(Rebecca)
"And done" I said taking the final pie out of the oven
"Hey Becca darling, I'm leaving for class" Rose said running into the kitchen
"Yeah see you later" I said taking off the oven mitts
"Wait quick question. What's with all the pies?" She asked finally asking about the table full of pies
"They're pies that I'm trying to sell them on the campus"
"Why?"
"The store is in a pretty bad state right now so I want to pull in more customer. Most of the students here don't go into town often so they haven't tasted Trudy's baking yet"
"Becca we both know that her baking isn't the problem."
"Yeah but her baking is really good. All we have to do is get customers there and then remind everyone else just how good it is. After that no one will care what she did or didn't do" I said confidently
"If you think so why don't you gave me some bring by the party tonight"
"Party? What party?"
"Oh yeah I'm going to a party"
"Rose" I cautioned
"What? You already said I went to one so why not go"
"So you're gonna tell Aiden you're not staying over?"
"Hm I stayed at his house seven nights in a row. Yeah I told him, but even if I didn't that wouldn't be a problem. It's not like I'm obligated to tell him anything. It's not like we're dating or anything. We're just sex friends. Friends with benefits that's all" she blurted out
"Hmph whatever I'm leaving" she said slamming the door as she left
Wow that was a whole new side of Rose. I had never seen her so flustered before. Was this how she's like when she likes someone?
(Sophie)
"Another great breakfast cousin" Wendy said
"Yeah Sophie, you really outdid yourself" Taylor said
"Thank you. Now you have enough energy to deal with your father" I said before he sighed
"Do I have to?" Taylor groaned
"Yep." I said
"Are you sure we can't bring her to school?" He groaned not wanting to deal with them
"Don't be sad I'll be with you the whole time" I said
"Really?"
"Nope, I'll be in the car parked three houses down"
"Of course" he sighed
"Wendy let's go. We're gonna be late for school" I called out
"Coming cousin" Wendy said running down the stairs with her bag on her pack
"Do you have everything packed?"
"Huh uh" Wendy nodded
"You'll be staying with Aunty Tasha tonight okay"
"Okay cousin" Wendy said
"Let's go say goodbye to Mr Sanders and the others" I said before we walked out the door locking it behind them and over to the Sanders door however before we could knock on the door it opened and the kids walked out.
Aiden was glaring at Britney who only glanced at him from the side of her eye while smirking, Tevon yawned exhausted, Roman shook his head looking at Aiden and Britney while Jennifer looked at Britney and Aiden confused and Ellen fixed her bag strap
"Hey guys" I said
"Good morning" Taylor said
"What's up" Ellen said
"What are you asking doing over here?" Roman asked curious
"Oh we came to tell that it's Wendy's last day here"
"Really? Are you going home today kid?" Ellen asked
"The day after" I said
"Oh okay" Roman said
"It was nice having you here kid" Aiden said
"Thank you, I'll come back next year too" Wendy said excited
"Sure kid" Aiden said
"So where's Mr. Sanders?" I asked
"He's taking a shower." Roman said
"We should probably get going" Jennifer said checking the time on her phone
"Yeah we should hurry before the first bus leaves" Roman added
"Hey do you guys need a ride?" Taylor asked
"Yeah thanks" Roman said
"Okay let's go" I said before we all went to the parking garage where Taylor's car was and everyone got in. Taylor and I were at the front and quickly put on our seatbelt as we backed out
We drove for awhile until we started getting close to our neighborhood
"Hey I'm gonna make a quick stop for a minute" Taylor said before getting out with Wendy
"Sophie I have a question" Tevon said
"Shoot" I shrugged
"Wendy is your cousin right?"
"Huh uh"
"So why does she kinda look like James?"
"Yeah I've been wondering that for awhile" Britney said
"Yeah her eyes are similar to James" Jennifer pitched in
"I don't know maybe it's just a weird coincidence" I said before Taylor came back
"Okay let's go" he said before dropping everyone off at school
"Thanks for the ride James" Jennifer said
"Yeah man I owe you one" Aiden said
"Don't mention it" James said
"Anyways Imma head to class" Aiden said before walking away with Britney beside him
"What class do you have now?" Aiden asked
"Bio" Britney said before they left hear shot
"So you guys heading to class too?" I asked Tevon and Ellen
"Yeah we have French" Ellen said
"See you guys at lunch" Tevon said before leaving with Ellen
"So should we go to class?" Roman asked
"Yeah the bell's about to ring" Jennifer said
"You guys go ahead. I actually wanted to speak with Libby before heading to class" I said
"Okay. James you coming to class?" Roman asked
"Nah I have something to tell Sophie."
"Alright see you in class" Roman said before they left
"What do you want to talk about?" I asked
"It's something your mom told me to tell you" he said before I sighed
"What did she want now?" I groaned
"I don't know. She said she wanted to talk to you about something"
"Like?"
"I don't know but she said it was important"
"I'm sure it is" I said sarcastically
"Sophie. She said it was about Wendy"
"Wendy?"
"Yeah" he nodded
"Fine I'll talk to her tomorrow. It better be worth it" I said
"Oh yeah and get this they've been back since Saturday"
"Saturday?"
"Huh uh"
"So they've been here all week?"
"Huh uh"
"But they didn't leave the house?"
"Huh uh"
"What were they doing all week?"
"Do you really wanna imagine?"
"No" I said before we laughed
"Merry laughter. Am I interrupting something?" Libby asked walking up to us
"Libbs? What's up?" I asked still smiling
"Have either of you seen Carlos?"
"He's still not back at school?" Taylor asked
"No and I'm getting worried. It started as missing one or two days but it's been five days straight. It's really worrying me" Libby said
"Alright I'll call him and try to see if he'll tell me where he is" Taylor said taking out his phone
"I'll call his dad" I said before taking out my own
"I tried calling both they aren't answering" Libby said
"Oh Carlos" James said
"You got him? Where is he? Why isn't he answering my calls? Is he okay? Is something wrong?" Libby asked rapidly
"Carlos why aren't you at school?" Taylor asked
"Huh uh.... Okay.... Later then" Taylor said before hanging up
"So?" Libby asked concerned
"He said he can't talk over the phone. Tell Libby not to worry. We'll talk tomorrow" he said
"Seriously? No details? Just we'll talk tomorrow? Is he out of his mind? I swear I'm gonna-" Libby cursed before the bell rang
"Go to class" she finished before walking off.
As she stormed off angrily Taylor and I looked at each other before bursting into a fit of laughter
"Wait aren't we gonna be late?" Taylor said
"Oh yeah" I said before we ran to class
"Mr Taylor, Ms Vortex right on time. Did you two enjoy your sprint from the parking lot" Mrs. Jones said head buried in her chart
"How do you know that?" Taylor asked
"Take your seats. " Mrs. Jones said before looking up to the class
"Today we will be doing Experiment #25. Everyone go get your equipment from the locker" Mrs. Jones said
(Carl)
What had happened earlier today was still playing in my head. I was so distracted by it I failed to notice that two periods had passed and that I was in the cafeteria
"Carlton! Carlton!! Carlton!!!" A familiar voiced yelled snapping me out of my thoughts and back to reality
"Britney" I said looking at the blonde sitting across from me
"Do you normally eat this much?" She asked noticing the large amount of food I had unconsciously collected
"Sorry I eat when I'm stressed"
"It's must be really big if it's stressing you so much that you're lost in thought." She asked
"Yeah" I sighed
"So aren't you gonna tell me what it is?" She asked
"You were right?"
"I usually am but mind clarifying what I'm right about this time?"
"My parents. They are.... They're... getting a divorce" I forced out
"Ooh my Carlton. I mean it was quite obvious but still you must be quite upset" she said
"It's not like I didn't know it. I mean I asked and she told me but.... But seeing her with those papers. It felt so surreal. I mean it's really over now."
"Not necessarily" she said
"Huh?" I asked confused
"Have both of your parents signed the papers?"
"No. I don't think my dad signed it yet"
"Then there's still a ray of hope. If you can convince your mother to drop this divorce"
"You're right. Nothing's final yet" I said
"I still have a chance to save my family." I said happily
"Thank you so much Britney"
"If you're really thankful take me out today"
"Yeah sure wherever you want to go" I said
"Good" she said
(Martha)
"I can't believe him!!" I yelled pissed as I stormed into the apartment and threw myself angrily down on the couch
"Dick! Of all people! He let Dick help with the pharmacy. It'd be safer if he had left it to a stranger. Let alone Dick. Who knows what kind of shady shit he's doing. I hope Ebenezer doesn't fall back into old habits. Either way I can't let Carl be near that man"
"What am I gonna do?" I sighed before the door opened
I looked up surprised and saw James walking into the room
"James, what are you doing back so early?" I asked
"I forgot something." He said before going to his room and back
"What did you forget?"
"An important file" he said
"Seriously James if the file was important how could you leave it. Your patient must be really disappointed. Aren't you worried you might lose patients? You can't be so careless James"
"In a town like this I'm not really worried about losing patients"
"You definitely should be worried. There's not enough patients as is"
"Okay okay" he chuckled
"Why are you laughing?" I asked
"Because I'm happy"
"About what?"
"You're genuinely worried about me. It shows you're starting to like me" He said but I didn't say anything
"Oh yeah how did it go with Scrooge?"
"Huh?"
"The papers. Did he sign them?"
"I really don't want to talk about that right now"
"What happened?"
"James, I don't want to tell you"
"Why not?"
"Because you're gonna get angry"
"No I won't"
"Yes you will"
"Look I promise not to get angry"
"Fine. He agreed to sign the papers"
"Then shouldn't we be throwing a parade or something?"
"But he has a condition"
"Condition? Okay fine whatever it is. We'll give him and get it over with"
"He said I can't date you"
"I'm sorry mind repeating that"
"He said he would sign the papers only if I swear not to date you" I said before James' face serious without a hint of a smile
"What did you say?" He asked
"I said no of course" I said.
We stayed silent for literally a minute before he burst into a fit of jovial laughter
"Um you're laughing?" I asked
"I'm not crying" he continued laughing
"Okay I'm confused. I thought you'd be mad"
"Oh I'm fucking livid" he laughed
"So why are you laughing"
"Because you like me "
"Come again"
"You. like. me."
"No. I think you're misunderstanding something. I didn't do that because I liked you. I said no because Ebenezer shouldn't have a right to tell me who I can and can't date. That's the only reason"
"Huh uh. I totally believe you" he said still laughing
"It's the truth"
"Totally" he said before the doorbell rang
"I mean it"
"I know" he laughed as he got up
"James" I called out as he walked to the door.
I could hear his laughter as he walked to the door and even as he opened but then his laughter suddenly stopped.
Awkward silence hung in the air for awhile. I found it weird so I got up and went over to see who it was.
James stood In front of an elderly couple dressed in expensive clothing staring awkwardly at each other
"James?" I said breaking the silence
"What are you two doing here?" James asked
"How rude can you get young man" The woman said
"Is that how you greet your parents?" The man asked
(James)
"Mr Issac mixing those two elements together, are you trying to cause an explosion?" Mrs. Jones said walking around the class
"That flame is too high Mr Sanders and Miss White" she said before turning to our table
"Mr Taylor, Ms Vortex excellent work." She said before the bell rang
"That's all for class today. Please pack up before you leave to your other classes" she said going over to her table.
The class soon began to empty after putting away the equipment but just as I picked up my bag Mrs. Jones stopped me
"Can you please wait a minute Mr Taylor. I need to have a word with you?" she said
"A word?" I said confused looking at Sophie who shrugged
"Yes" she said
"Okay" I said walking over to her when everyone else has left
"Um is there something I can help you with?" I asked
"Yes I have a personal favor to ask?"
"A personal favor?"
"Yes I will tell you in detail when you come to my house after school"
"Your house?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
"No no it's fine. I just didn't expect we were close enough for me to come to your house"
"It wouldn't be the first time"
"It's the first time going not because of a grade"
"Well I can give you extra credit if that's what you're looking for" she said
"No no it's okay but if you really want to do something. Can I ask you a question?"
"Is this a personal question or one pertaining to school"
"Personal I guess"
"Speak quickly, you have a class to head to"
"I haven't been able to contact Betty-Ann in a while. I've tried calling, going to her house and everything, but she seems to be avoiding me"
"And?"
"I know you two are rather close so I'm wondering if you've heard from her"
"Hmm" she said before looking at her watch
"I'm quite sorry, but I'm actually running late for a class, I must go" she said packing up for files
"Oh okay" I said
"Remember to come by my house directly after school" she said
"Okay sure" I said as she walked away.
I sighed before going to my next class.
School ended quickly and I found my way to the parking lot
"Hey Sophie" I said as I noticed her walking over to me
"James you're heading home already?" She asked
"No I'm actually going over to Mrs. Jones' house"
"You? At Mrs. Jones' house?"
"Huh uh" I nodded
"Why?"
"I have no idea. She just said she wanted to ask me a favor"
"A favor? Last time I did a favor for her I was stuck with Libby getting Fright Night ready. Now that I think about it that was just a couple weeks ago"
"Yeah, Fright Night seems like forever ago"
"A lot has changed"
"Yeah but let's not dwell on the past. It's not like we can change anything that happened that night" I sighed
"Anyways I should get going. You going anywhere? I can drop you off"
"I'm going over to my mom's to see what she wants"
"Okay, I'll drop you off" I offered
"No you should go to Mrs. Jones. It's best not to keep her waiting"
"It's fine" I said
"Mr Taylor" I heard Ms Jones voice as she came over to me
"Mrs. Jones?" I said shocked
"I see you haven't left yet."
"Yeah sorry. I'm actually going to be a little late"
"Late?"
"Yeah I have to give Sophie a ride"
"And where are you going Ms. Vortex?"
"I have to stop by my mother's house"
"I see. That's actually going to be a to problem. You see we are on under a rather strict time limit. I have a engagement I must get to"
"Oh"
"Taylor I said it's fine. Just go" Sophie said
"Sophie"
"Look if it's really so important to you. Why don't you give her your car. Rumor has it you two live together. While I don't think it's right for two students to living by themselves you two are legally adults and this situation is beneficial. Since she lives in the same building. Why don't you just give her your car to drive and you can ride with me?"
"That's a good idea. Sophie, do you know how to drive?"
"I have my license but I haven't driven a car since"
"Do you think you can handle it?" I asked
"Yeah I'll be fine" she said
"Alright here's the keys be careful." I gave her my keys
"I'll be fine" she said taking them
"We should get going Mr. Taylor"
"Okay see you at home Sophie"
"Yeah sure" she said before she walked away.
"My car's this way" Mrs. Jones said leading me to her car.
We got in and quickly drove off
"You seem to really care for Ms Vortex"
"I mean she is my friend"
"Is that why you're so worried about her?"
"Worried? About Sophie? No I'm not worried about her. I'm just worried she'd crash my car you know. Those parts are really expensive. I spent a lot of money on them"
"I'm sure you did" she said condescendingly
We stayed silent until we got to her house and got out of her car after she parked it. The door burst open and someone rushed out
"Debby, it's about to time you came back. We're out of cereal again" Betty-Ann said not noticing me behind her
"Betty-Ann, I brought a box recently"
"Yeah bran flake cereal. I don't want old people cereal. I want frosted flakes or fruit loops. Colorful stuff with marshmallows"
"Are you a child?"
"Better than being an old lady"
"I'm not that old you brat"
"Whatever I want fruit loops"
"Then you can follow your nose all the way to your house" Mrs Jones yelled angrily back at her
"Hmph I don't want to go back yet. In fact I think I might just stay with you forever" she said.
"Oh dear lord help me"
"Come on hurry and tell me where's the Trix. I know you bought some"
"Those aren't for you"
"Last I checked Trix are for kids"
"Someone please bring this child home"
This is odd. I don't think I've ever seen this side of Mrs. Jones or even Betty-Ann for that matter. I knew they were closer than your normal student teacher pair but I never thought that they were so close. In fact I think it's rather funny. So funny I couldn't stop myself from chuckling
"Huh?" Betty-Ann said finally noticed my presence
"James?" she gasped
"Hey Betty-Ann" I said awkwardly
"Debby I told you not to tell anyone I was here"
"I didn't tell him you were here. If you had stayed inside he wouldn't have known you were here"
"What is he even doing here?"
"I have need for him" she said before her phone rang. After a quick conversation she put away her phone
"Great it seems my plans got pushed up" she said sarcastically before turning back to her car
"Mr. Taylor it seems I no longer have need of your help. I'm sorry for the inconveniences" she said
"It's no problem. Maybe another time"
"Do you need a ride back to your apartment?"
"No I'll be fine" I said looking at Betty-Ann
"Well good luck to you" she said getting in her car and driving away
"Betty-Ann I-"
"I should go in I have something to do" she said walking to the stairs
"Wait Betty-Ann" I said grabbing her hand
"Why are you avoiding me?"
"I'm not"
"Betty-Ann I've been trying to call and text you for a week"
"My phone's broken" she said before suddenly her phone started ringing
"Damn it" she cursed under her breath as she tried to shut it off
"I just got it fixed" she immediately lied
"You haven't been to school all week"
"I was sick" she lied
"So why aren't you home?"
"My mom and I had an argument" she said
"Now can you let me go?" she continued
"Why are you lying to me? Can't you just tell me what I did?"
"Let me go" she said trying to break free from my firm grip
"Just tell me why. Please" I said
"BECAUSE I THINK I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU OKAY!" she yelled surprising me
I was so shocked. I froze not knowing what to do. So I did nothing as she slipped free from my grip
I just watched as she ran back into the house. As the door slammed shut I broke out of my stance and ran up to the door pressing the doorbell