Because of Samantha | Original Novel

10 - Because of Tryouts

I've been walking home alone an awful lot lately.

It's not that I didn't know the way home - it's that I wasn't used to going home in silence. Aaron's been trying out for football, as he so wished, and I had to get home as soon as possible. My mother was the one who requested that, saying that people in our generation can't be so trust-able. And, checking out my school for the past three years, I've noticed that myself.

It was Thursday, and I was sitting at the lunch tables. Since Aaron began to be around the jocks more, (because he sort of had to), I ended up talking to Kim some more. She was a cool girl - really laid back and cool about everything. Today, we ended up talking about how we suffered severe injuries as children.

"My mom dropped me on my head," Kim tells me, "And I suffered a mild concussion at the age of three. Three, Sam. What was my mother on, anyways?"

I couldn't help but laugh. This girl had this natural ability to make anyone listening to her burst into laughter. The kind that makes you feel less like crap after a long day of enduring it.

"When I was seven, I broke my arm playing Tug-O-War," I recall, thinking back on our elementary school field day. "It was in the dumbest way, too. I simply fell on top of it."

While we indulged in our giggles, Aaron stumbles on up here, face flushed with something close to frustration. I glance up towards him, and he throws his bottom down beside me. "Football, is, hard," he pants, pronouncing each word with extra emphasis. "I, can't, go, much, longer."

"That blows," I frown. "You think you're gonna make it?"

"Of course I think I'm gonna make it!" Aaron declares, as if this were the most obvious thing. "I'm just saying that it's hard, and that I'm gonna pass out if I don't get some cookie dough ice cream right now!"

I hold back my laughter. Aaron's number one weakness is the joys of cookie dough ice cream. You could get him to shut up for hours if you were to just hand him a bowl or two, or maybe even three. Even though he sounded like he was, he did not exaggerate at all in that sentence.

"Alright, bud, I'll take you out for ice cream after you get done with these tryouts of yours," I promise. "Just lemme know when you're finally done, sound good?"

"No. No. We have to go after school, Samantha." Aaron looks at me, dead-serious. "Please, please, please."

"Fine," I sigh. "It's your tryouts that are effected."

Aaron takes off to the jock table. They were all leaving to go back outside for tryouts. Kim was smirking at me. "Friend of yours?" she grins, suggestion dripping in her voice.

"Best friend," I correct. "His name's Aaron, and I've known him since kindergarten." She wouldn't stop looking at me that way. I could feel my cheeks flare up in temperature. "Aw, c'mon! I've known him for too long for you to be looking at me that way!" I whine.

"Heh, if you say so," Kim winks. "Hey, mind if I tag along on this whole ice cream adventure? I'm in need of some delicious frozen treats as much as your buddy over there. I'll buy."

"You can come," I agree, "but you can't pay."

Kim laughs, as if I said the most ignorant thing, and says, "Watch me."

***

You wouldn't have enough time to hear of each and every time I felt betrayed. I'm a teenager - it's what we do. We assume that everything being done is meant to betray us. But this time, I'm sure, I'm completely, and totally sure... That Aaron was ditching me for Tracy Rubinstein.

I saw him get into her car. I knew it was him, because when our eyes met, I saw his face completely. He glanced away, and purposely ignored me, as Tracy drove her Corvette down the road. My voice hitches in my throat and my heart sinks down into my stomach.

Because this is the first time that Aaron's completely blown me off.

"Doesn't seem like he's gonna be hanging around," Kim comments from beside me. She softens up once she sees the look on my face. "Hey, why don't we go anyways? It can still be fun!"

"Okay," I agree uneasily. I've never hung out with anyone except for Aaron in my entire life. Mom would be happy to know how much I'm 'branching out,' but I'm not sure how fun it could be when I feel so empty inside.

Kim confidently strides over to her car, which was a bright yellow 1990's Honda Civic. "It was my aunt's," she explains, "so I got it for a good price. May not be the cutest car, but it gets you places."

I duck inside, the smell of stale candy reaching my nose. Kim slides into the driver's seat easily, turns the keys, and shuts her door. As she rolls out of the parking lot easily, she pulls on her seat belt at the same time. I glance out the dirty window, imprinted with dried rain drops.

Why would he do that? I knew he liked her, but I would appreciate an explanation at least! Perhaps I wouldn't be so upset if he didn't make plans, then keep it from me when he would rather go off with Miss Teen Beauty. I could feel bitter tears welling up in my eyes, but I didn't cry. I can't cry in front of some girl that I had only met about a week ago!

"Hey man, it's okay if you feel sad," Kim assures me, as if reading my mind. "Just... try to have some fun, okay? Have you ever had ice cream with an Asian with a 90's Honda Civic?"

"I-I can't say I have," I stumble, and Kim laughs happily. "Thanks for still taking me." I felt that familiar feeling of embarrassment due to my lack of driving skills.

"Nah, don't thank me. It blows when someone you care about makes you feel like crap, y'know? Ice cream is the number one cure for someone who's pissed at their friends."

"Thank you," I say again.

Maybe I could have another friend besides Aaron after all.

***

Yah, I'm sick. Feel's like someone's ramming my face with an iron object. I think I'm like, way too tired to be up and writing, but I had a busy day today.

Thanks for reading.