Chasing Pavements

Big Bad Wolf

*Last Sunday*

Sundays mean only one thing, group dinner with The Smiths, my best friends family. As much as this should excite me, and it did at one point, it was torture now.

Sebastian Smith is the bane of my existence now that we are seventeen years old and not little kids. Being childhood best friends is a lot of work when one is in love with the other. And let me tell you, it is not as sunshine and rainbows as it seems.

Growing up with 'Bash was a blessing, my older brothers were cruel and my parents didn't pay much attention to us. They worked a lot and were barely home, and even when they are home, they don't listen to anything I have to say. Nor do they care about how I am doing, as long as I am making it in school, all is well. 'Bash was my saving grace, my angel in disguise. He was there when no one else was, but then we grew up and high school hit.

Now we are still friends, we still have lunch together, and are study partners, but with the addition of his new 'crushes'. It used to be fun, to hang out together, but now, if he's not talking about girls, he is bringing one to our study sessions and our family dinners. I know it shouldn't bother me, that, as his best friend, I shouldn't care but now that I know my true feelings towards him, it's not easy anymore. Now I'm stuck in a constant state of envy and insecurity when I'm around him. We love a good broken heart, right?

"Hera, they're here!" Eric, my oldest brother, yells as soon as the door bell rings. I sigh knowing that Luke has probably brought Casey here. Cue eye roll. Casey James, the girl whom has Sebastian infatuated with her this month. I can't wait to see how this goes.

*Half way through dinner*

"Casey dear, Sebastian here has told us that you're on the dance and softball team?"

My mom asks, will side eying me, probably trying to make me feel bad for only joining the book club. She tends to do this with most of the girls the boys bring over. But it hurts a lot more when it's with the girls he introduces to us.

The rest of the dinner was the adults talking and occasionally asking the kids questions, only the Smiths asking me about my school life. Until we got on the subject of thanksgiving break. My family and I are just staying in town for the week, not really big vacationers. However, the Smith's are going to Florida for the week. They are leaving tomorrow and aren't getting back until Saturday night.

"I can't wait! It is going to be so much fun this year now that 'Bash wants to join us."

Mrs. Smith's excitement is shinning trough.

"Hera, hunny, are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

"No I still have some homework assignments the I need to finish during the week, I would not be much fun if I came along."

I honestly would have loved to go with them, but the thought of having 'Bash with me all week long and just me scared me, especially since he would probably be waxing poetic about Casey during the week. So to save my sanity, I have to decline and stay home with people who wished I had left.

*end of dinner*

"Bye y'all! I hope the trip is fun. Be safe and take a lot of pictures."

My mom yells as they leave the house to go hit the road. Once the car is out of our sight, mom turns and walks back into the house, the rest following, leaving me to my lonely. It was only seven-thirty at night and I really do not want to stay home tonight. I will probably tell my mom that I'm sleeping at a friends house, she doesn't care enough to ask questions.

I pack a small bag with a change of clothes, phone charger, and some cash. I yell bye as I want through the doorway, only receiving a half hearted be safe from my brothers.