Best Friend's Brother~ Shalaska

Sharon

I sat at the edge of the pool with my ankles dangling in the cool water.
"You not going in?" I lifted my sunglasses and looked up at Justin, Brooke's younger brother.
"I didn't bring my swimming stuff."
"Oh, well do you want some company whilst you're waiting for Brooke?"
"Sure." Justin dropped his towel on the edge of the pool before sitting down next to me.
"How long has she been getting ready for?"
"About an hour."
"I don't know how you're still here; I would've given up hope."
"I can't complain."
"Sharon takes a while?"
"Mhm." I pulled down my sunglasses, off my head, to cover my eyes once more before leaning back on my hands.
"So, are you two going to Jackson's party tonight?"
"If I can persuade Brooke to go, she hasn't been in the mood for parties lately, she's just been quiet."
"You worry about her too much."
"Why are you annoying Aaron?" Brooke moaned as she marched over.
"I said he could join me."
"Yeah well come on I want to go shopping before the party."
"You actually want to go?"
"Yes, now come on I need to go shopping."
"Why?"
"I have nothing to wear."
"You're such a lying bitch Brooke." Justin laughed.
"Just shut your mouth and go write in your diary."
"I don't have a diary!"
"You go with that." Brooke held out her hand and I took it before standing up and following her into the house.
"You should ignore him in future."
"He's not that bad."
"Try living with him then."
"I'll pass but to be honest I practically live here anyway."
"That's true." I slipped on my shoes and watched Brooke sort her hair in the mirror.
"You look fine."
"I look like a banshee."
"Stop being a drama queen, that's my job."
"Fine now come on I really do need a new outfit." I slipped on my jacket and Brooke picked up her keys before we headed out to her litter filled car.
"Sorry about that just chuck it all on the floor or in the back." I did as I was told and kicked all the wrappers to one side.
"What's this?" I asked as I sat down and picked up a red liquid lipstick.
"Oh, I was meaning to give you that, it was a sample and I thought you should try it, I have more at home and they're fairly good." I unscrewed the top and looked in the mirror as I quickly applied it to my lips.
"So, what do you think?" Brooke asked as she reversed out of the front drive. "It's alright."
"You can keep it; I'll get you some more from work."
"Cheers."
"You're welcome, anyway you know Jackson's party?"
"Yeah."
"How would you feel about me inviting this guy I know."
"No way." I said before crossing my arms across my chest.
"Why not?"
"I'm not letting you set me up again."
"He's super sweet and he really seems to like you."
"In case you've forgotten I'm not a sweet person."
"I know but can't you at least give him a try?"
"Will it get you off my case?"
"Maybe."
"Then fine."
We spent the rest of the journey listening to music and singing along but before long we pulled into a space in the parking lot. I climbed out the car and followed Brooke to the entrance of the mall.
"Do you know if Justin is taking anyone to the party?" Brooke asked out of nowhere.
"No why?"
"It's just that I really did read his diary and he kept going on about liking this guy and I just wanna know who it is."
"I don't know sorry."

***

A short while later we left the mall carrying masses of clothes for Brooke.
"Are you sure you got enough?" I laughed causing her to roll her eyes.
"Actually, there were two other shirts on their website I wanted but they didn't have in stock."
"Brooke you have no room left in your closet."
"Oh well I'll donate a few and if we're going to a party, I need a new outfit."
"Fine, do you think Jackson will be going back to school next week?"
"Why wouldn't he."
"Over the summer he got done for drugs and his parents were struggling to get him back into the school."
"What a dickhead, getting caught."
"I know right."
"Well I don't know I just hope that bitch Claudia isn't sat next to me again, I can't put up with her bullshit for another semester."
"Yeah I feel sorry for you there."
"Anyway, are you coming back to my place or do you want dropping at yours?"
"Do you think Sharon should go to this party or not?"
"Yes!"
"Then my house."
We dumped the bags containing Brooke's new clothes on the backseat then sat down, did up our belts and I turned on the music.
"What do you want to listen to?" I asked as I scrolled through our joint playlist on Spotify.
"Um is this is Life on Mars still on there?"
"It sure is." I clicked the song then placed Brooke's phone back into the cup holder as David Bowie filled the car.

***

We arrived at my house and I turned to face Brooke as I unclipped my belt. "Right I'll see you later, do you want me to pick you up?"
"No, I'll pick you up, I've got to pick up the others anyway."
"He better not be a minger."
"He's not I promise."
"I'm trusting you." I kissed Brooke on each cheek before climbing out the car and waving her off.
I turned and let myself into my house.
"AARON IS THAT YOU?!" My mum's voice echoed around the house.
"YEAH!" I shouted back. I headed into the kitchen and she soon appeared.
"I wondered when you'd be back."
"Why?"
"Are you free to babysit tonight?"
"Sorry mum I'm going to a party with Brooke."
"Do you have to? Can't you rearrange?"
"Not really, why?"

"It's just that my old school friend Colleen, you remember Colleen?" I just nodded. "Well she is back in town and we said we should meet up tonight, but she can't find anyone to babysit."
"Fine I'll do it." My mum smiled before pulling me into a hug. "I'll have to text Brooke and tell her."