Crossing the Bridge of Time

Chapter Ten: Betrayal, Birthday, and Bad Days

 { Edited}

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The next week at school something seemed off. Bryce and Aiden seemed to be avoiding me and not talking with me at all costs. With the loads of homework I had been getting from all of my teachers, I have barely noticed it. But Whenever we sat down to eat lunch together, the conversation seemed to die out immediately.

The weirdest part was that Aiden and Bryce always seemed to be talking about something, but whenever I try and join the conversation, they stop talking completely.

I caught up with Aiden after packing my backpack with the needed binders and notebooks on Thursday. I Grabbed the strap of her backpack and pulled her to a stop as she walked down the hallway.

"Aiden, what the heck is going on? I mean, neither Bryce or you are talking to me anymore! I see you guys talking to each other, I know there is nothing like going on, but why aren't you guys talking to me?'

" Thalia, I'm sorry, but this will only be happening for a little while longer! I promise!" Aiden yells at me as she continues to jog down the school hall.

I stand still for a while dumbfounded. What does she mean by 'only a while longer? I know I shouldn't be worried, but I still am. Finally I start walking to the back parking lot towards my car.

I chucked my backpack into the passenger's seat and started the car. I bend my rear view mirror towards me, and it squeaks softly in protest. I back out of the space and ride off towards home. Tiny dancer starts to play through the car speakers and I quickly change to a different radio station. 

" What's up Idaho-ers? This is Kiss F.M. bringing you today's hits! Oh, and just a shout out to my niece Amanda, happy birthday! Can't wait to see you soon! Now enjoy these songs on this commercial free station!"  

The dj's announcement caused me to remember that this weekend is my eighteenth birthday. I had completely forgotten my own birthday because of my loads of homework and the whole Bryce and Aiden situation.

I can't even remember if I told Aiden when my birthday actually is. I know for sure that she hasn't told me when she was born. I secretly hope that my parents plan on replacing my crappy car with that new Lexus I keep eyeing when ever we drive past the dealership.

As I near my street, a thought pops into my mind. 'What if my parents don't get me anything for my birthday? Or not a car? I should probably get a job to pay for it myself worst case scenario.'

I flipped a U-turn and drive back down the street towards the shopping district. Somehow I find a parking spot near Macy's and decided to start job searching there.

I traveled through the double doors of the Macy's entrance with a mob of other people. Who knew how crowded the mall got on a Thursday? 

I bolted to the cash register before any other person can go ahead of me. "Hello, would you by any chance have any job openings at your store?" I asked as politely as I could.

" One second, let me check," The clerk said before clicking away at her computer, "Sorry but it seems that all of our job positions at this time are taken."

"Oh okay, thank you for your time." I said before walking away towards the entrance to the main mall. I had entered stores including Hollister, American Eagle, Forever 21, J.C. Penny's, H&M, and some weird teen clothing store. None of them had any openings. 

I was about to give up when I passed by a red 'help wanted' sign in the corner of the display case belonging to Pac Sun. I really only shopped there during the summer, their prices were higher then normal. So  I stepped up to the counter deciding I could do with some employee discounts.