Bad Boy Games

Chapter 11

12-14-13

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                My alarm clock woke me up in the morning and I was grumpy at first. My mood brightened considerably when I remembered that I have a date today. Mom will be ecstatic. She’s wanted me to go on dates and have a boyfriend. I’ve only had one boyfriend but I don’t think it really counts since it was in kindergarten.

                She wants me to be happy but she isn’t rushing me. Just giving me little nudges every once in a while. But still, she’s going to be really excited when I tell her.

                I stretched and got up, going into the closet to pick out my outfit for the day. I feel lazy today so I grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a plain white hoodie, going to take a shower and change in the bathroom.

                I got out of the warm shower and got dressed, wiping off a spot on the mirror so I can see. Then I blow-dried my hair and brushed it. Now it’s kind of poofy but I don’t really care. I can fix it before I go on the date with Preston. That thought made me smile and blush. I walked back into the room and grabbed my bag, slipping on my converse.

                Michael came out of his room, his hair sticking up in all directions. I bent down, holding out my arms for him. He walked into them and wrapped his arms around my neck. Reaching up, I smoothed my hand over his hair and pecked him on the cheek. Standing up and bringing him with me, I carried him down the hall. He wound his legs around my waist and rested his head on my shoulder.

                I smiled softly and brought him into the kitchen. Lowering him onto a chair, I unwound his arms and legs and made a bowl of his favorite cereal. Placing it down in front of him, I picked my bag back up and kissed his forehead. I passed Mom on the way to the door and gave her a hug.

                When I finally got outside, I rubbed my eyes and trudged down the driveway to the sidewalk. Jacob came out of his house a few seconds later and I ignored him, picking my way slowly down the sidewalk and kicking rocks as I went. I can’t stop thinking about Preston and our date tonight. He likes me, right? I mean, guys don’t normally ask girls out on dates unless they like them.

                Jacob passed by on his motorcycle like every morning but I didn’t look up, just kept my head down and looked at the sidewalk as those questions swam around in my head. I got to the school and said hi to Carter and Winter, walking to the library with them.

                Like every morning, Jacob is surrounded by a group of girls trying to get his attention. It’s disgusting. I rolled my eyes and looked away. We went into the school and I pulled my sleeves over my hands and hugged myself, suddenly cold. Carter noticed this and put an arm around my shoulders. I gave him a grateful smile and rested my head on his side as we walked.

                Winter walked in front of us, skipping along and chattering happily. She knows that we’re following her. We made it to the library and I curled up, laying my head back against the chair, closing my eyes.

                Someone gently shook my shoulder and I opened my eyes slowly. Carter stared down at me and took his hand away. I sat up and looked over at Winter. She stood up and put her backpack on her shoulder.

                “It’s time to go to class,” Carter murmured. I sat up groggily and stretched, arching my back like a cat. Then I got up and picked my bag up off the floor, hitching it onto my shoulder. I drug my feet as we left the library and made it to my first class with two minutes until the bell. I’m really excited about the date but I’m also tired.