Tough Luck (Re-Writing)

Chapter 5: Understanding

“Wake up, Rave. It’s time to get ready for school.” Melanie’s voice cuts through my sleep. I groan.

“Whatever. I’ll be ready in a bit.” She leaves and I drag myself to my bathroom to shower.

After I dress in a tight grey t-shirt and a pair of dark ripped skinny jeans, I put on a bit of make-up and head down stairs. I come down just as soon as I see Melanie grab her school bag and walk over to the front door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I ask her. She stiffens and turns to look at me.

“To catch the bus.” Her voice raises and makes her statement sound like a question. I shake my head at her.

“No, you’re riding with me, Mel.”

“But you’ve already given me more than I could ask for. Taking the bus to school isn’t that bad.” She looks down at the ground. I smile and sit down on the bottom stair to put on my boots.

“I told you I would take care of, right? If you really want to take the bus, you can. But don’t be afraid to take a car ride with me.” Chuckling at her, I go to the kitchen and grab a few granola bars and my bag. Then we leave for the hell hole I call school.

I pull into the school parking lot and I see that Mel looks nervous. Then I see a group of students she’s staring at, a terrified expression on her face.

“Melanie, if anyone bothers you or does something to upset you… I’ll take care of them.” I say darkly to her. She looks over at me with a grateful smile and we get out of my Challenger.

“Hey, Rave!” Zak, one of the guys in my group calls out from over by the picnic table they’re sitting on. I grin.

Zak Mosey, twin of Paul Mosey, is the youngest of our group. He’s also gay, and his boyfriend is Owen Jennings. They’re both seventeen, nice, smart, and funny. Paul Mosey, seventeen, is sarcastic and very outgoing. Eric Robinson is the second oldest. He’s eighteen, really hyper, and childish. Bradley Davis is the most serious of the group. He eighteen also, he’s quiet, and he drinks almost as much as I do.

Last but not least, Gordon Vega. He’s the eldest of the group. He’s also the oddest one. Gordon is funny, but he’s not always nice. He also likes challenges. Basically he’s a man whore.

“What’s up, guys?” I munch on a granola bar. I gave one to Mel in the car.

“Bored as hell. Brad is being mean again.” Own complains. Brad glares at him. I smile.

“Ah, Brad. What’s wrong this time? Can’t be worse than my problems.” Sitting by him, I nudge Brad.

“We all know you have problems, Ravey baby.” Paul smirks. See? Told you he’s sarcastic. Well so am I.

“Well, Pauline, I guess we can talk about my problems.” I call him by the girl version of his name, making him growl.

“First off, my lovely brother has come back home from a long trip across the land.” I speak in a British accent and put a hand on my chest, look past them at the sky. Now imagine an actress doing this in a movie and you’ll get what I’m doing.

“Then he brings his dear friend home and tries to get me to come back to the dreadful house we used to share.” I remove the hand on my chest and I put the back of my wrist on my forehead, as if I were going to faint.

“That’s not the worst part, my lovelies.” I whisper dramatically. They all stare at me with amusement. Even Brad.

“The worst part… the worst part is that this man… this man is my mate!” I fall on the ground and I act dead, like a performer would in a death scene. My friends clap enthusiastically. I stand up and bow at them.