Played.

10: "That Diner."

It had been one week since the incident with Justin, meaning I had another tutor session with Marcus after school. I walked alone toward my locker, being greeted by a cheery voice.

"Hi, Maddie."

I turned, smiling, recognizing the voice. "Hey, Marcus."

"You ready to head off?"

After going to my locker to get some books, we began walking toward the front gate. I heard Marcus' phone vibrate in his pocket, obviously he had a text. I observed as he rescued his phone, unlocking it and reading the message that flashed across it.

"I almost forgot to ask, I was wondering if, maybe, you wanted to go and get something to eat before we go to my house?" He asked, replacing his phone in his pocket.

"Sure, why not."

"Awesome. That was Justin, by the way. He said he's outside the gate, waiting for us."

Wonderful. I was hoping I could avoid him today, clearly that would not be the case.

"Well, that's nice of him, but he doesn't have to."

"No, it's fine. He doesn't mind."

"How very kind of him." I faked a smile.

From the steps outside the school, I could see the gleaming, black Range Rover that could only belong to Justin.

"There he is." Marcus pointed, pulling me over to it.

"Yay." Sarcasm dripped from my mouth.

Marcus opened the back door and allowed me to climb in first. I whispered a quick "thank you", before shuffling over to the seat on the other side.

"Hey, Justin." Marcus fist pounded his older brother.

"'Sup, bro?" Justin returned the gesture, then turned his attention to the wheel and started the car.

I could feel his eyes on me, making me rather uncomfortable. Looking up into the rear-view mirror, I saw that my thoughts were correct, we sat indirectly looking into each other's eyes, both of which were narrowed. He quickly flicked his eyes away from mine, again focusing on the wheel, and sighed heavily. I could tell there was an eye roll inserted too.

"Where do y'all want to go?" He questioned in a bland tone, I assume, more to Marcus than me.

"I was thinking, that diner around the corner. Maddie?" Marcus responded.

"That sounds fab." I smiled.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Justin slightly open his mouth to say something, but then close it again. He was probably going to make one of his annoying comments. Instead, he just looked straight ahead and continued driving.

I couldn't have been happier when we pulled up outside the diner. I was finally able to get away from Justin's presence.

"Thanks." I muttered, hopping out.

"Thank you, Justin." Marcus said, stopping halfway through getting out and twisting to face Justin, who was still sat in the driver's seat. "Why don't you come and eat with us?" He suggested.

Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.

"Nah, it's alright."

Thank you, God.

"No, you came all the way here, and you have to wait to drop us home anyway. You might as well join us. Come on, it beats waiting in the car." Marcus pushed.

Justin looked at me, a devilish smirk beginning to take over his face. "Fine, bro. I'm down."

He pulled the keys out of the ignition and got out of the car, slowly walking over to Marcus and I, who were standing on the sidewalk.

I knew he was tagging along just to annoy me, I could tell by the stupid smirk that was still on his face. It was definitely working, I was annoyed. Just as quick as my happiness had arrived, it disappeared.