One Plus One Equals One

Chapter 17 - Gwen's POV

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

What on earth is that? Something is clawing at my brain, trying to get me to wake up, but I am too comfortable, snuggled into my blankets in the pitch black. Hesitantly I crack an eye open, murmuring in contempt when the buzzing starts again. As the fog hovering over my mind starts to clear, I realise it is in fact my phone that has stolen my precious sleep from me. This call had better be important whoever it is!

Lazily I stretch my arm out and pat around my bedside table, looking for the offensive object. The brightness of my phone when I finally touch it makes me groan in dismay, but when I see I have three missed calls from my mother, it is like a caffeine shot to the brain, and I sit up, (almost) wide awake. My mom must have forgotten about the time differences from America to Losington (or simply does not care that she is waking me up), or something terrible has happened. This is one of the only times she has contacted me in the three weeks I have been here. I have to admit, I really have not missed her voice.

"Hello?" I ask groggily, before remembering to switch back to Losingese.

"Ah, Gwendolyn, is that you?" My mother's posh voice flits through the phone.

No mum, you tried calling my phone three times to speak to a stranger. "Yes, is everything alright?" I ask, trying to keep my frustration under control.

"Yes, yes. Everything's fine." She sighs before going quiet.

Well this is certainly one of the most awkward phone calls in my life.

"So... why did you call?" I ask, unable to keep a little annoyance out of my tone.

Please tell me she did not ring me up at 3 am just to talk about the weather! I may go full psycho on her.

"I need to tell you something..." She suddenly blurts out nervously, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

My mother has never been anything other then cool, calm and collected my entire life. So why is it now, after desperately trying to get a hold of me that she sounds unhinged by something?

"Ok, what is it?" I ask anxiously.

"Your sister is engaged." She hesitantly reveals, making me release a deep breath.

"Oh, is that it? I was worried for a second! I thought someone had been injured or something bad had happened. Who's the lucky guy?" Or unlucky in my opinion.

"He is a member of parliament who will help her to run our country fittingly and will make sure our nation remains strong. Also, did I hear you speak improperly Gwendolyn? I certainly hope you are not picking up some of that common American slang!" My mother gasps, obviously not wanting to go into the subject of my sisters betrothed any longer.

She is certainly being very cryptic about him. It does not amaze me that Anastasia didn't even call to tell me she is getting married. She didn't even tell me she was dating someone! That is our relationship for you though - we barely have one at all.

"Sorry mother, I will not do it again. Also, I am having a wonderful time thank you very much." I tell her sarcastically.

"Great, well, I will see you in a couple of weeks then child."

"Ok, goodbye mother." She does not waste a second in cutting the call.

Well, that was certainly odd and out of character for my mother. I cannot help but feel like there is something more she wanted to say but chickened out from. What could she be hiding?

***

"Wow what's up with you? You look like one of the walking dead!" Torryn laughs as she walks up to me by my locker.

"Gee thanks." I reply sarcastically.

"Sorry Posh. Aren't you feeling well?" Torryn apologises.

"I was awoken at three am by a perplexing call from my mother, and struggled to fall asleep after, so I am quite tired." I reply stiffly, running on a short fuse today.

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. Is everything ok?" Torryn asks as she leans against the locker next to me.

"I think so Fire, I'm not really sure." I shrug as I pull out my books for the day.

"Hey girls!" Evolet exclaims as she joins us. "This is my friend Kendra; can she hang out with us today?" She asks sweetly, referring to the African beauty beside her.

"Of course!" I reply as I shut my locker.

"Hey, did you guys here about Latisha Morgan's party next Saturday?" Torryn asks nonchalantly as we head towards first class.

"Yes, it's going to be awesome! I can't believe she's brave enough to do an open invite!" Kendra exclaims excitedly.

"I haven't heard about it." I reveal as two boys shove past me, causing Torryn to curse them with some colourful language.

"Oh you have to come! It's going to be epic!" Evolet giggles excitedly.

"Hey, why don't we all go together?" Torryn suggests.

"Yes of course! That would be so fun." Evolet replies.

"Ok, I'll come. I am sure Laurene will not mind." I smile happily, excited at the prospect of going to my first ever high school party.

"Have you ever been to a party before?" Torryn asks which makes me blush in embarrassment.

"N-no, I have not." I reveal, causing the others to gasp in shock.

"What? You've never lived girl!" Kendra exclaims.

"I know... If it's ok with your family Rayne, then why don't we all meet at your house so we can get glammed up together? You are closest to Latisha's house." Evolet suggests.

"That sounds wonderful, now I am really excited!" I exclaim.

"I can't wait; it's been a while since I got my freak on." Kendra giggles as she starts mock dancing in the hallway, causing us all to laugh.

If only the night in question turned out to be as fun and carefree as I thought it would.

Edited