I tried texting him, but I very quickly realized that was a waste of time. It’s funny though because when I’m the one pissed off or hurt, he’ll text me constantly, but when the shoe is on the other foot, he acts as though he doesn’t even know what a phone is.
I quickly gave up and spent my weekend sulking in my room while avoiding my father’s prying questions about what the hell was wrong with me. I’ve been trying to be happy for his sake knowing he goes away sometime tomorrow, but it’s seriously hard.
Not having Noah’s usual chirpiness and cocky attitude floating around me brings a dullness over me. The sky isn’t as blue and the clouds seem to darken every time I look up. The birds aren’t chirping and there certainly isn’t a skip in my step.
This sucks. Like, really sucks.
I want things to go back to normal.
Why the hell did I have to accept that damn joint? I can just imagine what Noah is going to think when he realizes Spencer was the one who gave it to us.
I should have known better than to take it. Both Tully and Kaylah hesitated. I mean, Tully was definitely thrilled about the idea of getting high, but she didn’t reach out and accept it. I did. Kaylah wasn’t even on board at first and we pressured her into it. Damn it. I’m an awful friend.
I wonder how things went down between her and Jesse.
The thought has me pulling out my phone.
Henley – Did Jesse tear you a new asshole on Friday night?
She responds almost instantly.
Kaylah – Fuck me! He was so pissed off. He could hardly believe I did it, but then… he almost seems kind of proud. Like, I don’t know, surprised maybe?
Henley – Consider yourself lucky. Noah still isn’t speaking to me!
Kaylah – You’re Henley Fucking Bronx. You don’t wait around for a guy to decide when he’s going to talk to you. Own it. Make him talk to you.
Henley….
Henley – What the hell has gotten into you?
Kaylah – There’s a motivational speaker at school to help get us in the ‘pre-exam mood.’ Can’t help it. The guy has me feeling all inspired to be my best me!
Henley – Shit. you need to get out of there!
Kaylah – Tell me about it!
Kaylah – But I’m right though. Make him see the light! Henley Bronx doesn’t wait around for some guy to dictate their relationship. Take charge. He might be King of Haven Falls, but you’re his Queen and he needs to remember that.
Henley – Damn it.
I slide my phone back into my pocket. Kaylah is right. I need to take control. He needs to see that I’m not just some girl he can screw around with. We’re just about adults and if he wants to be in a relationship with me, then he needs to start acting like a damn grown man. None of this ‘not speaking to each other’ crap. We handle our shit and then move on.
He’s been spending his lunch break outside with Rivers and some of the guys on the football team which only serves to annoy me more because I know he’s only out there to avoid me. Hell, he’s probably avoiding Tully too. Noah doesn’t even like football and can’t stand half the guys on the team. They’re all beefed up jocks with pea brains, only interested in scoring on and off the field.
I grab my tray off the table and throw out what’s left. I need to find him before the end of lunch and get this shit handled once and for all. I’m done trying to pretend to be happy around all these assholes who think they know me, and besides, I don’t want to give Candice or Monica any extra ammunition to use against me.
“Right,” I say, looking down at Tully who’s watching me like a crazy person as I pack away all my things. “I’m going to go kick your brother’s ass.”
I go to storm out of here when Tully calls after me. “Wait.” I turn around to find her scrunching up her face before she slides her phone across the table towards me. “Sorry,” she grumbles as I collect her phone and save it from falling off the edge of the table.
I unlock the screen and instantly look down at the message thread already on the screen. “I got a text from Rivers about ten minutes ago.”
I read through the last few messages at the bottom of the screen.
Rivers – Noah and I are out. Got a job.
Tully – Shit. How the hell am I supposed to get home?
River – Fuck! I’ll come back and get you and Henley after school.
Tully – K.
I resist slamming her phone down on the table. “Are you shitting me?” I demand as the anger takes over. “He couldn’t say goodnight on Friday, he ignored me all weekend and today, and now this? God, he’s such a douche sometimes.”