Accidentally Tasha

Chapter 18

Warning! This chapter might be a little too mature for kids under the age of thirteen.

Quote

For every evil under the sun,

There is a remedy, or there is none.

If there be one, seek till you find it;

If there is none never mind it. (MOTHER GOOSE)

When I get home on Sunday, dad is miraculously there. I smile at him innocently and hug him first. I then hug everyone else, describing Nyanda's grandma with a lot of excitement. I use a lot of reference to Nyanda's stories about her, but they'll never know. I even bought two coconuts and brought them home. Nyanda had told me that her grandma loved coconuts and gave them away as souvenirs. Mom and Jake look pleased to see me. Dad looks worried, but unsuspicious.

The next day at school, as I walk together with Nyanda to home room, she asks,

"Where did you go to anyway?"

"Somewhere." I say mysteriously.

Her eyes widen in realization as she whispers excitedly,

"You're meeting your other boyfriend! I knew it!"

Wait a minute. Just stop right there. Me cheat on Ashton? Ashton?!

I laugh in disbelief, attracting everyone's attention.

"I can't cheat on Ashton!" I tell her as if she's an incredibly dumb kid "I love the guy."

My eyes widen as I realize what I just said. Nyanda's eyes were already wide open, along with her mouth. She gasps as she looks behind me. Kate is there, looking incredibly small and hurt, like a puppy that's been rained on. Of course she chose this moment to approach me. Great, just great!

She runs away from me in tears. I hand Nyanda my books as I run after Kate. I find her in the same bathroom stall as I found Nyanda. Someone must have built it especially for me.

"Kate! I'm so sorry."

"Get away from me," she snaps.

"Kate, I really am sorry."

"Get away from me, I say!"

She slaps and punches me all the while crying.

"I love him!" she shouts hysterically "I've loved him for the longest time and you just had to steal him. Twice! You're a bad friend!"

Now she sounds and looks like a twelve year old. Other girls in the bathroom make no move to leave, watching us as if their lives depend on it. A few phones are pulled out, spreading the word.

"Kate, let's talk about it somewhere else," I coo.

"No!" she seems to get madder "I'd kill for him and you just... you just steal him like he's yours. I hate you!"

She stomps off the room and I am left there. Guilt is a heavy burden to carry, almost as heavy as death. I shed a tear and wipe it off promptly.

"Turn the damn cameras off. There's nothing to see here." I say.

Nyanda is waiting for me by the door of the bathroom, still holding our books. I don't feel like going to sitting through another class. I rush past her and stomp out of the school gate. I walk without knowing what direction I'm headed. Ashton calls. I don't pick up. His voice will only add to my guilt.

It becomes a rhythm.

I walk. Ashton calls. I hang up.

I walk. Ashton calls. I hang up.