The Battle of The Bad Boys (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 5: Trip Hazard

Sam pulls into my driveway, trying (pretty unsuccessfully) to console me as I'm still cringing about earlier in the lunch hall. At first, I had been pretty lucky; the bell had rung before I had time to answer Derek's question but, in my haste to get away from Hunter's smirk and Tyler's jealous stare, I fell over. I say 'fell', more like 'was tripped by an evil bitch wearing platform wedges'. Whatever. Looking down, I rub at the Diet Coke stain on my white vest. White. As in now completely see-through. Oh well, at least I'm wearing one of Sam's lacy black bras.

"Bye Sam, see you tomorrow. If I can face coming into school," I add dramatically, still wallowing in self pity. Don't judge, having people point out the bits of food in your hair does things to a girl!

"Aww Leila, it wasn't that bad!" Sam stifles a laugh as she pulls away. I roll my eyes. Such a great friend. I walk to the door, fumbling with the key in the rusty lock as per usual. We really need to replace that.

"Mom, I'm home!" And could really use some TLC right now. 

"In here Leila, I have a surprise for you!" Oh great. The last time mom brought home a 'surprise' I kept finding sand everywhere for weeks. And I mean everywhere. Really, who thinks that an indoor beach is a good idea because it's 'too cold in winter to visit the seaside'. I brace myself and walk cautiously to the sound of her voice.

"Leila! Meet your new friend..." I can see mom fumbling with something behind her back. It can't be worse than the beach, it can't be worse than the beach... OH! This is the kind of surprise I actually like! My mom is holding out a little brown and white puppy in her hands.

"Trip Hazard." She announces.

"Trip... Hazard?" I ask hesitantly, thinking this adorable puppy deserves a cuter name.

"Trust me, I have almost fallen over him like fifty times today. He IS a Trip Hazard!" I burst out laughing as she says this. The name seems kinda perfect now.

"So, not that I'm complaining, but why did you buy a puppy?" I ask.

"Well, I was walking past the Pet Store on my way to Target and I saw this cute little face looking at me from inside the window. I mean, how could I say no to this?" She holds out Trip Hazard who has his tiny head cocked to the side in confusion. "Oh and by the way, it's either cereal or take out for dinner - I've been so busy setting up for Trip Hazard and I forgot to get food. Sorry honey!"

"Setting up?" Oh God I knew this was too good to be true. Please not the beach!

She grabs my hand and walks me over to the guest room. Well, what was a 'guest room' until approximately two hours ago. Now it was puppy heaven. Literally: rope toys, squeaky animals and even a puppy treadmill. How the hell did mom set all of this up in one afternoon?!

"You never cease to amaze me," I laugh, half in awe, half bemused.

"You like it?" She asks, beaming proudly like a child with their artwork.

"Of course mom, I love it!" I hug her, breathing in her homely smell of waffles and peanut butter, now mixed with the slightly musky scent of puppy. Right under our feet, I hear a small bark and bend down to pick up Trip Hazard before he lives up to his name.

"You two have fun, get to know each other! I'm gonna go order pizza; what do you want honey?"

"Pepperoni please," I reply, grinning. Mom smiles and walks out of the room, leaving me and Trip Hazard alone. Right, Sam will want to see this. I grab my phone and press the speed dial button. She picks up almost immediately.

"Hello, sexy goddess fallen from heaven speaking who is this?" I laugh as Sam greets me with her usual quip.

"Sam! Guess what? Mom had a surprise for me..." I am quickly interrupted.