The Stages of Love

Chapter 2

I woke up the next morning, my mind drifting back to the meeting with the principal yesterday.
What kind of thing would he stick us with doing?
I attempted to shrug it off, running a brush through my pale blond hair.
"Amanda, if you don't hurry, you'll be late for the bus," my mom called.
I sighed, then quickly threw on some jeans and a shirt from Aeropostale.
I fumbled with my hair, and pulled it into a high ponytail, then bounded up the stairs.
It gets really lonely at home, especially since my dad and mom got divorced. I barely know where he lives - I haven't seen him since that night of fighting, screaming, and crying.
I tried to push the memory out of my head, and opened the pantry door to get some cereal for breakfast.
"So, Amanda, what's up today?"
I poured the milk and cereal into a bowl, and settled on a chair. Shrugging, I answered, "I don't know, it's just an ordinary day."
Did the principal call her to say I'd gotten in trouble?
I choked down a bite of cereal, and swallowed hard.
"Doesn't sound too bad, though. I'm thinking about looking for a new job."
My head snapped up and I stared at my mom, wide-eyed. "Why?"
"I guess I need a change."
"What's wrong with being an interior designer?"
She shrugged. "It's fine, but I kind of want to pursue my dream of being a fashion designer. Maybe start a business with my own clothing line?"
I stared into my bowl. "What do you know about owning a business?"
"Well..." she blushed. "It can't be that hard, right?"
I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Uh huh, sure.
After I finished getting ready, I waited at the edge of my driveway until I saw the bus turn the corner of our street.
It pulled to a stop in front of my house, and as the doors opened I rushed in.
"Amanda!" My best friend, Claire, waved to me.
I smiled at her, and slid in the seat beside her. "Thanks for saving the backseat for us."
"If someone got to it first, my fist would do the talking."
I laughed - Claire's a fearless kind of girl. With her brown hair cut in a lob, and her athletic build, she's nowhere near as girly as me. And I'm not considered to be a girly girl or anything - I'm a perfect mix.
"So, I heard you got caught yesterday."
I groaned. "The principal is going to make us do something retarded, I just know it. I swear Mr. Davidson is out to get me."
Claire laughed. "So you don't know your punishment yet?"
I shook my head. "I bet he'll call me into his office sometime today."
"That's why I never get caught - I'm sneakier than you guys. Seth likes the attention... he does it for everyone to appreciate his genius yet mischievous way of thinking. If you want to not get caught by pulling pranks, forget about Seth."
I stared out the window, letting Claire's words sink into my brain. It made sense, sad but true.
When we paraded off the bus, I waved goodbye to Claire and went off to search for Seth.
We needed to talk.
I caught sight of him at his locker, talking to some of his friends, Bill and Martin.
"Seth," I shouted, waving him over.
He nodded at me, said a goodbye to his friends, and strolled over to me. "What's up?"
"Why do you prank people?"
"Uhhh.. I don't know, it's fun, I guess. Why, what do you mean?"
I shrugged. "I'm just wondering. I like to because I've felt bitter since my dad took off - you know that."
He nodded apologetically. "I just think it's adrenaline rushing, heart pumping. You never know what will happen... the anticipation of getting caught or not. It's satisfying, don't ya think?"
"Amanda, may I see you in my office?"
I whirled around, and found myself staring into Mr. Davidson's face. "Okay," I squeaked out.
I shot Seth a roll of my eyes, and followed the principal into his office.
I plopped down on an uncomfortably hard chair, and waited expectantly for him to get over with it. Picking up trash, hosting a fundraiser, what?
"Amanda, I've thought up a suitable project for you. Instead of the usual detention or 'volunteering', you'll do a psychology project."
I shot him a quizzical look. "What do you mean? I'm not in a psychology course."
"I know. I'm giving you an extra project instead of your usual punishment. Your project will be titled, 'The Stages of Love'. Here's what you have to do; pick a guy you wouldn't normally date, and don't know very well. Start the process and find out what the true stages are."
I pondered this. "That's not too bad of a punishment."
"Glad you agree. Before you go, Amanda, I figured that it might be more interesting if the test subject would be one of your guy friends."
"Wait... you mean... Seth?!"
The principal shrugged. "Just an idea. Good luck, Amanda. And whoever you choose, he can't know about the project."
I swallowed the lump of guilt in my throat, and I left his room.
"Amanda! What do you have to do?"
Seth was waiting outside the office, his arms crossed, and a mischievous smile on his lips.
"I'vs gotta go," I mumbled, pushing past him. "Call me later okay?"
As soon as I entered the hall, my phone rang.
Seth.
I sighed, pressing ignore.
I have a feeling this is gonna be harder than I expected...