The Naughty Spaceholder

Catherina

"I think I'm going to add a new color to my hair." Taking a sip from her smoothie, Sarah brushed the radiant, straight orange-red strands from her shoulder. After a thought or two, she added, "Maybe I’ll add silver streaks to it, but I'll ask Ryan first."

I nodded in agreement. "Good idea, since he's the one that's going to see it all the time."

Blue eyes narrowed at me. "Ha-ha, very funny." The head of hair shook when her head danced from left to right. "But, it's my hair and I’ll do whatever I want with it." The emphasis on I wasn't mistaken.

The jumbo red straw in my chocolate smoothie created a tornado in the large cup. "Right," I drawled, rolling my eyes at her dramatic gestures.

Sarah had been my friend since freshman year. At first, she befriended me to get close to Derek; the good old tactics of wanting me to hook her up with him. However, after spending time with each other we became close. Or she settled for me when she found out Derek only dated older women; a blow to most of the girl's efforts.

Regardless, that little dilemma paved the way for her and Ryan. They hooked up in our sophomore year. After a roller coaster of drama, they finally stayed together. Now, they were the definition of love.

"...and Greek God?”

Returning my attention to her, I asked, "Ah, repeat that?”

"I asked, how are things between you and Greek God? Are you guys back to being a happy couple?"

A long breath left my lips. I sipped the cool liquid in my cup, trying to formulate the right answer. "Yeah, for now, until Ms. Hooks calls again.” Her name left a bitter taste in my mouth. I took another sip of my drink to wash the disgust away. " I mean, we are going out on a date tonight."

An eyebrow was arched. "Date?"

I glared at her. "Ugh, you know what I mean." Another sigh was released. "A nice friendly dinner."

"Oh, darling." Sarah gave me a sympathetic look. It lasted for a minute then transformed into a brilliant smile. "At least, if his relationship with the cougar gets any more serious, then you could finally get a boyfriend."

Well, this conversation went downhill real fast.

The muscles in my forehead pulled together. "I don't want or need a boyfriend, Sarah. I am quite fine being single."

Tinted eyebrows shot almost to her hairline. "Single?" A laugh followed. "Darling, you're far from being single." Gripping my hands from across the table, our eyes met, and her features softened. "I know you're brainwashed, but we'll get through this."

A groan slipped through my lips, and I snatched my hand from hers. "I'm not brainwashed."

She made a tsking sound with her tongue. "Of course, you are.”

I attempted to voice my opinion, but she continued with hers, “But, you just don’t know it. I mean, you know he doesn't allow other guys on campus to ask you out. Yet, he goes around screwing other girls. Or should I say, women, having short term relationships. Still, you don't seem to care. You still welcome him in your bed at nights.

"But, it's okay, I understand. He's a Greek God. Who wouldn't want to be under his spell?” She reached out for my hand again, but I pulled it away. “Just be careful. And, when he gets serious with his cougar—"

"If they get serious," I grumbled.

Ignoring my comment, Sarah continued, "when he gets serious with her and breaks your heart, we'll go out and find you the perfect boyfriend to get over him."

I sank in my seat with a mumble, "Gee, thanks."

"Your welcome," she beamed, ignoring my tone, and taking a sip of her drink. "You know what I think?"

Oh, great! Here it came.

"No, not really."

"That's okay, I'm going to tell you anyway. I think you should get a potential boyfriend. Something like a backup plan. That way, when Derek pulls the plug, it won't hurt that much. I remember you sharing a piece of advice your dad gave you."

Oh, God.

"You can't put all your eggs in one basket. If you do, what happens when the basket gets damaged?"

Did she want an answer?

A purple coated fingernail tapped on the table. She went right into answering her question. "All the eggs get broken. Every single one. The incident will leave you devastated. You know I'm right."

I sighed aloud and I gulped down my beverage. "Thanks, Dr. Phil."

Sarah's soft chuckle floated around our table. The glass before her occupied her interest.

Oh, how I adored her, even though times like these irritated the hell out of me. I knew there was some truth to what she said. However, a part of me couldn’t look at the what if’s.

Ever since Derek and I were old enough to date, no one had ever asked me out. Back then, I was too focused on myself and Derek to care. If I was being honest, Derek was a tyrant, so all my time was spent trying to keep him in line. However, in the third form, I learned the reason for my lack of dates: it was because no one dared to break Derek's rules or they respected him too much to break the bro code.

When I learned this I was furious. I mean, who did Derek think he was? I didn't want a boyfriend, but that didn't mean he had the right to keep all the men at bay. As a result, I didn’t speak to him for a week.

That week was used to self-reflect, and with the help of my dad, I realized I was never upset Derek warded off other guys. In fact, I was grateful. I was upset because he pretended and lied to me for years. In the end, Derek apologized, and we came to an agreement: he could carry on his little scheme if he promised he would be honest.

Did our arrangement mean I was brainwashed? No, it meant I knew the value of being single. It allowed me to stay focused on my school work, myself, and my friends. So, sue me for using Derek to ensure my life stayed the same, but I was quite happy. Sometimes. Well, when Miss Hooks stayed in her lane.

"How long do you think she'll last?" I murmured.

Sarah arched a brow. "Who?"

I stirred my drink faster. "Miss Hooks."

Red lips curled into an oval shape. "I don't know, but it does look serious." She laughed at a hidden joke before, "It looks like she's got him hooked."

My eyes narrowed and her laughter ceased. "Sorry, I got carried away. But, don't worry, if you try out my plan you'll be good."

When she noticed my frown, she continued, "Or don't try it, it's all up to you. Just know at the end of the day, I'll be here for you."

Nice. Great pep talk.

"Okay, girl, let's go. Ryan's coming over later. And, you need to prepare for a date." Sarah stood, rampaging through a black handbag for her purse.

"I'll pay this time," I intervened on her search.

"Okay, no rebuttal from me," she laughed.

Chuckling to myself, I paid the bill and followed her out the door.

Excitement urged me to hurry. I hadn't been out on a date with Derek in a while. At least, I still came first. For now. For tonight.