The Advice Seller

4. Fred

I pick out a black dress from my wardrobe. Even if it's the only dress I've ever owned, I haven't worn it often. The last time was for Granny's funeral, which happened over five years ago.

I choose the shiny black high heels from my closet and walk around in them. I almost fall a few times, but I get the hang of it. It's not like I haven't ever worn high heels.

Shortly after, somebody knocks at my door.

"Hey, Tay. I get off work later tonight, remember ? I can come ppick you up if you need it," Johnathan offers.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure how much time I'll be spending there. I'll be worried about Lydia," I confess.

"Woah, why would you be worried about our little sister staying at our frightning old asian lady neighbour's apartment ? She'll be fine," he laughs, and I notice a hint of sarcasm.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll try to have fun tonight."

"Atta girl," he smiles and closes my door.

Johnathan was kind enough to drop me off at Brian's house. Well, his place actually looks like a mansion. How rich is this guy ?

"Be careful, party animal," he says as he ruffles my hair.

"Yeah, yeah. It's not like anything bad is going to happen tonight. We're only going to be a bunch of drunken teenagers alone in a mansion."

"I'm just watching out for you. I don't want you to get hurt," he tells me, and I can sense he has entirely lost his joking tone.

"Okay, you're slightly terrifying me. Since when are you such a dad ?" I scoff.

"Since I realized you're not a little girl anymore. Now, go have some fun but remember to stay safe. Always stay in control, got it ?" 

"Okay, father. Hate you," I call out as I get out of the car.

"Love you !" he shouts as he drives away.

I feel happiness ooze over my entire body. I'm happy my brother seems to have matured and has become aware of the fact that he is my only parental figure. He has always been, since I was twelve, but he has never taken the responsibility seriously and has never acted like he has now. I finally feel like I can have a good time, as I feel the weight of the burden I've been carrying on my shoulders, that I wasn't even aware of, disappear. I take a deep breath as I approach the manor.

I notice a few people talking and drinking outside of the house. I hear the loud voices of many people as I enter the house. It takes me a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dark lighting. I can tell a lot of people have been invited, and not just popular ones. Maybe that's why Skylar invited me after all. 

I don't have particular friends at the school. I think I didn't want to feel the same pain as I did when I left my old school. Although my friends there weren't exactly the best, I had fun most of the days and it made school a lot more bearable. I don't ever want to relive the slow distance that is established once a person moves away. It might just be the worst feeling ever. 

So, yeah, you can say I am a bit cold. I don't let anyone become close friends with me, although that doesn't mean I don't have friends. I actually have many, but I prefer staying home when they invite me to activities outside of school. Besides, I have my selling advice job, which takes up quite a lot of my free time.

I suddenly feel wrapping their arms around me. I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't see Skylar coming towards me.

"You really made it ! This is amazing ! I was sure you weren't gonna come," she slurs. 

She is obviously drunk. 

"Yeah, I'm here. Thanks for inviting me again, by the way."

"Hey, why don't you meet some of my friends ? I'm sure you'll get along !" she chirps.

I follow her as she makes her way into the crowd. I'm quite certain she loses balance a couple of times, but she makes it to her said friends.

"See, this is Abby, Liam, Fred and Paisley ! I have to say hi to some other people, so bye Taylor !" she says as she pats my shoulder.

I can't believe she left me with the school's losers. I have nothing against people that are excessively weird, but I really thought she believed I was a bit cooler. 

"So, um... Hey," I try.

"Hi, you're Taylor right ? As in the advice giver ? Can I have advice on something ?" Fred asks.

"Yeah, sure, what is-"

"I have this obsession over My Little Pony and I don't know what to do. I've watched the show over fifteen times and I can't stop. My grades are worse than ever now because of it. I'm failing every class and the principal said they've been consiering kicking me out unless I get better grades. I've spent over 500$ on My Little Pony merchandise and I don't want my parents to find out. I also used their credit card without asking them, so I'm pretty sure they'll be really mad. Can you help me ?" he cuts me off.

I sigh. They are a different kind of weird.

"I suddenly really have to go to the bathroom. What a coincidence ! Sorry !" I shrug as I try to find the nearest bathroom to authenticate my lie.

When I finally find it, I exhale loudly. I could really use a bathroom break away from my drunken crazy classmates. I try to open the door, but it appears to be locked. I decide to wait, since peeing doesn't take that long. I also don't want to get lost trying to find another bathroom.

After ten minutes, I knock on the door.

"Are you taking a shit in there ?" I shout, over the loud sound of the music.

And then the door finally opens, revealing a girl who has visibly cried. She mutters an apology and tries to push me aside to she can leave the room. I take her hand and lead her inside again, locking the door behind us. I decide she probably needs my advice more than Fred does, anyway.

Author's note

even if like nobody is reading my book, i will try to update every day (if i can). it's my personal goal (: hope you guys are liking the story so far !!