SOUR PATCH

• Chapter Twenty Three

And coming back to the second time, I was unfortunately not around. Clace told me though, he said she came over again on Saturday night. She was invited by none other than my best friend for life Audrey, note the sarcasm? At that time I was at home doing my homework. Yes, I do homework on weekends sue me. He said they had dinner and watched a movie together which he apologized for no apparent reason. He said he just felt like he had to. I have no idea why but since the little talk we had and every time Kelly is around Clace keeps on reassuring me in nonverbal ways that he doesn't like Kelly or see her in that way.

He acts extra sweet and clingy when she's around. The fact that he does it only when she's around disappointed me though. It's like he is keeping up the act that we are together only when she's around. I truly appreciate the thought but I can't help but feel... left out. I want him and I want him badly to be mine. To be honest, as the days are passing I'm starting to lose hope that he'll even ask me to be his girlfriend.

"I smell something fishy radiating from Regina," Vicky said beside me shaking me out of my daze.

I had to avert my gaze away from Clace on the football field and look at her. We are currently sitting in the bleachers while the boys are playing football, in gym class since it's Friday.

With a frown, I ask her, "Regina smells like a fish?" in a disbelieving tone.

"No blondie! I mean she smells fishy not literally, like keeping a secret or something!" She exclaims annoyed. I had to roll my eyes at her, she thinks I'm stupid.

"I know what you mean, stupid, now explain," I order.

"Well these past few weeks she's been disappearing between classes and now she's gone. Look around where is she?!" She whispers yells, looking around making a point. I copy her and true enough Regina is missing in action. Hmm...

Curious,

"Where do you think she's disappearing to or worse disappearing with?" I mock horror. Truth is, Vicky is not the only one who noticed her absence these past few weeks between classes and lunch period. But honestly, I already have a hunch. I remember when we patched things up she mentioned having a friend with benefits thing, though I thought he was not from school.

Hmm... Maybe they're meeting somewhere but it's a bit desperate and needy don't you think?

"What? Do you think she's having a quicky or something with someone from school?" She mutters with growing curiosity.

I just shrug. To be honest, I couldn't care less. I know I sound like a great friend but if she's happy I'm all for it. Besides, I have tons of things on my plate that I can't afford to think about other things right now.

No, not just Clace if that's what you're thinking. I'm not obsessed with him or anything. Well, not much to say the least.

It's my dear father. He's been trying to get hold of me. I have no idea where he got my number from but he keeps on calling me. Not to mention sending extravagant gifts, yes he is bribing me. Last Monday I received a new phone. Not just any phone but a freaking iPhone six plus. It totally got me on the edge and I called him up telling him that he was an ass. If he thinks he can buy me an iPhone then he has never been more wrong in his life. He and mom kept in touch and I don't know why she keeps on communicating with him. He doesn't deserve it and on Tuesday I received a ticket for two to an all-time low concert. Where he learned that I'm obsessed with Alex Gaskarth is again beyond me. I ripped it through with my eyes firmly closed, I will be lying if I said I was not tempted. That ticket was sold out months before the concert and I had to rip it off because of my precious pride.

Clace doesn't know about him and his tactics. Why? Because I know what he is going to say. He will tell me to meet up with him.

He has a weakness for dads. He'll just tell me how lucky I am to have my dad still breathing. He loved his dad so dearly and he thinks every dad in the world is as amazing and as loving as his.