Just Hang In There

Chapter 15

(Jacob)

I was relieved that the high pitched voice of Bianca stopped me. It gave me a reason to let go of Mark's shirt. I leaned my head back on the mulchy ground and let out a little laugh. Luckily my beanie stopped the wood pieces from going into my head.
"Bianca!" exclaimed Mark,"What are you doing here?"
"Playing princess with Juliana," she said like it was obvious and if scripted Juliana popped up next to her. She had on a purple princess dress with black leggings and a black cardigan. He had long blonde hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. There was also a fake plastic crown sitting on her head.
"What are you doing here on the ground?" Bianca asked.
"Playing that game where we see who could kick their shoe farthest from the swing and when we got up, we fell," Mark explained.
"Okay," Bianca said suspiciously.
"You didn't tell me your brother was going to be here," Juliana said flatly.
"I didn't know either," Bianca said. She looked at Mark like he was hiding something.
"We just got here fifteen minutes ago. We are going to get our shoes and leave," Mark said. He got up then helped me to my feet. I then heard the two laugh.
"What's so funny?" Asked Mark.
"Your friend looks like a porcupine!" exclaimed Juliana. They laughed. I looked at my backside and there was mulch sticking out all over.
"Huh, I guess I do," I said trying to look at my back. Mark chuckled.
"Now, we will get out," Mark said.
"Okay," Bianca said. I felt her watch us as watched us got our shoes.
"Ha I won!" Mark exclaimed. His shoe was a foot ahead of mine.
"Close," I said.
"Yes it was!" I chuckled and put my shoe on. Mark did the same.
"It's almost six thirty. Want to go hang out at Starbucks or something for a little bit?" Mark asked.
"Sure. We can't be out to late though. Have school tomorrow," I said. I frowned thinking about that. I'd have to go back to the one place I didn't want to be.
"Okay," Mark said slowly reading my face.
I tried not to show any sadness or fear.
"So, uh, your sister and her friend are something," I said changing the subject.
"They sure are. They love pretending they are princesses and ruling over people. They get scary when they are together though," Mark said, "I didn't feel like arguing with them." I laughed.
"I can see. Her friend doesn't seem very princesses like."
"They call it princess but it is more like bossing one another around."
"What else can you expect out of a five year old," I said reaching the car.
"True," Mark said. We got into his car which was a Honda Civic and drove off.
"Is this your car?" I asked.
"It's my mom's. Mine is in the shop. Transmission issues."
"Oh, that sucks."
"It does. It's like not having my license again."
"What kind of car you have?"
"A jeep."
"Oh nice," I said.
"Its a nice car. I miss it," he said. We stopped at a red light.
"Do you have a car?" He asked.
"No, I share with my mom," I said, "I don't mind."
"That's cool."
"Yeah," he said. I looked over at him. It looked like he wanted to say something.
"Just say it," I said. He looked at me confused .
"Say what?"
"It looks like you want to say something,"
I said. He paused.
"It's nothing." I raised an eyebrow.
"You sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Okay." I said. The light turned green and we drove off again. I assumed he was confused on what happened at the park. Honestly, I was too.
"You're suspended for a week right?" I asked.
"Just a week. I'll be back next Monday. I don't think I'm missing to much," he replied. As he spoke, someone cut us off and Mark went full of road rage. I started dying of laughter.
"Sorry," he said after he cooled down. I couldn't stop laughing.
"Never seen someone so pissed at a driver before," I said laughing. My stomach started to hurt. First time that happened in a long long time.
"But that moron cut me off!" I was trying to hold in the laughter. "Hmph."
Once I controlled myself, we made it to Starbucks. We got out of the car and rushed in. A cold wind was picking up dropping the temperature a few degrees.
The place was pretty crowded. We ordered our drinks (we both got hot chocolate) and found a two seat table near the back of the place.
" Thank you for the hot chocolate," I said.
"No problem. It's the least I could do." I smiled. Then we started talking about some other random things. I didn't pay attention to the time.
I yawned.
"What time is it?" I asked. Mark looked down at his phone.
"Nine thirty."
"I have to go. My mom will start to worry," I said sadly.
"Okay, let me drive you home," Mark offered. I smiled and nodded.
"Okay thanks." We left the shop and got in Mark's car. I told him my address and he drove me home.

(Mark)
"First house on the right," Jacob said. I turned down the street and stopped in front of his driveway.
"Thank you again for tonight," Jacob said getting out of the car.
"Wait," I said automatically. He stopped and sat back down in his seat confused. "I had a good time as well. Want to do it again?" I asked.
"Sure! Text me whenever I have no plans," he replied. I gave a half smile.
"Alrighty. See you soon," I said. Jacob got out of the car and walked back into his house. I waited until he was completely in before I drove off.

When I got home, I quickly got ready for bed then hopped in. I stared at my ceiling thinking what would of happened if Bianca hadn't shown up. I think I knew the answer, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought.