The Peterson's

Chapter 4

So, the first day is finally finished.
I guess it was...ok?
I actually met someone this time, which is a change.

I walk out of the school doors and head over to Dylan, who is sitting on a bench outside, on his phone. "Heeeey" I mess up his hair as I take a seat next to him. "Hi" He says, still looking at his phone. "Wow, you aren't antisocial at all" I cross my arms and roll my eyes. He still doesn't look up from his phone or respond, making me more pissed.

"DYLAN" I punch him hard in the arm, making him look up.
"Ouch. What was that for?" He whines.
"You didn't reply" I answer.
"Yeah well that's because I'm doing something..Important?" He almost questions.

"Like?" I look over at his phone and know exactly what he is talking about "Dylan, really? You can't do this anymore. You are going to be caught soon and our family is already in enough shit. We can't risk you being in jail too"

"I'm not taking much! Zoey, Dad didn't tell you this but he told the rest of us that he's running out of money...quickly. We can't afford food or pay mortgage. This money could keep us going. We need it." He shrugs.

"So Dad talked to all of you? Except me? Wow, he really does hate me, doesn't he?" I sigh and look at the ground. I feel Dylan rub my back.

"Hey, don't say that. He probably just gets upset seeing your face because...you are just as beautiful as Mom" He murmurs the last part but I still hear.

I turn and face him "No I'm not. Mom was like a frigging supermodel. I'm dirt compared to her" he just smiles and shakes his head.

"What did I miss?" I look up and see Jordan looking at both of us, his cheeks covered in red lipstick.

I think we all know what he was doing in his free period.

"Uh nothing" I say, standing up.

"Do you think Zo looks like Mom?" Dylan blurts out.

"Shut Up Dylan!" I say through gritted teeth as we start walking home.

"Yeah, she does. In fact she's prettier" Jordan answers Dylan's question while looking at me.

"You are both blind. Mom was be-aut-iful. I. Am. Not" I say, slowly.

They laugh and then go on their phones.

My phone suddenly buzzes, making me confused. No one ever texts me.

Both of my brothers look at me in awe as I pull my phone out.
"What?" I ask, as I unlock my phone.

"Zoey Peterson. The person with NO friends has just received a text message. What happened today?" Jordan asks, sounding shocked.

"I might have met someone" I smirk as I open my messages up.

"What? Who? Where? When?" Dylan interrogates me.

"A boy. Cafeteria. For about 2 minutes. I don't think it was really anything. We just small talked" I bite my lip thinking about the moment.

"You like him! What's his name?" Jordan asks, crossing his arms.

"I'm not telling you because you'll scare him" I shake my head and walk ahead so they can't read the message.

It's from an unknown number.

Hello Just Zoey

I immediately know who it is.

Z: How did you get my number?

C: I know people

Z: What do you want?

C: There's a party tonight down at the lake. It's a Monday tradition. Come

"Hey, guys. Can I go to a party down at the lake? Everyone is going" I beg my brothers.
"Uh no. It's Seniors party so there will be alcohol and you're underage plus I'm going and I don't want you to embarrass me" Jordan answers, sounding twice his age. "Pleeeeeaaase" I face Dylan and he shrugs "Sorry Zo but I have to agree with Jordan. It's a Seniors party. You're a Sophomore. Not a good mix" I huff and march through the front door. I run upstairs and into my room, slamming the door behind me.

I'm really good at sounding like a stereotypical hormonal girl.
My phone is still open on the chat, his text basically waiting for a response.

So I respond.

Z: See you tonight