The Game Of Life

Chapter Five ~

Dad picked me up from school. The car ride was awkward and silent. I stuffed my earphones into my ear and bounced to the music.

“Anne!” Dad shouted.

“What?” I pulled the earphones out, “what is it, Dad?”

“I’ve been calling you but of course you couldn’t hear with music blasting into your ears! Show some respect, please!” Dad said, exasperated.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry!” I muttered. Dad had never been this agitated over such a small thing.

Dad glanced at me briefly, “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I have a lot on my mind.”

I sat up, “What is it, Dad?”

Dad sighed heavily, “Things aren’t going too well with me and your mom.”

“I’ve noticed,” I said softly.

By the time I reached my room, I knew Dad was in pain. I knew that he still loved Mom but maybe she didn’t love him? A myriad of possibilities flooded my mind but I pushed them out of my head. Now wasn’t the time for this. I headed the downstairs to make a snack before starting on that day’s homework. Mum was staring blankly at a magazine and munching on a granola bar.

“Hey Mom,” I said casually, trying hard to suppress the feeling of fury inside me.

“Oh hi, honey.” Mum replied just as casually, “Where’s your father?”

“Not like you’d care,” I muttered angrily. I caught a glimpse of Mom’s face, which carried a hurtful look. I quickly apologised, “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

Mom shook her head, “No, you’re absolutely right. I’ve been a…well, a pain in the ass. Let’s leave it as that.”

I pulled out a chair beside Mom, “No, no. Maybe, you’re not so easy to please but there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m sure you’ll can work out your differences.”

“I don’t know, Honey…”

“Please, Mom? At least try, for me. Do it for me?”

Mom stroked my hair, “Anything for you.”

Just then, something had to ruin that perfect moment, Mom was going to make everything alright again, but a buzz from my pocket ruined everything. It was a text, from Jade, whom had not sent me a text message in a long time. This read: Brittany betrayed me, and despite what has happened in the past, I still only trust you. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you but if it’s possible, pls come over asap. Xx Jade

Jade needed me, and I wasn’t about to turn down my best friend. I excused myself, grabbed my jacket and bolted to Jade’s house as fast as my legs could carry me. I arrived, breathless, at the Deslins’ doorstep and rang the doorbell.

Sapphire flung the door open, “Anne? Oh thank goodness! Jade’s a mess! Hurry, she’s in her room.”

“Thanks, Saffy,” I said shortly and rushed up to Jade’s room.

Jade was curled up in a ball on her bed, sobbing uncontrollably. I tentatively approached her, “Jade?”

“Oh Anne! My whole life is ruined! I can’t face anyone ever again!” Jade said, her voice muffled.

I sat on the edge of her bed and patted her shoulder, soothing her. “Jade, come on, you’re stronger than this. Get up, don’t be like this.”

Jade rose slowly, and wiped her tears with the back of her hand, “Thanks, Anne. I’m really, really sorry.”

             “It’s my fault too,” I admitted, “You want to tell me what happened?”

There was a long pause before Jade summoned the courage to relate to me.

“As you already know, I’m part of the student committee, and so is Brittany,” Jade started, “and it’s a strict rule that we’re not allowed to hold secret meetings, everyone knows that. So, Brittany sent me this text…” Jade dug into her pocket for her phone and opened the text message from Brittany. It showed their conversation:

Brit: There’s a meeting tmr after school, you have to be there.

Me: A secret meeting, you mean? Brit! You know that’s not allowed!

Brit: Oh loosen up! Don’t worry, I’ve spoken to the teachers, it’s approved. Now will you come?

Me: Count me in J

Brit: Great! See ya tmr! Muax

I stared at Jade curiously, “So?”

Jade nodded, “Yeah, so, I believed her, and the next day, I followed her to the meeting place. Everything was so odd, everyone had to be quiet and the meeting place was someplace I’d never been before. I thought it was strange and started to doubt this ‘approved’ meeting. But Brittany kept on reassuring me, so I followed.

“During the meeting, Brittany, the president, informed us that she was stepping down. I couldn’t believe my ears, everyone knew Brittany loved her position! So, I was still in a state of shock when she asked the committee to vote. She had to say my name five times before I heard. I had been voted as president. It was the most wonderful surprise, I was the newest, but they had voted for me!

“Just as I had been declared president of the student committee, I heard footsteps, and they got louder and louder. Towering over us, was our principal. “What’s going on?” he said, I looked at Brittany, she said she had gotten their approval. “Is this a secret meeting?” he demanded, Brittany still didn’t speak up. He asked who had planned this meeting. When there was no answer, he asked again, “Who’s the president?” I meekly raised my hand.

“But I told him I honestly had not planned this meeting, that it was Brittany. Brittany folded her arms, “How could you blame me? The student committee saw that message you sent them!” I was so furious. Brittany had planned it all. The principal hasn’t decided on a suitable punishment but I’ve been kicked of the student committee and Brittany has forbidden them to speak or sit with me. My life is ruined!”

I put my arms around Jade. Brittany was pure evil! “But why would she do that? Aren’t you her friend?”

“Apparently not,” Jade replied, “When I texted her, she replied: I have to get rid of people who don’t belong here.”

“Well, she’s stupid. It’s her loss to lose a friend like you.”

Jade rested her head on my shoulder and mumbled a ‘thank you’.

~

woohoo! okay so another shout-out to my two friends! molly for helping me finally upload this and paige for reading it AHAHAHA ! oh and also for the new cover by my friend from school :D 

thanks for reading so far guys! :> STAY TUNED :b

x audrey