freedom ; haim

8.

It had been four days since Jason's party, and the stuff that happened with Corey. Corey called me before he left for Canada , but I haven't heard from him since. I had to admit I missed him , a lot. I'd spent nearly everyday with him since I moved here. Tonight, Zara was staying with me since my Grandma was going away for the weekend.

''Make sure you and Zara leave a light on before you go to sleep. Don't answer the door to strangers , and please , no boys!'' My grandma kissed my cheek and grabbed her suitcase. ''I can't make any promises.'' I chuckled. I sat on the couch reading through teen beat, waiting for Zara to arrive. I bet she was dying to know what happened between Corey and I at Jason's the other night.

Suddenly, the door bell rung. ''Hello.'' Zara smiled awkwardly walking in. ''Hi. Coffee?'' She nodded in response. ''Could we go to the mall today? I want to get new bras.'' Zara asked bluntly. ''Sure, let me go and get my purse.'' I didn't know why she was being so rude and awkward , she was never like this with me. I just brushed it off - everyone has bad days. ''Ready to go?'' I smiled. She nodded and grabbed her car keys.

We arrived at the mall and wondered into a variety of shops. ''Please, just pick some.'' I pleaded. I was hungry , and Zara and I had barely exchanged a word due to her unnecessary awkwardness. ''Yeah, I'll go up and pay.'' I waited - fiddling with my fingers by the shops exit. ''Where do you want to eat?'' She huffed. ''Anywhere. I'll literally eat anything, I'm starving.'' I groaned. ''Lets just go get a burger.'' She lead me to a restaurant and we entered.

The food came a lot quicker than I expected , and I dug in. ''This is so good.'' I sipped my chocolate milkshake. ''There's a party tonight , you wanna go?'' Zara smiled. Well, at least for the first time today she doesn't look like she's about to commit a murder.

''Yeah, who's is it?'' ''River's. He goes to Brookside , I've known him since I was little.'' I nodded in response. ''I'm going to wear my boots tonight , I'm not wearing heels.'' I laughed. ''So am I.'' She stated. I decided not to force the conversation anymore. We paid for the food and left. The car ride home was also silence. I fiddled with my purse before we pulled up.

''I'm going to go home quickly and shower. I'll be back in half an hour.'' Zara said before speeding off into the distance. I'm glad that she was going to be gone for a while - I wanted to call Corey. I skipped through the hallway like a child and reached for the brick phone. I dialled his number and tapped my foot impatiently ; waiting for him to pick up.

''Hello?'' I sighed with relief at the sound of his calming voice. ''Hey, its Aria. How are you?'' ''I'm good, babe. What have you been doing?'' I could sense his smile through the phone. ''Not much. Just went shopping and Zara and I are going to a party later.'' I heard him clear his throat before replying. ''Have a good time, and stay away from the guys. I miss you.'' ''Of course. Call me tomorrow or something okay?'' I heard him sigh. ''I can't wait to see you. But yes, bye sweetness.'' I grinned at his response. ''Bye.''

I took a quick shower before Zara was due to be returning. I threw my hair up in a towel and I heard the doorbell ring. ''I brought my makeup.'' Zara grinned , holding up a bag full of lipsticks , blush , and a variety of mascaras. ''Good.'' I smiled - going up the stairs to my room.

''So, are you going to get with any guys tonight?'' Zara smirked. ''No, you?'' Her expression dropped once I finished speaking. ''Well why not?'' Annoyance laced her tone. ''Because , I don't want to.'' I chuckled awkwardly ; trying to avoid confrontation. ''It's because of Corey, isn't it?'' She scoffed. ''What, so you get on your knees for him and now he owns you?'' She shouted.

I was shocked. ''Who the fuck do you think you are?'' I shouted. I was in the mood to punch her , but I decided against it. Bruised knuckles aren't attractive.

''Look, I'm sorry. That was un called for.'' Her cheeks became a bright shade of crimson. ''Whatever. It's fine.'' I didn't want to hold a grudge , not now. We had gotten ready and decided to drive to the party. I didn't plan on drinking , and neither did Zara.

We arrived and we were greeted by a boy with glasses. He had lovely hair , and literally looked like he was glowing in the moonlight. ''Hi, I'm River.'' He greeted. ''Nice to meet you.'' I smiled. We got into a conversation and he seemed like a lovely person. ''You know, I heard you and Corey have something going on.'' He smirked. ''Stuff gets around quick huh?'' I sipped my coke. ''Indeed. He's a nice guy ; you made a good choice.'' He smiled. ''My girlfriend, Martha just pulled up. I'll be back in a few minutes.'' I nodded in response.

After around 15 minutes , an extremely drunken Zara stumbled towards me. Except , she wasn't alone. ''Is this your friend?'' The brown haired boy asked. ''Yes. My apologies for her state.'' I giggled awkwardly. ''It's good. You're Aria , right?'' I became wide eyed when he said my name. ''Yes, and you are?'' ''Wil, Wil Wheaton. I'm a close friend of River's. Your friend here started getting pretty cosy with me , and I have a girlfriend. So,  I brought her to you as she pointed you out.'' He laughed. ''Oh god, sorry. Nice meeting you, Wil.'' He walked off into the crowd and I was left with Zara.

''What happened to not drinking?'' I sighed. We were approached by a group of girls. ''You're the one who tried to hook up with Corey Haim on New Year's Eve , right?'' I was about to talk , then I realised. They weren't looking at me , they were looking at Zara.

The fuck?

''I kissed him. He d-didn't want to hook up, I don't know why , I put my hand down his pants , on his dick and everything. He's obviously frigid.'' She giggled. I removed her from my grip. ''What the fuck did you just say?'' I asked through gritted teeth. I don't think she realised what she just said ; she became wide eyed.

''I-i.'' She stumbled backwards. ''Go on , speak. Tell me what I want to hear Zara , make my fucking day.'' I could feel the anger building up inside me. ''Look, it's not as if he's yours. Stop being a bitch.'' She laughed , twirling around.

I picked her up effortlessly by her dress collar ; her legs dangling. I don't know how I was holding her up , but I was. I leaned in towards her.

''You fucked with the wrong girl.''