Wicked

Chapter Fifteen

Finally, it was Friday. The week had flown by, thankfully. Life at home had been like walking on eggshells and none of us really spoke to each other. Gran was watching every word she said, in fear of my mom taking Dara and me away. Dara was bitter as ever, walking around with the worlds largest chip on her shoulder.

And my mom? She was barely home and if she was home she was stowed away in her office. I had tried to avoid the house as much as I could, running away to Addie's and studying with Daniel had been my great escape.

"Hey," Addie skidded next to me, her purple Creepers leaving black marks on the linoleum.

She was wearing a short black wig with choppy bangs that curled up from her shoulders. Her lips were black and she was wearing cerulean blue contacts.

When she started talking I noticed the Vampire teeth. "Is it okay if Erik comes with us? He said he could give us a ride." She tugged at her black turtleneck. I didn't know who she was Cosplaying today.

Apparently, she had been dressing up like a character every day of October. When she told me this yesterday I had almost spit out my water. She was good.

"Um, yeah? I don't care." I really didn't care if Erik came with us. We had apologized and moved on from the "fight." Plus, I knew it would make Addie feel better -- she hated feeling like she was in the middle. "What are you dressed up as today?" I finally asked her.

She flashes her fangs at me.

"Mavis, from Hotel Transylvania." I raised an eyebrow, not knowing what she was talking about. So, she told me it was a cartoon that we needed to watch.

We made small talk on our way to class. It was ten days until my birthday and I had no idea what to do. My family hadn't uttered a single word about me turning sixteen. It wasn't going to be a sweet sixteen, I already knew that.

"I'll see you later, tell lover boy I said hi!" Her words dangerous loud. I looked around nervous that someone might hear her and put two and two together. I tried to shush her, but she waved me off.

She sauntered off down the hall. I shook my head at her. Then, walked into the classroom. There was a way about Addie that I wished I had more of. I wished I had the same self-confidence.

Addie never apologized for being herself.

I, on the other hand, was constantly apologizing for every action I made.

Daniel wasn't in his usual spot. I made my way to my spot and sat down. I was a couple minutes early, so Daniel was probably just running a few minutes behind.

Sure enough, seconds before the first bell rang Daniel strode in. He was wearing a green long sleeve with his varsity jacket over the top. His brown hair was getting long and flopped to the ride side. He had a serious expression on his face, but when he saw me his face perked up.

"Hey," he plopped down next to me.

"Hey, what's up?" He had a look of determination plastered across his face.

"I was just thinking," I met his gaze. "Maybe after school, we could go get some food and watch the History movie for our assignment." It sounded wonderful, spending time with Daniel. Especially, watching a movie, even if it was for school. What would be even nicer is hanging out with Daniel without the excuse of school.

"I would love to, but I have plans after school." It sounded like an excuse. "Addie wanted to go costume shopping for Ivelyn's party." He nodded.

"Oh, gotcha well I hope you two have fun. Maybe we can hang out another time." He was quiet the rest of the period. It wasn't fair for him to be so quiet, but I understood. Unfortunately, it made the rest of the class drag on.