Breathe

fifteen

[ cole ]

"Now, Cole, it's not a secret that I hate you."

I give her a good glare. It seems like there's a new girl standing in front of me every other day, and it always leaves my head spinning.

She taps her foot on the ground impatiently.

"Tiffany misses you, though. So as the great friend I am, I took it upon myself to knock some sense in your head."

Out of all of the people in the world, Sierra would be the last person to be able to knock sense into anyone.

She delicately places her hand on my shoulder and then slides by me with an easiness. She instantly begins to fan herself, and I realize she doesn't want to burn her precious skin.

"First things first. You're going to a party tonight." She clasps her hands together.

"I already have plans." My gaze follows out the window. "Besides, I don't want your help."

She squints her eyes and I swear I can feel the lasers shooting out at me and piercing my body.

"I'll text you the address."

I walk away from her. I really just want to talk to Nora again.

"Actually, I think I'll just pick you up. Yeah, that'll work. Then I can make sure you're coming." She smiles at me, but it's more vicious than sweet.

"Sierra, I'm not going with you. I'm not going at all."

She comes up close to me, placing the tips of her fingernails on my chest. Her face is inches from mine.

"Think of all the things you'll miss." She reaches up like she's about to kiss me, but backs away slowly right before we touch. "Think of poor, little Tiffany who misses you so much."

I shut my eyes tightly.

"Be ready by ten." She backs out the door. "And for goodness sake, go take a shower."

-------

A few hours later I was ready to go.

I showered and threw on my favorite party outfit, which was really just laid back clothes with brand names.

Expensive stuff and fake attitudes always made me the life of the party.

At 9:52 the doorbell rang.

I fully expected it to be Sierra waiting on my doorstep, but it wasn't.

"That's kind of a weird outfit to go watch movies in, but if you like it then I'm fine with it."

She smiles. My heart crushes.

"Oh no. Nora, I'm sorry, but I forgot about that completely."

"I know. You were supposed to come over twenty minutes ago. I got tired of waiting, so here I am."

I let my hands rub over my face. How could I forget so easily?

A car horn beeps behind her, and I jerk up instantly. This is not a situation I want to be in.

"C'mon Cole. I don't have all day." Sierra sits in the driver's seat, using the palm of her hand to press against the horn.

Nora looks at me with sad eyes. It's the same look I've seen over and over again in the lunchroom, in front of the bathrooms, and on the first day of school. Somehow, though, this time it's different.