n i n e
My cousin Harmony was one of my best friend's, growing up.
We were tied at the hip at almost every event. She only lived about an hour away, yet after we turned 9, she moved farther.
It was her parents' doing — her dad was in and out of their house for prolonged periods of time, and her mum, my mum's sister, was trying to hang on to their marriage.
It was messy, but as of now, several years later, her parents were getting a divorce.
Which is how they ended up at our house.
"And it's... it's about time, you know?" Aunt Marge lightly wept, wiping her tears and sighing. Mum wrapped an arm around her sister, hugging her and attempting to give as much comfort as she could yet Aunt Marge slouched into the couch, "I just.. too many chances. That's what I gave him."
I wrapped my arms around myself and bit my lip, glancing to where Harmony sat on an adjacent single chair. She was quiet, which was a drastic contrast to how she was when we were younger. She hadn't said much of anything when they had gotten here, and I knew that she would become my priority.
"Maddy," I straightened in my seat at my mother's call, "Why don't you show Harmony to the guest room? Help her take their things?"
It wasn't an actual suggestion; More like a command, but I nodded anyways, happy to help in some sort of way.
Harmony and I stood from our chairs and we collected her and Aunt Marge's things. In an awkward silence, I led the way up the stairs and towards the guest bedroom. It was a couple doors down from my room and equipped with it's own bathroom as well.
The walls were a cream color and the furniture was a mix between dark browns and pastel yellows. After placing Aunt Marge's bags onto the bed, I turned to see that Harmony had found a place by the window that faced the front of the house.
"It's good to see you again, Harm." My voice was soft and she didn't turn to look over at me, like I had hoped she would. She had grown up quite beautifully, though. We shared the same light toned brown hair and eyes, and peachy toned skin, yet she grew up alot more filled out then I did. Where as I was on the taller to average size in hieght, she was on the shorter end. And where my body somewhat lacked definition in curves, hers were well pronounced, giving her the well defined hour glass figure that I had always wished for. Her shoulder length hair was in a pony tail now though, something she used to do to show that now was a time to be serious.
I cleared my throat, wanting to try again, "So uh, are you transferring to my school too?"
"I guess so." she shrugged, sighing as she did so. That looked to be all she wanted to say, so I didn't pry much further than that.
Biting my lower lip, I clasped my hands together infront of me and nodded my head slowly, "Alright... my room is three doors down that way and you and Aunt Marge have an attatched bathroom so..." I trailed off.
When she didn't so much as blink at me, I took that as my cue to leave and I nodded to myself again, turning and slowly exiting the room.
I headed back to my own and closed the door behind me, sighing through my nose before heading over to my bed where my homework, crushed from the wieght of Luke and I when we had made out, still lay.
It's not gonna do itself.
* * *
I'm late.
I'm late, I'm late, I'm so freaking late.
Again.
My alarm didn't sound off, my printer got jammed when I tried to rush to print a social science essay due today, and my mum and dad had already left for work and couldn't give me a ride to school.
Aunt Marge, who was actually up at the kitchen table and sipping some coffee, forelornly, tried making conversation with me as I sprinted about, trying to make sure I had everything I needed yet that only added to my lateness.
Harmony wasn't attending school for the next week or so due to an error with some transcript papers, so she was cooped up in the guest bedroom.
When I finally did make it to school, I had missed messages from Jaime, Stefanie, Luke and even Jared, as well as I had missed first period altogether. Which only annoyed me further, seeing as the stupid essay I printed was for that class to begin with.
Sighing to myself, I shook my head as the bell ending first period rung, and students filled the hallway in an instant. Running a hand through my hair, I began my way towards my second class of history, making it there before the warning bell sounded off and I all but collapsed into my seat.
Looking around, it was clear that Mr. Davis wasn't in yet so I slipped my phone from my pocket, going through my messages to see what I had missed.
Jared
down for another study session during 3rd tdy? :)
I felt myself blush, feeling butterflies. My crush on Jared seemed to only grow the more I hung out with him, and I was starting to think that maybe he could be into me too. The idea didn't seem too far-fetched, and I was excited at the possibility of getting back into dating.
With the smile still on my face, I entered Jaime's messages next.
Jai
where r u???
Jai
u bttr not b 'sick'
Jai
hellooooo
Jai
i'll leave it at, i'll c u in third spare
Shaking my head, I moved on to Steph.
Stephanie
major news abt jared !!
Stephanie
getting back together !!
Stephanie
spread the word !! will explain more in third!!
I felt my heart deflate at her message. Back together with Jared? So quickly? And after I thought he was... I don't know, interested in me? Suddenly my previous butterflies were begining to die off, and I shook my head and checked Luke's messages.
Joker
Miss Keller's room. 3rd.
I frowned at the sudden urge to leave my seat and meet him there now, feeling a different type of winged insect in the pit of my stomach. Certainly not butterflies, but maybe moths. Jared asked to meet during third as well, and though I would much rather spend time with Jared, this news about Stephanie seemed to derail me. Not only that, Stephanie also wanted to meet up during third to talk about Jared and their, now seemingly mended, relationship.
"Alright class," Mr. Davis entered the room as the bell signalling the start of the period sounded off, and he closed the door behind him, "Who can tell me something about Cleopatra?"
Shoving my phone under some of my books, I reached for my history notebook and took out a pen, gearing up to write some notes down. Mr Davis placed a stack of papers on his desk before grabbing a section of them and beginning to hand them out, "Anyone?"
Addison, the pro-gossiper that almost caught Luke and I at his party last week, rose her hand boredly, "She was the last active ruler of Egypt?"
Her answer was more of a question, not that I cared, and I instead reached discreetly for my phone.
As Mr Davis continued on, I reassured Jaime of my presence at school, and I asked Jared if he was free fourth period instead of third. Stephanie was next, and I told her I would meet her during third with Jaime. And then there was Luke, who didn't want to take no for an answer.
Joker
thts how this whole thing wrks, u kno
HQ
busy
He messaged me a few times after that, yet I pocketed my
phone and pulled my notebook closer to me as Mr Davis neared with the handouts, beginning to take notes. I had bigger things on my plate then worrying about Luke.
Mr Davis continued on about Cleopatra for a little while before moving on to the different rulers of Egypt's time. That was the majority of the lesson and soon enough it was over.
When the bell rung, I collected my things and made my way towards the library, where Stephanie wanted to meet. Jaime was already seated at the table, her raven hair tied into a high pony tail while she sported a white hoodie and black jeans.
Steph on the other hand wore her hair in a high bun, which would mean she was feeling extremely on the prowl for a guy; For Jared. And her outfit stated as such too, her pink themed ensemble consisting of a cropped sweater and a tight and short leather skirt.
Yet, there was someone else seated at the table as well, and I felt my heart beat quicken in it's pace.
Addison.
I sighed through my nose, making my way to their table before slipping into the fourth seat, beside Jaime and infront of Steph. Addison, the gossipping platinum
blonde, was diagonal to me, and when she saw me sit down she eagerly leaned forwards on the table, ready to commence with whatever it was that Steph wanted her to spread.
"Great," Stephanie lightly clapped, keeping her voice a low hum in the library, "We can get started."
"Started?" Jaime propped her elbow on the table and leaned her chin on it, already bored, "What's there to start, exactly?"
"Duh," Addy snapped in a secretive tone, "Steph and Jared are getting back together."
"Don't steal my thunder, Addy," Steph rolled her eyes before, "Anyways, whatever. Jared and I are getting back together!"
Though she had already texted me the news, I still couldn't help but raise my brows. Jaime did too, shaking her head with a sigh of disbelief, "And is Jared aware of this?"
The corners of my mouth twitched upwards at her remark, yet Steph disregarded her, choosing to launch into the tale instead, "So, last night I was hanging out at Luke's place." she began.
I felt my stomach churn. Luke's place? Was this before or after he had, once again, snuck into my room to kiss me?
I refrained from rolling my eyes, "Wow. Luke's place?"
"Yeah," she giggled, earning a hush from a passing teacher, "I'm surprised you didn't hear us from your room, Madds."
I couldn't help but actively gag, "TMI."
"Is there a point to this story?" Jaime cleared her throat to gain back the blonde's attention, "We have our biology test today, you know."
"Shhh," Steph hushed before continuing, "So anyways, Jared called me while Luke and I were cuddling and I got up to answer, right? And he started apologizing for flipping out at the party last week and he wanted to come over. But obviously I wasn't home."
Before she could continue, the door to the library burst open and in entered Ashton, Calum and Luke, their hands full with textbooks. Steph, noticing my averted gaze, glanced over her shoulder just as the boys sat down at the only free table left, a few tables away from us.
The blonde in front of me was blushing when she turned back to us, "I told Luke I had to go because Jared wanted to see me and Luke completly flipped on me about it. So obviously I left and met up at that coffee shop on fifth street with Jared, where he begged for my forgiveness."
"Which you gave to him, I'm assumming?" Jai quipped, very much ready to leave this conversation. She never hid her disdain for Stephanie in any way, like most of the school chose to do, and yet she was somehow able to survive.
"I'd be crazy not to. Two of the hottest guys in our year both wanting me?" She pretended to feign, "What is a girl to do?"
"How about you choose one that you're actually interested in instead of gunning for both?" I offered up, my eyes glancing over to Luke's table without thinking.
Addy caught my stare, "Do you have the hots for Hemmings, or something?"
My eyes widened and all girls turned to me, "What? No! Absolutly not!"
"Then what's your issue?" she pressed. This is what Addy did, almost as if it were her job to run her mouth and find out all the details.
"Did you hear me say I had an issue?" I frowned at her, "Because I didn't. And I don't. I just want to make sure that... Steph doesn't get hurt in all this."
"Thank you, Madds," Stephanie agreed, "And don't even worry. I know about your little study sessions with Jare."
I felt myself tense yet was weary to show it, knowing Addy was watching, "Oh. Yeah... He asked me for some help. I was gonna tell you, but I thought it would be a one time thing. Sorry."
"Don't apologize," Jai nudged me lightly, her tone soft before she turned to Stephanie, "So you and Jared are dating again? And Luke is what? Extra credit?"
"Luke know's I'm a taken lady now and he'll just have to be okay with that." Stephanie tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "When things get rocky with Jare, I know that I have Luke to lean on for emotional support."
"That is so twisted," Jaime scrunched up her face in disgust, "Steph, this is not the way to go about this."
"Can you just not be a hater, right now, Jaime?" Addy's tone was condescending, "That's like, not what we need right now."
"I'm being sensible," Jai huffed, "This is slut-behaviour, you know."
"I don't recall asking for your opinion," Addy rolled her eyes, "We're all here to spread the word. The more people that know, the more people won't try to wreck Steph's relationship."
"So, you're insane," Jaime jumped in again at Addison before looking to Steph, "And you know what? Congrats Steph, but I really don't think sleeping around is the equivalent to a relationship."
"Someone's jealous." Addy drawled.
"She's just upset that I kissed her crush before she got the chance." Stephanie shrugged her shoulder's but my eyes widened slightly, confused and also appalled.
I looked to Jaime to see her cheeks had turned red, "For the last time, I don't like Michael," my best friend huffed in finality, gathering her books and standing abruptly. In doing so, she gained the attention of a few nearby tables, Luke's included, "You know what? I'm going to find somewhere else to study."
The three of us watched as the raven haired fire cracker flounced away, and I bit my lip. I wanted to follow her, but I knew that she was the type of person that had to cool off alone before anyone could come near.
"Whatever," Stephanie rolled her eyes, taking a look at her acrylic nails, "She needs to stop getting on my nerves if she knows whats good for her."
To that, I sighed, "I mean, she does have a point-"
"I don't care," Steph stood from her seat, and with her, Addison followed suite, "I'll see you later, Maddy. Make sure you spread the word."
I waved a dismissive hand to the two of them, frustrated with the two departing blondes, as well as the blonde at the table a few feet away. While he tried forcing me into not hanging out with Jared, he was having sex with Stephanie. That was a completly unfair double standard!
And almost as if it were on cue, my phone buzzed from inside my pocket.
Slipping it out, Joker flashed across my screen as I opened my phone, entering into the messages.
Joker
u good over there?
Joker
tht looked intense
I felt my anger resurface, yet glanced Luke's way to see that he was already discreetly looking at me. When our gazes met, he dropped his to his phone, waiting for my response.
HQ
Mr Stacy's room. Now.
I shoved my phone into my pocket without waiting for him to respond. I stacked my things before opting to leave them at the desk, not caring whether they would get stolen or not. Right now, I was angry. And I needed to talk to Luke.
Luke walked into Mr Stacy's room about a minute or so after I had come in, and when he closed the door and turned to me, he was frowning.
"Everything okay?" He rose a brow, seeing my arms crossed over my chest and my eyes narrowed.
"Did you have Stephanie over after you left my room last night?" I jumped right in, watching his expression as he rose both his brows.
He crossed his own arms over his chest, "That matters because...?"
His lack of response gave me the answer I needed, and I scoffed and rolled my eyes, "Because what happened to not seeing other people while we do this?"
"I'm not seeing Stephanie," he drawled, dropping his crossed arms and stepping towards me, "She came over last night randomly."
"So you did sleep with her then," I inquired. There was a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach but I pushed it down, "Because I now have the job of spreading the word around school that you two have something going on."
He groaned in annoyance and pinched the bridge of his nose as he continued to step closer, "Of course she would say that."
"Is it true?"
"Obviously not," there was an edge in Luke's tone that I wasn't used to hearing, and he dropped his hand from his face, "Why the hell would you believe anything she says?"
"Because why would she lie?" I shot back, "And I asked you here to fact check her story and you avoided answering."
"Well it's not true," Luke took a final step towards me, close enough so that I could stand on my toes and kiss him if I wanted to, "She came over to tell me she was trying to get together with Jared again." he rolled his eyes.
I frowned, "Why would she need to go to your house to tell you that?"
"Why does she do anything at all?" he rose a brow, "The girl is obsessed with attention. That shouldn't be anyones problem but her own, and yet somehow it's mine."
For some reason, apart of me didn't believe him; But when did I ever believe anything Luke ever told me? I didn't trust him since as far back as I could remember, so I pursed my lips and tilted my head, studying him for a moment of silence.
"What?" he urged, seeing my disbelief on the tip of my tongue, "Are we good?" he rose his brow again as he placed his hands on my hips, drawing me in closer. The spark in his eyes was alluring, and I caught them flicker down to my lips briefly.
"Are we?" he asked again, leaning in. He pressed his forhead against my temple as he awaited my answer, my senses dulling at the tempting distance between us.
"Maybe." I felt myself blush at how soft my voice ended up coming out.
Luke gently pushed me back a step, lifting me up and onto a desk behind me, "Maybe?" he scoffed, bracing his hands on either side of me on the desk.
It was fleeting, but a flicker of deja vu flooded over me back to when we had been in his bathroom. He tilted his head at me, brushing his nose against mine in a soft and short butterfly kiss before he lowered his gaze to my lips again, "Are we good, or not, M?" he asked again, softer.
He was much more convincing when he was this close to me, and I couldn't help but turn my head slowly and tilt my chin, pressing my lips against his own without another thought. His lips, while they were a dsitraction, were always making me feel as though I didn't have to worry about anything else.
___