What Happens Now

Chapter 1

Harrison is my best friend. I can trust him with my life, my secrets, and unfortunately... with my heart too. And of course with my luck, and with my stupid head, I steered him towards his current girlfriend that he is totally in love with. I mean I like her a lot. She's nice, pretty, and funny. She is definitely the girl that guys always swoon for. Willow is a great girl for him and they are really similar so... I'm happy for them. Well, at least I am trying. It's just kind of hard though. He drives me to school everyday and we always hang out at each other's houses. I guess we don't get tired of each other. I mean it's not just me and him hanging out alone. There's of course Ender. He's this really lanky curly haired brunette that has been Harrison's best bud since they were four years old. He's pretty anti-social, and hates new people. Anyways, nowadays, it's me, Ender, Harrison, and Willow. Well, it's me and Ender while the two act all coupley. I get nauseous from looking at them and try to see what I saw in Harrison. I mean he's not the super stud that all girls fall for. He has a stocky build with really nice brown flowy hair with bright brown eyes. He was your regular guy. A lot of girls think he's the dud when he stands next to Ender, but to me I think Harrison can't be compared to him.

I finish my Truly can and I pick up my stuff to head out.

"Hey, Shay, where are you going? It's only 5:30." Ender yelled.

Ender shot up from his seat and threw his can into the wastebasket.

"I'm feeling tired. I kind of just want to hit the hay early." I answered.

I reach for my phone plugged into the charger on the wall next to Harrison and Willow making out.

"It's the last day of school. We're finally seniors! We're supposed to go to a party tonight." Ender persuaded.

"You mean you want me to be the fifth wheel."

I remind him as I walk out the back door of the basement.

"Okay! Fine! Go be alone tonight! I don't care!"

Ender yells out as I hold up my middle finger to him for my soulful goodbye.

I enjoy walking home. I mean it's like a 30 minute walk. It gives me a lot of time to reflect on the mishaps in my life. Man, I have had way too much time dedicated to self loathing through self reflection. Also, walking home gives me time to avoid getting home. I mean, I have a good family life... it's just I pictured my high school self doing more. I spent the last three years studying and placing in finals at competitions to boost my chances at getting into New York University STERN Business School. Also, the day is beautiful! The sun is warming my skin, there is also a cool breeze, and watching the popular kids drive by with their car tops down is interesting to see because someone is either crying or fighting. Either way, the walk isn't so bad. I eventually make it to Odenton street and press the walk button. I am kind of an impatient person and I press it like five times and it's funny to me to hear the robotic voice repeatedly say "Wait". It's pretty funny. Well to me. I take a piece of Trident gum from my back pocket and I unfold the wrapper just like so just to waste time. I look up to the crosswalk and see that the green stick man has appeared. I shove the piece of gum in my mouth and I quickly try to walk across. I almost made my way peacefully until I heard a large unnerving honk. Who the hell is honking at me? I have the right of way! I turn to my right and I see Jace Morrow. I used to have this huge middle school crush on him. In my young eyes, I thought he was absolutely perfect. We were politically and religiously compatible. But, I got over that because I realized what was in front of me the entire time. It was Harrison. And, of course there's more to people than just their looks.

"Shay! Hey!"

Jace flashed his toothy grin at me and I shook my head in an entertained disbelief.

"Hi Jace ."

I waved and continued to make my way home. The traffic light turned green and I heard his car zoom off. I knew Jace before he became super popular. During freshman and sophomore year, we were chemistry buddies. Always turned to each other for help and advice on things besides chemistry. When we got to junior year, things changed. He joined the hockey team and all the girls wanted him. I distanced myself from him because he started to act differently. I think when I stopped liking him, we grew closer. He would talk about his problems and I would talk about my Harrison problems. We didn't hangout like how I hangout with my close girl friends or Ender and Harrison. When Jace and I would hangout, it would be like every blue moon. As I was about to cross into Odenton road, I saw a familiar silver Volkswagen pull in front of me.

"My mom would kill me if I just drove past you and let you walk home by yourself."

Jace opened the car door and I shook my head no.

"It's a beautiful day. I don't need a chaperone or you to drive me home."

I crossed my arms and continued to walk.

"Shay! Come on! Let me drive you home!"

"The point of me walking is to allow myself to prolong myself from going home."
"What?"

He chuckles and begins to drive very slowly next to me. "You know what! Then let's not go to your house. Where do you want to go?" He quickly turned in front of me and abruptly stopped me in my tracks.

"I don't need to go anywhere. And aren't you supposed to be hanging out with your girlfriend. I know you're crazy about her. You have never been this serious before."

"Exactly. So, if I quickly drive you home I can pick up Maggie to go to Donohue's tonight. Wait, aren't you going to his party tonight with Ender and Harrison?" He steps out of the car and leans on the hood to speak to me.

"Change of plans." I take off my backpack and lean on the hood next to him.

"Is this change of plans because of Willow?"

"I don't know what's wrong with me? I love Willow. She's amazing!"

"And I know you. And from the way you talk about Harrison..."

"I know! I know! I just... can we just get Chipotle?"

"I'm not letting you eat through your problems!"

"Why not!" I lean my head on his shoulder and hand him a piece of gum.

"Come to the party with me and Maggie. You'll have fun. And, Lucas will be there. He'd be really good for you." He takes it from me and puts it in his wallet.

"He would be really great for me, but..."

"No! Lucas is good for you. Give it a chance. Get in the car." He put both of his hands on my shoulders and guided me into the passenger seat.

"Fine. I get aux."