Unseen Strings

Chapter 5

Angelina

   I managed to finish the exam, a small miracle considering the previous night's festivities with Laci and her friends. The late night had taken its toll on my brain, leaving me feeling foggy and unprepared. As I turned in my test, a sense of relief washed over me. I was ready to be free from exams and to escape from school with little notice. That tranquility inside, however, was short-lived as I collided with my nightmare. Emerging from the classroom, I nearly ran into Laci and John Mark.

"There you are!" Laci smiled as she threw her arms around me. "I knew this was your class!"

I just smiled as I returned her hug. I could sense the conversation that was coming.

"Why are you out so early?" She pulled back and eyed me.

"We had an exam." I laughed a bit at her, waiting for her to ask me about the previous night.

"Oh! Amazing!" She took a hold of my arm.

I raised an eyebrow at her, it was midterm season. How could one not have exams?

"Come with John and I!" She continued, "We were just going to meet Marcus and Amanda."

"Oh really I don't-," I began, wishing to run away from them and retreat into the library until her brother showed up.

If Laci had known her brother was picking me up, she would have a lot to say. I hated to admit it to myself, but JJ's mustang car was an entirely better upgrade compared to the city bus. The city bus was always cramped, it smelled funny, and you never really knew what characters were on. The ride with JJ opened my eyes, in a good way, not that I would willingly tell Laci.

Laci's tug on my arm jolted me back to reality. She stood beside me, her eyes wide, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. John, standing beside her, remained silent, his hands tucked into his pockets. As Laco dragged me outside, I could see the sun shining down on the pavement. I tried to plant my feet, but it was no use. The sun beamed down as we crossed onto the grass outside. I could make out Marcus and Amanda at a table just a few feet away, their laughter filling the air.

"Mandy!" Laci shouted, waving at the pair.

"Look who's finally joined us!" Amanda exclaimed, shooting up from her seat. "Look at that!" She laughed loudly. "It's Angie!" She threw her arms out and wrapped them around me just as Laci freed my arm.

"Hello, Amanda," I greeted, forcing a smile. My heart was heavy, but I didn't want to let it show. Amanda and Marcus were still relative strangers, and I felt awkward around them.

"It's great to see you again," Marcus came up as Amanda released and gave me a half hug. "How have you been?" He jostled me a bit, and I moved farther away from him.

"Well..." I began.

Laci interrupted, beckoning John closer. "She's alright!"

Amanda leaned forward, her eyes twinkling. "You know, you're actually quite fun when you relax."

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her comment. "Me?"

"Yes, you!" she chuckled. "You were really enjoying yourself last night."

Laci herded me to the bench seat and I landed on my cushy behind.

"Uhm...I don't-," I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Don't tell me you don't remember!" Laci elbowed me in the side.

"I-I don't!" I jerked a bit.

"She did drink a bit," John Mark added nonchalantly, sliding into the seat beside Laci.