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8. "Repeat that?"

"If you need something else let me know Chris." I said in defeat. He turned around and re-entered my room.

"Repeat that?"

"If you need something else..let me know."

"Let me know Chris. That's what you said. You called me Chris."

"Okay? That's what everyone calls you.."

"Everyone except you. You called me Chris, instead of Christopher..so we're officially friends now."

"That's not how friendships work-"

"That's how ours does. See you Monday." He said, then leaving my room and eventually my apartment.

Chris

I called my Dad back and asked him to pick me up, of course he said yes. Only one problem, he was sure to make it clear that Alexander would be in the car with him.

I sat on the sidewalk contemplating the first thing I'd say to him. Why is this shit so difficult?

My conversation rehearsal was interrupted when a black Mercedes pulled up next to me. The window rolled down, and I was met with the face of my dad...meaning Alexander was driving.

"Are you gonna get in or you just going to stare at me?" He said, doing that lame laugh that dads do. I picked up my bags and got in the backseat of the car. Red interior...I quickly recognized this Alexander guy was rather wealthy.

"You must be Chris." Alexander said to me, I'd only ever seen him in pictures..so talking to him felt weird.

"Yes sir."

"Ha, you don't have to 'yes sir' me. That's weird man." He said laughing, causing my dad to do the same. I didn't know whether to laugh or not, so I just sat back.

"Your room will be on the second level." My Dad said, noticing my uncomfortable silence. How many "levels" are there?

"Okay.."

"Tomorrow we can get some stuff for your room, there's only a bed..but we can get a TV..a gaming system-" Alexander was interrupted by my dad shutting his ideas down.

"A gaming system? That's a little much Alex."

"Christian that's what teenagers like. Don't be lame."

"Oh you hush. So Chris, I remember you used to draw when you were younger, I know you're a basketball star now but, do you still like art?" My dad asked.

He remembers?

"Yeah, I like art.."

"Good. We'll get him paint or something." He said to Alex.

"If you don't buy the PlayStation I'm going to Christian. He's your son..you'd think you would want to do more than just paint." Alexander argued.

"Or here's an idea. How about we actually ask HIM what he wants instead of YOU deciding for him."

"Fine. Chris what would you like for your room?"

"Oh..I don't need anything."

"That's why he asked what would you like? And not what do you need?" My Dad said, dissatisfied with my answer.

"Don't catch an attitude with him, he's humble. That's good."

Do they bicker like this all the time?

//

Bria

After Chris left my day went on. Sunday went by quickly..my mother dropped by to bring groceries. As usual.

I hadn't heard from Chris at all, he didn't answer my call, or my text asking if he was okay...I tried not to worry too much. Maybe he's just adjusting.

It was now Monday morning, and I woke up reminiscing about only about a few weeks before. I couldn't stand Chris, and he couldn't stand me. Now, he's almost the only 'friend' I have. And..I like it when he's around. I don't like him, I just appreciate his company at times.

When I got to school, in the hall I was immediately stopped by Lincoln. Great.

"Bria! I'm sorry that I offended you on Friday..whatever it was I did. But I was wondering if you wanted to go to prom with me, so we could be king and queen together?"

"Lincoln..wouldn't it be weird if I went to prom with you, and Christopher's my boyfriend?"

"But Chris ISN'T actually your boyfriend, remember? Plus I already put our names on the ballot."

"What?! I don't want to run for prom queen! Take me off!"

"It's too late, it's already submitted."