Dork Diaries: Next Generation

Long Time, No See

Do you know that feeling of absolute pleasure that comes from knowing it's Saturday morning? The contentment of the sleep that drowns you for so many ungodly hours of the day? I thought I knew that feeling. But that was until the obnoxious ringtone of a number I haven't even saved in my phone ruined it all.

I stare at my phone's screen in detest. Stupid technology. Who's idea was it to even write and create these stupid ringtones?

"Imma crazy weirdo, and I'm calling you! I've really got nothing better to do!" the phone shrills. After opting whether I should drop my phone into the fish tank, I answer it, hissing an irritated hello.

"Um, h-hey, Brandy," she stutters. It takes me a second to recognize the voice, and I know I've heard it before.

"Who the hell is this, and why are you calling me?" I ask, my voice cracking with sleep.

"Oh, this is Terra. I'm sorry, I'll just call back later."

"Ugh, wait a second." I sit up and yawn like a grizzly bear coming out of hibernation. My bones pop after stretching in an awkward position, and I rub the crust from eyes.

"What do you want, Terra?"

"I wanted to see if you might wanna hang out today and talk. I know we aren't really friends, but I just wanted to start over maybe," she says, nervousness just about overbearing her tone.

"Sure. I'll meet you at Starbucks in two hours, okay?" She let out a sigh of relief and agreed. I hung up the phone and set an alarm for an hour afterwards and fell back asleep.

*~*~*~*

I spot Terra with her nose deep in a book while sipping on her drink. I buy a caramel frap and join her at her table.

She sets her book down, but doesn't say anything at first. I contemplate saying something first, but stick to the awkward silence.

"I'm sorry," she mumbles. "I can't stand Vanessa or her family, but you were right. I probably shouldn't have wished death upon her. I, uh... I didn't know what that pain might feel like to the people that love her. And now I do, and it's terrible, you know."

I nod. Someone died in her family. Terra's words came back and bit her in the ass, and she was apologizing to me. It didn't make much sense, but she wasn't crying buckets. I guess that's a good thing.

"I wanted to apologize a long time ago, but you wouldn't let me."

"I bet you know why now, don't you?" I reply curtly.

She's mute again, but knowing from my past experiences with her, she won't be silent for long.

"Look," she says, proving me right, "I was an ass okay. And I can understand a little hostility, but I didn't directly insult you. Stop acting like I did!"

"It was a terrible thing to say, and now look at where you are. Someone died, and I bet it doesn't feel so nice, does it?" She stares into her coffee. "You may have not insulted me, but hoping for Vanessa to die isn't so great either. So yeah, I hope you feel bad. I hope you feel guilty."

"Alright!" she croaks, holding in her tears and drawing attention to our table. "Alright," she whispers again trying to divert their scrutiny.

I glare into my cup, and she continues to read her book until I make the abrupt move of standing up. Not really knowing what else to do... or maybe out of shock, she stands up right along with me.

"W-where are you going?" she asks.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Was there something else you wanted to say?"

I thought for sure a tear would slip, especially with how I cold I'm being towards her. But there Terra is, still standing, unwavering, not a tear in sight.

"I wanted to hang out with you today, but I don't think it'll be worth it if you're gonna be pissed all day." She shoulders her bag. "I guess I'll just see you around then." And I watch the skirt of her dress swing about as she trots out of the door.

Then the prideful Brandy outs herself into the world and begins to trigger all of the egotistic thoughts that were put to rest.

No one bails on me.

She can't just walk away from me like that.

Who does she think she is?

... You know it's been a while since we had that sleepover...

Before all of the demeaning thoughts arise, I push them away and try not to mentally trash Terra.

Sure, the only reason we haven't had another sleepover was because she kinda wished for someone to die, but she learned her lesson. She had to have learned her lesson. Someone died.

So why aren't you by her side right now, shopping your sorrows away?

Me: I'm heading to Forever 21. If you're up for some die hard shopping I'm heading to the mall afterwards.

I start to walk to my car, holding my phone and waiting for her to respond.

Terra: I think I'll pass.

I purse my lips and roll my eyes. She wants to hang out with me but declines the opportunity to shop...

I don't think so.

I zoom out of the parking lot and make a sharp turn to catch up to Terra. My driving is so ruthless, even I complain about how much I need to calm down.

Just as Terra starts to cross the street, I make the merciless move of blocking her path with my car. She squeals and jumps back onto the curb, yelling profanities at the top of her lungs.

"Yeah, I'm a spoiled brat who always gets what she wants." I roll my eyes. "Get in, Loser. We're going shopping."

She scoffs but gets in anyway. I'm not trying to get my hopes up or anything, but I think I just made a friend. Maybe being single won't be so lonely anymore. Maybe Terra and I can be single for the time being.