Castle High

20. Tremors - I

“You know Bee, sometimes I just try and try to understand your decisions but at times – I just don’t get it.”

Emily cried after her friend’s retreating figure in the hall-way, demanding for any sort of explanation for her action – the previous day. But all what Shelby had said was that – it was ‘her’ decision to make and that was final. Such utterance was clearly provoking enough, to make any one furious.

“I said it before, and I’d say it again. It’s my decision to make.” Shelby whirled around, craning her neck to burrow holes at Emily with her demeaning glare. They had the undivided attention of the entire hall-way now, as numerous eyes were fixated on their argument. It wasn’t every day, the folk at Castle witnessed one of the most inseparable pair – hurl insults at each other. “And if I decide not to offer an explanation, then you’d have to understand. Not chastise me like you’re the one responsible for my finances.”

Emily huffed, propping both of her hands on her waist. “So, it’s all your business now, huh? It’s none of my business. I wonder why you came to ask me for advice in the first place!”

Shelby scowled, her fists clenched. “You’re right, I didn’t put much reasoning into it. I’m officially making it my business exclusively. Stay out of it!”

Emily waived her arms in the air, haphazardly. “What the hell is wrong with you, Bee! Did a coconut fall and knock you over the head, why the hell are you talking like this?”

Shelby growled, strutting off once more. “Just leave it alone, Emily. If you decide to make such decision like I did someday, then I’m absolutely sure I wouldn’t make it a big deal like you’re making it, today. Hell, even my mom wouldn’t pester me as much as you’re doing now.”

“Fine, fuck off then.” Emily yelped, all control and reasoning departing her being. “You’re officially a bitch anyway, I don’t want to have anything to do with you. I’m sure by this time next year, you’d have many boys by your side – which you happen to lead on but eventually revealed later on that you were just fooling around with them.”

After that, Emily spun around and stalked off. Before she did, she thought she caught sight of Shelby freezing in her tracks and turning around with an apologetic stare.

It couldn’t be, she was full of crap.

“I’m officially making it my business exclusively, stay out of it!”

What sort of Jack-ass, said that to their best-friend.

*****

“You never take responsibilities for anything!”

Rob bellowed, bewildered at the news that had arrived. Right across the room, from where he stood was his excuse of a wife – offering pathetic and miserable reasons as to why the next decision she wanted to take was justifiable.

“How could a mother say such things?” Rob continued, advancing towards Celine with clenched fists. “You’re so insensitive, selfish and inconsiderate.”

Unbeknownst to them, Jake was perched quietly behind the kitchen door with his right ear glued to the door, trying to discern what issue the argument was directed at. Within him, he was hoping fervently that this current fiasco wasn’t going to lead to the usual.

Oh God, please no. I’m not ready to move again.

“Don’t you dare play righteous with me, Rob.” Celine’s voice echoed through the whole house, causing Jake to back a little from the door. “Don’t talk like you were always around all the time. I’ve always had to deal with all the contingencies your job offered, but when it comes to your turn to make a compromise – then it becomes a problem.”