Thomas, I Love You

Chapter One

I have gotten used to playing tug-of-war with my parents. I stay at my dad's for two weeks, the go to my mom's, or vice versa. Some people who do not understand the struggle of having divorced parents think having the houses and two rooms is great. Plus, you can manipulate your parents easier. I guess, but if anything, I'd rather them be together. I have missed many assignments because it was at one of my parent's house that I wasn't at. I hate having to pack up my things every other week. Stability is a good thing sometimes. There are school events that I've had where I really wanted both my parents to attend, but only one came. The diner table is never complete. The life of a child from a broken home is a lot more serious than most realize. Tomorrow's the start of my two week stay at my dad's, so I am packing some of my things in the bag he got me for my fifteenth be mirthful, back when he was trying to buy his way to my heart. He still is, really.

     After years of doing this, you don't care anymore that the clothes in your suitcase isn't folded neatly anymore, or that things aren't organized. I stuff a couple t-shirts, blouses, shoes, and underwear into my suitcase. Then I mak sure my toiletries are stuffed somewhere, along with my makeup and accessories. After packing my clothes, I check my backpack and make sure I have enough paper and writing tensile. Honestly, doing this so often is annoying.

"Okay, bye sweetheart," mom says sadly. I hate leaving her with all these late bills and repairs to take care of. But my parents signed a contract and every two weeks they switch me off. And though my business dad is always busy, he's still my dad and I love spending time with him.

"Bye, mom!" I shout so she can hear me through the rain then quickly enter Steven's car because I hate getting wet. Steven waves goodbye to my mom quickly before speeding off.

"Hey, you," he smiles at me.

"Sup?" I answer. "God, last week was absolutely horrible!"

"How?"

"Okay, first of all, I had a date with this guy on Friday but he blew me off and wouldn't answer my texts. The fact that he couldn't even bother to tell me why he didn't show really pissed me off."

"Oh, damn. He blew you off and ignored you? Any reasonable guy would know better. Hell, I know better!"

"Yeah, well, he's new in town so he's lucky I let him off easy with just a harsh text."

"What an ass."

I pause for a moment, thinking, then turn to Steven.

"What do you mean ass?" I laugh. "If I'm not mistaken, you've stood up a fair number of girls in your lifetime."

"Okay, see, you are mistaken, Loni." Steven puts one hand over his chest. "I have enough respect for the girl to at least freaking text her. So, technically, I didn't stand her up if something important actually came up."

"Your definition of something 'important' coming up is either a new episode of The Amazing World of Gumball comes on or you met and made out with a hot chick instead."

"Sorry, but I can't miss an episode of Gumball."

"Admit it. You're the classic douche."

He and I laugh like old friends that've known each other their whole lives.

"Okay, how else did your week suck ass?" Steven asks me, genuinely curious, a trait I love about him.
That's Steven for you. He might be an overconfident chick magnet but he does have a sensitive and sweet side. He does for me, at least.

"Uhhh, oh! I totally bombed this stupid History test I stayed up all night studying for."
Steven eyes me conspicuously.

"I did!" I immediately defend myself. "I turned down Chris' party and-and made quizlets, okay? Flashcards! I felt really confident about it. Until I walked in the room and got the paper, and like, everything escaped my mind..."