I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to have to get dressed, or drive myself to school. I didn't want to have to see Phoebe's triumphant face. I most certainly didn't want to see Max's face either. I didn't want to feel anything, at all. I didn't even get to message Kat about anything that had happened last night.
So, she is completely clueless, and I know she is going to gush about what Max is getting me for my birthday. My birthday! Oh my gosh, I was so completely wrapped up in the breakup I forgot I am eighteen. Finally.
I jumped out of my bed. I hurried to my closet, more cautious, last night's thoughts creeping into my mind. I scanned the overflowing closet that I have. Making a mental note, to have a closet clean out. There were clothes I could no longer fit into anymore, and some I don't even wear anymore.
I quickly grabbed my light brown crop top, and threw on a pair of black leggings. I matched it with my white and red converse. I hurriedly threw on some light makeup, and grabbed my maroon backpack, checking to make sure I put my school issued laptop in my bag. I also checked to make sure the charger was in the bag too, because you never know when those things go dead (besides the battery life on it).
I made my way to the kitchen and to the pantry. I found a box of opened chocolate poptarts, grabbing that, and my car keys on my way out the door. I headed to my car, which was a 1996 Ford Thunderbird, two door classic car.
My dad says it will be worth a lot one day, due to its condition, and the fact they don't make cars like that anymore. I take pride in my car, besides all the times that I rode with Max in his vehicle.
My car wasn't too bad, it had its fair share of troubles. With the radiator going out at one point, then basically having to replace everything in my dashboard, heating cord included.
Nothing too bad, I was lucky to even have a vehicle to begin with. I thought my dad was going to have to drive me my whole high school experience. High School.
I was going to be late for school if I didn't hurry my tail into the car. I could eat the poptart in class. I made sure I put everything in the passenger seat. Then, I ran to the driver's side, rolling down my window, because the heat went out in my car last week.
I was on my way to school, it started to rain just a little bit. I rolled my window up, so there was a crack. So, I slowly made my way down the road.
I passed by the churches and the empty parking lot, where we used to hangout. It was mainly used for the car guys to sit there, and chill to talk about their engines. I passed the old convenience store that gets broken into occasionally, actually it is one of the hangout spots where kids go to makeout.
I would know, Max took me there a couple of times. You would basically reserve a night, or let people know you were there, in case it became something more. It never did with me and Max. Now, I am starting to realize how lucky I was. He never felt the need to pressure me into that kind of thing.
It started pouring a little harder when I passed by the Mason's Mansion, which was abandoned too. The story goes behind the Mansion, that a whole family was slaughtered to death in a satanic ritual to bring back the husband's ex-wife. Who was claimed to be this powerful witch. There is a whole historical museum that is found in the front part of the house, the back half of the house was closed off.
It was mainly due to where the satanic ritual was held, they didn't want the public back there, but you know the dumb teenagers in the movies. How they go to places they aren't really supposed to? Yeah, those exist here in my little town too. Some of my classmates went in there, and took pictures. So, now there is photographic proof going around my school, and it's weird. It's one of those, I am glad I didn't piss off that witch type of thing.
I finally made it to my parking spot. It was still pouring, so I reached into the backseat of my car to grab my jacket. I quickly put it on, and grabbed my backpack (it also had a handle at the top, how cool is that?). Back to reality, I turned off my car, but I noticed the crack in my window. I turned it back on for a brief moment to roll it up.
I mentally prepared myself to run, but not fall on my face to get out of the rain. I unlocked my car door, and darted out of there. Backpack in one hand, with my keys in the other locking the doors.
I ran as quickly and as gracefully as I could without tripping, or falling on my face. I was so scared that I was going to face plant. What's worse than that? Being broken up with the day before your birthday, then doing something extremely embarrassing on your birthday.
Kat was waiting for me by the school entrance, her umbrella hanging out the side of her dark blue backpack. She was ushering me inside the school. She had her hair in a messy bun today. You could see the different layers and colors of blonde peeking out.
We hurried inside the building awning, which protected us from the rain for a second. The doors were unlocked, I just took a moment. Okay, Cassie, breathe, everything will be okay. Hand on the door, deep breath in, and we were walking in the hall. It was way worse than I thought, everybody was staring at us.
Kat and I made our way over to the side of the hallway, eyes following us, and Kat giving them the I dare you too stare. She turned to look at me, her blue eyes filled with worry.
I shook my head at her. That was the thing I liked most about my friendship with Kat, I didn't have to say a word, and we didn't have to talk about anything. Sometimes you just need that, I know she will ask me about it later, but she won't pressure me now. Especially, since it is my birthday after all.
Kat went to dig in her backpack, she had sat it on the ground. Out she pulled a small, black box with an intricate gold bow on top. I stared in awe at it. She handed it to me, with shaky hands.
I just looked at it, I didn't want to unwrap it, it was too pretty. I looked up at her, she was biting her lip nervously.
"What is this?" I asked, beginning to slightly shake the box to see if I could hear anything, holding it close to my ear.
"Open it, you'll see," she said with a small smile.
"I really don't want to, it's too pretty for me to destroy it." I said, an eyebrow arched.
She took the box from my hands, she carefully unwrapped the bow, and gave me the box back. Kat held onto the box for me. I looked back up to her, with a small smile, and carefully raised the lid. My eyes started to brim with tears. Any gift I get, I basically cry because I like thoughtful things.
Inside, there was obviously a birthday card that fit the theme, gold and black. There was also a shirt that said, "It's a Bit Witchy," on it, this is referring to the fact we love witches.
Also, watching Hocus Pocus one, and two on constant repeat too. Then, there was a little box in there, it looked like one of those ring jewelry boxes. I picked it up, and it was a necklace that read, "Te Amo."
"I love it Kat, what does it mean?" I asked, looking up at her.
"It means I love you in Latin or Spanish, however you want to take it." Kat said, sucking in a deep breath.
"Aw, I love you too Kat! Thank you for the amazing birthday gift." I said, excitedly, giving her a quick hug.
Kat looked around the hall. "So, what did Max get you, or have you seen him yet?" There it was, the burning question I knew she was going to ask, and one I wasn't exactly prepared to answer.
"I haven't seen him yet." I gulped, too loudly because Kat raised an eyebrow at me.
"We broke up last night. I read some texts that I shouldn't have seen, and well it turned into this argument. Max wanted to fix it, but my gut said that I shouldn't." I glanced down at my feet.
I heard Kat huff, "What did the texts say?"
I looked back up at her, Kat's eyebrows raised, she was ready to go pounce on him. I could tell by the way she was patiently waiting on how I was about to answer.
"I thought he was cheating, and he didn't fully answer my question. Don't say anything though, he is still one of my best friends, even though I am upset with him right now." I took a deep breath, who knew saying all that could be so draining.
If Kat's eyebrows could go higher, they would have just then, "Cassie, best friends don't do that, and significant others shouldn't do that either." She crossed her arms.
I shrugged my shoulders at her, and went to my backpack. I was done with the conversation. I knew that if it continued between us, we would be arguing too. In this moment, in my life, I didn't need to be fighting with her too, because right now she is the most important person to me, besides my dad of course.
I put the gifts into my backpack, carefully placing the shirt and card. The card. I held it up for her to look at.
"Hey, I'll read this when I get home later. I don't need the teacher asking why I am crying in class." I said to her, with a small laugh.
Kat gave me a small smile then, but it quickly turned into anger. I took a deep breath. I could feel him standing behind me. I slowly got up, hugging my backpack. I turned around to face Max. He held out a small gift bag to me. It was red, with red tissue paper coming out of it.
"Happy Birthday," he said in a deep voice. I took the bag from him.
"Thanks." I replied back, nothing in my response. He waited there patiently, I looked at him.
"What are you waiting for?" A hint of sarcasm present.
"Well, I was hoping you would open it," he said.
"Oh," I looked at the red tissue paper, and started to pull at it slowly.
Inside of the gift bag, there was a pair of fuzzy socks. Along with another birthday card, and a pair of leggings. My favorite candies were in the bag too. I sat the bag down next to my backpack.
"Thank you," which I said, awkwardly.
"I mean it is your birthday, and I already got you everything." He sighed.
He motioned to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, but I stepped back. I almost knocked over Kat in the process. His hand sat there for a brief moment awkwardly. No sooner had he given me my gift, Phoebe came skipping over.
She hooked her arm through his, and smiled at me with that devilish grin. Oh, how I despised the bitch. Even though I know it was both of them, I hope they were happy together, because the bitch deserves someone like her. Screw him and I, being friends, and on good terms. I am changing the rules, even though there were none to begin with.
Kat gave her the stank eye as they walked away from us. The bell rang, signaling it was time for class. Our first class of the day was English Lit, which me and Kat had together. Thank God.
I don't think I could get through it without her in there. Max was also in that class, along with Phoebe of course. Which meant that our seats would be changing soon. The whole school knows that Phoebe and Max are together. There were no arranged seating in this class though, thank goodness. The lights started to flicker in the classroom. Weird. I mean it was raining, but not thundering. The lights only flicker when it thunders.
When we went in, I took my place beside Kat. Which meant that her previous partner had to move. I gave him the I'm sorry look. He looked over at Phoebe, and Max and just nodded at me.
I wasn't one to pick fights with anyone. I pretty much got along with everyone in my classes. I mean, of course, you have the few people you can't absolutely tolerate, Phoebe definitely being included in that.
I don't like how she keeps smirking over here at me and Kat. I keep thinking like bitch, you got the guy, shut your face, no need to parade him around, especially with the ex in the same room. We get it, you two are together after we literally just broke up.
We got out our composition books, and began with the introduction prompt that was on the smartboard. It read, "If you could have any power in the world, what would it be, and why would it be that?" Easy. I would have mind reading, that way I know what to expect of a person. Edward Cullen kept repeating in my brain. You know from the Twilight book series by Stephanie Meyer.
Yeah, I want to be like Edward Cullen. Minus the whole vampire thing, and drinking blood. I am too queasy for both of those things, drinking and killing.
Also, the whole toxic thing too, like what was Stephenie, the author of Twilight, thinking? She is brilliant though. Maybe it's the fact I was always Team Jacob. I quickly scribbled down my answer.
I glanced over at Kat, she wanted to have the ability to teleport. I was trying to see what her reason was, but then the teacher called the attention of the class.
We went over the prompt, and some students gave their answers. Kat and I kept ours to ourselves. I know I wasn't the one to raise my hand, usually the teacher calls on me.
Then, the teacher made an announcement. "We will be having a foreign exchange student coming sometime this week. I advise that each, and every one of you be on your best behavior.
Let's show the student how we do things around here. I hope that you will all be welcoming and kind." He looked down at his desk, then back up.
A student was raising their hand, when the teacher looked up, they began talking, "So, does that mean we can't yell?"
The teacher arched an eyebrow, "I would assume you wouldn't yell anyways." Class carried on after that, and we ended up reading a passage out of our textbook.
I absolutely hated textbook reading with a passion. The day was pretty good up until lunch time. Everything happens at lunch. Literally in the books, and movies everything happens during lunchtime.
What is up with that? Kat and I sat at our usual spot. Max went over there, and sat by Phoebe. Obviously, I didn't expect anything less. It did feel different not having him sit beside us, cutting up and laughing. He always liked making dad jokes, they weren't good, but Kat and I would laugh anyway to make him feel good about it.
I watched from afar as Phoebe had her arm draped over his shoulders. Laughing and slapping his chest. I mentally rolled my eyes. Of course, another cliche from her. Is that girl even original?
Okay, I admit that was petty, and I am kind of jealous. I mean I went from having a boyfriend, who held me like I was the whole world. I was comfortable and safe.
From looking into his beautiful eyes, and the way he laughed. Oh his laugh, and that sweet smile of his. Suddenly, within seconds of our argument yesterday, it was all over with? I can't help but to think of him, and all of our memories together. Even when we were friends before all of this.
How did we let it go so wrong? How did I let it get this bad? My thoughts ever since last night have been a mess. They are just stuck in my brain, no place to go, and I don't know how else to keep them either.
I mean he was my everything, still is on some level. I wish I could move on just as easily as he did. I mean why am I even contemplating this? He clearly didn't care enough to stay, and found someone within the span of the night. I wouldn't do that to him. I couldn't do that to him. I know I shouldn't cry over a guy, but I did cry over him. He was my best friend at one point, he was the one person I trusted most in this world. I feel betrayed by his actions.
Phoebe was taking food off his tray at the lunch table. Disgusting. How she is just tossing herself at him. Cassie, let's not slut shame anyone, even mentally, we don't do that, ish. I just couldn't help it, I will never understand how a woman could just throw herself at a guy.
Sometimes it's cute but a majority of the time, it just means you are desperate in some way; love - actual love, money, or sex. I started to feel bad for Phoebe for a split second. Just for a split second though. I can't help how I feel towards Max, despite everything that has happened within the past twenty-four hours.
I caught Kat's eye, I could see her eyes practically rolled in the back of her head. I started to laugh, like actually laughing. It was so loud that it caught Phoebe's attention. She scoffed, smoothed out her little skirt she wore. Phoebe also had on a white t-shirt that hugged her body. Seriously, how is she not being dress coded?
I mean how did she even pass the dress code with that thing. Phoebe got up from the table, Max grabbed a hold of her arm, gently, and mumbled something to her. She just gave him the "oh please" look. Phoebe started to make her way over to us.
"Oh Lord, here it comes." Kat mumbled, rolling her eyes. I almost spit out my milk from trying to hold in my laughter.
Phoebe came over sitting between me and Kat. She crossed her legs, like half of the cafeteria hadn't already seen what was underneath there.
"So, you were laughing," Phoebe said sarcastically, finger in the air. What was the point of that?
"Yeah? What about it?" I remarked back to her.
"You were laughing at me and my friends." She said, sarcasm still present in her tone.
I could see Kat trying to hold herself back mentally. I could practically see her want to take Phoebe out, and not the date kind either.
"No, we weren't, I was laughing at Kat making a face, and then she was laughing because I was laughing. That's it." I went to pick at my food, not giving Phoebe any of my attention.
"Sure, you and your little friend need to watch your back." Phoebe said, turning around and giving Kat a once over look.
"Is that a threat Phoebe?" I asked. Looking up I glanced over at Kat, she had her purse at a weird angle. Then, I looked at Phoebe smiling at her.
"It's a promise Cassie," She said, smirking at herself.
"I don't do too kindly to threats Phoebe, you should be watching your mans over there. For all you know, you could be next." I said, moving my fingers in a spooky gesture.
Phoebe just scoffed but got up from in between us. She looked over her shoulder at us.
"Like I said, watch your back girls." She sneered at us.
I just rolled my eyes at her, and turned back to my food.
"Hey Phoebe," Kat said with a smile, and a glint of mischievousness in her eyes.
"What do you want?" Phoebe asked, hands on both her hips.
"We don't do too kindly to threats." Kat repeated.
Phoebe just laughed and looked at her, "Do you repeat everything after each other?"
"No, but I just wanted to get your face when you realize that I recorded that whole conversation. You come after one of us, you come for both.
Don't mess with me or Cass, and I won't take this to the principal with you threatening the other student. What's that called? Oh, right, bullying." Kat said with a smile, and a shake of her head.
"Are you blackmailing me? You are threatening me too, you know!" Phoebe half screamed at Kat.
"No, just defending someone without having to cause an even bigger scene than it should be. We were laughing with each other. We aren't worried about you, or your little friend group over there." Kat said, mocking Phoebe's earlier statement.
Phoebe marched back over to her table. Max looked over at us, and we just shrugged our shoulders. Phoebe's straight brown hair swinging at her hips as she left. Kat and I went back to our conversation.
"She's a freaking maniac." Kat said, her eyeballs popping out of her head.
"I know," I whispered in case Phoebe decided to make another visit over here.
The bell then rang to signal that lunch was over with. The rest of the day was pretty good too. I got in my car and left the school. I went home, took my shower, and threw on some pajamas.
The comfortable silk kind of pajamas, not the real rough pjs you get at Walmart. Even though some of their pajamas aren't rough. It was great, my afternoon was great, I did my homework and watched some Netflix.
It was a good birthday, until it wasn't for the most part. I made my way into the kitchen, where my dad, Max's dad, and Max were all waiting for me. Great. I already love bedtime.
They had a black and gold cake, which seemed to be my birthday theme today, besides the red gift bag Max gave me earlier. There were two presents on the table, one from my dad and one from Billy (Max's dad).
They sang a very horrible rendition of Happy Birthday, I blew out my candles, and opened the very obvious dad gifts from them.
Billy got me this vanilla scented candle, along with some deodorant (is he trying to tell me I smell), some lululemon workout sets (when do I work out), some nail polish literally the rainbow (I bet he doesn't know my favorite color), a new hairbrush set, and finally some makeup brushes.
I wondered who helped him out, I eyed Max very seriously. He just shrugged his shoulders at me with a small laugh. I rolled my eyes. Again, despite everything, I did grow up with him. So, there is a soft spot in this cold, dead, beating heart of mine.
Somewhere. Don't know where yet. Next up was my dad's gift to me. I was surprised by what he picked out. He gave me this video camera. He also gave me a sketch book, some crystals (why would I need crystals?), a tarot deck (he said it was an inside joke), feathers, and sand. You would think I was a witch or something.
After the gifts were over, and we each got a piece of cake, our dads went outside to the patio. While Max and I stayed inside. You could just imagine the awkwardness that was happening. Not to mention the tension earlier from the cafeteria. He looked embarrassed for himself, and for Phoebe too.
Max cleared his throat, "So, um, about earlier, I'm sorry about Phoebe. She thinks we're together or something."
"I mean aren't you guys together?" The burning question again, I asked. Taking a bite of my cake, and shoving the piece in my mouth. So, I wouldn't have a verbal response to his answer.
"I don't know. What about us?" He asked, taking a bite of his cake, and looking straight ahead.
"What about us?" I repeated back to him.
"You know, us, Cas, you and me." He asked, his eyes pleading.
With a deadpan stare I said, "There's no us anymore Max. If Phoebe's what you want, Phoebe is what you get."
"What if Phoebe isn't who I want anymore?" Pleading clear now in his voice.
"Then, you shouldn't have messaged her." I got up and put my plate in the sink. The cabinets started shaking like there was a small earthquake.
Weird. Max and I looked at each other briefly, and then I headed to my room. I locked my door and turned off the lights. Later, my dad knocked on my door, but I didn't answer. I just pretended to be asleep, replaying mine and Max's conversation over and over in my head.
I made sure my alarm was set for the morning. It was. My day repeated again, going to school, seeing Phoebe and Max, having Phoebe scold me, eat lunch almost peacefully, and then head home.
This was my schedule for the next few days. Seeing Max and how he was with Phoebe, made me start to realize how incredibly lucky I was to not be dating him anymore.
I was so consumed by being his friend, and then his girlfriend, I couldn't see the person he was. I couldn't see the person he was becoming either. I was too blinded by love, or some version of what love is.
Friday came around, I got out of bed, and looked straight at my wall hanging mirror. I was horrified, it took me a moment to realize that the scary, hideous beast in the mirror was myself. I stumbled out of bed, and got a shower.
At least, I smelled better than I looked at the moment. I quickly brushed my hair and teeth (even though I knew I was about to eat breakfast, which ultimately sucks, like am I wasting time here?). I looked for my converse shoes. I thought about wearing the new leggings I got for my birthday from Max, not like he would notice anyways.
I put on the necklace that Kat got for me. I tried to fix myself up slightly decently. I don't try too hard you know, but I do try a little, to look presentable for the public.
Besides I have a feeling me and Phoebe will have a showdown eventually. I need to be prepared to look good when I whoop her ass.
I grabbed a makeshift breakfast, along with my keys and backpack. I was out the door, "Today is going to be great", I silently repeated to myself. Nothing is going to get in my way. I went out to my car, cranked it up. I was having trouble starting it. Well, maybe one thing will get in my way.
Nope, Cassie, don't think like that. The whole thing wouldn't turn on. I had my dad come out to look at it. He called Billy, which therefore he called Max, and no sooner, here was Max in my driveway. Guess who was in the passenger seat with him.
Yep. You guessed it, Phoebe herself, mentally throwing up. My dad gave me a puzzled look, and I shrugged my shoulders. Neither one of us have told our dad's about the breakup yet, but my dad just found out.
I put my backpack on and made my way to the backseat of his jeep. It was mostly silent on the way to school. Phoebe, however, kept giving me stares in the mirror. You poor unfortunate soul I thought.
I stopped looking at her, she just wanted attention from me. Once we were out, I quickly made my way into the building, not giving Phoebe time for a quick snip and pick. I met Kat inside, and shortly followed Max and Phoebe. Kat looked between us, and I mouthed to her "Don't ask."
The first bell rang, signaling it was time for our first period English Lit. I wasn't too thrilled. When we got into the classroom, there was this tall, black haired lean looking guy, and he was sitting in mine and Kat's spot. We stared at each other. Kat sat with her old partner, traitor, and I gave her a look. I went and sat beside him.
"Hi, I am Damian Hayes, I just moved here." He said, pushing his hair out of his face.
He was dressed in all black. Oh boy. He spelled out boy trouble, I had just happened to have the luck of sitting beside him. As if I already didn't have enough to worry about. I glanced at his eyes, piercing, icy blue eyes.
Oh. I looked away, that got a small chuckle out of him. Suddenly, I was nervous, and wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. I did get up the courage to introduce myself back, because that would be rude you know.
"I'm Cassie Brooks, I've been here my whole life." I said with a small chuckle, glancing down at my composition book.
"Nice to meet you Cassie Brooks."
"You too Damian Hayes." With that Damian gave me a small smile and a light chuckle.
Soon class began, the teacher recognized Damian, and had him introduce himself to the whole class. Awesome. I could see Phoebe staring daggers at us, yep, she's regretting getting with a new man so soon. How unfortunate of her. I just laughed.
Damian seems like a cool dude, I mean he moved here from Iceland, he said he didn't have an accent. This is because he is originally from the States, but his parents moved them when he was younger. They got their citizenship, and now he is back doing the foreign exchange student program.
The more he talked, the more fascinating he became. He has all this knowledge, and experience from traveling the world. I wondered what he was doing in this tiny little town. I made a note to ask him about it later, but we had class. I would try to talk to him in between, but the English teacher kept staring daggers at us too. I was looking forward to english now.