I walked into AP Chemistry and went up to Mr. Salzstein's desk immediately. Juliana smiled at me, but I just turned my head and attention away from her.
"Yes, Robbie?" Mr. Salzstien looked up from the paper he was reading.
"I was uh... wondering if there is any possible way that I could... you know... switch lab partners." I asked nervously—my hands were in my front pockets and everything.
"I will have to think about it. Now go on ahead and sit down."
"Yes sir." I gulped and then walked to my seat.
Just like always, I kicked my backpack underneath the table.
"Hey..." Juliana mumbled.
I scooted my chair further away from her.
"Look, Robbie, I'm really sorry about Friday."
I looked at her, coldly. "You know, for some odd reason, I don't believe you Juliana."
***
"You can switch lab partners if you find somebody willing to switch with you. If you don't mind me asking though, Robbie, why do you want to switch?"
"Reasons." I raised my eyebrows. "Reasons, Mr. Salzstein."
"Very well then. Find yourself someone to switch with and then you can."
"Will do."
***
"No, I ain't gonna switch with you. You gotta face this like a man, Robbie. You're being like a girl right now."
"Please, Aaron."
"No."
"She stood me up. I waited for over three hours."
"I don't give a damn about what she did. Man up. You're the freak that decided to hang out for over three hours. She obviously wasn't coming, dude." He shook his head and took a sip of his sweet tea.
"I'll do it." Dalton said around a wad on sandwich in his mouth. "I'll switch."
"I'm warning you now, man. Don't get involved with her as anything more than lab partners. She's a witch."
"I don't care! She's hot."
"Yeah, and just like all other cute blondes, she's a witch to go along with it."
"I still wanna switch."
"Be my friggin' guest, and don't say I didn't tell ya."
***
As soon as I got home, I went downstairs to the basement and flipped on the TV. Nothing was on, just like usual. I kicked my feet up on the coffee table.
"Tyla! Quit it!"
"You stop, Sam."
"I'm not doing anything... That's Danny."
"Mhm. Sure it is."
I rolled my eyes. Why did my siblings always have to argue by me? "How about you both shut up? I'm trying to relax."
I dug my phone of my pocket—half still paying attention to the TV, half not. I shot Kylie a quick text.
Me: hey. you still in town?
Kylie: Yeah! :) Why? I'm in town for about five more days.
Me: oh awesome. wanna meet me at the waffle house at the corner of third and main in ten or so minutes?
Kylie: Sure. See you in 10. And at your fav. restaurant... must be important. ;)
***
"I've been thinking about it lately, and now, I'm thinking that I agree with you on giving us another chance."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah." I took a sip of my coke. "That is if you're still willing to give it wack."
"I am. Most definitely."
"Well... I guess we're dating again then." I ate a bite of my waffle.
Kylie was on her phone. I guessed she was updating her relationship status on Facebook. She had always been sure that it stayed up to date. Since Kylie was updating hers, I guessed I should update mine.
As soon as I opened up my Facebook app, I had a relationship request from Kylie.
Kylie Owens is now in a relationship with Robbie Patterson
She already had tons of comments on it. It was probably because we were the 'it' couple of the school.
And now I had a new message... from Juliana. What'd she have to say now? I rolled my eyes and opened the message.
Juliana Keating
Robbie, I understand that you're still very upset with me. But please accept my apology. If you'll give me the time of day, I could explain it all out. The truth is that my dad is dying of cancer. They told him he'd be lucky to see Christmas... to see me graduate. And Friday, he wasn't doing all that great. I was at the hospital all night plus the entire weekend with my Aunt Grace and Dad. He's getting worse, and I just want to spend as much time with him now as possible because I know I'll cherish those times when he's gone. Please hear me out and forgive me... please? I'm so sorry. I really am.
-Jules
I just shook my head and wrote out a reply. Juliana was a great liar. Wasn't she?
Robbie Patterson
nice story. you should consider being an author.
While she was waiting for her response, I looked up and saw that Kylie was still was on her phone. I decided I'd just check out of my News Feed.
What'daya know? The Liar had posted a new status. I had seen that coming from a mile away too.
Juliana Keating
Today I learned that I apparently need to be more careful with whom I choose to share my "stories" with...
"God..." I leaned back in my chair. "She is such a friggin' witch. I can't stand her."
Kylie looked up from her phone and right at me. Her stare made me feel like I was butt-naked or something. "Who, Robbie?"
"Oh," I laid my elbows down on the table. "Nobody really. She's just my ex..." Kylie's stare grew more intense. "....my ex-lab partner."
"Much better." Kylie smiled and got up from the table. "Love you, Robbie." She gave me on the cheek and then started to walk away.
"Yeah... sure ya do..." I mumbled under my breath and then tried my best to wipe Kylie's lipstick off my cheek.
***
"You did that to yourself, Robbie." Aaron said taking a sip of his coke. "I tried to warn you to stay away from Kylie... Oregon has only made her more psycho than she already was. I ain't offering ya any sympathy."
"I just want out. She's already too clingy again."
"Good luck." Aaron laughed and took a sip of his coke. "Only advice I got for ya is wishing upon as star your way out. Let's face it, it's the only way out..."
"Aaron.... if wishes were horses, we'd all be eatin' steak."
"So you're saying you like Kylie?"
"No! I hate her."
"Well, then... why'd you ask her out?"
"Because."
"Nice answer. I do have to admit that she is pretty, but the clinginess takes that all away for me... She's annoying."
***
Kylie: G'night, Robbie! So glad that we're back together! Love you so much! To the moon and back ten million times. You are the best around, and I'm so lucky to call you mine again. I know the distance is going to make it hard on us, but you know I love you and I know that you love me.<3 We'll make it through, Robbie. I know we will. True love never fails! Night, sweet dreams, and see you tomorrow! Just text me the date plans. No need to surprise me. :)
Robbie: night. we can arrange date plans tmrw.
I threw my phone on the charger and rolled over on my back.
God, I was such an idiot.