Changing the Rules

Chapter 10

Finally it's Friday after school. Both Matthew and I should have the book finished. We're getting together later tonight to start working on the essay. He must really want to get this finished, which could be because he wants it finished or he doesn't want to spend anymore time with me than he has too. Who knows when it comes to that boy, he's so confusing. You never know what he's thinking, but you never truly know what anyone is thinking, you can only make your best guess.

I'm in my room working on calculus when my phone goes off. I look at it and see kris has texted me. I haven't talked to her all week, not in purpose, but I had tests to study for. So instead of going to the cafeteria at lunch time I went to the library. I open the text.
Kris: why haven't you talked to me all week!!!!
Me: Sorry I had tests I had to study for. I haven't had time to stop and talk to you.
Kris: Yeah, yeah whatever. Guess what?
Me: What?
Kris: Brad finally asked me out!!!! I'm soooo excited!! We're going on a date tomorrow!!!!!
Me: nice, but who's Brad?
Kris: the captain of the varsity football team!!! The hottest jock in school, but he's super nice.
Me: that's only because he wants to get you in bed.
Kris: no it's not! Honestly, he wants to go out with me. Trust me he's the sweetest guy ever!
Me: okay if you say so. Just be careful don't let this guy hurt you.
Kris: Trust me I will.
Me: okay.
Kris: So how's it going with Matthew?
Me: okay, I guess. I mean right now we're working on a project together, so we have to spend time together outside of school. Other than that we haven't really been talking.
Kris: what happened to annoying him??? No mercy! Otherwise you won't become friends.
Me: it's going to be okay if I give him some space since we're working on a project together. I don't want him to be annoyed with me and then we don't get any work for the project done. Okay?
Kris: okay.
Me: hey I have to go. Time to work on the project. I'll text you later. Love ya! Bye!
Kris: okay, have fun! Love ya too! Bye.

I put my phone in my pocket and grab my backpack. I head downstairs to the front door. I look around to make sure nobody's around to give me a hard time, then I open the door and walk over to Matthew's house. I pull my hand up and knock. I bite my lip from the pain of my bruised ribs. Calm down. You're okay. The door opens and I see Mr. Abernathy. "Hi" I say "hello. I assume you're here for Matthew again?" He asks
"Yes we still have that project to do." I smile
He returns the smile "well come on in. Matthew's room is up the stairs, second door on the right. I'd stay and talk, but I have a speech to give down in town."
"Why do you have to give a speech?"
"I'm running for Mayor. So I have lots of speeches and interviews. Makes me a very busy man. Now I really must be going. It was nice to see you again."
"You too." I say as he walks out the door. I head upstairs and go to the second door on the right and knock. I hear someone groan unhappily and then a thud, before the door opens. I see Matthew wearing black sweat pants, and no shirt. Let me just say this boy is fit. He has a six pack and I notice he's pretty muscular. He ask "you gonna say something or keep staring at me?" I glare at him and say "I was just surprised, okay? So don't go and think I was staring at you."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, princess."
"So are you ready to work on our project?"
"You're early."
"No, you're late. You told me to be here at seven. It's Seven ten."
"Then you're ten minutes late."
"Actually I wasn't. Your dad talked to me for a couple of minutes and then I had to wait for you to get up out of bed. So, again, are you ready to work on our project?"
"Give me a minute." He walks back into his room. I hear him shuffle something's around and then he comes back out with a shirt on and his book and notes. He says "now I'm ready."

We walk downstairs and sit on the couch. I pull my book and notebook out. "So what did you think of the book?" I ask
"It was okay. I've read better, though."
"I liked it. There were many historical facts, but a good story to go with it too."
He sighs "can we just write this paper and get it over with?"
"I guess." I hand him my notes to look over and I take his. I see him roll his eyes, before taking my notebook and reading over it. I was surprised to see he actually had notes and pretty good ones at that. After we read the notes we make a outline and start writing the essay.

Two hours later we finish the rough draft. Now all that's left is to proof read and type it up. Also we have to make a display model, so we're going to have to figure out what we're doing for that. I think we're doing pretty well though. We have three weeks to do the rest of it. "I should go. It's getting late and I have other homework to do." I say
"That's exactly what you said last time." He says
"Well it's true. I like to get my homework done in the beginning of the weekend, so I have time to do other things without being stressed."
"Fine, go do boring school work."
"Just curious, what would we have done if I wasn't leaving"
"Watch a movie or something."
"What movie?"
He grins "wedding ringer."
"Fine I'll stay. If I get in trouble I'm blaming you."
"For what? Working on school work?"
"My stepfather's strict. He doesn't like when I go out."
"That's stupid."
"Tell me about it."
"Don't you have stepsisters too? What are they like?"
"You don't want to know."
"Well what about your mom?"
"She's..uh dead."
"Oh."
"Yeah, but it's okay. It's part of life you live, you die. You can't change it."
"If you don't mind me asking how long ago did she die?"
"Two almost three weeks ago."
"How have you gotten over it that fast?"
"I haven't. I've just accepted the fact that she's gone. I'm still sad about it, but I can't changed what happened, so why should I let it take over my life for a couple of months?"
"I guess you have a point, but most people aren't able to do that."
"Who said I was able to do it? I'm just trying to. It's not easy, but nothing ever is."
"Well this has partly ruined my Friday night."
"Seriously? You didn't even know my mom."
"I know you."
"Not well though."
"I think I've got you figured out pretty well, but whatever."
I smile "is that so? What do you think my whole personality is like?"
"I'm not getting into this."
"Okay whatever." I say as he puts the DVD in and turns the tv on. He walk out of the living room and into the kitchen. Minutes later he returns with chips and drinks. He hands me a coke and Doritos. I thank him and he presses play. The movie starts.

After the movie is over, I look at Matthew and see he's asleep. I smile and take my trash to the kitchen and search for the trash can. Eventually I find it and throw away my trash. I walk back to the living room and grab my backpack. I look over at Matthew, before leaving. I walk back to my house.

I go inside and immediately see my stepfather waiting at the stairs for me. His voice is raspy, but stern as he speaks, "You've been gone since seven. Where we're you?" "I was working on a project for English with my partner." I state as I tell myself to have courage. He walks over to me and slaps me across the face and says "never do that again." I nod my head and he walks away. I run upstairs ignoring the pain of my face and ribs. I barge into my room and lay on my bed crying.

After it finish crying I change and brush my teeth, before getting back in bed. I lay on my back and the tears come again. I cry until I finally fall asleep.