Best Friend Protocol

Best Friend Protocol (7)

Best Friend Protocol

VII

     I didn’t know what to do as I stood there. I can hear Claire and Maxon trying to tell the crowd that we have gathered to disperse. Seth certainly knew how to make a scene. He’s as dramatic as his older sister Mandy. At least she has an excuse since she’s an actress.

     I shook my head, gathering my wits and deciding that I was going after him.

     A large hand on my shoulder stopped me. I looked up and met a deep pool of the color blue. “I’ll go after him, alright?” Toby said, moving in the direction where Seth stormed out. I didn’t even have the chance to argue with him.

     “Are you alright?”

     I turned to see the blue eyes of my best friend. A heavy sigh escapes my lips. “Do you even have to ask?”

     “What the hell was that?” Maxon arrived in front of me, his face looking baffled. You and me both, Maxon. The news must not have reached his ears.

     “Seth freaked because Toby and Stacey are dating,” Claire explained for me since I was in no condition to speak. Some students are still sneaking curious glances at me, probably trying to read the words coming out from our lips. I noticed Ana biting her bottom lip, looking completely awkward as she watched us converse. I suddenly felt rude. She’s innocent in all of this.

     I sighed, sitting back in my seat. I didn’t even notice that I stood up. “I’ll just talk to Seth later”

     Cheezy fries take me away from this dark place.

***

     My mom works as a paralegal for a huge law firm. She does her best to come home early every night despite her busy schedule. I was lazying in the couch, wearing my unicorn pajamas while watching America’s Next Top Model when I heard the rattle of her keys indicating that she managed to get home early. She appeared inside our living room, grinning as she held a bag of Chinese food.

     “You’re home early,” I commented, standing up and taking the bag from her. I was just about to set the plates in the kitchen when her voice stopped me.

     “No need. I’m sure neither of us wants to clean. Let me just get changed—it’ll be just like old times,” She took her briefcase after and took graceful steps up the stairs.

     My mother and I have a tradition that started when I was thirteen years old. Whenever she came home early, we would take whatever food we can get and pig out while watching trashy reality shows. Usually, the T.V. would be forgotten and we would talk about everything that we missed in each other’s life.

     The smile never left my face as I set the containers at the small table in front of our couch. I’ve spent the whole summer with her but I know that my mom and I would have to struggle to have some time together this year.

     I grabbed a box of hakaw and some chopsticks knowing that she wouldn’t mind if I started eating without her. I took my usual place at the right side of the couch, trying to get comfortable. I remember the time when David was still living with us. David is my father. He left when I was just nine years old. Unlike all of those drama-filled television shows where the mother and daughter get left behind and suddenly they hate the man who left them, my mom and David parted ways as friends. I guess they realized that their affections for each other is not as passionate and exciting as it once was.

     “You always take the Hakaw,” My mom comments as she enters the living room. I looked up and saw her wearing her black silk pajamas with her dark hair in a loose bun. I’ve always been jealous of my mother. She never fails to look elegant no matter what she places on her face.