The Girl in the Group

Chapter 9

"Babysitting--  to take care of a child while the child's parents are away." 

Greg keeps on rambling as we sit in the car all about the basics of babysitting, and what we are supposed to do with the kid to ensure maximum fun. This is all my fault, because I asked what we were supposed to do. Greg took my question literally, and now is answering in a full essay format. 

"Hey Greg?" Chloe asks. 

"Yes?" Greg asks, finally stopping his rambling. 

"I'm not having maximum fun," Chloe states. 

Greg blushes as Luke who is driving lets out a loud laugh. Justin and Tristan give each other a high five, knowing that the torture session is over.

"Well what do you want to do?" Greg asks. "We can play board games, watch movies, go outside and play--" 

"I want to go to an arcade," Chloe answers evilly, rubbing her hands together. 

"Yes!" Justin shouts. 

Greg glares at Justin, who automatically backs down. Greg shakes his head no as Chloe pouts. The last time we took Justin to the arcade, he got a sugar rush and almost broke the Mario game. He was too mad at it, because he kept losing. He spent almost thirty dollars in quarters that day. 

"No," Greg says. "Absolutely not." 

"Please!" Chloe pouts. "We can leave James at home!" 

"My name isn't James!" Justin shouts. 

Chloe shrugs, not even caring, while Spots barks at Justin. Justin crosses his arms before leaning back on his seat, clearly angry. 

"What's your name drama queen?" Chloe asks rolling her eyes. 

"Justin," Justin answers. 

"Secretly known as Justina," Tristan adds.

Justin who doesn't hear Tristan's comment, nods his head rapidly. I giggle at him, but he still keeps nodding, oblivious to what is happening. 

"Isn't Luke driving?" Chloe asks. "Shouldn't it be his decision?" 

"Oh god, don't give him that power," I answer. "We'll be driving off a cliff in no time." 

Luke glares at me from his seat, and I sheepishly grin. He steps on the gas pedal, making me shriek in surprise. As the car continues lurching, everyone is holding onto their seats for dear life. It's a wonder how Luke has never got pulled over driving, he really can't drive. I can't drive at all though, so I guess I can't talk. 

"Well, Chloe is right," Luke says. "So I'll be driving here." 

"Thanks Chloe," Everyone responds in unison. 

Chloe only then realizes what is probably going to happen. She gulps loudly as we all look at Luke, who has an evil grin on his face. 

"Fear-- to be afraid of someone or something to expect or worry about--" 

I cut Greg off by cranking up the radio really loud. I start singing along with the first song that comes on the radio, as Greg and I battle. It's a battle of a book nerd against a singing geek. 

"Do you read the dictionary for fun?" Chloe asks. 

"Yes I do," Greg answers. "In fact, I have a copy right here if you'd like." 

"No I'm fine," Chloe answers. "Um, Luke, hurry!" 

Luke grins as he makes a big turn, causing everyone to scream in terror. Soon we're driving down a straight road, and Luke is just smiling like a madman.