"Mind Games.."

Chapter 12: "Mascara Stain.."

Note to Derek, from Keri./04/29/2008.

"Okay, well, can you come over today? My mommy's making macaroni and cheese, but with the shells! It's your favorite. And she says that she'll call your mommy and ask her if it's okay to come. I guess they need to talk..."

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Once I walked out of Mr. Gossling's office, I instantly heard the laughter of Mikey, Jorge, Edgar, and Evelyn.. My friends.

I turned the corner on my right and saw them in a group and looking towards the next classroom period. But we didn't go inside.. They were too busy laughing about... About? what exactly..? I decided to ask Mikey.

"Hey, What are they laughing about?"

"Haha, we're laughing about Edgar and his "big move" with Alison.. He says he was so close to kissing her!"

Alison is one of our friends. Though she's already in class.. Like we're suppose to be in..

"Haha! You're serious!? He made a move on her?"

"Yeah! Surprising right?!" Mikey couldn't stop laughing.

Edgar is more of the 'shy type', he won't really flirt unless he really likes somebody.. We're not saying he can't get her, we're just saying it's a start for him.

Mikey started looking at me funny.. He was enjoying teasing Edgar, but he pulled me aside from the rest of the guys, I know he sensed something..

" Hey, where were you anyway..?"

"Me? I was, uhh.. in Mr. Gossling's office.."

"Mr. Gossling? Why?"

"Oh, nothing really.. Just about a survey I was doing.. I just.. wanted his opinion is all.."

I had to lie.. I can't tell him.. But besides Derek, he's the next closest friend who knows me most.. And he knew I was lying to him..

"Keri.. Seriously..?"

I bit my lip, trying to keep myself from admitting anything..

"Yup, why do you care?"

He gave me a look, saying 'What is it, really?'.. Must keep quiet, must keep quiet, must keep-..

"I asked him about drugs because I think Derek committed suicide because of them because Derek showed me where he got them from and how he got them and from who!"

I had my eyes shut the whole time, and when I opened them, Mikey was shocked.. But he still respected me by not asking me a bunch of 'hard to answer' questions.. So instead, he gave me his arms to comfort me..

"It's all going to be okay Keri.. It's going to be okay.."

I felt a hot tear roll out of my eye, and I quickly tried to wipe it away, but I just grew weaker and ended up burying myself in Mikey's shirt.. Then I got embarrassed..

He looked down and a saw my mascara stain on his shirt.. and smiled.

"Don't worry, I get this a lot.. Plus, It's not too hard to get out, right?"

He smiled at me, revealing his sentimental side. I've never seen him so caring like this before.. It's comfortingly nice. I like it.