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Bailee

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I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the party. Heck, I was a nervous wreck and that was an understatement. Over the past two days, I have been devising an excuse to not go to Julian’s party. Nothing came to mind, well nothing logical for Julian to believe. He would see right through my white lie. When Friday came rolling around the corner, I was searching for an excuse … anything. Nothing came in mind.

“Hi, Bailee,” Julian said, placing his hand upon my shoulder bringing me back into reality.

“Hi,” I mumbled under my breath.

“I’ve been trying to find you, but you seem to disappear whenever I turn around,” Julian declared, leaning against my locker. His hand retreated, and he crossed arms over his chest.

Crap, I’m caught.

“Really? I haven’t seen you all day. I’ve been trying to get to class on time.”

Yeah, he will totally buy that.

“You’re always on time,” he replied.

Crap! He saw through it!

“Yes, but I needed to ask some questions to my teachers,” I stated, reaching for my books to put in my bag.

“Uh-huh,” Julian replied, not pleased with my statement, he eyed me accusingly.

“Well, why are you so insistent in the first place?” I demanded, “Maybe you should just lay off!”

He threw his hands in the air, “I’m sorry, I just wanted you to come! You know, take a break from being perfect!”

I stood there, slightly stunned. “Well... uh…” I was searching for something that would really bite, but lo and behold, the cursed bell.

“You! You made me late! You… you! Shit!!” I sputtered and steamed. I was pissed.

He looked amused at my irritation, which fueled my fury.

I stormed off in a huff, completely disheveled.

Oh my god, oh my god, oh sweet baby Jesus I’m late. Late. That little twit. What do I do? Everyone will stare at me!

I sheepishly crept into class, felt billions pairs of eyes on me. The teacher didn’t seem to notice, thank goodness. But there she was, in the back row, Hannah frickin’ Reynolds smiling like there’s no tomorrow, in mockery. That bitch.

I slunk into my chair and pouted. Then it hit me, that party! Crap.

“It’s nice to see to see you finally came to class, Ms. Nash,” Ms. Sprouts called out, her back was towards her pupils.

“Sorry, Ms. Sprouts,” I replied, shyly not liking the attention, “It won’t happen again.”

She turned around gazing into my eyes. “I know you won’t. I’m giving you a break because everyone has those days,” she replied, a gentle smile on her lips.

I shrunk into my seat. Please someone put me out of my misery.

“Alright, before I was so rudely interrupted-”

The classroom door was flung open. Ms. Sprouts turned her gaze on the newcomer.

“Mr. Walters, what is the meaning of this?” she hissed, gazing at him. He took long strides walking over to his desk.

“Sorry, Ms. Sprouts, I was caught up with talking to a teacher, Mrs. Baker, if you don’t believe me. You can call her if you would like,” he declared, slouching in his seat.

His solid outburst flabbergasted Ms. Sprouts. She was searching for an answer, but nothing came in mind. “No, you are alright,” she said, “Next time, don’t be so obnoxious, if you come in late at least be quiet.”

W-what?! What just happened?!

I shot a glare at Julian. He was focusing his attention on Ms. Sprouts, who was writing about the introduction and act one of the play. His dark brown eyes moved from the board to mine. I realized my mistake and forced my focus on the white board. However, my thoughts were clouded about his party and how I snapped at him earlier. I could Julian’s eyes piercing on my back.

What do I do?

There was a war going on in my thoughts. There was no way I could focus on class. Not now. With fifteen minutes to go, I found myself having a stare down with the clock. The seconds felt like they were minutes in between. I needed to get out of here. I was getting antsy in my seat. Then there was five minutes. Then three. Then one. I was about to bolt like spooked colt. The bell was like letting go of a balloon, me spiraling chaotically into space. Let freedom ring! I was at my locker, throwing everything into my backpack without reason. I felt Julian behind me and was immediately annoyed. Exasperated, I swiveled around to face him. We were nose to nose but I didn’t care. “Fine, I’ll go! Happy now?!” I snapped, my words dripping with sass.

“Finally,” Julian replied with a smirk, “I wasn’t sure if you would make up your mind.”

I slammed my locker door and strutted off in frustration.

***

“I feel your heart beat to the beat of the drum-”

Good god, I could feel the bass pounding in my heart. I was standing in the middle of the sidewalk, several feet away from the house, with the sun going down the horizon. The hours flew by, and before I knew it I had to get ready for Julian’s party. And here I was gazing at his beloved house. The house was on the street corner, it had white siding and a dark blue shutters. Also, there was a wrap around porch, where a few people meandered about.

I let out a sigh.

There are already a lot of people here? And the party just started? Wow.

Gradually, I placed one foot in front of the other. Voices grew louder, with every step I took, as well as the music. Gosh, will I know any of these songs?

I shook my head answering my own question. The type of music I enjoy would be rock and jazz a.k.a. “old music.” I would have to thank my father for my music selection. A small smile crept on my lips remembering dancing in the kitchen while making pancakes with my dad. We were dancing along to “Let’s Get Crazy” by Prince. That would have to be my favorite song if I had to pick. A chuckle escaped my lips.

I doubt they would have that song in their playlist.

I held my head up high before opening the front door. I opened it revealing people bustling about drinking, eating, and socializing. I gazed around as I stepped into the house. I was in the small hallway; the sound was piercing my ears. The hallway led to an opening, which was the living room. I kept on going along with the current of people. I was met by a swarm of teenagers whom were dancing. If a person would call that dancing.

“You made it!” a voice hollered behind me.

I turned around to figure out what that noise was. All I heard was the blaring music.
There he stood. Julian Walters. He was wearing an unbuttoned collared shirt with faded jeans. He looked very spiffy. He looked her over. He grinned, “Nice outfit!”
I could only make out “outfit” … so I guessed what he said before it.

“Thanks!” I shrieked, hoping he said a compliment.

My outfit consisted of skinny jeans, black boots, a beige tank top, and a navy blue blazer. My hair was partially pulled back with the rest of my locks draped over my shoulders. It didn’t take long to come up with this ensemble.

I was glancing around at the teenagers again feeling uncomfortable. Julian noticed my state and he tapped my shoulder. “Do you want to go outside?!” he yelled into my ear. I could feel his warm breath on me. Ew.

“Yes!” I nodded. I would prefer anywhere but here.

We stumbled outside into the softly lit darkness; the pounding of music was tamed in the quiet outdoors. I could hear the insects buzzing and I felt a sense of relief. The silence was broken by the sound of Julian’s whispering voice.

“So, what made you decide to come?” He questioned softly.

Surprisingly, he did not annoy me. “Oh, I don’t know, nothing better to do,” I stated. “Plus you pressured me into it.”

He laughed at my bluntness.

“Yeah, I did, but I’m glad you made it,” he said, leaning forward up against the railing of the porch.

I pushed his statement away. “I doubt you would be disappointed if I wasn’t here.”

“Why do you say that?” he asked, he changed his position so he was facing me.

“Well,” I replied, “You have many guests, I’m sure you’ll have more fun with them. After all, I’m not much a party girl.”

He laughed. “Yes, but you never come out of your house for anything. That is why I’m grateful and happy you came.” He was walking over towards me. I was on the other side of the porch leaning against the rail, too.

His dark brown eyes were staring deep into mine. He placed his hand upon the railing next to my hand. A gentle smile was upon his lips. I couldn’t get a read on him. Julian would do something like this, like poking me or playing with my hair, when we would be working or during class. But this time, it felt like he was trying to tell me something. Something important.

“Bailee,” he said, biting his lip.

“Yes?” I declared, his eyes gazed at the ground looking nervous.

“Bailee, I li-”

“Julian!” an obnoxious voice cut in.

You didn’t have to be a genius to figure out who it was.

Hannah Reynolds clicked her way over towards us. When I mean clicking, I’m not being sarcastic. Her high-heeled shoes, if I might add, were making an annoying click against the cemented ground. Her outfit was a tight dress that came to her knees, and also it was light pink with a tan bowtie around her rib cage. Her hair was pulled all the way up to show off her beauty mark.

“Hannah,” Julian grumbled, not pleased by her entrance.

Julian leaned away from me as I did, too. I wanted more space, plus I didn’t want to be near Hannah. She placed her hand upon his shoulder showing off her absurd smile.

“I was looking all over for you, darlin’. It felt like you were ignoring me or something.”

Darlin’? What is going on here?!

“No, Hannah, it just that Bailee and I wanted some fresh air,” he declared.

Now I was brought into the picture, Hannah turned her head. Her body language was full of disgust and aversion. “And what are you doing here?” she stated, placing her hands upon her hips.

“I was invited,” I replied, simply.

She rolled her eyes. “No way, Captain Obvious. Seriously, what are you doing here?”

Ouch, that hurt a bit.

Before I could speak, Julian took it over. “I invited her to come, after all, she is my friend.”

“Friend?” she hissed, “Bailee Nash doesn’t have any friends. That is what she likes, a simply valid life.”

Valid? She’s using my own words against me.

Julian leaned forward to Hannah. “Hannah, please just stop-”

“No, I will not stop!” she shrieked, catching a few people attention.

Oh no. A crowd is going to form soon.

“You have been defending for her, for her Miss. Goodie-Two Shoes ways! Which, it’s pretty obvious why you keep defending her. Of course, she’s too blind to see why. But that’s not the point, she is a stuck up bitch that nobody likes. When we graduate, nobody will ask about her … everybody will forget about her. So, I will ask again, why are you bloody here?” she questioned, her face was red from her anger.

My mouth became dry. I swallowed the knot in my throat as best as I could. I would lie if I said the quote: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words would never hurt me,” was wrong. Bull-shit. What Hannah Reynolds said got to me. I always knew some people didn’t like me. But, it never dawn on me that everyone hated me. I suppressed my sadness and hurt away. I put on the biggest, stuck up smile I could come up with and replied:

“Just to piss you off.”

She gasped, her mouth hung down low. By now, there was a small group of people observing the scene. A few laughers came from them.

“You bitch,” she replied. I rolled my eyes.

Is that the best comeback, she can come up with?

“Is that the best, you can come up with?” I challenged.

Her eyes light up. “I don’t know, why don’t I ask your father?”

My heart fell into the pit of my stomach. She did not just mention my father.

“Don’t you dare bring him into this,” I hissed, my hands became fists.

“Oh, it seems like she’s got a weak spot,” Hannah said, out into the crowd.

That … jerk.

“Hannah!” Julian shouted, his voice held no kindness, “Stop this.”

“Why?” she asked.

I have to get out of here.

“I have to go,” I mumbled, but Julian heard.

“Wait, don’t go-”

“Good riddance,” Hannah replied, I heard before sliding passed Julian and the crowd. I could feel their gaze on me. Judging me.

“Bailee!” I ignored Julian’s callings.

I was picking up speed walking along the porch and walked down to the sidewalk. I didn’t look back. I was too afraid I would start tearing up.

Why would Hannah bring up my father? That’s just below the belt.

My version became blurry as I kept on moving down the sidewalk towards my car. It was lightly windy, causing my cheeks to become rosier than before. I ran my fingers through my hair, taking out my hairband. This was the worst night; I’ve ever had in my entire life.

Hannah is right … nobody cares about me.

I came to my car unlocking and opening the chair. I sat down on the front seat. I leaned my head against the wheel. Silently, I let the tears flow knowing no one would notice. I lifted my head up to see the sky filled with beautiful shinny stars. I wiped my tears away.

I just … I just wish I would be loved by them. I know they don’t care about me, but … if they really knew me, maybe they would.

I turned the engine on putting it in drive. I wanted to get home as soon as I can. I want to forget everything that has happened tonight.

However, millions and millions miles away, far into space, someone heard my cry. Someone heard my wish … and that someone heard another’s wish. That someone grinned, glowing with happiness, proud of their wonderful idea.

“I heard you, Bailee.”

Notes

Hello! :D
How is everyone?
I'm sorry it forever to update. I really hope you guys enjoyed this new chapter!
About two more chapters, then it will get even more interesting if you know what I mean. *winks*
Okay, talk to you later.
Thank you! :)