Castle On The Hill

Chapter Twenty

Everyone in the parking lot roared once more as the final trail of the Memorial Day parade rolled by us. Shane is asleep and everyone was busy, so I came alone. Great minds must think alike because I ended up being right by Parker's family. They figured out I was alone, and drug me to hang out with them.

"What are you doing the rest of the afternoon?" Parker asked.

"I don't know." I shrugged.

"I'm taking the troops to a ball game in Rochester."

I looked at him in shock. "By yourself?"

Parker shrugged. His parents called for him, so he hugged me and went in their direction. If he has plans, why did he care about what I'm doing? Play it cool Tara, only a few more weeks of school and you'll never see Parker again. Who am I kidding? Parker's best friend is my boyfriend.

I started walking towards home and decided to walk up Shane and Francesca's street. I haven't heard from Francesca in days, she and Nick had another nasty fight the other day in front of the full senior class, all sixty-seven of us. I've tried reaching out, but no response. As I passed her house, she wasn't outside. If she was, I would have tried to talk to her.

When I rounded the corner, I noticed the lights were off in Shane's room. I hope he wakes up soon. Tina is working and nobody is home, so it's going yo be a very boring day.

I went inside, plopped on the couch and turned on the TV. Before here, I was never allowed to touch a remote. I get asked what I want to watch, or type of show I think I would like. I'm truly discovering myself and not just the shell of a person anymore.

I found an old sitcom comedy show and decided to watch that. After about five episodes, I decided to check my social media stories. In your story you can post a picture or anything and it disappears after twenty-four hours. Francesca's story came up and I felt my jaw drop. There she was, red cap on and hotdogs in hand. The background is what caught my attention. Parker and his siblings were sitting in the bleachers behind her.

I set my phone down and stomped in frustration. Why are they there together? He said he was going to a ball game, but didn't mention it was with her. She had told me she doesn't like him, why is she on a date with him?

I ran up into my room and screamed into my pillow. My best friend and ex are on a date behind my back! I made a petty passive aggressive post, sent it and sighed. She thinks Parker will help her get over Nick? Keep dreaming. She will always go back to Nick and their toxic love. It's really unhealthy, but they won't listen to me. I know I'm the new kid, but why did they stoop this low?

After I screamed it all out, I decided Shane needs to get up. If I sit here and stew, I will get upset. I stormed down the street and tried to hold back the tears. Why would he take her? I have a relationship with his siblings, why would he take Francesca, a stranger? Why did he go out of his way to notify me about the ball game? My head still spinning with questions, I knocked on the door and Allie answered it.

"Hey Tara." She greeted.

"Hey. Is Shane up yet?"

"I think he just got up."

She stepped out of te way and I walked inside. I went upstairs to his room and knocked on the door. He opened it and smiled when he saw me.

"Hey babe." He smiled.

"Good afternoon my love. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes. Started smoking weed with some of the guys and it helps me wind down for bed."

"I've never tried it."

"Don't tell my mom."

"Your secret is safe with me babe."