Clockwork Daisy

Chapter 18

Deacon 

Chapter 18

It was Friday evening, and I was curled up on the sofa, trying to study for an American history quiz on Monday. But I was too distracted to concentrate on the differentiation of the colonies. Why? Because Beth Mallard was right beside me, our legs almost touching. Highlighter in hand, she was marking important words on her bright pink flashcards. She hadn't been in my house for so long that I had forgotten what it was like to have her around. 

Beth invited herself over after she learned that I'd asked Ellie on a date. "You need a girl around during this time in your life." She had stated. "Madge is mad at you, so you get me." She told me she'd be at my house at six with her history textbook. 

"Why are we studying?" I'd asked. "I thought you were helping me with Ellie."

"I will." She assured me. "But you need to get an A on this quiz first." 

When I told my mom Beth was coming over, her face lit like a Christmas tree. "That's wonderful, Dee! I'll make snacks."

Anya jumped up and down at the thought. Literally. "I haven't seen Beth in FOREVER!"

At six on the dot, Beth strolled through the door, got attacked by Anya with hugs, and talked to my mom for awhile. After things settled down, we moved to the couch with a bag of tortilla chips and guacamole. We were an hour deep in studying, and I'd barely absorbed a sentence.

"It's so weird having you here." I said, breaking the silence.

"Weird?" Beth's head shot up. "I kinda like it."

"I mean weird in a good way." I clarified, reaching for another chip. "I miss this."

"Yeah." Beth nodded, clicking the cap on her highlighter. "Me too." She folded her flashcards and set them on the coffee table in front of her. "Now," She said. "Let's talk about Madge."

I froze, mid reach, for another chip. "Madge? What about Ellie?"

"Ellie is busy tonight, so we can wait to discuss her later." Beth said, ripping the chip bag out of my reach and rolling it closed. "Madge is like this big, looming storm cloud that we should deal with immediately."

"Fine." I tried my best to appear relaxed. "What do you suggest?"

"An apology." Beth stated simply.

"Wow!" I exclaimed sarcastically. "An apology! Why didn't I think of that?"

Beth hit my arm lightly. "Stop being such a smart ass. I mean an awesome apology." 

"Awesome is such a vague word, B." I smirked, melting my back into the sofa. "You'll need to be more specific." 

Beth rolled her eyes. "Buckle your seatbelt, Knight. You're about to become the hero."