Buddies

The Inside Joke #5

Elliot

24 Hours Ago...

"Dad, please! I really need to see mum...this is the only time they'll let me in!" I protested, attempting to free my wrist from his firm grip, but he refused to give up. "Dad!" I cried, finally managing to break free, and rubbing my sore wrist shortly afterwards.

"Look, Elle, it's not that I don't care about your mother, it's just..."

"It's just what?" I smiled sadly, searching his eyes for a clue, for SOMETHING!

"I dunno, lets just keep walking, otherwise we're gonna miss our flight and-" He stopped, looking a little embarrassed, as he realised what he'd just said. "F-flight?" I squeaked, my face set like stone as I squinted through the blaring sunlight at him. "Yeah...did I forget to mention? I'm taking you back to Boston with me."

"Dad?!"

"I'm sorry, baby. It's just that your mother isn't fit enough to take care of you now. I'm your father ! Where else are you gonna stay?" He sighed, his voice lulling in a resigned tone.

"But mum needs me to take care of her. It's the only way she'll get better! And I'll stay at Brydee Blake's house!" I chirped, suddenly more full of life, but his eyes widened in worry, so I patted his arm, reassuring him. "Don't worry dad, it'll be fine! I promise."

Now...

"Brydee?" I smiled, when she opened the door, oddly clutching her forehead. "Hey! How are you?" I beamed, and she groaned in agony...strange...

"I'm, uh, good...Elliot...OH MY GOD!" She cried, instantly regretting it. "What?" I asked, sweetly, and she replied. "Uh, how is your mum...I forgot to come, I'm so sorry!"

"That's okay, it seems like you had a pretty big night, anyway. But she's good, by the way...better..."

Brydee smiled softly, squinting her eyes past me, like in a daydream. "Can I stay with you?...For a while..." I blurted, making Brydee jump back a bit, once again, clutching her forehead.

"Uh, I guess...come on in...and, make yourself...I'm gonna go to bed!"

"Okay, I'll...just...wait here!"

Sadie

I walked across the road, kicking up the tiny pebbles in the grooves of the curb on the way. School started tomorrow, and I was dreading it. Yep, Layton would be there, and he still thought I liked him.

Urgh, it was going to be a disaster! And it was all Zara's fault...

My phone began to hum, and I began searching in my bag. "GOT IT!" I cried to no one in particular (though there were a few wary grannies that crossed onto the other side of the road when they saw me), and checked my messages.

To: SassSay

From: BreatheTheAiria

Hey, Sayz!

Jst ltting u no dat ill c u in schl 2moz, nd ders a spr ht neeewwww gy

K, bye LV YA XXX

I chuckled at the thought of her writing it, while hyperventilating at a 'super hot new guy'...her words...sort of...

And then my blood turned cold, as I looked up to see a very tall, smarmy-sort-of-guy smirking down at me.

"Sadie." He regarded, and through gritted teeth I spat back my response.

"Layton."