Two and a half weeks. Seventeen days. Four hundred and eight hours. 24,480 minutes. 1,468,8—well, you get the point. It’s been that long since I’ve seen Weston.
And I’m just about to blow my cap.
You know, you never really recognize how much a person keeps you balanced until they disappear. My brain seems to unravel without my morning mockery. I want to scream without my midday taunt. And I darn near killed myself when I didn’t get my after school ridicule.
This is not supposed to happen. I should be dancing and singing ‘La Bamba’ down the hallway! There should be a bright spirit burning in me. I should be elated. What is wrong with me?!
And the worst part is that I don’t even know why’s he’s gone. His suspension was only for a week. He’s a week and a half overdue. Not cool. So not cool.
“Where is he? I mean, doesn’t he know that we have things to plan for? This plan is dead without him! I’m going to murder him. Mutilate him! I just want to wring his neck so hard!”
It’s safe to say, I’m a little violent when I’m going crazy.
Jocelyn presses her books up against her chest. “A, I know a good counselor that might help with your anger management if you’re interested.”
I ignore her, continuing on with my rant. “I get it. He’s mad at me for not believing him and blah blah blah. But he’s like the boy who cries wolf! Do you know how many times he’s lied to me and I fell for it.”
Jocelyn sighs. “A lot.”
“Yeah, a lot.” I echo. “And so forgive me if I don’t have this sudden trust in him that everything he says is true. Maybe he should recognize this and bring his butt back to school so that we can finish this plan, and we’ll be out of each other’s hair.”
I see that Jocelyn’s a little annoyed, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m too far gone to care about other’s feelings at this point. And I continue my rant as we walk outside the school building, heading to the parking lot. “And he doesn’t even have the decency to call! Can’t he just ring up my phone and say, ‘Hey, Addelyn. I’m not coming to school for a while.’ Is that too hard?”
“I thought you didn’t like him calling you. In fact, a couple days ago, I specifically remember you telling me over the phone that you’d rather peel off a hundred hangnails than hear his infuriating voice over the phone receiver.” Jocelyn says.
“Well… that was a couple of days ago, when I didn’t mind Weston being gone.” I reply. “Now, it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Chris is waiting by his truck, which thankfully lacks lipstick, tapping his foot impatiently. He quirks an eyebrow at my tone of voice. “What are you so revved up about?”
“Weston. She’s mad he hasn’t shown up for school. She misses him.” Jocelyn smirks as she says the last part.
“I don’t miss him. He just needs to get back to school before this whole operation disintegrates.” And if his missing school ruins this plan, I can promise you that I’ll take his head and shove it in a—” Jocelyn and Chris share a look, grinning at each other. I frown. “What?”
“It sounds to me like someone’s getting a little attached.” Chris says.
I roll my eyes. Attached? To Weston? Please. My needing him is much different than being attached. “Keep dreaming. I’m more attached to a bed of nails.”

YOU ARE READING
Strictly Business
Teen Fiction"It's so simple," I say. "All we have to do is pretend we're in love with each other. You know, hold hands, share Eskimo kisses and all that crap. And at the same time, we'll destroy Jackson and Kristina's relationship. Make them think that thei...