When False Turns to Fate

Chapter 5

My project.... Where do I even start? I remember some of the stuff about Egypt, but not enough to go off my memory, so I start by opening my laptop and researching the information needed.

I'm sitting in the middle of my bed with crossed legs, staring at my computer screen. I threw on my favorite pair of shorts and a black tank top when I arrived home from school. After my talk with Brett, I drove home, popped a few Motrin to get rid of my headache, grabbed an apple and decided to tackle my project.

If I work hard everyday after school for a few hours, I should be able to get this thing done in a week. I just have to look up some facts on the country, write a paragraph about my opinion on the political conflict in said country... Paint it, illustrate, make a native dish, AND print pictures.

No biggy. *nervous laugh*

I can't focus, I've pulled up six different webpages and they all just look like gibberish to me.

I decide to take a break and call Gabby. She always helps me relax and focus. Gabby has always been the laid back one of us. She passes her classes with no problems and never stresses over anything- even finals!

Me? I'm the worry wart. The one who will be a full-on hermit during the weeks before a big test. I haven't struggled much, but I have a terrible fear that if I let loose even a little bit, everything could come crashing down. I guess you could call me a little uptight....

" 'sup loser?" Gabby asks affectionately when I dial her familiar number.

"I can't focus. I have to completely redo my world history project and I only get half the time. Help me oh stress-relieving guru! I need you to get me unwound so I can get this done!"

I can practically see her, tapping her finger on her chin and thinking of the perfect thing to get me out of my slump. She's great that way- always finding out how to make my life less of a stress-mess and more like something to wake up for everyday.

"Ok" she says through the phone," put me on speaker and set your phone down." I do as she says with a slight smile on my face.

This is going to be good.

"Stand up and put your hand on your hips. Got it? Good. Now slowly start rotating your hips around and around as if you're at that Zumba class I dragged you to last summer."

I'm already laughing.

"Good now go faster and faster at a steady rate until you can't possibly shake that tooshy any faster! That's it! Now STOP!"

I do, and the tension practically rolls off my back.

I can't help it- I start laughing hysterically! I'm rolling on the floor, unable to catch my breath from my body wracking chortles. I soon begin to hear Gabby chuckling on the phone and we continue this for about six minutes!

When we've finally caught our breath and calmed down, I sigh with contentment- knowing that was exactly what I needed.

"Ok well it sounds like you're all good now, so have fun finishing your project! I'll see ya tomorrow my dear!" Gabby says as she makes a kissing sound in the phone and hangs up.

I don't know what I would do without that girl.

***************

"Hey Hols, what do you think? Pink sheer lips or firecracker red?" Kate asks me as we finish checking our makeup in my car. I picked her up for school today because her car is in the shop. We both were late getting up, hence us having to do our makeup in my Impala.

I assess her outfit for today- a pale pink dress that reaches just above the knees with sequins in an ombré affect starting at the neckline and fading at the bottom of the garment. It's cute- and definitely not for no reason. She has to be trying to impress a guy, or she would just wear her normal jeans and blouse.

"Sheer pink. Who's the lucky guy K?" I ask. I've got to admit, as much as I hate listening to her breakup rants, I get really excited when she likes someone new.

Kate gives me a wry smile," what on earth are you talking about? Can't a girl just get a little dolled up every now and then?"

The innocence in her voice isn't fooling me- I know how this thing goes. I also know every time she gets a boyfriend they are close for the equivalent of two weeks before she can't stand him at all anymore and he has to go.

Yep. It's going to be another one of those situations. Pray for us- it's a painful process.

"No of course you can, it's just not like you. Plus, every time you get dressed you come away with a date. Now tell me who your latest victim is!" I say in a teasingly demanding tone.

" ok well... It's Danny Reese. "

"Danny Reese? He's like the most popular, blockheaded jock you could get." I'm less than impressed, but there's no stopping Kate.

" He is not! He is actually a good guy Holly. Now come on we're going to be late for English."she replies- cutting the discussion short.

I follow her lead and we walk into school. No surprise- all eyes (male of course) are on Kate. When she wants something, she definitely gets it. Even if she also receives a few degrading comments as well.

Makes me so glad I wore a sweatshirt today....

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Heyo! I'm so so sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been pretty stuck on this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it though! Please let me know! I am definitely open to feedback!

-M.J. 😚