Don't fall

Chpt 3 : Mall & The first Straw

My face remains planted on the wet green grass for half an hour at least. Breathing is not a viable option. I ran as hard as I could and I'm definitely feeling it. My legs are jelly.

Brianne walks over and puts a hand on my shoulder, "you know, you don't actually have to run the entire time, Ms Holla falls asleep after five minutes every single class period. I had her last year, so I know" Brianne explains in my ear but I just shrug.

"I like to run" I gasp. There's something satisfying in the pain of not being able to breathe and feeling like you're made of mush. Brianne rolls her eyes in a dramatic way, "weirdo". I sit up, drawing my knees up to my chest and gaze up at the sky. Schools over, but I drove so I can go home anytime I want. Anytime before dinner.. mother gets very upset if I'm not home by dinner. She and I have never really gotten along..

"Come on lazy ass, let's go see if the boys are still here" Brianne says, pulling me up onto my wobbly legs. "Mmph" I groan. "Shut up" she laughs, dragging me along with her by the waist.

"You know, you're not very nice" I say glaring at her. She turns her smirk to me, "whatever, I'm so nice to you" she says with a flip of her hair and a twinkle in her eye, her hand squeezing my waist a little harder.

Ever so slowly we make our way to the cafeteria where the rejects, populars and socially awkwards are still sitting around, waiting for their ride or just hanging out.

My eyes lock on a form on the table in front of us. My cheeks go bright red and I gasp. Xander is standing on one of the tables twerking. Yes, legitimately twerking. The rest of the boys are around him cheering and dancing and blaring some song I've never heard of. A fit of giggles escape my mouth as he gets dizzy and almost falls off the table. Brianne let's go of me, "What in the name of sam's hell are you guys doi-" she starts, watching hopelessly as I fall over and smack my chin on the floor.

"Owwww" I groan, glaring at Brianne again. She goes from looking shocked to looking guilty to laughing her ass off within seconds. A hand touches my elbow "are you okay Juniper?" Henry, the tall dark-blue eyed angel asks. I can see cute little Avi is sitting under the table coloring.

I take his out stretched hand, rubbing my chin with a hot blush on my face. "Yeah, I ran a little too hard so I don't really have control of my legs at the moment.." I mutter, earning chuckles from all the guys. I glare up at them.

Xander jumps down off the table and sweeps me off my feet, literally. He picks me up in a cradle, chuckling deeply. "Well, you can join us. You busy right now?? Probably not. Let's go!" Xander doesn't let me answer, sprinting with me in his arms, the rest of the gang follows. "Woah, put me down!" I yell, squeezing him hard so I don't fall. He's got some muscles, and his tan skin is only slightly darker than mine.

He just laughs. We reach a vehicle, and I start laughing. It's a pink truck. "What the hell?" I cry, giggling. Xander turns a soft pink color matching the car, "fuck off, it's cool" he growls, pinching my side softly. He puts me down in the bed and walks over to Henry.

Henry sets down Avi and Xander takes her cute little hand, taking her to the front of the truck where he buckles her in. "Where are we all supposed to sit?" I question, looking around. Every single one of them jumps up into the bed with me and I get my answer.

I immediately turn around, about to jump out of the trucks bed, but it starts moving and a hand grabs me around the waist. I turn and look at Nathan in horror. I hear them all laughing in the wind. What is that kid driving? 50mph??!

Nathan's soft gray eyes laugh at me, he keeps his arm around my waist and sits there with me. Henry sits across from us along with Loran, Derek and Quinn. Brianne stands up in a T pose, her red hair tangling in the wind. I swear I saw that in a movie before..

My lips grow slightly chapped. "I never even said I could come, this is basically a kidnapping!" I cry out, squeezing Nathan's arm hard. He winces and holds me tighter, "chilllll" he whispers in my ear, "I won't let you get hurt".

I bite my lip, looking up at Quinn, his eyes drop to my lips for half a second before he smirks widely. He shrugs at me and then moves on to poking Derek in the face. He slaps his hand away but Quinn is persistent.

Eventually we reach our destination, and Nathan helps me out. I almost lean over and hurl, Xander is a terrible driver. He brakes too early and too late and he speeds. I flip off Xander as he gets out of the car.

I glance up and see the mall for the first time. I pull my purse over my shoulder, abandoning my backpack in the bed, if someone really wants to steal a bunch of homework, they can. I'm suddenly excited, I haven't gotten to look around town yet.

I take Avi's hand and her, Brianne and I go skipping into the mall, heading straight for Build-a-bear workshop. The boys mess around behind us, but we don't pay them any attention.

We reach the store, looking up at the beautiful childhood memories. We giggle and all run in to make a bear, Avi letting out joyful squeaks.

Soon after shopping we grow hungry and head to the food area to eat some delicious Panda Express. I bought some clothes, soap and a pink fluffy bear from Build-a-bear. Of course I kissed the heart.

We eat quickly, tossing small pieces of celery at each other and laughing our asses off. Then my phone starts ringing and reality hits. I shoot up to my feet, straightening out. "H-hello?" I answer sheepishly.

Me: "Hello?"
Mom: "Where the hell are you?"
Me: "I'm at th-"
Mom: "I honestly don't give a shit, get home now so you can do all your chores"
Me: "but I already did them all?"
Mom: "I added to the list"
Me: "but mo-"
Mom: "you have five minutes to get home"

She hangs up without letting me explain. Did I mention we don't get along?

I turn to Xander, "I'm sorry, I need to go" I say quietly, everyone is staring at me worriedly. "I hope we didn't get you in trouble.." Nathan says with his dark hair shining in the light. I sigh, "you didn't," I correct, smiling at a worried crew. Brianne frowns, "that's too bad, we were gonna go play the games after this" she says sadly.

I shrug, "maybe next time" I assure her. They all crush me in a hug and I laugh. "Thanks guys" I giggle, getting myself get crushed by bodies.

Nathan takes my hand and guides me back to the car, his hand squeezing tightly. He seems worried about me. I smile at him. He's cute, when he smiles he has dimples.

Xander hops in with Avi and her new blue bear named Lolly, and we're off. I'm left to wonder what kind of chores my mom has created for me.. I doubt they're gonna be easy. She's just not fond of me, no matter how hard I try.