Being Bad

Chapter 35: It's Not A Party Without Any Drama

But time seems to be my only enemy, if you exclude Shelby. She's been off my radar for the couple of days, and I've been grateful for it. But there's a feeling in the back of my stomach, that tells me she's going to come back, and this time with much more force.

I take that feeling and shove it. Shelby can bring whatever the hell she wants, but I'm going to fight for a good year. I can deal with the unnecessary drama, that is, until it gets out of hand. But I will resolve it before it even gets to that point. I vow that...right now.

Regardless of my mixed emotions about this school day, today was Andrew's 18th birthday. November 24th, 2019. I marked it on my calendar the day Mrs.Price, Natalia, called me up on the phone and discussed a party that she was planning for her son. I, for one, was unaware of the special occasion, so I of course had to buy something for him. But, I wanted to give it to him at school today, so that he would be bombarded with one less gift that he has to open tonight.

I kept it in a little white box, wrapped it a black, satin bow that gave it a classy, but definitely curious vibe. Plus, Andrew definitely takes a liking to the color black, so I had to include it. I wanted him to know that I at least pay attention to what his likes and dislikes are.

I clutched the little square box in my hands, closing my school locker. I made sure I grabbed all my books and was prepared to walk to class immediately after giving Andrew his present. I knew I was going to be late, having wondering what his thoughts will be about it.

I also wanted to be one of the first people to say 'Happy Birthday' to him today, because I wanted to be that person for him in his life. Someone other than his parents, and someone who actually cared. This is unlike all the girls he seems to associate himself with.

I take long strides to Andrew's locker, holding his present close to me, almost as if it was made of glass and if it was dropped, it would all shatter to pieces. What can I say? This present was important to me, and I want him to know that I'm someone he can't trust, despite our significant amount of differences. We've had good times together since the school year started about four months ago, and I want to express that to him.

He is leaned up against his locker which is situated on the corner by the stairs. People are coming and going as they please all around him, and he doesn't seem to be paying attention. His eyes are draw to the glass screen of his cell phone, and he seemed pretty invested in it.

Andrew groans, throwing his head back against the locker, the echo of a clank makes me shiver. He seemed annoyed by whatever was on his screen, so me being nosy, I thought I would ask him about it.

"What's up with you?" I keep his present slightly hidden from his vision.

"Oh, nothing." He replies with a hint of sarcasm. "My mom just texted me saying that Dad invited some of his business associates to the party tonight."

"Really? You're Dad wants to turn your party into a dinner for business?" I asked, shocked about his Dad's incorporation of work at such a poor time.

"Yep. And the best part is, my Mom's letting him. I guess it's no more having fun with my friends, and more of my father telling me not to slouch or to stop cursing." He scoffs, rolling his eyes in disagreement.

"You know that's never going to happen." I smile, giving a silent laugh trying to break free from the tension that has just arisen.