Bad Boys Promises

nine

I wake up to the sun shining bright through my un-closed curtains. It's Friday, which means after today I get two days with no worrying about people, teachers, or homework. I couldn't be more ready.

I speed through flat ironing my hair and doing a natural makeup look. I spend little to no time picking out an outfit, I go with light washed jeggings and a simple striped top. I slide on my black ballet flats and grab my black leather jacket too. And because I'm feeling sassy today, I coat my lips with a bright red lipstick.

Feeling pleased with my appearance for once, I leave the house expecting to find Taylor waiting to walk with me. Every day for the past week we've walked together, I'd never admit it to him but I really enjoy it.

I walk down the sidewalk by myself for a while, seeing as Taylor hasn't shown up yet. I wonder if he had to be at school early for some reason. I mean if he couldn't walk with me today then that's fine, I'm just curious.

Once at school I head straight to my locker. I can't afford to be late to homeroom again. I have to admit that I'm a little bummed out that I haven't seen Taylor yet. I'd like a chance to apologize about yesterday. I hate crying in front of people and yesterday I broke down in front of him. I also remember him holding me for what seemed like forever, how embarrassing. And I don't know how long it lasted because when I woke up he was gone.

"Carlin! Hey!" I throw my arms around Lexie's neck. "What are you doing this weekend?" She flashes me a mischievous grin.

"I'm planning on enjoying a nice, quiet weekend in the comfort of my home... Why?" she giggles at the confused look I shoot her.

"Because. Me and Shailene both agree that you should come to her boyfriends party tonight. I swear you don't have to drink, you don't have to meet anyone, just come. Come because you love both of us and we want you to have a good time and I promise it will be fun! I promise! Please come" her eyelashes flutter up and down and she smiles widely.

"I'll think about it. Maybe."

"I love you! I love you! I love you!" she kisses my cheek before skipping down the hallway. I laugh at the sight of her. "By the way, I hope you know that your maybe is a yes to me!" another cheeky grin is thrown my way and she continues to skip down the hall to her class.

______________________________________________________

The last bell of the day finally rings, releasing me to my two days of freedom. I gather all of the books I need for the weekend, remembering to grab my journal too this time. I say bye to some people, have a quick conversation with my friend Will and start walking home. I can't find Taylor anywhere so I guess that means I'm walking alone again.

He didn't talk to me at all today. I tried to start a conversation three times and never once did he respond. I can't figure out what his problem is. What could I of done?

I notice him walking a good ways ahead of me. Dang, he left school quick. He must really not want to see me. But I'm annoying and I need to at least know what I did to make him mad so I run and catch up with him.

"Hey!" I smile up at him, squinting my eyes in the sunlight.

"Can I help you sweetcheeks?" No smirk appears, just a flat, monotone response.

"Uh, yeah actually. Whats your problem?!"

"I don't have a problem, sweetheart." His eyes never once turn to me.

"Uh yeah you do, obviously. You're being really rude."

"No. You're just being sensitive babe. There's a difference." The smirk shows up, but it's different this time. It reminds me of the first night I met him when I felt like he was judging me.

"Look, if this is about last night.. I'm sorry. I've been wanting to apologize for that all day but you haven't given me the chance."

"I don't care."

"What did-"

"Carlin. I do not care." His eyes are cold. The smirk has disappeared and any amount of humanity that once showed in his face is gone. I can't help the tears that are beginning to sting my eyes but I will not cry. I will not give him the pleasure of seeing me cry. Not again, never again.

"You're an ass." I leave him to finish walking home alone and slam my door after storming into my house. What's wrong with me?

No tears fall, I refuse to let them. I will not cry over him. Taylor Crow doesn't deserve my tears. Besides, I've only known the boy for a week. I will not cry over him.

Normally now would be the time to eat dinner but I don't feel like eating. I'm not in the mood to do anything right now. I've been sprung out on the couch for two and a half hours with my phone and the remote not too far from me.

Ashton won't be home until late tonight and my mom isn't supposed to be home until tomorrow. Maybe I will go to that party. Maybe I will allow myself to let loose for one night, I deserve it. Don't I?