Zugzwang

Chapter 18 - Day One

        “I’m so going to fail this final.” Krista groaned, falling back on her rug. We were studying on her bedroom floor for testing tomorrow.

        “You’ll be fine!” I smiled and poked her stomach. She quickly covered her stomach and giggled.

        “At least you know what you’re doing, Anna.” Noelle rolled her eyes, staring at her notebook.

        “I’ve been getting help from Scott.” I lied. My whole life, as long as I paid attention in class, I memorized the material.

        “Maybe I should get some help from Scott.” Noelle winked. “I bet he’d be a great tutor.”

        “Shut up!” I pushed her playfully. She and Krista were laughing.

        “Calm down, fire booty.” Noelle pushed me back.

        I dramatically rolled my eyes and stood up, stretching my legs. “You girls suck.” I laid on Krista’s bed and closed my eyes.

        “It’s only ten! You can’t sleep now, we have to keep studying.” Noelle demanded.

        “I already know my shit. You’re on your own.” I smiled.

        “Be Noelle’s Scott.” Krista said. I could basically see the sarcasm oozing out of her mouth.

        “I’m not having sex with Noelle.” I laughed at my joke.

        Moments later, a pillow flew at my face. “Shut up!” Noelle blushed and she crossed her arms. Krista and I laughed for a minute or two before getting back to studying.

Day One

        “Hey pretty lady.” A voice whispered in my ear and hands wrapped around my waist.

        “Get off me, Chris.” I put my hands on his hands and pushed him away.

        “But Nick isn’t here today and I can have you to myself for once.” He pouted and put his hands back on my waist.

        I turned around and pushed him away again. “You’re annoying and I have better things to do. Go someplace else.” I kept trying to push him away but his grip got tighter. All I was really able to think about was Nick. I missed him. He didn’t text or call to say if things were okay and I didn’t want to call in case they were in the middle of something important. I guess maybe he didn’t want me to worry but that only made me worry more. I know he’s in some bad shit but I just want to know if he’s okay.

        “Hello, baby girl. You listening?” Chris snapped his fingers in front of my eyes. I jumped slightly and gave Chris a dirty look.

        “No. I’m not listening. Go home.” I rolled my eyes and turned around.

        Chris grabbed my hand and pulled me to face him. A smirk formed on his face. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “I get that we’re in public and all and you’ve got your rep but I’ve got mine too.”

        I could feel people staring at us. “Go home.” I smiled, not looking at anyone else.

        “Fine, baby girl. Have it your way.” His smirk didn’t fade but I could tell he was angry. It was one of those things where you just know.

        “I will.” I smirked and walked away, leaving Chris to stand there like an idiot. My walk home consisted of having my phone in my pocket and music blasting. It wasn’t bad music but it wasn’t great quality since it was coming from an iPhone that was shoved in my pocket.