Pocket Pickers #projectwomanup

Stuffy Relationships

C H A P T E R 1

Achoo!

"Remi, maybe you should get a warmer coat," Henry huffed in concern, "I mean, do you know what god-forsaken month it is?"

I glared at my best friend, wiping my nose in the process. "You know it's not that easy."

Henry shrugged. "I'm just saying, instead of sitting on this bench in below freezing weather, maybe we could, I don't know, go inside?"

I gave him another pulverizing stare before standing up, only to sit back down from a mind-blowing migraine.

"Hey," Henry said, all of a sudden full of compassion, "Maybe we should go back to your house..."

"NO!" I shouted quickly, "I mean... No, we can't."

Henry gave me a confused glance, before turning back to stare at the bustling crowd of Main Street. It was early afternoon and the buzz in the air was truly breathtaking. Tourists took pictures, regulars walked into cafes, laughing. And I sat on my bench, feeling like a slimy booger, talking to my dysfunctional best friend.

My day had started horribly. I woke up, expecting my dad to walk in with a cake, but all I got was a snooze fest on the couch. Then, I realized I missed my small shift at the pharmacy and when I tried to explain to my boss that today was my birthday, he fired me. I came back home annoyed and broke to find Henry waiting out next to my house, ready to make my birthday a little better than how it started.

Of course I wasn't surprised. Henry was the most amazing friend anyone could ask for. He was reliable, funny, and he never left me even when it seemed easier just to let go.

But now, god decided to crush the meager hopes of me having an okay birthday and bestowed me with the common cold.

Achhoo!

Henry looked slightly scared as I sniffled and coughed. He was probably thinking about whether he should run away to a place where brainless idiots weren't sneezing on other people, or whether he should comfort me, with the probability of contracting my sinus infection.

Henry mumbled something which I couldn't  make out.

"What?" Henry jumped up in surprise.

"Nothing," he said nonchalantly, "I was wondering if we should go get a cak-"

Aacchoo!

I bounced in my place. Henry's blue eyes stared up at me in alarm. His hands cupped his nose, and his cheeks were becoming pinker from every second that passed.

Then, as if a button was pressed, I erupted into laughter.

"Hey, how about for your birthday present, I'll buy you lunch?" Henry said, annoyed. I nodded in my fit of snorts. Even though the day didn't start off great, I had a feeling this birthday wouldn't be disappointing.

Together, we walked to our favorite cafe, Dancing Birds, and entered the warm building. Henry took in a deep breath, before dissolving in a small fit of coughs. "I'm only not mad at you because it's your birthday," Henry said grumpily, sniffling.

I snorted. "You love me," I joked. Henry reluctantly gave me a lopsided grin, his cheeks still pink from the outside breeze.

"Sadly, I do."

******

We talked. We laughed. I made fun of Henry's newly founded runny nose. It was the best birthday I could ask for. Now all I needed was a dad who could come home and say Happy Birthday without fainting.

Thinking of my dad brought a frown to my face.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

I shook my head. "Nothing, I'm just wondering where my dad is right now."

"It's okay Rem, just don't think about him right now, I'm sure he's fine."

Unreasonable anger all of a sudden coursed through my veins. "It's not that easy," I growled, "it's not my fault my dad doesn't do everything I want. Half the time, I don't even know where he is!"

Henry looked hurt. His eyes were downcast and his mouth was in a silent "o".

Immediately, I felt guilty. Give it up to me to hurt my best friend's feelings.

"Look," I breathed, "I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine," Henry clipped, "I think you need some time Rem, I'll talk to you later."

I could see that my apology wasn't enough, but the stubborn part of my brain kept me planted in my seat as Henry walked past me.

"Henry, you have to unders-"

When I turned around to keep on talking, Henry was gone.

I groaned in frustration. I was so stupid. How could I have thought that this birthday would be okay? I always managed to mess it up.

I took back what I said about my birthday not being a disappointment. I'm pretty sure nothing could make this day worse.

But apparently the almighty force of the universe wasn't done with seeing Remi's Crappy Day, so my phone started to buzz.

Now, when my phone buzzes, it means only two things: Henry, or dad were trying to contact me.

I grabbed my phone quickly, hoping to see Henry's name on my notification board, but what I saw made my heart sink deep into my stomach.

Will b home late tonight, have some takeout ~ dad

"Happy birthday to me," I whispered to myself before letting my head fall in defeat.

******

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Okay I know this was a really long to me chapter (even though it's only 901 words) but I hoped you liked it! Read/vote/comment!

God I feel like crap. Like a booger farted out of a cow. *cough* *snort*