So Close but So Far Away

Chapter 4

Aspen

Weeks have passed and I've been dealing with Amanda's shit everyday. I walked through the hallways, on my way to my locker. I threw my trash to the nearest trash bin and turned around. I saw Amanda and her allies walking towards me and I smirked.

"Hey Amanda! Don't forget where you belong!" I shouted pointing to the trash bin. She squealed and stomped her feet like a spoiled brat that she is and lunged herself towards me but luckily, her 'clique' pulled her back so she won't cause a scene and embarass the whole group. I laughed and went to the library since our class was on free reading.

As I entered, aroma of old books filled my nostrils. I went to the Sci-Fi section of the library and looked for my favorite series, The Maze Runner. I picked up the book and went to the back of the library and sat down, leaning on the section of history books. A tall shadow blocked my light from reading. I looked up and saw it was Calum, I scoffed and went back from where I left off when he sat down beside me. I totally forgot we had a class together.

"Look Aspen, I'm sorry." He sounded really sorry. I let out a bitter laugh.

"Please! You're just saying that so you won't get lonely in this class." I said with hatred in my voice.

"Aspen, I'm serious. I felt guilty for what I did." He looked down on his lap.

"You better be." I spat.

"Us hating you is a long story--"

"I've got time, and please enlighten me." I fake smiled.

"It all started when Amanda went to the hospital. She told Liz that you cheated on Luke and dared him to drive while he's drunk. She also told her that you influenced Luke in going to parties and get wasted. Then, before we went to school, she threatened to ruin our lives if she doesn't get what she wants from us, for god's sake, she even threatened to kill my dog, ruin Mikey's video games and paint Ashton's drums and drumsticks pink!" He said slightly breathing quite fast. I gave him the "really nigga" look and cleared my throat.

"First of all, that was the most  boneheaded lie I've ever heard. Second, what the hell?!? And Third, oh my god you guys are incapacitated as fuck." He nodded along the first two things I said and looked at me with confusion and hurt on the third part.

"Incapacitated?" He asked.

"Weak." I rolled my eyes.

"Hey!! We're not weak!" He defended while I smirked.

"Yeah whatever." I rolled my eyes.

"I promise to be your eyes and ears in the group." He said and I looked at him.

"Really?" I said and my eyes sparkled.

"Yeah." He smiled, opening his arms. "Friends?".

"Friends." I whispered giving in to his embrace. Just as the bell rung, we gave each other one last hugs and scurried off to our different ways.

---
(Skipped the classes bc its hella boring)

It was lunch time and I lost my palate. I went straight to the library and texted Mason that he has nothing to worry about. I sat on one of the chairs from the untenanted table nearby and read the book. Again, a shadow blocked the light, but this time, its two. Seriously, what's with shadows blocking my light. I looked up to see... twins?

"Mind if we sit?" The brunette one said.

"Go ahead." I smiled, gesturing to the seats. One of them has a blonde hair and the other was brunette. Different eye colors but the same features.

"By the way, I'm Jake and this is my brother Josh." The blonde one said as they both shook my hand as a friendly gesture. But they have different accents, how come?

"I can tell you're flummoxed by our accents, just so you know, we were both seperated at the age of 3 and reunited at the age of 13. I have a British accent and he has the Australian one." Josh said, reading my mind. My mouth was in an 'o' shape since they knew what was the confusion all about.

"So, what made you guys sit with me?" I asked curiously.

"Well you seem pretty cool and we saw what you did this morning, it was priceless!" Josh said a bit too loud, causing the librarian to shush him. I giggled at his reaction towards the librarian.

"Yup, you pissed Amanda's brains out." I laughed at Jake's choice of words.

"Well, all credits to instagram." I said bowing my head a bit.

"We're sorry about you and Luke." Jake said with sympathy in his voice.

"It's alright." I sighed.

"No wonder Luke fell in love with you." Josh mumbled quietly.

"Yeah, I mean like, you have a great personality and really beautiful too." Jake said honestly.

"Thanks." I smiled, and my blush is quite evident.