The Middle Seat

The Party

Arizona's P.O.V.

After work Phoenix, Myla, and Elliot were going to go get some ice cream. I was invited, but I didn't feel like going. Instead, I went home to do work on a project that's due when we get back from break.

I had two partners for the project and they both finished their part. Of course being me, I haven't started. They even gave me the easiest job: Making the board look pretty. My partners were Mikaella and Nate, the smartest people in school. I remember seeing the look of disappointment on their faces when we all got partnered together.

When I arrived home, my mom was in her office, as usual. I haven't seen her since the night before and decided not to greet her. It'll only aggravate her more. I went upstairs to my room and got down to business. Gluing the last piece of construction paper to the board, I called Mikaella on Skype.

Once she answered, she didn't seem to be in the best mood.

"I finished the board for our project!" I said excitedly.

"Why did it take you so long?! You know how much Nate has been bothering me about it?" She seemed to be pretty annoyed.

"I'm sorry, I've just been pretty busy with work, we just got a new employee and I have to sho-"

"Listen, it's fine," she sighed. "I'll come pick it up in an hour. You'll be home, right?"

"Yeah I should be."

"Alright, I'll see you later. I have to finish up a paper."

"Have fun with that, see you later."

And with that, she hung up. I was expecting to get a bit more of a lecture for procrastinating, but I'm grateful for what I got.

An hour later, the doorbell rang and before I could answer it, my mom did.

"Oh, hi Mikaella! How are you doing?"

I could hear my mom and Mikaella having small talk. My mom loved Mikaella and Nate because of their incredibly high GPA. It seems like she loves everyone but me.

I went downstairs with the board and handed it to Mikaella. My mom didn't go back in her office ever since I came down. It was a bit awkward, until she said, "So Mikaella, are you here to tutor Arizona?" Really mom.

"No, I just came to pick up a board for our project," she answered politely. "Can you help me put this in my car, Arizona?"

She needed help to put a 3 foot board in her car? My mom would scold me if I answered anything but yes so I said, "Yeah sure." I could see my mom turning and walking back to her office.

We walked outside and she put the board in her trunk all by herself. What did she need my help for?

"Okay listen, I need you to do me a favor." She seemed concerned.

"Uhh sure, what is it?" I had no idea what I could do for her.

"So I was wondering if you can help me out on what to wear to Nicki's party on Friday?"

Okay what. One: I totally forgot about the party that literally everyone is going to. Two: Why is asking Mikaella, who I barely know, asking me what to wear? I still felt bad about making her wait for the project, so I wasn't about to decline.

"Oh yeah sure dude. Why exactly me though?"

"Well, I really love your fashion taste. Also, I kinda sorta like your best friend."

"Holy shit, you like Phoenix?!" I was really surprised. No one ever came to me when they had feelings for Phoenix. Sure, some girls like him, but they usually glare at me because we are so close.