Stuck Like Glue

Chapter 8

Kaitlyn's POV

Not only didn't I expect to bump into Aatikah Summers, but also her presence looks upsetting to me; what's worse, anyway, is that I'm supposed to actually work on a project with her. I really hope this is just a nightmare: after all, I have a 3.8 GPA to keep up with.

However, I must act nice to her, at least to give her a better impression, even though I know she already caught my flaws through my attitudes. How can I even think of being myself if I'm constantly judged as a perfection maniac by people like her? I need to get a grip. Seriously.

"Hello Kaitlyn," she says with a shrill voice that, to be truly honest, is annoying me to death. Okay, I have to admit I get annoyed way too easily. I should stop being such paranoid; this is why no-one else, apart from Suzie and Tess, wants to hang out with me, let even a blunt girl like Aatikah Summers.

"How are you?" she goes on with the same voice.

I'm trying hard not to snap at her, but I can't help doing so for my own sake. In fact, I end up blurting out, "I'm fine. Anyway, we shouldn't be wasting our time. There are a lot of things to do for the project, such as planning a schedule, organizing everything and dividing tasks equally among each other, so that you do the same amount of work as me. I don't want to fail because you slack."

My strictness and direct approach are making me proud of myself (I must congratulate with myself for finally standing up to someone, even though I knew I would be able to do so) as much as they're angering Aatikah. I bet she doesn't like being told what to do. However, I need to do so - I can't trust her at all.

"Who said I'm a slacker?" she exclaims, much to my annoyance, to the point that I roll my eyes. "First of all, don't listen to Kayla. If you really believe I'm here to slack, then maybe we should change partners. Secondly, don't even dare to roll your eyes on front of me. I hate that and what you gain from doing so is just a punch on your fucking face."

"You don't need to be so petty," I point out, hoping to shut her up for good, but to no avail, as she goes on shouting even louder.

"And believe me, I'm not going to be your air-headed partner, the one who's a nobody compared to the genius, the one who does all the dirty work while you just take care of what you like. I'm not like that. So, stop being such a Miss Know-It-All for once!"

Miss Know-It-All? How dare she? I can't bear with her lack of respect anymore, so I conclude, "You know what, Summers? We should really ask Mr Porter to change partners, if we could. But now we can't. And you'll do exactly what I ask, my way, okay?" While saying so, I frown, making it clear that her words won't affect me anymore. She can keep insulting me as much as she wants, but what's sure is that we'll work hard to get an A on that fucking project.

"I have a name, Kaitlyn," she retorts, "so please use that, for God's fucking sake!"

"In your dreams. I decide how to call you. Come on. Follow me." She reluctantly follows me towards my house as I speed up to reach it as soon as possible. Tardiness isn't an option, so we must move.

***

As we come inside, I expect my parents to be at the threshold, with their arms crossed and their eyebrows raised. Well, for once my expectations don't match reality. They are sitting on the couch, both raising their eyebrows and frowning, with Dad also pointing at his watch. Oh my God... That only means one thing. It's almost 5pm...

Oh, no, the dreaded tea time. That means that we'll waste at least one hour that could be used for the project. And, what's worse, starting from tonight the Larkins will stay round, which means I have to deal with another unpleasant person: their son, Matt.

"Where were you?" questions Dad, still pointing at his watch. "And, also, who is that girl?" While pointing at Aatikah, he's looking at her in disgust, causing her to clear her throat. I guess she doesn't like being stared at like that. To be honest, I don't like it either, yet Dad keeps doing so every time. How can I even tell him to stop for his own good?

"Mom, Dad," I try and break the ice, "this is Aatikah Summers, my project partner." The three of them shake hands, leaving me visibly embarrassed, especially when Aatikah comments, "Pleased to meet you. By the way, your house is very nice."

"Thank you," replies Mom, who also admits being flattered by that compliment. I, on the other hand, just think she's trying to suck up on them, so that they have an excuse to force me into being nicer to her. Well, she's pathetic.

"Shall we have tea?" she asks then, immediately earning a deadly glare from me. However, she catches it and replies in a cheesy way, "Oh, and, Kaitlyn, your friend is invited, too."

"She isn't my friend," I grit under my teeth. Aatikah, who has just overheard me, whispers into my right ear, "At least you're being honest. Listen, we'll have tea as quickly as possible; meanwhile, we could start discussing some ideas about the project."

"Fuck you," is my answer. But, after all, her suggestion isn't bad. That could be a great way to save time, hopefully...

***

Okay, I shouldn't have listened to Aatikah at all. We spent a whole hour sipping tea, eating dozens of sweet treats and trying hard to prove my parents wrong when they keep stating we are friends. And, guess how much we talked about the freaking project? Very little! Now, we must make up for the lost time and organize a real schedule according to my times. I won't accept her absurd suggestions anymore.

However, as I point that out, she frantically bids my parents - yeah, only to them! - goodbye and leaves slamming the door on my face as soon as I try to chase her. Wow. She's too feisty. I guess she'll calm down soon, as soon as she vents her thoughts to her family. But why should I be giving a fuck about her? She isn't my friend, not at all.