Thirty Reasons Not to Date a Player

24. He Never Seems to Care

When I open my locker on Wednesday morning, there's a beige envelope on top of my AP Lit text book. I put my binder down and open it, immediately recognizing it as a party invitation.

You're Invited!

Event: Rachel Jackson's 17th birthday party

Time: Saturday, November 30th, @ 7:30 P.M.

Location: Jackson-Hayes Residence, 112-19 Yellowstone Blvd, 78th Street

RSVP!

At the bottom page are the words, "P.S. - You ARE going. No exceptions!" in Rachel's girly handwriting. Guess I won't be needing to RSVP.

Suddenly, someone puts their hands over my eyes. They smell like bath and body works lotion. I shove the invitation back into my locker but I relax a little when a feminine voice sings out, "Guess who?"

"Hey Rachel," I say confidently, turning around to face her and promptly removing her hands.

She smiles, seemingly pleased that I was able to recognize her so quickly. "So you're coming on Saturday, right?"

"Do I have a choice?" I ask, rolling my eyes. Rachel is so set on me going, and once she sets her mind on something, it seems as though nothing can shake her.

"I barely get see you around school as it is," she complains. "I had to ask Ryder where your locker was so I could find you."

Something inside me jumps at the mention of his name. It's quite the reaction for a girl who's supposed to be getting rid of her feelings. "Ryder knows where my locker is?" I ask dumbly. My brain never seems to work properly when it comes to him.

"Well I found you, didn't I?" Rachel chirps. She's in an usually good mood this morning. I wonder what's up with her, but I don't ask. It annoys me when people pry into my personal life, so I imagine she wouldn't like it much either.

"True," I say dryly, unable to match her enthusiasm.

Rachel folds her arms over her chest. "Why the face?"

"What face?"

"That face," she says, holding up her pointer finger. "Did you and Ryder kiss and make up?"

"W-what?" I choke out, a wave of heat rising to my cheeks. How does she always seem to know what's going on? But if Rachel knows, there's a chance that other people know, too.

Ag.

"It's just an expression," she says, nonchalantly tossing a few strands of hair over her shoulder. "You didn't actually kiss did you?"

I stare at the floor. "Um."

Rachel's eyes sparkle with both surprise and excitement "Amara Jane Harrison, do you mean to tell me that you and Ryder kissed?! And I'm hearing about it now?!"

I yank her arm and pull her to the side. "Tell the whole school why don't you!" I say, my eyes wide with irritation. "You are so freaking loud!"

She laughs, "I'm sorry, but this is crazy! Totally gross too, 'cause we're talking about my step-brother here, but I'm forever alone so my only solace is to live through you."

"Please don't mention this to anyone. Like anyone," I beg, ignoring her overly-dramatic monologue. My life will literally be over if this gets around school.

"I won't tell a soul," she promises, pretending to zip her lips and throw away the key. "But you have to tell me everything!"

Technically, I think to myself, I don't have to tell you anything. But I have to admit, I've been itching to talk to someone about the whole mess since it happened. With so many things going around in my head, I'm starting to feel like I'm losing my sanity. Talking it out might help.