MELROSE

CHAPTER 32

There was one day that was right smack in the middle of February. The one day people thought it was okay to buy extra chocolates and flowers and gifts than they already did. It was the 14th of February.

My worst holiday of the year.

This morning, after Fletch and I had wished mum happy birthday through Skype as Diana had taken her away on a relaxation trip and she had hurriedly told us goodbye because she wanted to accept Don's Skype call, can you imagine, Fletch had ranted on about how he almost didn't get anything for Court as punishment for refusing to tell him who Davina's father was, turns out it wasn't Nigel.

I stepped into school, rolling my eyes at how it seemed Cupid had come during the weekend and puked all over. I walked past the lovey dovey couples, the envious single ones, the ones who seemed surprised to have a Valentine's gift waiting for them in their lockers, the popular guys who were smirking and comparing gift numbers to my locker where Courtney was waiting, panting.

"Heya Court." I greeted. "Why are you ..."

"I was outside. Talking to your brother. I told him how much I loved Valentine and how everyone was feeling the holiday spirit. He then said no, not everyone, you hate it. I left him and ran here. So, why do you hate today?

I sighed. "It's a long story."

"Go on."

"Alright. My uncle had been looking for his daughter for ten years. On Valentine's day, there was a car accident. My uncle and one of his colleagues were the only doctors available in the hospital that day. A nurse ran to him trying to explain the situation but he was to busy making date plans with his new found girlfriend on the phone to answer her. Instead, he screamed at her to get lout of his office. The nurse went ahead to call the other doctor who rushed in immediately. Before the comatose could even begin, she passed.

On searching the clothes of the dead young lady, her ID card with the name Amanda Martha Brester was found. Word was sent to my uncle and he confirmed that she was his missing child. He cried and cursed himself. The end."

Court shook her head. "Oh my god that is horrible. I hope he's okay."

I shrugged. "I would know, if he existed."

She blinked in confusion. I laughed. "I made it up. The real reason I don't like Valentine's day is the tears. I can't handle the way girls smear their makeup with tears when their val didn't notice them. Especially if it's Fletch and they give me the stink eye like it's my fault he's not interested."

She shook her head. "He's that much of a ladies man isn't he?"

I nodded. "Yep. Since you're his girlfriend now I suggest if you really have to use the bathroom, go home or use the male one."

She was walking away. "You can't be serious."

I was.

It didn't take long for me to realize that Ethan was avoiding me. If he saw me, he abruptly turned and walked away. The only thing I could think of was, what the hell did I do this time?

By the time it was the period after lunch break, I had given up. He didn't want to talk to me. I went early to my Literature class, groaning into my book I dumped on the desk, feeling the curious gazes of the other students burning into my back. Only one person had the balls to ask actually ask about it.

"Hey. You alright?"

I looked up to see one of the familiar faces I passed by in the halls, her hazel eyes resting behind small stylish glasses. "Do I look alright to you Cassie?"