The Badboy Smokes

Chapter Seventeen

"Hey, honey," My dad says, not looking to me.
"Hey," I answer, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," My dad says, glancing up at me.

I got home after midnight after driving Jaden and Jenna back to McDonald's. Jenna told me she wanted a reason to ride with Jaden and I didn't want to be around people, so I told them that I was too tired to drive after we helped take down decorations, so Jaden agreed to take Jenna home. And now I am at my home, in my room, under my blankets, watching YouTube.

Since I'm on break, I stay up until five in the morning doing random shit, and I don't feel like sleeping, so I don't. Jenna calls me randomly at three in the morning, though, and I answer on the second ring.

"Hello?" I ask into the phone.
"Hi," Jenna replies in a quiet voice, "Jaden is, like, super nice and I love him so much, but I'm worried he's gay."
"You're just saying this now?" I ask, shutting my laptop.
"Yeah, because everyone in my house is asleep," She answers like it's obvious.
"Why didn't you just text me?" I ask and Jenna blows into the mic out of irritation, "Jesus, fine. Why do you think he's gay?"
"He was talking about this guy," Lib starts to explain, "Like, he was telling me about how great some guy is."
"What was the guys name?" I ask, and rest my chin on the heel of my hand, being that my elbow is propped on my knee.
"Like, James or something," She answers, "I tuned it out, he's just so hot."

I laugh, "Understandable. What was he saying, though? Like--?"
"Just, like," Jenna poorly immitates his voice, "'oh this guy, blank, is pretty cool. He's embarassed by me, but he's so great.'"
"I mean, Blank could just be a friend," I reply, shrugging, even though she can't see it.
"I guess, but...but what if--what if he is gay," She says in an almost whiny voice.
"Then we'll support him and you'll sit by as he gets a boyfriend," I answer, "And it'll suck, but, it's a necessity."
"Or I'll become a boy--?" Jenna suggests.
"No," I cut her off before she finishes the word, "There are other hot and nice guys out there."
Jenna sighs.
"But he's so hot," She whines and I chuckle at her agony.

"How's Jayce?" She asks slightly suggestively.
I make a grunting sound and reply, "He's such an asshole."
"Again?" Jenna asks, "I thought he got better."
"He litterally was gonna kiss me," I explain, "And then he pulled away and acted like I was the bad guy."
Jenna huffs empathetically, "Why do guys do stupid things?"
"I don't know," I groan, "And he gave me a death look."

We talk for another hour before Jenna decides to sleep and hangs up. As said, I stay up another hour before also going to sleep.

I wake at noon to Mrs. Benson knocking on my door and saying, "Are you awake?"
"I am now," I answer, lifting my head off my pillow.
She walks into the room and sits on the corner of my bed, meanwhile, I slam my face back into my pillow.
"Did I wake you up?" Mrs. Benson asks.
"A little," I answer into the pillow.
"Sorry," She pats my knee, "Anyway, your dad's therapist called in and said she's in Ashridge for a conference. But she said she could make an exception for your dad. So I'm gonna drive him down to Ashridge. Just thought I should let you know."
"Okay," I answer, and roll over to my side, "How long will you be?"
"Four or so hours," Mrs. Benson says, then stands up, "I should get going. Don't throw any crazy parties."
I laugh, "I'll throw the craziest."
Mrs. Benson laughs and says goodbye then leaves.

I check my phone and see a couple texts from Jenna that are the sweet goodmorning texts of:
"Are you awake, you lazy ass??"
And five minutes later:
"WAKE THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID BITCH."
And so I respond:
"My god, you're so sweet, I couldn't have asked for better."
Jenna calls in response and I answer right away.

"You lazy bitch," She says, instead of hello.
"That's a collab of your two insults," I note and I hear her scoff.
"I hate you," Jenna answers and I laugh.
"Anyway, what do you want?" I ask, and roll onto my back.
"We haven't seen each other in forever and I miss you," She replies in a slightly whiny voice.
"It's Saturday," I laugh, "We do this every week."
"But it's different," Jenna retorts, "Are you busy?"
"No and my house is empty," I answer, "Mrs. Benson is taking Dad to Ashridge for therapy. Wanna come over?"
"I'll be there in ten," She answers, then hangs up.