Absent

Chapter 12: Not-so-adorable bitch

"Why would I care to help to help you?" I reply, almost bored, and wanting nothing else than to put distance between us.

"Because... being sisters isn't enough for you?" Lindsey answers, as if it's obvious it should.

"Being sisters means we have the same last name and genes, not that I'm supposed to give a damn about your problems."

"Well... Oh my god, just help me!" She begins to panic, forgetting to sound convincing.

"You're begging me." I say, impressed she's reducing herself so much.

"Yes, hell I am. I think Galileo's cheating on me."

"You two broke up."

"It was just a fight. But he's already seeing someone else? I can't believe him!"

I sigh and sit on her bed, looking around to the black decorations on every wall. There are posters of metal and alternative-rock bands, such as Linkin Park, System of a Down, Metallica, Kiss, and others I've never heard of. There are music albums and videogames arranged neatly in tables and stands. The walls are painted with dark symbols and band logos. And then there's the dark clothes she always wears.

"Are you insecure about you boyfriend? You?" I ask.

"Oh, please. I trust Galileo. But I don't trust the bitch he's with. Some slut called Gissele Shields."

"So... how can I help you?" I ask, losing track of the conversation.
"She's in your same grade, Heather! Haven't you heard of her?"

I think hard, trying to remember, but I have never really talked to any of my classmates, except Jimmy, Vicky, and Chester. "I'm not very social, you know."

"Oh my god, you're a junior, and you're not very social?"

"Lindsey, I want to go to sleep, so can you make us both a favor and tell me what do you want me to do?" I interrupt her drama.

"I want you to go on Monday and tell that bítch not to mess with my boyfriend. I'd do it myself, but I'm refusing to go to school for personal reasons."
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I call Galileo (with the number Lindsey gave me) to inform him someone else is driving me. Then all I do is waiting for the sound of the motorcycle.

Alex arrives on time. I jump in behind him and he hands me my helmet, which he bought on Saturday after being calmly released from the hospital. The results should be ready for today, at afternoon. I pretend not to be as nervous as I really am, and smile. "Was it so easy to fix the motorcycle?" I ask.

"I spent the whole day yesterday on it. Looking good, right?"

"That's what I was going to say..."

We reach school, attracting everyone's interested attention and gossip. We take no notice as he walks me to class. I enter and as usually, pick a chair at the far end of the classroom. A girl with green eyes and brown hair, absolutely cute and adorable, sits next to me. "Hello. You're Heather Peacock, right?"

"Yes, that's me."

"I'm Gissele Shields."

"Oh." I say, remembering exactly who she is. I decide to talk to her about Galileo now, but the teacher comes in and the silence falls on each of us.
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It's 1:47. Alex and I arranged to go to the hospital in 13 minutes. I'm walking through crowds, making my quick way among students, when I see Gissele flirting with Chester. I stop dead on my tracks and make sure it's not the wrong picture.

But there's no way to confuse her smile and playing with her long hair, or the way her eyes shine when talking to him. Chester, on the other hand, is mildly attracted to her.
I feel an urge to attack her and teach her not to mess with-

"Hey, Heather." Galileo calls. I turn around toughly and smile at him. "Lindsey's still not coming?"

"No, she... She's sick..." I say, trying to keep him focused on me, but he spotted something behind me.

"Is that Gissele and... Chester?"

"Err... about that..." I begin. Galileo walks away from me, and interrupts their conversation. I could perfectly join in there, except that it's almost 2:00 already. I sigh and rush to meet Alex.