You and Me

Chapter 13: Close Enough

After Reed left, I scurried up the stairs and grabbed my backpack. It took forever to find my AP World homework,(since I was so messy) but after 20 minutes of searching, I found it crinkled up at the bottom of my backpack.

I placed it on my desk and turned on the lamp.

You will have 2 days to write a 1000 word essay on the creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems. Be sure to elaborate on each of your points.

I internally groaned. 2 days? I swear teachers think we have no life outside of school.
Grabbing my laptop, I opened Microsoft Word and started typing.

Economic Systems
By: Cally Dean
There are four main economic systems in the world: traditional economy, market economy, mixed economy and command economy.

I scratched my head and thought of what else to write. After a few minutes of thinking, I half-heartedly wrote a few  more sentences and closed my laptop; too many things were running through my mind to continue writing.

I was glad that Reed and I had worked some stuff out, but it got me thinking: where did that leave us? Were we a couple? Friends? My head swarmed with questions as I debated whether or not I should call Reed.

No... it was too early for that. I would talk to him tomorrow.

I lay down on my bed and got under the covers. That essay could wait. Thinking about Reed, my mind wandered back to when we first kissed.

I smile broke onto my face. He had been so sweet.

It was amazing how far we had come since I'd met him. The first time I saw him we were 13; it was clear that we'd become best friends almost instantly.

I remember I used to tease him a lot for being shorter than me; but one summer he came back and seemed like a whole different person. How come girls didn't grow that fast?

Anyways, now I'm stuck at 5'3, and to make things worse, I have a mega crush on my best friend.

Thanks, life. I sincerely appreciate it.
Call me when you intend on making my day better, not worse.

After a few minutes of useless browsing on my phone, an unknown drowsiness started to consume me, and I realized that it was 11:00pm. Why was I so sleepy?

Placing my phone beside me on the counter, I switched sides and snuggled deeper into my covers.

Then I closed my eyes, a few seconds later slipping into a blissful sleep.

•••••••••••••••••

In the morning, I put my hair into a messy bun, (that actually looked decent), and tugged on some shorts with a black crop top. Before going downstairs, I wrapped a red flannel around my waist and slipped on my black converse.

"Hey baby, want anything to eat?"

I glanced at my mom and gave a her a genuine smile. "I'm alright mom thanks. I need to be at school soon anyways."

Walking over to Mom, I gave her a kiss on the cheek and grabbed a granola bar from the pantry.

"Byeee. I'll see you soon!"

My mom waved and I quickly shut the door.

Hopping into the Toyota, I started the engine when I suddenly got a phone call.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Cal. It's me, Reed. I'm calling from the house. Do you think you could pick me up? My car is... currently compromised?" It sounded more like a question than a statement.

I brushed away an uneasy feeling. "Sure. I'll be there in 5."

Navigating myself through various streets, I found myself arriving at the house that I had visited many times in my childhood. I honked the horn twice.

Reed came jogging to the car, one strap of his backpack slung over his shoulder. He sat himself in the passenger seat and closed the door. "Sorry for making you come get me."

I smiled and drove away. "Yeah, yeah, you're a pain in the ass."

Reed faked a gasp and held a hand to his heart. "That hurt my feelings.... I think.." he started to slump in his seat and breathe heavily "I think I can feel my heart breaking."

I chuckled lightly and kissed him on the cheek. "Shut up."

•••••••••••

School was a bust. All the teachers seemed to be in a bad mood; and that was odd, considering it was Friday. To make matters worse, my classmates would not shut up; I swear I was so close to leaving the classroom.

I wanted to leave so badly. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts when Reed grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back harshly. A red car zoomed past us. "Cally! What the hell? Watch where your going, you could've gotten killed!"

My eyes widened in realization. "I—I'm sorry. I was just..."

Reed eyed me carefully and then pulled me towards my car. "We're going out, and I'm driving."

I groaned and got into the passengers seat. "No, no, no, no, no, I have stuff to do."

Reed looked at me with pleading eyes. "Cal. Cally. Come on. Don't be such a bummer. I actually have some stuff planned out."

I arched an eyebrow up in amusement. "Oh, really?"

Reed smirked and nodded his head vigorously. "Mmmhmm. Don't you wanna find out what it is?"

I thought for a moment and then slumped in my seat. "Fine."

Reed revved the engine and shot me a devilish grin.

"I hate you." I said, utterly annoyed at how much he was enjoying himself.

Reed chuckled before pulling poking me on my side. "Wrong. You loooove me."

I rolled my eyes and turned away so he wouldn't see me blush.

If only you knew.