Always Adam

Chapter 13

Word spreads that I wasn't back for my afternoon classes. The next day I get questioned from Nat and Ava who are waiting at my locker instead of Donnie or Adam. I assure them there is nothing going on with Carlos. "I'm confused," I say to Nat after Ava finally leaves. Nat looks at me as we head down the hall towards our classes. "About." I stop walking and look up at her. "Why was Ava concerned about me and Carlos." Nat shifts her books from one arm to the other. "Ava's just looking out for Adam. She worries about him." I raise an eyebrow at her. She shrugs. "That's all I can say." With that she walks away leaving me to wonder what more there is.

The next couple weeks pass rather fast. Nat and Ava come over every Saturday night to hang out. We usually just chill out and watch movies. Nat and Ava usually sleep over. Adam hasn't been back since the first time he came. Donnie hasn't asked to come over which was a relief to me. Monday the girls are busy talking about Halloween when I reach the lunch table. "What's up," I ask sitting while they both stare at me. "Nat's foster brother is working the front door this Saturday at Rush," she says excitedly. "He told her he'd let us in," she adds. I look at the two of them. I know Rush is a dance club. It had a reputation for being crazy. I hesitate to say anything. I'm not so sure it's a good idea for me. If I get caught, I would be in deeper shit than what I've already managed to get into.

"Please don't say no. Donnie and Adam are probably going. It's going to be tons of fun. We can go out shopping for costumes. Please. Please. Please," Ava begs. Against my better judgment I say "I'm in." They both squeal in delight. "It's going to be so much fun," Ava says. I listen as they ramble on about costume possibilities. I want to be as excited as they are, but I can't help but worry. Last time I went along with my friends my entire life changed. I can't help but think that maybe it changed for the better. I sort of like my new place and friends.

Donnie sits down next to me and Ava fills him in on the weekend plans. He says he's in. After school, I leave my car at the school and go with Ava and Nat shopping for costumes. We go to one of those temporary Halloween places to shop. Ava picks out several costumes and so does Nat. They wait while I scan the outfits several times. I still haven't picked one. They want me to go slutty and I'm not real thrilled with that idea. I mean a club with older men. I don't think it's smart. I try to smash the logical side of my brain. I tell myself I am young and should be having fun. Obviously Nat and Ava aren't worried about dressing slutty. I am getting use to dressing a bit less conservative.

"This one," Nat says handing me a skimpy devil costume. "I like this one," Ava says handing me a catholic school girl outfit. I roll my eyes at them, but take the costumes. We have a blast in the dressing room. The girl working there peeks in several times scowling at us. We just collapse on the floor in a fit of laughter. Nat tries on a Heidi costume and being tall with her long blond hair we can't help but laugh. Ava and I quickly braid her hair and she looks like a perfect Heidi. In the end she decides on a slutty nurse.

Ava tries on several costumes and we decide she looks best as a slutty maid. Nat and both get hit in the face with a feather duster when we comment on how she looks like a natural in the costume. I try on the devil costume. It looks cute. Nat decides it's not slutty enough and makes me try on the catholic girl outfit. Even I have to admit it's perfect. It fits their slutty criteria, but I also think I look cute in it. Our outfits chosen, we head to Pizza Pizza for something to eat.

I'm surprised when Donnie and Adam show up. "I sent Donnie a text," Ava says. Donnie slides in next to me and Adam sits across the table next to Nat. "I picked him up at the river on the way," Donnie says pointing to Adam. "I guess I know why you ordered two pizza's now," I say to Ava. She shrugs and smiles at me. I wonder if or what she is up to. Donnie is sitting closer to me than he needs to be. I can't move away since we are in a booth and it would look silly if I'm kissing the wall with my body.

The guys insist they are not dressing up this weekend. Ava tells them we need a doctor to go with Nat and a teacher for me. Donnie is practically drooling with talk of my outfit. Adam is quiet. He looks sad and lost in thought. He looks almost haunted at times. The pizza's come and we all pig out. I decide I should run after I get back to my place. The last thing I want is to put on weight because I'm eating bad and not doing enough as far as exercising. My daily runs haven't progressed to daily.

Ava drops me off at my car and I head home. Once there I change into sweats and pull my hair back into a ponytail. It's dark,but I don't care. I need to work off the pizza I ate. I run the same route that I've been running. I know I should change it up for safety reasons, but I don't. I reach the playground and find a swing to sit on. I don't plan to hang out long. Just a couple minutes to catch my breath before going back. I look around trying to figure out what house belongs to Ava and Adam. I finally spot Ava's car. It's parked in front of a cute two story brick house. I can't help but look to see if Adam is on the porch. It looks empty. A light on upstairs captures my attention. I wonder who's room it is. I need to head back so I do.  

As he does almost every morning, Donnie is waiting at my locker. He walks me to first period. We talk about Saturday. He jokes that he plans to dress up as a teacher. I look at him with my serious look. He laughs but doesn't say he won't. I don't really want him to dress up in something that looks like we are together as a couple. I want to go and have fun. I want to just be a free spirit like Ava and Nat. I want to have fun without worrying about Donnie. I make sure I keep both my hands on my books. I don't want him to try to take my hand. I like Donnie a lot, but I just don't feel the way I should if I wanted to date him. I wonder if that's how Mike felt about me. He notices me frown. "Something wrong," he asks. I shake my head no. "I was just thinking about an old friend." We reach my room and he tells me he will see me at lunch.

At lunch the discussion today is about Friday. Friday is Halloween. I remember Donna leaving me a message about stopping by Friday. Olivia wants me to see her outfit. I feel bad I haven't seen them since I left. "I got an idea," I say. Everyone looks over at me. "We could all go to Fright House," I mention as Nat steals a bite of my cookie. "I haven't been there in years," Nat says. "I've been there," Ava adds. Donnie takes a bite of his hoagie. "I went last year and it was pretty cool," he says once he finishes his bite. "I usually go every year with my friends. I don't want to break tradition," I say looking at the five of them. They were my friends now.

We're in deep discussion about Fright House when Adam joins us late. His appearance at lunch is random. I never know when he will show up. He takes the seat on my right side since Donnie is sitting to my left. Janae is trying to get out of going. "I hate to be scared," she whines. "I'll protect you my lady," TJ says puffing up his chest and showing off his muscles. "What does Janae need protection from," Adam asks as he sits down next to me. "Fright House," we all say in unison. Adam grins. "I'm in." We all talk excitedly about our plans.

The rest of the week goes by fast. Friday after school everyone is supposed to meet my place. I had planned to make dinner, but Donna left me a message insisting we all come to the house and she would make dinner. She was anxious to meet my new friends. I was hesitant, but finally agreed. When Ava and Nat showed up neither of them minded. We were waiting for Donnie and Adam. I was disappointed Janae and TJ baled on us. Janae just couldn't bring herself to go. We tried to convince her all day but didn't have any luck.