Moving in with the Metzingers

Chapter 5

My phone rang exactly three seconds after the final bell rang.

"Lanie?"

"Yeah, hi. Can I go to Hailey's after school?"

"Sure. What time do you want me to pick you up?"

"I'll call you when I know, kay?"

"Kay. See you then."

"Thanks! Bye."

Hailey is one of Lanie's friends. She lives a five-minute drive away, and I know how to get to her house because Lanie hangs out there more often than at home some months. I usually end up picking her up or driving her there.

I shouted a quick goodbye to my friends in photography-- Dale and Aria-- and headed to my car. I have a terrible habit of leaving my car unlocked, and today I regretted it, because guess what was sitting in my front seat when I reached the parking lot? None other than Rory Gates.

"Ugh, Rory. What are you doing in my car?" I grumbled, putting my hands on my hips, still holding my keys.

He chuckled. "Why, it's so great to see you too, Mallie. I'm doing well, thanks for asking. Don't just stand there; get in. I'm driving," he added, holding his hand out for the keys.

I knew there was no point in arguing with Rory, so I frowned, tossing him the keys and hopping into the passenger seat, immediately crossing my arms.

"Where to? MBS?"

I shook my head."Hailey's."

"MSD, then?"

"Ara has a ride home."

"Oh goodie! Nowhere to go? So I get you all to myself! Where to go, where to go..." Rory started, with a frighteningly excited look on his face.

"Hold up. I need to be home when Ms. Wilson brings Ara home in a few minutes," I pointed out, no doubt ruining my plans.

"Hmph!" He pouted, and a triumphant smirk covered my face as I answered my ringing phone.

"Hello?" I answered it, not recognizing the number.

"Hi, Pemalope?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"It's Tara Wilson, I got your number from MSD."

"Oh! Mrs. WIlson. Is everything okay with Ara?"

"Yes, everything is fine. I am in Manchester-by-the-Sea, and I'm about to drop Ella off at Kiera's house, and I was wondering if it would be okay with you if Ara went with her for a little while? She really wanted to join their playdate.."

"Oh, yeah, of course, that's completely fine. Could you just text me the address so I can pick her up later?"

"Don't worry about it; I'll drive her home."

"Perfect, thank you!"

"No problem. Goodbye, Pemalope."

"Bye, Ms. Wilson."

Rory looked at me, raising his eyebrows.

I sighed. "Ara went to a friend's house. But that doesn't mean--"

"Fabulous! Off we go then! I know just where to take you!"

"But I have homewo--"

"No buts! We are going!"

"But--!"

"Jesus, Mals, did you not hear me? No buts!"

I groaned very audibly, and plugged in my phone to my car speakers, playing the album "Red" on shuffle.