Gone

"I'm thinking you, me, after school, my place for a little extracurricular activity," he said flirtatiously.
He winked as he cornered me, forcing me against my locker. I rolled my eyes.
"I'm not in the mood for your stupid mind games Josh," I replied, irritated.
"What's wrong babe? I thought you liked it when I played with you,"
I could tell he was mocking me. I tried to push him out of the way. He moved to the side so I could grab my books but continued to purposely annoy me.
"Good one," I shot back.
I didn't bother to hide my sarcasm. I headed towards the Science block.
"I'll see you later babe," he called after me.
"What a dick," I muttered under my breath.
I hated him. Everything about him pissed me off. I entered the classroom, lost in thought.

"Miss James, how kind of you to finally join us," Mr Dunt said as he glanced down at his watch, "five minutes late, again,"
There was a hint of unfriendliness in his voice.
I apologised and hurried to my usual seat without another word.
"Psst, Kaia!"
I spun around to see an unfamiliar red haired girl with an eager expression on her face.
"Yes?" I said slowly, confused.
"It's me you idiot!"
It took me a second to realise who she was.
"Holy shit Amber I hardly recognised you with that hair!" I said, giggling.
"I know," she whispered, "I just got back from Bali yesterday,"
Every so often she would look up at the teacher who was writing notes on the board.

"Oh yeah how was it? I thought about calling you but I figured you'd be exhausted with all that shopping and relaxing on the beach you lucky bitch,"
She grinned.
"Yeah, it was...it was good,"
"Make any new friends?"
She pretended she hadn't heard me as she stared down at her desk, her cheeks bright pink.
"Ooh, you did! What kind of friend? Is he hot? I want details,"
She shrugged.
"It was nothing, really,"
The tone of her voice made me realise it was more of a don't ask don't tell situation.
"Well...your hair looks great," I said, "what's George going to think though? You know how he gets,"
"I'm sure he'll be fine," she replied hesitantly, "besides, it's my hair, not his,"
"Are you and him still-"
When I looked up, Mr Dunt was standing just inches from my face and he didn't look too happy. "Stop talking, start writing or I'll give both of you a Friday detention," he said irritably.

We didn't talk again for the rest of the lesson. Neither of us wanted an arvo. Especially since this Friday was my birthday. Even though I had said I wanted a quiet one this year, Amber had insisted on throwing me a huge 'Sweet Sixteenth' party. Parties were her thing, not mine. I was more of a gathering of close friends kind of girl. After all the shit that had gone down with her and George, throwing a party would be a great way to take her mind off everything. I would probably just end up standing in a corner with a coke in one hand and a bowl of chips in the other. It would be the thought that counted. Besides, how bad could it be?

Notes