Lets Pretend

Chapter 3

I woke up early today to get my homework done. Chemistry was nearly impossible so I decided not to do it. Art homework was fun on the other hand. I had to make a research on all of the art period and start painting various examples of arts such as Impressionism, Cubism, Modern art, etc. I spent a few hours working on it and then headed for a bath.

As the warm water rinsed of my vanilla body wash, I sang along to the playlist playing on my iPod.  I got out and dried myself rapidly. I put on a simple white T-shirt and my high-waist jean shorts. As I tied my Converse sneakers mom called me to the kitchen.

“Jessie’s here Nat, come down.”

I had a whole day planned with my new best friend Jess. We got in the Uber and headed to the town mall. Macy’s was the first store we entered. Of course, Jess had every single item in this store, but I didn’t. The plan was to get a whole new closet and replace those hideous outfits I owned.

Jessie picked out almost everything for me and all I had to do was pay. I had saved a huge amount of money from all of the allowances I never used. Bags filled the cab as we entered it and there almost wasn’t enough space for us to sit in.

Next stop was the yogurt store, but first stopping by my house to leave the countless bags. The ride was long and boring, due to traffic and lack of conversation. Of course I liked Jess, but I didn’t know what to talk about with her. I guess she was thinking the same thing since she just stared at the window patting her lap with her right hand.

“Beautiful day huh?” she asked. Typical question one asks when there is no other topic.

Indeed, it was beautiful day. The bright green leaves made contrast with the light bluish spring sky. The weather was perfect outside, not so hot, not so cold, just perfect. All kinds of birds flew in all kinds of ways making the sky very interesting. Puffy clouds covered a part of the sky, and around the endless road bright flowers waved at us.

We split the taxi fare and aimed for our yogurt. Conversations started and we got caught in between laughter and gossip.

“So there’s another party tonight, they say it’ll be wild. We should go.”

I don’t know if mom would let me go after yesterday’s incident, but I really want to go and have fun. I like the new Natalie Bridge. In fact, if I attended the party I could get to wear one of my new outfits, and I was definitely anxious for that/

“We should definitely go. You could come home later tonight and we can get ready there.”

“Sure! Great plan girl, see you later then.”

“Bye!!”

I was now alone walking home. I had spent all of the cash I had with me so I couldn’t pay a taxi. I tried jogging but got to tired, I wasn’t even in a hurry so I just went with walking. And it was in that moment when I saw him. Sitting on a bench listening to music and admiring the beautiful view the day had to offer. My body felt a shock at the sight of him. Goosebumps now covered my skin. I thought I was about to die, until he turned around and looked at me staring at him, now I was sure about death.

I was shocked to his reaction. He got up and left. Just like that. He didn’t even wave hello or smile at me. He just left.

What is it with this guy? One day he is staring at me as if I was God, and the next day he’s just getting up and leaving at the sight of me. I guess I just had the wrong idea of him.

I kept walking until I got home. Mom was sitting in the living room watching a movie.

“Hey mom, Jess is coming over tonight. We have another party”

“Another party? After everything that happened? You know I won’t prohibit it, but I don’t think it’s adequate.”

I knew she was going to say that.

“I feel perfectly fine mom, I can handle it.”

Her confused face stared at me and then turned into a joyful one.

“I’m glad you feel okay. Anyways, what’s the matter between you and Jess? What about Ashley?” I was avoiding this question. I had spent a whole day without thinking about that girl and now she was spinning around my mind all over again.

“Don’t want to talk about it.” I answered and ran upstairs.

I swore to myself that if Ashley and Dan were together tonight, I would spill a cup of pure Vodka on her eyes. She hadn’t even called or texted me since yesterday. I guess she doesn’t mind. I guess I’m just a zero to the left now that she has her dream boy.

The doorbell rang and I ran to open it. Jessie was here with a friend. I had seen before in Math class. She was nice looking, long brown hair that matched her hazel eyes. She was much taller than me.

“Hey, I’m Amber nice to meet you. Hope you don’t mind”

Of course I didn’t mind, a friend was what I needed most at this times.

“Of course I don’t, come on in guys. Make yourselves at home”

We went to my room to get dressed and in about an hour were standing in the street waiting for our Uber. I decided on wearing my blue crop top with my new black miniskirt and back heels. My body looked fine with this. I had a nice body, which I worked for. I went to the gym 4 times a week and spent most of those days working out. I also ate healthy, I didn’t enjoy eating fried things and unhealthy meals.

As we headed inside I grabbed a cup filled with beer. I danced along to the song playing and all of a sudden I felt someone grab my arm and pull me away from the crowd.

Him.

“Hey” I never expected his voice to be so deep and rough.

“What’s up with you?” I asked him impressing my own self. His eyes snapped and I knew he felt uncomfortable with the question.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Kevin”

Kevin. Nice name.

“Glad to finally meet you formally, cryptic Kevin.”

I giggled and looked down.

He stared and smirked.