He's So Aggravating, But I Think I Like Him

Chapter Five

Max

It's been a few days since I was a complete asshole to Mandy about the cake, and I think we both just tried to avoid each other as much as possible. As much as it sucked.

Me and the band had a few too many drinks and played the Xbox last night, causing me to have a throbbing headache. One that only worsened when Craig came in and let the sunlight shine on me.

"Hey, me, Monte, and Robert are going to the mall with Insomniac Outcast. Wanna come?" Craig asked politely.

I grimaced. Did I really want to spend time with Mandy after what I said?

Deciding that I had nothing better to do, I agreed. Craig walked back off the bus and I walked to the kitchen. I took some more Tylenol and walked off the bus and went to meet everyone else.

Mandy

"We're all going to the mall and ETF is coming," Maddie said excitedly.

I bet she likes one of them.

You never know with her through. She could have put shit in their shampoo bottle and just wants to see if they used it. We waited on the bus along with Corey, Mike, and Chris, waiting for ETF to arrive.

Finally, Craig walked through the door, followed by Monte, Robert, and Max. They all looked terrible. Like they were hit by a truck and tried to cover it up. I don't even think they've looked at themselves in the mirror today.

Everyone went and got what they think they needed for our trip to the mall and went outside. Everyone was talking about how cool this mall is and what they plan to buy when I thought of something.

"Um, how do we plan on getting there?" I asked, "I haven't really seen any taxis around here."

Everyone got quiet and looked at each other. Apparently, no one thought of that. The mall is about a mile away.

"We could walk?" Chris suggested.

Everyone was hesitant at first, but they all agreed and we started walking down the road towards the mall together. I started having a conversation with Maddie and Corey about how Satanic witchcraft is more powerful that Celtic Druidism. Me being for Satanic witchcraft and Maddie being for Celtic Druidism. Corey was just a judge.

After what felt like hours worth of walking, my legs started to hurt, "My legs hurt," I voiced my thoughts. I knew we'd only been walking for just a few minutes, but it was hot outside, and I was tired.

"We're only a quarter of a mile there," Monte said from in front of me.

I turned around. I could still see the venue! I groaned dramatically.

"Can someone carry me?" I asked, raising my eyebrow playfully.

"Shut up. Be a man," Mike said, I guess thinking those were words of encouragement.

"I am a woman! Now can someone please give me a piggy back ride?" I begged.

"Chris, can you carry me?" I asked.

"No."

"Corey, can you-"

"No," he interrupted me.

"Maddie, please-"

"Hell no. I weigh less than you!" She shot back.

"Mike?"

"Nope."

"Craig?"

"Sorry, no."

"Monte?"

"Uh-uh"

"R-Robert?"

"I'd rather not."

I really didn't want to ask the last person in our group, but beggers can't be choosers, right?

"Max, can you please carry me? I'll buy you ice cream," I begged, folding my hands together.

"What?! Why didn't you say you were gonna buy us ice cream!?" Corey asked.

"You never let me finish my sentence, did you?!?" I responded, rather loudly, earning us some looks from people walking by.

Max was hesitant about his answer, but finally nodded and crouched down so I could jump on.

"You're very light," he said once I was on and he started walking again.

Funny, I recall him saying I needed to watch my weight a few days ago.

I shook the negative thought from my head. He'd apologized, right? As we were walking, I felt my eyes begin to drift closed, the sounds of cars passing by and the chatter of my friends eventually putting me to sleep.

Max

I was walking, talking to Robert, when I felt Mandy's grip loosen. I turned my head and saw she was asleep.

How the hell did she fall asleep?

I tried to hold on to her, but it wasn't really working. I was scared she would fall backwards, so I stopped and shifted her to where I was carrying her bridal style.

I could see the mall, so I wouldn't have to carry her much longer. She actually was really light. What was she? Ninety-five pounds? Maybe less.

I was so deep in thought about her appearance, that I didn't even realize we arrived at the mall entrance and everyone was staring at me.