I run a hand through my hair. Then I realize I might have messed it up, and pat it down. As I fuss over my reflection, I can almost hear the little cranes laughing from their place in my trashcan. Taunting me. Telling me I'll me I'll mess it up if its good. And if it's not good, then I deserve bad. My hands shake, and I make one more little paper crane that can laugh me to sleep.
~~~
I come out of my room when I hear the front door slam and loud, high-pitch voice ranting nonstop. Jesse. I step out, socks, basketball short, ratty shirt, and bedhead. I know she'll scold me. Telling me to present myself as I want to be respected. I tell her I don't expect her to be in a ball gown when I go over to her house, why should I have to dress up?
Sure enough, as I pad my way to the living room, Ethan comes out too to see what's got her like this today. I'm not sure why either of us cares to get interested, she has something new that bothers her to no end every day. Sometimes I wonder if that's what makes me attracted to being her friend. Just listening to what stupid stuff gets her mad.
Ethan raises an eyebrow, and I shrug. When we get to the open, we are greeted by the sight of Gavin nodding his head with her, even though he's not really listening. And a wild-eyed Jesse, hands flying in the air.
"She had the fucking guts to tell me to calm the fuck down, but not to do something? Isn't that stupid? She wouldn't fucking do anything, but expects me not to do anything? I can't just sit by and watch that whore fucking flirt with my girlfriend!" Jesses checks are flushed, but I know she'll get over it by tomorrow because Nina will come over, kiss her and whisper something to her that makes her melt. Nina truly is our only weapon to get Jesse to shut-up.
Ethan sighs, and walks back to the bathroom, probably to lock himself in there. It's not really entirely smart to be around Jesse when she's like this. As soon as the first layer of raging emotion sheds, she turns to everyone to fix their lives. Occasionally, rarely, it's nice. Other times you just have to stand it.
"Are you even listening to me?" Jesse snatches up the remote and clicks it off after Gavin gave her a little hum of reassurance, "Gavin we really have to get you a better hobby other than T.V. when you're not a practice. Let me look up something-"
"No!" Gavin's eyes are wide and scared, then they see me, "Phoenix wanted you to get him that blind date, right Phoenix? He said he felt so bad, and he's open tonight..."
Now it's me with wide eyes and the subject of Jesse's rage control.
"Really? Oh my god, but the girl I wanted to set you up with said she doesn't want to do it again. Wait! I know a guy who owes me a favor and is like, totally single ready to mingle. I could definitely get him to do it tonight, let me just double check he's open and everything..." She already has her phone out so I take the opportunity to glare at Gavin.
"You know, Phoenix, I thought that girl would be so good for you. But, I guess this is your consequence form canceling so often. But don't worry, the guy, his names Logan, really fucking hot if I liked guys. Of course, gay guys are always the cutest-"
"Hey!" Gavin whines from the couch and I grin smugly at him.
"Oh my god! Phoenix! He told me he's free tonight! Oh my god, I'm going to tell him to meet you at the stone pizza place, I love this!" Then she goes back to typing furiously.
I run a hand down my face and groan. Now it is Gavin smirking at me.
~~~
"Looking hot, P. Hope you get lucky tonight," Gavin stands in my doorway, as I button up the shirt Jesse picked out for this hours ago.
YOU ARE READING
Thicker Than Paper
JugendliteraturPhoenix Weather should be able to maintain peace and happiness. He's got a good family, good friends, good grades, and a good arm that's going to provide him his future. But through all the various stages of his life, he can't help feeling like he's...
