Chapter 9
"Hey Zayn! Wait up!" I yelled to him.
"Oh hi Care. Want to walk home again?" he asked.
"Who else would I walk home with?" I asked him.
He gave me his arm like a gentleman and he took it. We started walking on.
"So how did your day go? I mean besides the whole Lainey/Jack debacle." he asked.
"It ended up a bit better." I said.
"I hear what Louis did, a lot of people did." he commented.
"He was just being a friend when Jack was being an ass." I said with a smirk.
"A lot of people are happy about it." Zayn said back with a laugh.
We still didn't know what Louis' fate would be. I was pretty sure that he would be fine. Boy did I hope so.
"What happened in there?" he asked.
"Well, Jack made me cry, for the second time in one day. But this time I had a reason to I think. He was just talking all of this shit about me, and it was all so horrible. I never want to see him again. But he'll be at that party this Friday. So sucks to be me." I said.
"He'll be too drunk to bother you." Zayn said breaking into a grin. "Probably going to be plastered. Blacked out on the floor."
He got me laughing. And he kept going on like this. Always trying to make me feel better. Such an amazing friend he was.
"Anything interesting happen I your day Zayn?" I asked.
"I started a new drawing. You had a lesson or something during art, but it's looking really good." he said.
He was a true artist. Zayn could draw anything imaginable and it could look realistic. I'm more of a painter myself, an my stuff turns out good, but Zayn is phenomenal. Everyone is jealous of his abilities. If he doesn't go for art I have no idea what he's gonna do.
"And I saw the painting you started, looking nice Caroline. Beautiful actually." he said.
I smiled. He smiled. And we walked on in silence for a while. Arm in arm. My boys. They have been perfect to me today.
"Caroline." I heard a voice say to me from behind.
We had walked for 5 minutes just silent me leaning into Zayn with my arm in his. Who could be bothering this moment in time? I turned around.
"Elaine?" I questioned.
Her eyes were puffy, and her smile was widening. I approached her unsure of what this conversation was going to be like. I told Zayn to go on. I'd talk to him later.
"I'm so sorry." she said. "I wasn't even thinking about any of your feelings when I decided to go out with him. I was just thrilled when he said he wanted me to be his girl, and every decision after that by me was poor."
"Lainey, I overreacted about the whole thing. This morning in homeroom especially. It hurt terribly but i was being really critical. I just saw Harry go, and he and I have the same feelings about this situation. I don't know what came over me. I feel terrible. If you like him, then maybe we should try to too. It's just all of the shit that he has put me through since he left for prep school all those years ago really are hard to forget. But I'm willing to try." I said. A small smile breaking into my face.
I really would try and do this for Lainey. I thought I had completely lost her today. I wanted my best girl back desperately. I pulled her into a huge hug. She was crying into my shoulder mumbling something nobody knows.
"Thank you so much for talking to me. I could never function without my girl. I really couldn't." she said still crying.
"Me either. I really missed you this past week. I barely saw you. But I missed you the most today. I promise I will try to forgive Jack. It may be hard, but he's you boyfriend now. I guess I should." I said getting a bit choked up. I really did miss her.
She looked up at me and smiled "Thank you."
She only reached just above my shoulder. All of my friends are really short. Then again, I am 172 cm. Which is pretty darn tall. Lainey is only 154 cm, Belle is 160 cm, and Ava is 149 cm. So I tower over them. But it was nice, I stood out more. My girls, oh how I missed them. But don't get me wrong I love my boys more than anything.
"I just feel like shit. Harry looked really mad." She said.
"Oh we were both furious this morning. But we went to his car and broke down for a while. I saw him cry. It was crazy. But you should really talk to him. And Louis. They deserve to know what is going on too. Especially Harry. This hit him hard. Harder than it hit me. He's your best friend Elaine. He should've known this all along." I explained.
"I know. I really have to get in touch with Harry. And Caroline, I'm do sorry about Jack in the coffee shop today. He went too far." she said.
"Well, I don't want to hear an apology from you. I need to hear it from him." I said very evenly.
Lainey nodded understanding the situation.
We walked back to my house. We caught up the entire way there. It seemed like so much has happened in the past week. I opened the door and found the dogs barking like mad then they attacked her. Like they did with every other guest.
"Hi Caroline." my Mum called from the kitchen.
She walked out and found Lainey with me.
"Oh hello Elaine! How are you sweetheart?" she asked her with a hug. My Mum is so friendly. It's a bit ridiculous.
"Good and you Mrs. Holden?" she answered.
"I'm fine dear. We haven't seen you in a while have we?" my Mum asked.
"I've been busy with school and skating. So i guess not!" Lainey answered.
She has figure skated for her entire life. So she really doesn't have too much of a life. Today was one of the days she got off. Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. So those are the days I try to hang out with her.
We went up to my room and got started on some Calc and Global. There was not much homework tonight which was nice. So we got done super early.
"Do you have anything to wear for Josh's party? I asked him and he said it was super casual." Lainey asked me.
I completely forgot about the party. I needed something to wear.
"Nothing. What time is it?" I asked her.
"Only 3:30." she answered me.
"Wanna go out and look a bit?"
"Sounds good. I just have to get some money from home. Can we stop by my house?" she asked me. I nodded.
The real problem is going to be getting the car for the night. With my Father out on business coming back who knows when, we only had my Mum's little car. I haven't seen my Pop in 3 months. He's been in America for a long while. He's a well known lawyer in England and he went over to America to give lectures to colleges. He has given them to many other countries as well In beautiful colleges. I really did miss him like mad.
"Hey, Mum, can I borrow the car for a bit?" I asked her.
"Don't you have your own car?" she asked me smirking.
"No…" I answered skeptical.
"Caroline. Look outside." Lainey said with astonishment.
I peeked outside. There was Ana looking at a shiny black car on the curb. There was a note attached to it.
"Caroline come out here now!" Ana yelled.
Lainey and my Mum followed. I took the note off of the car. Still very confused.
It read:
My Dear Caroline. I am missing you and your sister terribly. I am over the ocean for another few months. I came into some extra money. Happy early birthday darling. Here is the car you've been asking for. Treat my Ana right. That's part of the deal. I love you Honey. See you soon. - Pop.
"Oh my god." I said.
I was teary eyed. I have my own car now? And not just any car. An Audi. A shiny, new, black, Audi. Similar to the one that Harry drives, but mine was about 5 editions older. It was beautiful. And still looked brand new. Hardly driven. I broke out in a smile.
"Did you know about this?" I asked my Mum.
"I picked it out. Actually." she smiled.
"Thank you." I gave her a hug. I would have to call my father.
"Pop got me VIP Justin Bieber tickets Care! I'm meeting him!" Ana said glowing. I smiled at her. He was her favorite singer.
My dad makes good money. But this was too much. I couldn't believe it. And VIP Bieber tickets for Ana? She's going to go crazy. My Pop is too perfect. He didn't have to do this. I would've been happy with a rusty pickup truck. A lawyer's daughter shouldn't be driving that, he would say. If only he were here. I was missing him more than ever.
"Here are the keys honey. Be back before dinner. Will you be joining us Lainey?" my Mum asked.
"If it wouldn't be a bother to you that would be lovely." she answered.
"See you girls soon."
"Bye Mum!"
"Hi Elaine!" Ana said.
Lainey gave her a quick hug.
"Are you ready to meet your idol?" Lainey asked her.
Ana nodded insanely. We waved goodbye and got into my car. My car. It was going to take some getting used to saying that. But it was mine.
We went to Lainey's house quick. She got her money, I waved to her older brother. Her hot older brother I should add. I had always had a small crush on him, bet he was four years older. It really meant nothing at all. But he, he was fine. She came out of her house in a new outfit. Always something new. Then we got going.
We drove to the downtown area where there were little shops and boutiques.
"I saw these mint colored ankle length pants that would be perfect for you." Lainey said.
"Where?" I asked.
Mint, salmon, gray, and white were my favorite colors. And I have been dying for mint jeans. And if they were ankle length I didn't have to worry about them not being long enough. Sweet.
We walked over to our favorite shop. It was much like Top Shop, but a bit cheaper and more local. I loved Top Shop too though. And the Jack Wills stores, but they can be pretty expensive.
Lainey picked up the pants. "See?" she said smiling.
Perfect. She really did know just what I wanted.
"Those are fabulous. Oh my god. Perfect! What were you thinking of wearing?" I asked her.
"I think I need black skinnies and a pretty top. That would. Be very much me." she answered.
If there was one major difference between Lainey and I, it would be our styles. She loves frills and purples and pinks. And sparkles. So many sparkles. She actually like to dress up and look pretty and girly with makeup and all. She spent tons of time thinking about clothes and makeup and actually executing it. She wore a lot of make up, but it wasn't like black an dark. She made it look very natural. But there was a lot. Eyeshadow, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, lipstick, lip gloss, powder. All of that kind of stuff.
I will honestly say, I don't own any pink at all. I am very simple. Liam tells me that I express myself through me and not through my clothes. I am already a bright enough person I don't have to try as hard. And I don't. Not to be boastful but I have an amazing personality. So my clothes are very simple. Jeans, or colored jeans, any pants really, and a tee or button down or sweater with my simple initial necklace or my dog tags or some pearls and my Toms or Sperry's. That was it. When I do wear a skirt or dress, it's a rare occasion. And my navy blue double breasted pea coat with the gold buttons. That was my favorite thing in my whole closet. I'm very easy. And I wear some concealer, mascara, sometimes a little eyeliner, and my perfume. Again, I say, very simple, very laid back, very easy.
That's out main difference, and maybe that she's a very light blonde with blue eyes and I'm a medium brunette with dark green eyes. Oh and height. Those are the big differences.
By this time we had picked up a lot of clothes and had to start trying things on.
"Lainey. Tell me something?"
"What?"
"Your first kiss. I know I witnessed it. But what on earth was going through your mind?"
We were in the fitting rooms next to each other talking through the wall.
"Oh Care, really? You want to know?"
"Yes."
"I was nervous. And excited. And wicked turned on. It was pretty nerve wrecking. I didn't know what to expect. But I think it was good. Jack is a good kisser."
"Alright. That's a little gross." i said with a laugh.
"Hey you wanted to know. I'm sure he's snogged a few other girls before. Gotten some practice." She said.
"I didn't need to know that you were 'turned on' Lainey." I joked. "Do you love him?"
I could tell I caught her off guard. She hesitated.
"Yes." She said quietly. "I have since he left all those years ago. And I was thrilled when he came back. And every visit in between. I do. Yes. I love Jack." she said genuinely.
I couldn't help but smile. It was sweet. If only it weren't Jack.
"Lainey, check it out." I said. I had a great outfit put together.
The mint pants with a light wash jean shirt, my dog tags that I wore most days, and my black Toms I wore today.
"Damn. That looks great. Simple, but effective. And effortless! I love it." she said. "How about me?"
She found a pair of black skinny jeans, a dark pink top with ruffles around the neckline. She had picked up an adorable key necklace and some skinny, brightly colored bangles. Something she would wear. Definitely.
"It's perfect!" I said.
"And look at these." she said motioning to her feet.
Nude colored high heels.
"Lucky bitch." I said with a laugh. "I wish I could wear heels." I said.
"Well you could, but then you'd probably clear 6' and be even taller than me." she said laughing.
"I love it. You look great." I said to her.
"Same to you. The boys will be crazy if they don't look at you." she said breaking a smile.
I laughed. It was so good to have her back. It was weird. It was like nothing happened between us. We could go from hating each other to loving each other all over again. Not going to lie, we've been called a cute couple before. Like we were together. But we really are just close. Not dating. I know that we both like boys. We are not in love like that.
We put our clothes back on and went to check out. I bought that outfit, a few new washed button shirts, a couple of tees and a new half zip sweatshirt. Those are one of my favorite things. Easily.
Lainey on the other hand bought everything. Her dad is a well known surgeon. So he makes bank. There's plenty of money in that giant house of hers. Let's just say she spent well over £200 today.
I'm so happy I have Lainey again. I really did miss her.
"Do you want to get something to eat quick? I'll call up Belle and Ava too. We haven't had a girls night in a while." she asked me.
"Oh definitely. Tell them I'll swing by and pick them up."
A quick text here and there and a quick response.
"They're both at Ava's. Said they'd be ready in a bit."
"Sounds good." I said to her.
We put out bags into the Audi. Or should I say, my Audi. And left for Ava's. I still couldn't believe he got me a car. My Pop was amazing.
We arrived at Ava's cottage house and went inside for a bit to chat with her Mum. I loved her mother. She was so funny and sweet do I always made it a point to talk to her. Ava and Belle came downstairs.
We walked outside to the car.
"Wow. Is that Harry's?" Ava asked.
"Actually, no. My dad got it for me because he's over in America and Canada for another like 3 months." I answered.
"It's awesome. I love it." said Belle. "Did he get Ana anything?"
"VIP Bieber tickets." Lainey answered for me.
"I'm really jealous." Belle said completely serious. She love him too.
"Oh shit. I have to call my Mum. Tell her I'm not coming back for dinner."
I called her and she said it was fine so we went to a little sandwich shop in the centre of town. Say down in our regular booth and waited.
"Hello girls, what's going on?" I heard Liam say.
I knew his voice the instant I heard it. Everytime. I turned around and stood up to greet him. Then realized who was with him.
"You must be Danielle." I said with a smile.
I stood up and went for a handshake, but she pulled me in for a hug. I liked this girl already.
"And you're Caroline. I'm so happy to finally meet you!" Danielle said cheerfully. "And I'm just guessing these are Elaine, Ava, and Isabelle?"
"That's us." they answered in unison and started laughing.
"Hello Care." Liam said after pulling me in for a hug and pecking my cheek. "You feeling alright? Everything good between you and Lainey?" he whispered to me.
I nodded and said "Much. She cleared everything up with me."
I invited Liam and Danielle to come and sit with us. And I will say, in pictures She was pretty. By they didn't do her justice. In person, she was a flawless knock out. Damn, I think she is the most beautiful person I have seen.
We sat and made small talk for a while, getting to know each other.
"You're Liam's best friend. He talks about you so much. I feel like I already know you." Danielle said with a smile.
"You should hear all the wonderful things he says about you too. I'm thrilled we got to meet."
Liam was blushing. It was really funny. We both teased him about it.
We ordered, our food came, and we talked for a while more. Got coffee and dessert and then started our goodbyes.
"Let's meet up soon. Alright?" Danielle said to me.
"She'll be at Josh's party on Friday." Liam said to her.
"Well, I'll see you there then!" Danielle said.
"Do you want to come over and get ready with us? I think that would be some quality time." I said to her with a laugh.
"Really? Well I would love to." she answered.
I gave her my number and told her I'd text her soon. I think I found another really close friend. Danielle, I think I was going to like this girl.
"Hey Care, how do you like your Audi?" Liam asked me.
"You knew about it?" I questioned him.
"Well someone had to help your mother pick it out who knew about cars." he answered.
I smiled and gave him a huge hug.
"Thank you." I whispered. He kissed my cheek then left with his beautiful girl.
And then we were on our separate ways. It was a great ending to a decent day. My girls, my best friend, and my new friend. Now I was really looking forward to Friday.
Then I received a text. It said:
How are you feeling? I was worried about you today.
- NH.
Niall Horan.
End of Chapter 9.
How'd you guys like it? I tried to make it a bit longer. The big party chapter is coming up! Keep reading and commenting.
Tweet at me! @Ellie1DHearts
I love you all! spread the word!
xx
~ El.