Because Of The Bucket List

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Ari?" My mom yells from the kitchen.

"What?" I yell back in annoyance. She's supposed to be asleep or at work or something. Not bothering me.

"Come here please." She demands. I huff and put on my heels.

"Yes?" I ask, entering the kitchen.

"What is this?" She scolds, holding up the note I left for her to sign. She's still in her scrubs so I guess she just got home.

"A note for my therapist."

"Yes it is. That says you need to leave an hour early. Why?"

"Because I have things to do with my friends."

"No. You can't leave an hour early to go hang out with your friends. I pay good money for you to see her."

"Mom, seriously? I don't even talk to her when I am there. I've already told you this. I don't need a damn therapist." I argue.

"You will watch your mouth, young lady. Even if you say two words, maybe it will help you." She insists and heads to her room. I grab a granola and go to school.

My day goes by quickly and I tell the group I'll see them at the game. I know what your all thinking; 'Oh my gosh, her mom said she couldn't go.' Guess what? I don't care. She's hardly ever home and won't care when she wakes up. My therapist probably won't even be able to call and get her on the phone.

Mrs. Richardson bugs me again today to make plans with Jace to get him to tutor me. She said he already knows he has to. I guess I'll ask him to after his game. It's ridiculous, though. He probably won't even help me. He'll probably just sit on his phone like he always does. I don't understand why the others even hang out with him. He urks me.

"Hello, Arielle. How are you today?" Julia asks, once I step into her office.

"Good." I shortly reply.

"That's good to hear. Ready to talk?" She asks.

"Nope." I say.

We sit there for about an hour and I fake a phone call and leave. I go to the rink to meet up with the group.

"Hey, Sweet Pea." Ryan says, putting his arm over me, once I reach them. Gah, I think the guys look hotter in their jerseys. Seth is eating a huge thing of nachos. Camryn and Caiden are talking to some other people I've never seen before. Jace is on his phone, like always.

"Where's Layla?" I ask Ryan.

"She went to go get Gatorades." He replies.

We wait for a few more minutes and they call for both teams to get on the ice. I wish them all luck and they all leave, except Jace. He steps in front of me.

"You really shouldn't get to close to Ryan. He doesn't do relationships." He warns and walks out. What? Why would he care? I don't even know Ryan, really. He doesn't even like me. He probably just does that to make sure I feel welcome into the group. But even still, why would Jace, out of all people be warning me?

Layla takes the guys their Gatorades and comes to sit next to me and Camryn. She brought us drinks and nachos, as well. We eat and watch the boys glide around the rink. I've never been to hockey game, so I'm not sure what the point is in them skating around on ice. But, soon I feel myself cheering the guys on. They all seem so motivated to get the puck in the net. Jace has it and he runs in straight through the middle. A guy from the other team hits him in the shoulder, hard. He loses the puck for a moment, but soon gets it back. The other team mates block him and make sure the other team can't hit him. He hits the puck and it goes straight into the net.

"Woooooohhhh!" The crowd, and even myself yell. He stares at me for just a split second. He gives me a small grin and I feel my face burn. I look away quickly. What the hell was that? Why did he smile at me, of all people? And why did I blush? I forget about it and we all go to the ice to congratulate the guys on their win. Camryn runs to Caiden and surprisingly, Layla goes to Seth. Ryan comes to me, picks me by my waist, and hugs me. Jace stares at me with intense eyes. I can't read his expression, though. He hardly ever looks at me, but this is the third time tonight he's confused the hell out of me.

"After game party?" Ryan asks, setting me back down.

"Let's go." Everyone says and starts walking to the cars.

"Uh, guys?" I mumble.

They all turn around and wait for me to speak.

"I can't go."

"Why not?" Layla asks.

"Uh, I have to study for Algebra." I lie. I hate parties.

"Come on, Elle." Seth pouts.

"I really can't" I lie again.

"Okay. Well, we'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight." Layla says. I nod and head to my car. I can't tell them why I can't go to the party. It's too hard. I wouldn't want to go and risk brining up painful memories.

I get home and take a bubble bath. Once I get out, I go to my vanity and braid my hair. I pick up the picture frame and just stare.

"I miss you, Natalie." I whisper.

I climb into bed, with her picture in my hand and close my eyes.