Things End, Deal With It

seventeen

When I woke up that day, at noon, I was alone. My mother was more than likely at work, and I had no idea where Nash had gone. After grabbing my phone, I went downstairs to eat. I made myself a bowl of frosted flakes and sat down in the living room. I flipped on the TV and changed it to the cooking channel. I eat my cereal while I watched Barefoot Contessa, my all time favorite food network show. I have no idea what she's making, but it looks good. My stomach growls, and I shovel down the rest of my cereal. I feel like I haven't eaten in ages. My eyes widen when I realize what this means. My period next week. I groan loudly and stomp into the kitchen, just fuckin' great.

After putting my empty bowl in the sink, I go upstairs to check if I have enough.. supplies for next week.

Just great. I think to myself. Only two left. I could've sworn I had a whole box. I put them back and walk into my room. I change into a pair of black jean shorts with studs on the pockets and an orange tank top. That's right, I'm wearing Halloween colors in July. Deal with it.

I let my hair loose and then remember I didn't brush it last night.

"Damn it," I swear and pin it back into a pony tail. I text Christina and ask if she can come get me. I don't think that was the smartest thing to do, but she's the closest to me. I don't even if she'll reply.

I go downstairs to wait, and about five minutes later, she replies.

Listen. I don't know if you think we're still friends, but I don't consider us friends anymore. Chloe's my best friend and what you did to her was unbelieveable. Even if it didn't happen to me, I don't think I can forgive you for what you did. Please don't text me ever again. Please delete my number.

I nod slowly at my phone. She has no right to be mad because I didn't even do anything with Nash. I mean maybe something will happen now, but we didn't do anything then. I delete the text message, and her number, and text Marisol instead. She's more than happy to come and get me; something about we need to spend more time together. She doesn't even know I just want to go to the store to get pads.

*

"You used me," Marisol mocks hurt as I tell her what I need. "I thought you genuinely wanted to hang out with me." She wipes away her fake tears, and then steps on the gas. She drives recklessly through the neighborhood and only slows down when we near the store that's closer to her place then mine.

"We could've just went to the gas station. They have what I want."

"Oh well. We're already here." She unbuckles her seat belt and gets out of the car. I follow her swift motions and go into the Save A Lot. "Besides, I need to get groceries for the house," she says, swinging my arm back and forth. "Cameron and Matt came over with Taylor and ate all my food. They're such boys," she adds.

"When I come over to your house, I eat all your food. Does that mean I'm a boy?" I fight a smile as she looks at me.

"I didn't mean that."

"Of course you didn't." We continue towards the store, and once we get inside, we get everything we need and more. I grab just a few minor things for the house, which she thankfully pays for, and we check out.

"I forgot to mention," she starts while in the check out aisle. "Taylor's having this like little party thing at his place, do you wanna come?"

"By little, you probably mean huge, so of course." I smile at her. She's a few inches shorter than me, but only because I'm like a frickin' giant. "Do I have to like, dress up?" I crinkle my nose at the thought. Dressing up is fun and all, but it takes so much time. I only dress up, put on a dress and do my hair and makeup, for special occasions. This will probably be one of those.

"Even if you didn't have to, I would make you. So, you're going to." She pays in cash then we grab our bags and head to the car. We stash everything in the back seat and drive the few miles to her house. When we're already outside of her house, she asks, "Did you want to go back to your house?"

"Nah, it's fine. What time is the party?" I ask as I open my door.

"It'll start about," She pauses to get out of the car. "Nine-ish," she finishes, opening up the back door. We carry in all the groceries in one trip and sit them in the kitchen. "Do you want me to cook up something for lunch?" Marisol ask, while unpacking a plastic bag.

"I ate cereal when I woke up."

"Oh, c'mon. I know you want some of this." She takes a box of macaroni and cheese and shakes it at me.

"You little shit." I lower my eyes at her. "Don't bride me." She laughs and leaves it out on the stove.

"I know you want it." She winks at me, and we finish unpacking, putting everything away afterwards. "You just wanna hang out here until the party?" Marisol fills a pot with water and sets it on the stove to boil.

"Yeah, that's good. We can watch some movies." She nods and adds oil to the water. I step to the doorway and take off my shoes to go to the living room. "I gotta pee!" I shout and jog up the stairs. I go to the bathroom, wash my hands, and then head downstairs. Marisol is in the kitchen talking on the phone, laughing away. She places the phone on the counter and puts it on speaker to stir the boiling water, pouring in the macaroni.

"The party's going to be great, babe." Taylor's voice flows through the speakers, and I frown. She wanted to spend time with me yet she's on the phone with Taylor.

"Agreed, how many people are coming?"

"Well, I invited a lot so hopefully a lot." He chuckles through the phone, and I walk into the living room. Why am I so angry that she's talking to her boyfriend on the phone? Period problems.