Adrenalin

Chapter 6 - Hayden

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I fucking hate Monday mornings.
            Dad had me up since five in the morning studying. It’s almost the end of term and our report cards are being sent out soon. Dad wasn’t going to settle for anything less than straight A’s. So I’m fucked in pretty much everything except maths and P.E.
            Finally, Kyle honks out the front and I have an excuse to leave. I didn’t drive my shit-box car unless I absolutely had to and Kyle was more than happy to show off his new Jeep.
            His shaggy brown head pokes out the window. “Sup, man.”
            I climb in the passenger side and we bump fists. He pulls out of the gutter and we begin the treacherous journey to Hell. Or school, as some may refer to it.
            “You up for the gym tonight?” Kyle asks, lighting a cigarette and offering me one.
            I shake my head to both offers. “Nah, man, I gotta go pay Reggie off.”
            “Where were you at last night, by the way? I called a couple of times.”
            I rub the back of my neck. “My phone must’ve been off.”
            “Dude,” Kyle laughs, “we’ve been friends for ten years. I know you always rub your neck when you’re lying.” And he probably knows the answer to his own question, too. Only Kyle and Reggie have really noticed my gambling problem. I know it’s bad. I hate it. But I can’t help it.
            I give a guilty smile. “Sorry, man. I had to get some money to pay Reggie back.”
            “S’all good.”
            We pull into the parking lot of Xavier Grammar School and park next to Jordan’s car. He’s waiting for us as usual, leaning against his car. We climb out of the car and join him just as Max pulls in. The awesome foursome.
            “Hey, baby!” A high-pitched voice says.
            Kyle and I glance at each other. It’s Jordan’s girlfriend, Victoria. She’s more than just a little bit loud, but she’s nice enough.
            “Hey, sexy.” Jordan replies, his voice suddenly noticeably deeper. Jordan pulls Victoria to him and they go at it, crushing their lips together as though they hadn’t just seen each other yesterday. It looks more like a face battle than a kiss. I pretend to throw up and Kyle grins.
           Despite how disgustingly cheesy and cute they are, I envy them. My mind strays to Sydney and I imagine kissing her and running my hands through her hair. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening any time soon. She’s playing hard to get.
             Max clears his throat. “If you two are done eating each other’s face, we have classes to attend.”

*

I had a Maths test straight up, which I was pretty confident I did well in, but still, it weighed on my mind for the rest of the days. I wouldn’t get my get my results until the next class. Dad’s approval rests heavily on that Maths test.
            Victoria sits next to me up in the stands at lunch break, watching Kyle, Max and Jordan kick the footy to each other while I finish off some homework. I look at the football longing, but tear my eyes away. The only days I have off from studying are Thursday for footy training and footy games on Sundays.
            “So, Hayden,” Victoria says slowly, “Any girls tickle your fancy this year?”
            I almost laugh. “Nope.” Well, she doesn’t go here.
            “You seriously need a girlfriend, dude.” She flicks her blonde hair off her shoulders. It’s been fried by a straightener so many times it looks like uncooked spaghetti strands. “I can set you up with someone. I hear Lily is single again.”
            “Lily?” I scrunch my nose. That girl has had so many guys in her pants it’s not even funny; more than I can count on two hands. “No thanks.”
            Victoria huffs. “I’m actually starting to think you’re gay.”
          I shake my head, laughing. “Nah. I don’t know. I’d probably be a shit boyfriend. And as if dad would let me, anyway.”
            I think about Sydney again. There’s something there, I swear there is. But she gives nothing away. It doesn’t help that I fucked it up. I don’t know what happened to me, why I was being such a jerk. I pull my phone out. Still no call or text from her.
            I glance at Victoria, who is still watching me. She’s a girl. Maybe she can help me out.
            “Well, there is someone...” I start slowly, looking out at the school.
            “Omigosh, what’s her name?” Victoria asks.
            “Sydney... something.” I reply.
            Victoria taps her chin. “I don’t think there’s a Sydney here. What school does she go to?”
           I think back to last Friday. I remember asking her, but once again, she gave nothing away besides her name. How could I know so little about her but still want her so bad?
            “No idea.” I tell her.
            “When are you seeing her again?”
            “Friday, hopefully.” If she still wants to see me.
       “Well, I can ask around for you if you want.” Victoria suggests.
            I nod. “Thanks.”