Splinters: Part One

Part One | 12

She shrugged. "They just think they're funny when they're not."

"What do you mean?"

"Well there's this one group of guys and they just always hit on Bella when I'm standing right next to her, and it's, like, annoying! Like, it's obvious Bella's prettier than me, but do they have to rub it in my face?"

I wanted to tell her that Bella isn't prettier than her, that she's just as pretty as Bella, but Ursanne wouldn't believe me.

She entered first when we approached the bus, stepping upwards. I followed her to the middle section and then sat next to her.

"They're just mean, Ursa. You shouldn't let them get to you."

She didn't answer me as she stared out the window. She was quiet the rest of the ride home, and I struggled to find something to say that would comfort her. I didn't want Ursanne to think she's ugly. Besides Collie, I think she's the most beautiful person in the world.

...

"Oh my gosh, tonight is going to be so fun!" Ursanne exclaimed.

Bella glanced at my sister. "Do you think people will think we're too old to trick-or-treat?"

Grady stared at her. "Why would they think that?"

She sighed. "Last year, my mom was kind of annoyed because she saw these high-schooler boys and they were trick-or-treating."

"How old were they?" I asked.

"Somewhere around eighteen."

Ursanne gave her a flat look. "That's too old. It'll be fun with us four."

I coughed awkwardly. "Um, five."

All three heads turned to me.

"What?" Ursanne asked, confused.

"I, uh..." I lowered my gaze. There was no way any of them were going to take this lightly. I know I should've let them know about Collie earlier on, I was just scared. Finally, I took a deep breath, and told them the truth.

"I invited Collie to come trick-or-treating with us."

If this had been under any other circumstance, I would've laughed at my friends' and sister's mortified facial expressions, but that wasn't the case for now.

"You what?" Ursanne questioned.

I began to panic. "I-"

"Why?" Bella asked.

It was a genuine question. She hadn't said it in a disgusted way like how Ursanne did.

I shrugged, looking anywhere but at them. "I..."

"Brayden, didn't you think that maybe you should ask us before inviting her?"

I felt embarrassed and I swear I could feel my face heat up. "I just... I thought you guys would be open minded about it."

Ursanne laughed incredulously. "Be open minded about Collie?"

I sighed, feeling myself beginning to feel small. "Ursa, please-"

"Why would you do that, Brayden?" she asked angrily.

I gulped as she stood up.

"That is so rude! You know none of us like her, but you!"

I pressed my lips together. "I just thought tha-"

"It's okay, Brayden," Bella told me gently.

I jerked my head towards her along with Grady and Ursanne.