(Sophie)
The morning had just arrived and I had been getting off my bed. My mom came home last again, but that wasn't much of a surprise. The weird thing is my mom rarely used to come home, in fact, she was rarely ever in town, but recently she seems to be around a lot more
I was curious to know what prompted the change, but I didn't have the time to ask with all the homework my teachers dumping work on me this week, especially Mrs. Jones, who I swear hates children. Luckily, thanks to having Taylor as my partner all of my Chem assignments were finished almost immediately allowing me to keep up with my other classes.
I guess it pays to have a genius as a partner. Speaking of Taylor he seems to be avoiding me recently I don't know what I did, but he's keeping his distance and he's always running off somewhere when we finish our projects
Well, it's fine, I guess. It's not like I have time to worry about him, my energy was expended enough focusing on just avoiding Nick at the moment
Nick was calling my phone again making it the one-hundredth time this week. I still didn't want to talk to him. Not because I was mad or anything
I mean he really didn't do anything with that girl, did he? I was just confused right now. And I couldn't shake the feeling that the next time we talk could possibly be the last and I'm not sure I'm ready for that conversation yet.
"Sophia Darling, it's time to get ready for school. If you'd like I'll drop you off" mom said
"Thanks, Mom just let me get ready," I said before rushing to the bathroom
(Trudy)
My eyes had just opened and I looked to my right of our bed. My husband was still fast asleep, his back towards me like every night.
Another night had gone without anything happening and the fear that my husband was cheating on me just wouldn't leave my heart, instead, it seemed to be becoming more likely by the day
God, I think I need someone to talk to about this. Maybe I should finally take James's advice and call my friends. Yeah, I'll start with Libby's mom. I got off the bed and quietly left the room
"Hey Carolyn"
"I'll be damned! Trudy Taylor. What possessed you to call me out of the blue like this?"
"Nothing really, I was just thinking about the old days when we use to talk and I wondered if you'd want to meet up. Say around nine? Let's make it a girl's night."
"Really? We haven't done one of those in a while"
"So are you in?"
"Hell yeah, I don't have anything doing tonight and you know me; I'm ready to party anytime" she answered
"Alright, I'll see you tonight," I said.
"Okay, I'll be in town soon as possible," she said
I then called Carl's mom
"Hello," she said
"Martha, it's been a while. How are you? " I asked
"I'm fine," she said
"Is everything okay? How's Carl?"
"Fine as well," was all she said
I had found talking to her awkward ever since that day and barely knew what to say, but I always knew what not to talk about
"So it's been a while since we talked to each other"
"Yeah, I guess"
"Honestly, I'm thinking about having a girl's night and I'm inviting everyone over"
"Including me?" she asked
"Yeah, I mean we're still friends, right?" I asked
"Um... yeah"
"So I'll see you there?" I asked
"Yes"
"Okay, right," I said before hanging up, and then finally, I called Sophie's mom
"Hey Tasha," I said
"Trudy? Is there something I can help you with? " She asked monotonously
"You aren't doing anything tonight by any chance, are you?" I asked
"Trudy I'm a very busy woman, I always have something to do," she said
"Well, if you find the time, would you mind coming over tonight? " I asked
"Why?"
"Oh, I just want to talk to you. You know we haven't had a girl's night in a while" I said
"That's because we're both busy. You're running a business, Trudy, no matter how small it is it needs your full attention. You should focus on that"
"Please Tasha, I have something I really need to talk about"
"Fine I'll think about it, but don't get your hopes up," she begrudgingly agreed
"Alright, I hope you can make it," I said
(Libby)
I had just woken up to music by the Guys, my new favorite band, playing in my ear. One quick glance at my calendar caused a bright smile to spread crossed my face.
"October 11, I'll call him I wanna be the first person to wish him a happy birthday," I said, reaching for my phone, but I stopped as a thought crossed my mind
"No, it would be better if I did it in person," I said, getting off the bed and running to the shower.
After brushing my teeth and showering, I got ready. I took up my keys, saying bye to my Dad and driving over to Carlos' house ringing the doorbell impatiently
"Oh, it's you, Libby," Mister Estevez said opening the door. It was quite a sorry sight. The originally very jovial and welcoming man looked lifeless like something out of a zombie movie whenever this day came around
"Good morning Mister Estevez, is Carlos ready?"
"He'll be down in a minute," he said before walking away
"Hey Libby," Carlos said, faking a smile as he came to greet me
Today Carlos was dressed like an average high school guy. He was completely devoid of all things comics. Even catching him say the word comic was alien. He didn't have his Green Lantern key chain, batman watch, superman pen, Thor book. Nothing comic. Just average he didn't like me calling him by his nickname and avoided calling me by mine. It was creepy to me for some reason. Carlos without comics just strikes me as odd like it's not him
"Hey, happy birthday," I said smiling
"Thanks, Libby," he said softly before he went into the car making me sigh before getting in
"So I was thinking maybe we could go out tonight you know just you and me," I said driving away
"Sorry, but I think I'll just stay home," he said
"Come on Carlos, I already have reservations at that Mexican restaurant you like"
"Sorry Libbs I'm not in the mood," he said
"Okay, maybe we can just get ice cream and go for a walk in the park," I said
"No, I'm not feeling it," he said
"Okay, maybe I'll cook something for you at home. A nice private dinner for my Co-" I started before he cut me off
"Maybe tomorrow," he said before I gave up and we continued the ride in silence
"I'll see you at lunch, okay," he said
"Yeah," I said as he kissed me on my cheek before walking away
I sighed before heading to my class. On my way there I saw James talking with Betty-Ann by her locker
'Great, I even went out of my way to warn her. What a waste of time' I thought before walking over to them
"Hey James, Betty-Ann," I said
"Hey," James said
"Hey, Libby." She said
"Betty-Ann I want to speak with James in private for a minute. Would you mind? " I asked
"Go ahead, I was actually heading to class anyway. I'll see you later," she said before closing her locker and walking away
"So what's up Libby?" He asked
"I talked to Carlos about going out for his birthday," I said
"And how did that go?" He asked already knowing the answer
"Not good," I said
"Of course not, you know ever since what happened to his mom, he doesn't celebrate his birthday much," James said
"Come on James, it's been years. He can't keep blaming himself for something he had no control over" I said
"You think I don't know that, but we both know he won't get over it by himself," He said
"That's why I'm gonna help him?" I said, smiling at my ingenious plan
"And how are you gonna do that?" James asked
"A party of course. You don't need to worry about the specifics, just get everything on this list to this location and invite everyone in your contact list" I said
"And how exactly are we gonna get Carlos there?" He asked
"Just leave that part to me," I said before Sophie came up to us
"Taylor, Libby," she said before I rolled my eyes. From what I've heard she's been avoiding Nick recently, but she still refuses to break up with him. I swear I don't know what that girl is thinking sometimes
"I'll see you later, James," I said leaving
(James)
"So you two still haven't made up?" I asked
"It's a work in progress," she said as we started walking to class
"Anyways, what may I help you with Sophie?" I asked
"The project do you have it?" She asked
"No, I thought you had it"
"No, I gave it to you saying to finish it up and bring it to school tomorrow. Please tell me you didn't leave it... You know what will happen if we don't have it right? I'm already on thin ice because of that seventy I got in the test last week," she panicked and I just laughed finding it absolutely hilarious
"Why are you laughing?!" She yelled at me
"I was kidding Sophie," I laughed
"What?"
"I have it" I repeated before she punched my shoulder
"Owe"
"You can't joke like that Taylor I almost had a heart attack," she reprimanded
"Why so stressed Soph?" I asked
"Because I think that teacher has it out for me"
"Well, I can't say I blame her. I mean you were late on the first day of school with the excuse of boyfriend trouble" I laughed
"Come on, that was so long ago," she groaned
"That was just a month ago and for people like her first impressions are everything," I said
"It's not like you had a better first impression you know. Or may I remind you that you got detention on the second day of school" Sophie said
"And whose fault was that?" I asked cheekily before opening the door and we went to our seats
The school day went along like normal except for Carlos not speaking about the latest Marvel movie at lunch. I was both happy and sad about that. As I often found his comic talk annoying, it was part of what made Carlos... Carlos. After leaving school I met up with Betty-Ann in the parking lot
"Hey Betty-Ann," I said
"Hello James," she said smiling
"Okay, so I wanted to ask you something," I said
"And what's that?" She asked
"Well, you know about the party tonight, right?" I said.
"Yeah, still confused about where that's being held," she said
"Don't think too much about it. I'll take you" I said
"And who says I'm going," she said
"Oh..... I just thought you were"
"I'm kidding, I'm going, but..."
"Please not but? I hate buts" I asked
"I'm not going with you," she said, getting on her bike
"Why not?" I asked
"Because people will start talking and nothing good comes from people talking. Rule one, remember," she started revving her engine
"Okay, what if I were to bring a friend. No one can say anything if it's the three of us right," I said, jumping in front of her bike
"Sophie?" She asked
"I don't think bringing her would help my cause," I said
"Then who?" She asked
"It's a surprise just come over at five," I said
"Fine, can you move now? Or should I run you over," she asked
"Huh-uh," I said, moving to the side allowing her to drive off. I stood there watching her drive away with a big smile on my face
"Hey, James what are you so happy about?"
"Carl!" I jumped, surprised
"What?"
"You snuck up on me. Don't do that," I said
"Sorry," he laughed
"Is there something I can help you with or did you come to give me a heart attack"
"Actually, yes, Brittney heard you were throwing a party and she has a request"
"A request?"
"Yeah, she says she wants a roller coaster at the party"
"A roller coaster? Carl, I don't think I can get an actual roller coaster in the time span of a couple of hours" I shook my head
"Oh... okay," he sighed disappointedly
"But I have a couple of friends who managed to build a small one twice in one summer so maybe I could get them to help me build something like a water slide or something" I shrugged
"Thanks a lot, man, you have no idea how happy she's gonna be," he said ecstatically
"No problem, I have to go so see you around Carl," I said before leaving
I drove over to my mom's shop, cutting past everyone in the line to get to the front
"Sup James, have you seen your mom? She didn't come in today" Rebecca said
"No, I haven't. I think she's a little busy planning a party for her friends"
"Oh,"
"Is something wrong?"
"No, I just wanted to make a complaint" Rebecca groaned
"About what?" I asked
"Just some guy that was bothering me. I'll just wait until tomorrow if she's busy"
"Speaking of parties my friend is throwing a party tonight and I want to know if you'll go with me," I said
"Oh my, Mister Taylor, are you asking me on a date? Not that I mind or anything but I thought you were trying to get Betty-Ann to be your girlfriend. You shouldn't toy with a girl's heart as that" Rebecca joked
"No, it's nothing like that. This is actually why I'm inviting you," I said as she gained a mischievous smirk
"Oh, I see, you're bringing a different girl to make her jealous" Rebecca said
"No..... wait, you think that would work," I said interested before snapping out of it
"No, she said she won't go with me unless someone goes with us," I said
"And that someone would be me," she said
"Please you're the only chance I've got," I said
"It's cool, I guess you'll be picking me up," she said
"Yeah, just text me your address and I promise you I'll pick you up," I said
"Sure thing," she said, taking out her phone
"Thanks a lot, Rebecca. I have to run, but I'll see when I come by," I said before leaving.
After that, I ran back to my house to get everything I'll need to get this ready.
(Libby)
The school had just ended and I immediately want to head over to James's so I could start getting everything prepared. Not wasting a second rushed up to his door and pressed the doorbell
"Oh Libby, it's you." Mrs. Taylor said, opening the door
"I haven't seen you around here in a while." She said
"Sorry Mrs. Taylor, just been busy you know," I said
"So what brings you here today?" She asked
"Didn't James tell you we're having a party for Carlos' birthday? I came to organize everything," I said
"No, he didn't. Are you guys planning to throw the party here?"
"No, James said he knows a great venue. I actually came to see the venue"
"Well, James actually not here right now. I haven't seen him since this morning," she said
"Do you know where he might be?" I asked
"No, but you're welcomed to come in and wait for him," she said
"Thank you," I said before I entered the house
"You can sit on the couch. I'll make you girls something to eat," she said
"You girls?" I said, confused as I walked into the house spotting Sophie sitting on the couch
"Great," I said sarcastically
"Libby," she said
"Hi," I said, walking away
"Come on Libbs, you can't still be mad at me," she said
"Why not, you seem to be pretty good at holding grudges," I said still walking to the door
"Look, I'm sorry, okay. I didn't mean to shout at you, but you did go talk to Nick behind my back," she said, making me stop and turn towards her
"Okay, fine, I was wrong to do that, but you're wrong for still not breaking up with him even though you're still totally in love with James," I said
"I'm not," she swore
"You know what, keep telling yourself that, and maybe one day it might be true," I said before the door opened and Betty-Ann walked in
"Hi," she said, looking at our upset faces
"Am I interrupting something?" She asked.
"No, it's fine," I said before James's mom came with a blackberry pie
"Hey Mrs. Taylor," Betty-Ann said
"Oh Betty-Ann, How are you feeling? James told me you caught the flu last week" Mrs. Taylor said
"I'm fine now it wasn't anything bad, there was no need to worry. It's just a shame I wasn't able to help you at the shop though" Betty-Ann said
"Oh, it's fine, I had hired someone so everything worked out for the best"
"I'm glad to hear"
"So are you here to see James?"
"Yes, is he here?"
"Not yet, but you can just have a seat. I'm sure James will be home any minute now" Mrs. Taylor said
"Thank you, by the way Is that blackberry pie?'
"Yes, would you like a piece?"
"Yes, thank you, I love blackberry pie?" Betty-Ann said, taking a seat and a slice
"Would you girls like a slice too?"
"Sure," I said having a slice
"I'm actually allergic to blackberries," Sophie said
"Oh, that's too bad," Mrs. Taylor said before she put down the tray
"Maybe I can get you some cookies," she said
"No, I don't mean to be any trouble," Sophie said
"Oh, don't worry, I was already making some snacks for girl's night anyway," Mrs. Taylor said
"Oh yeah, Beth said something about that. She says she has a previous engagement and won't be able to make it" Betty-Ann said
"That's fine. What about you two?"
"My mom hasn't mentioned anything about it," Sophie said
"I can't even tell you the last time I willingly talked to or with that woman," I said
"Okay, that's too bad. Anyway girls I'll be right back; I have to go get some supplies. Would you girls please watch the house? " She said, leaving us sitting on the couch.
Considering we all had nothing to speak about we sat there in awkward silence until James walked
"Hey, Mom, sorry I'm late, had to stop by the shop. By the way, Rebecca's asking for you" James said before he finally noticed us
"Oh, it's you guys," he said
"Yeah your mom went out," Betty-Ann said
"Well, I got all the things you asked for Libby," he said
"Awesome, let's go set it up," I said before he started walking towards the door but Sophie stopped him
"Hey, Taylor I thought we were supposed to do a project. It's due tomorrow," Sophie said
"I thought all your projects had to be handed in advance so shouldn't that be due today?" Betty-Ann said
"Yeah, It's actually due the day after. Can you guys go set up by yourself? We only have a couple of hours to get everything ready," James explained
"Okay," I said before Betty-Ann and I left.
(James)
"Sorry Sophie, I totally spaced on the project," I said
"Taylor, you know we have to get full marks or else-"
"Look, Sophie, it's Carlos's birthday you know what he's been like after the accident with his mom. He needs to get over this so we're gonna go to the beach set up for a party and then we can do the project away from the noise. I have to ask you if an assignment, that we can do at any time mind you, is more important than Carlos, my best friend, your friend, your best friend's boyfriend" I said
"Fine, fine, you don't have to guilt-trip me"
"Glad to know," I smiled
"By the way, what beach is it?" She asked
"Huh?"
"Your text said on the beach. Where on the beach are you going to set up?"
"Um.... it's a surprise," I said
"James!!!" Libby called us out of the house to see her and Betty-Ann waiting on the lawn
"What's up?" I asked
"It's getting late shouldn't we get going now"
"Not yet, we're just waiting for a few friends," I said before a car pulled up
"And here they are," I said as they got out
"Hey guys, glad you could make it," I said as I walked over to them
"Well, it's not every day the smartest mind in the world asks a favor," Finn said.
"Come on let me introduce you to my friends," I said, bringing them over to the girls
"And who are they?" Libby asked
"The Asian with the red-dyed hair is Phineas Sanchez," I said
"Sup" Finn said
"And the 6'6 British guy with green-dyed is his adopted brother Fredrick Chambers. I met them at a young genius seminar at the summer camp I went to after middle school" I said before he nodded
"My brother doesn't talk much; he likes to be enigmatic," Finn said
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Phineas," Libby said
"Please call me Finn and you call my brother Fred"
"Nice to meet you, Fred," she said, reaching out for a handshake
"Un plaisir de vous rencontrer belle" he responded taking my hand and kissing it
"I have no idea what you just said," Libby said
"He said it's a pleasure to meet you, Lovely," I translated
"Thank you," Libby smiled as she took back her hand
"We haven't heard your names," Finn said
"I'm Liberty Hall," She said
"Well pleasure to meet you Liberty"
"Please Libby's fine," she shrugged
"And these two are?"
"I'm Betty-Ann Turner"
"And I'm Sophia-"
"Sophia? As in Sophia Vortex?"
"Yeah?"
"5 feet 6 inches, long blonde hair, green eyes, pearly white teeth. Dress size around size 4. I think it's her" Finn said
"I'm sorry do I know you"
"No, but we heard so much we feel like we know you" Finn smiled
"You have?" Sophie asked, looking at me
"I might have mentioned you once or twice," I said
"Once or twice? You practically spent the entire summer talking about her," Finn said
"Really?" Sophie said
"Yeah, every day he'd talk about you. How amazing you are, how badass you are, and how smart you are. And every night I swear we could hear him cr-"
"Okay. We have to get going," I injected before they could say any more
"Yeah, we're on a time limit," Libby said
"Okay, I'll lead the way," I said, moving towards my car. Everyone got in while Finn and Fred got back in their own car.
We drove to a section of the beach that not many people know about because it was out of sight
"We're here," I said, getting out
"Damn this is perfect," Finn said as he looked around.
"If we're planning on making a water slide the best place to start would be over there. We could go around thirteen no fourteen feet. A loop right there and it could drop right there" Finn said as Fred wrote down everything
"The stage could go there," Libby said, pointing out a place in the shade of two palm trees
"Snacks over there," she said, pointing at the spot
"And we can have a bond fire right here," she said
"Alright, everyone. Let's get busy," she said before Finn took out his phone
"Who are you calling?" Betty-Ann asked
"My crew, we're gonna need all the help we can get," he said. Hours passed and the preparation for the party was going pretty quickly. Finn, Fred, and I were working on the slide with a crew, they had brought and some random people online. After everything was done, I noticed Sophie sitting on a rock looking out at the ocean as the sun went out
"What are you doing?" I asked, sitting beside her
"Nothing, just looking at the sunset. I almost forgot how beautiful it was from here"
"I wonder if the cave is still here. It had such an amazing underground spring"
"No, the entrance collapsed. A couple of years ago, sophomore year I think" I said
"That's disappointing," she sighed before my phone buzzed
"I got a text. It's Libby," I said
"She wants me to go over to Carlos' and try to keep him busy for an hour before answering when she called. She said I should put it on speaker" I said
"What exactly is Libby planning?"
"I have no idea, but I should get going," I said getting up
"See you," she said
"Huh-uh," I said, walking away. On my way to the car, I saw Betty-Ann looking at everyone as they were making the finishing touches to the party
"Hey, what's up?" I asked
"Nothing"
"What are you doing over here. I thought you were helping Libby get ready?"
"I was but she said she could handle the rest"
"So are you heading back to get changed?"
"Yeah, I was actually just going to call a cab" she said
"Why don't you ride with me? I'm actually heading out now"
"Where are you going?" she asked
"I'm going to pick up a friend," I said
"Is that our metaphoric third wheel?"
"Huh-uh" I smiled
"Alright," she said
"So are you coming?"
"No the cab's already on its way here. Plus Libby might unknowingly need a hand"
"Alright, I'll come by your house to pick you up after, then," I said before she nodded before looking over to Finn and Fred
"About what they said-"
"It's fine. I'm not your girlfriend or anything you don't have to explain anything to me"
"I don't have to but I want to. I was going through a hard time with the break-up and I might've complained about it the whole time. However, that was four years ago, Sophie and I, are long passed our feelings for each other. Now we're just friends and I really like you so I hope you don't let whatever they say bother you, okay?"
"Okay," she said with a small smile
"Good, then I'm going to get going. I'll see you when I get back," I said
"Okay, see you then," she smiled as I got in my car and drove away.