Bloody Nose {Max Mayfield x OC}

"I Dump Your Ass"

CHAPTER 10 YALL

    The bus was muggy and hot. Despite putting on deodorant this morning, I fear that sweat is leaking through the back of my t-shirt.

    All three of us had squished into one row. I was at window, El on the aisle, and Max was in the middle of us. I didn't mind this for two reason.

    For one, it was either all of dog-pile over here or one of us had to sit with a leering old man in the row across from us. The other reason I didn't mind this was because to make sure El could fit, Max would have to press herself against me.

    "God, I'm sweating like a hooker in church," Max mumbled while fanning her hands in front of her face. She peers over at me picking at the edge of gauze that peaks out from under my skirt. "How's that going by the way?" She asks, motions towards my thigh.

    "Its been tolerable," I lie knowing very that my leg is constantly stiff and aching. The redhead stares at me as if she could tell I was lying, but evidently keeps her mouth shut.

    I peer out the window to a couple houses situated by the bus stop. They all held earthy tones that looked nice in the honey lighting of the sun. One of these houses had vines crawling up the side, a bright green revolution of nature within the suburbs.

    The bus starts moving and my stomach lurches with it. The tires made a grinding sound as they turned onto the grayish road.

-

    Next thing I knew, the bus came to a stop in front of the neon mall. Groups of teenager, families, and couples seemed to be bustling in and out of the glass doors at the front.

    I took in a deep breath of fresh air as I leaped on to the pavement from the hot bus, thankful as hell not to be on that thing a moment longer. I notice El looking around nervously. 

    "I can't be here, too many people," She says while staring at the mall. It didn't occur to me until now that El is sorta being hunted by the government. I look to Max to see what she thought.

    "Relax, I doubt secret government agents are going to be at StarCourt Mall," Max blows it off and El smiles a little. "Cmon!" The redhead says while pulling us to the mall.

    We all ran and laughed obnoxiously as we made our way into the mall. People gave of strange looks which we ignored.

    "Where should we go first, Ellis?" Max asks me. I give her a small shrug.

    "I've haven't been to a mall since I was like nine," I respond placing a hand on the back of my neck. Max looks at El who clearly has no idea what shopping entails.

    "Well I guess it's up to me to decide," The redhead exclaims. Max starts walking leftward and El and I quickly follow at her heels.

    We enter a store called The Gap, which I had recognized the clothing brand logo from shirts kids would wear at my old school. I smile from the feeling of familiarity.

    El takes a moment to count the cash in her pocket and starts browsing clothing racks. Max does the same. She peers over at me.

    "I was serious earlier about that I could pay for you," The redhead offers me a smile, "If you see something you really like, let me know,"

    I nod back at her knowing fully well I don't feel comfortable spending her money. El walks back to us with a couple hangers in her hands.