Life (and Other Things Like It)

Chapter 24

"Tell us!" Brittany demanded as soon as the group hit the sidewalk outside.

"Tell you what?" Mercedes asked.

"How was it to meet ‪Chris Brown‬? I bet it was so cool!"

"It was. He's really funny."

"Is he cuter in person?"

"Drake is." Marcy stared at Ellen, who pouted.

Brittany squealed. "Eek! Are you guys friends now?!"

"I think so." Marcy frowned, not messing with Ellen this time. "We exchanged numbers and followed each other on social media."

"So did me and Chris." Mercedes nodded.

Anna didn't like that. "He didn't hit on you, did he?"

"He was only kidding."

"What?!"

"Did Drake hit on you?" Ellen worried.

"I wouldn't have heard it over my hitting on him." Marcy lifted a shoulder before turning to Karou. "Ready?"

Karou grinned. "Yeah, let's do it!"

The two took off running with their dogs.

Ellen growled.

Mercedes wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her left arm. "She's only playing."

"She didn't hit on him?"

Mercedes stilled.

Ellen's face crumpled.

M-A-P

"Your birthday was last week and if I recall correctly, we went out and did everything you wanted." Marcy lifted a brow.

"I know but think of this as birthday extended." Ellen tried.

"You get three days where it's all about you. No more, no less."

"Three?"

"Your birthday, Valentine's Day and the anniversary thing."

"Thing?! And Valentine's Day is for all of us!"

"If it was really about me, we wouldn't celebrate it."

Mal snorted in amusement.

Ellen turned to him and he looked away quickly. She turned back to Marcy with a pout. "Please!"

"No." Marcy scribbled more numbers and letters onto her page before tossing aside her pen in aggravation. "I'm late."

"For what?" Mal raised a brow.

"You are, too. Are you taking the twins with you or am I taking them with me?"

He nodded. He understood now. She meant volunteering. "Um... I think it's my turn."

"I'll get them ready before I go." Marcy began closing her books and putting away her homework.

Mal did, too. "Will you pick up dinner on your way back?"

"Sure. Want Chinese? I'm getting Chinese..."

He chuckled.

Ellen gave a low scream of frustration. "You're not listening to me!"

"Because I'm actively ignoring you." Marcy told her.

Ellen crossed her arms. "It's not fair! If I had some boy's number, you'd freak out!"

"Have we met?!" Marcy laughed. "I don't do jealousy!"

"That's more my thing." Mal admitted.

"Then why aren't you freaking out?" Ellen pouted.