayal.