When You Least Expect It

35

After the whole spring break disaster, I decided to keep myself as busy as I can. I picked up extra shifts every day to avoid getting myself into any more trouble. It's been nice honestly; I haven't had to think about anything but school and work. Now, we're less than a month away from summer. Everyone else is excited about their summer plans but, I'm wondering where the hell I'm going to go. My housing is not paid for over the summer, even if I take summer classes. Makes me even more thankful for the extra shifts, I'm going to need all the funds I can get.

Ashley Grace has been moping around a bit as summer approaches. Corey will graduate and has plans to move a couple of hours away. She still has at least two years of classes left. I feel bad for her, I don't know how they're going to make long distance work. Considering they haven't spent any real time apart since they got together. Poor thing.

Whitney has been texting and calling me non-stop. I haven't bothered replying and I've been so busy I haven't run into her. Thank the heavens above for that! I don't even really know what to say to her. I don't know how to forgive her, that scene replays in my head every time I think about her. I just feel like an absolute fool for thinking our relationship would be any different. Maybe I'm being unfair. I don't know. I just can't deal with her yet.

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Thursday night rolls around and I'm dragging myself up the steps when Katie hollers at me. "Hey stranger, where have you been the last two weeks?"

I turn around and sit on the top step as she makes her way to me, "Just keeping myself busy. You know what they say about idle hands."

"I know what you mean," She sighs, "Still, don't work yourself too hard. You deserve to have a little fun you know?"

I pat the step next to me and she sits. "I know. I will. I just needed a break from the crazy. Just get out of my head for a little while and stay busy doing something productive for once."

"Well, you can always hang out with me and Lace. We will keep you out of trouble."

"Oh really?" I raise my eyebrows, "I seem to recall a pool party that got me into a lot of trouble thanks to you."

She laughs, "Yeah, but that was forever ago! Besides that was fun! And it was the start of what I consider a great friendship. Even Lacie likes you now." She bumps me with her shoulder.

I chuckle, "I guess. But I know better than to say you'll be the one to keep me out of trouble."

"Well, speaking of trouble, what are your plans this weekend?"

"I don't know. I haven't given it much thought. What are you up to this weekend?"

"Nothing too crazy. I just thought it would be nice to hang out. We haven't really got to do that a whole lot lately."

I raise my eyebrow at her, "I have a feeling you're up to no good."

She laughs again, "Derek, I swear. I just want you to relax and forget about all the drama that went on. You don't have to jump into my bed again. I won't molest you; I swear." She crosses her heart, "Scout's honor. Unless you ask me to."

I pat her leg, "Hell maybe that's what I need." I stand and hold my hand out to help her up, "In all seriousness though, you're right. I'd love to hang out with you both this weekend. Ashley Grace and Corey too if they're up for it. Heck even Jason and Riley if they can keep their tongues out of each other's throat long enough."

"That is no joke. I don't know how those two horn-balls get anything done when they're together." She wipes the back of her jeans and opens the door.

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