Far From Nowhere

Chapter 2

[Misaki Tomiyama]

I don't know why, but I think that Emily Mathis is a devious little bitch. I'm not joking. The way she asks questions about our future with an air of nonchalance makes me seethe in anger. I feel like this is a deliberate provocation, an attempt to make me feel insecure.

Oh, never mind. I shouldn't be bothered too much by her or by Holly constantly tapping away on her phone screen instead of paying attention. Again, why do I care? Why do I keep making the same mistakes all the time?

I know, Vee doesn't like it when I roll my eyes, groan, frown or glare at anyone. She believes I'll come across as rude if I keep showing this negative attitude, or at least this is her opinion. I don't care at all, though. I don't want to look nice in front of everyone. I just want to be myself.

Emily resumes talking with her cringey voice. Oh, God, how am I gonna survive this hell?

"Okay, after summer ends, I'm gonna do some volunteering. I don't know exactly where yet, but I definitely know I'm gonna do that," she says, giving out glances like candy. I respond by shooting a glare at her, but Vee nudges me and frowns. I bet she really wants me to be nice, for once. "Then, I'm gonna head to college next year."

"It sounds like a good plan, Em," replies Holly, still looking at her phone screen and tapping incessantly on it. Vee also nudges her, wanting her to pay attention to the conversation instead. I swear that, if Veronica Wakefield doesn't stop acting like the group's mom, I'm gonna rip her head off her shoulders. I'm not joking.

"Just a good plan, Holly? It's a great one." Kaitlyn comments. Why in the hell is she so enthusiastic about everything? Isn't there anything she dislikes? "I'm gonna go straight away, instead. I mean, I've been accepted by two or three universities, and now I have to make a choice."

"Same," intervenes Jessica, who is as gleeful as Kaitlyn - and, dare I say it, just as lame. Why can't anyone be serious here? "What about you, Misaki?"

That question is making me stutter. I don't know what to do at all. Given that almost everyone here has a clear idea of what to do, I truly believe I'm gonna be screwed. However, after a fraction of minute, I shrug those feelings off. "To be honest, I don't know yet."

Everyone laughs, apart from Vee and Beth. What a bunch of insensitive bitches! In particular, Beth exclaims, "What? How can you not have the faintest idea of what you want to do with your future?"

"Maybe it's because not everyone has everything planned way ahead like you, Beth?" I swear, this is not me talking, but Vee. I can't believe she has the guts to shut her up when it comes to planning. Even though she may sound annoying, Vee is actually an excellent friend.

She smiles at me, probably expecting me to thank her. Instead, I just shrug. However, she doesn't take it badly. At least, the two of us have something in common that departs from hating school and despising guys.

***

Even though it's graduation party day and I'm anything but eager to wake up early, I have to. I know, I know, I shouldn't complain, but there's something brewing in the other girls' mind - and that definitely requires my presence.

As I rush downstairs, I hope to be able to dodge my snooty family, but I know I'm going to fail, especially because the doorbell is ringing. I try to run to the door to open it, but I'm immediately blocked by my parents, who are shielding in front of the door.

"Young lady, how many times have I told you not to run in this house?" My mother's voice is beyond irritating, so I respond with a snort. She doesn't seem to take it that well, but at least she's refraining from glaring at me, unlike my father.

Meanwhile, Kiyoko, my older sister, has reached us and again she's giving proof of her snootiness and bitchy attitude by frowning at my parents - why the hell is she allowed to do everything she wants? - and commenting, "Huh. Little Miss Brat hasn't acquired manners yet, I see."

I snort again, earning another reprimand by my mother. "Misaki, I didn't teach you to be such a disrespectful daughter." Disrespect? I'd rather call it mischief. "Please apologize to your sister."

I obey and ask for her forgiveness, though she rejects my apology and just pushes me away. My father glares at me disapprovingly, but doesn't say a word. Why does he always have to stand by Kiyoko and her utter rudeness? She is the one who needs to be taught manners!

Anyway, it really looks like no-one cares about me at all. If they did, they wouldn't treat me like shit. Well, I really wish I could swap families with Vee. At least, she isn't pestered by her sisters - who, are more mature than that snarky bitch - twenty-four hours a day.

"Okay. I'm off. I'm hanging out with all my friends. Don't call me, don't wait for me, don't even talk to me! I'm done with all of you!" I rush back to my room, pack my bag and leave the house, without even bothering to pay attention to my family reprimanding me again and again.

That's enough. As soon as I get back from the graduation party, I'm gonna leave home once for all. I'm fed up with this shit.

This is why I'm glad that Vee and Cameron are here, coming to pick me up. Probably to head somewhere I'm completely unaware of.

"Thank you for coming, Misa," says Vee, showing a toothy grin and making me tremble a little bit. Wow, she's creepy when she smiles, like one of those dolls in horror movies such as Annabelle. Also, another thing that makes me cringe is her calling me Misa. I don't like it, honestly, but I don't think she cares either.

"So, where are we going?" I ask, failing to conceal my growing impatience. It seems as if Vee and Cam noticed that I'm groaning and looking away, probably sparing them raised eyebrows or frowns.

I overhear Cam muttering under his breath, hoping that only Vee will hear him, "Should we tell her?" Well, let's say I'm pretty good at nosing around.

"Okay, Misa..." I roll my eyes as I hear that nickname once again, but she catches me and frowns. "You know you look bad when you frown... Anyway, guess what?"

She's trying hard to create some anticipation, but she isn't quite succeeding. In other words, she's irritating me with her attitude.

"We're going to the beach!" she squeals excitedly, leaving me to stare at her in disbelief.

I didn't leave home for just hanging out at the beach before the party. I didn't bring a fucking swimsuit! Plus, I hate beaches.

I'm screwed.

Written by: leighyeann 

Edited by: CrystianiaEbony