The Girl Next Door

Part 7 - Iris

Part 7 - You Suck At Flirting

✾

"So you finally understand it now?" I sigh, leaning back and crossing my arms. Who knew I'd be teaching the bad boy some of the easiest math in the class? "After one and a half hours?"

"Yes," he answers, nodding once in confirmation. "And hey, Princess, at least I learned."

"Right, so at least I can go now."

"You sure? I'm just saying, it doesn't look like you get a lot of action... If we both stay at my place—"

"I'm going, right now!" I shout, putting my hands over my ears. "I don't want to hear the rest of that sentence!"

"You need to lighten up," he informs me before smirking. "But sure, go. Feel free to change your mind if you get lonely tonight." Before I have a chance to respond, my legs are carrying me out the door.

Go me.

✾

"I would've taken him up on that offer," Sophie says, no shame in her words as she shrugs. "You're insane. However, I guess I'll have to forgive you because you're my best friend. Also because there's a party next Friday, so as my best friend, I have to drag you with me."

"Sorry, can't go," I immediately blurt out. When Sophie gives me an incredulous look, I just sigh. "Tutoring, remember?"

"Oh, puh-lease!" she scoffs. "For like, what? An hour? Hun, I know you're not that busy. I'll be at your house at six, 'kay? We'll spend an hour getting ready tops, then we're heading over to Amelia's."

"Amelia?" I echo. "But she's the devil's spawn."

"Yeah, well, the devil's spawn also throws f*cking awesome parties. Speaking of which, did you hear about Pierce and Amelia's affair last month? Rumor has it that he left her after he found out she was pregnant with twins. But—"

"They say he gets the girl pregnant after every one-night-stand. Does anybody even have any proof he was with her?"

"Wow, Iris. Are you actually interested in my gossip for once? Also, has anybody ever told you you have a problem interrupting?"

"Maybe a couple times. Anyway, how many girls has he admitted to... well, you know, sleeping with?"

"Why do you suddenly care now, Iris? Does somebody have a crush?"

As I open my mouth to tell her I'm going to dump my hot chocolate all over her golden locks, the bell rings. Great, first period. Before I can even object Sophie's accusation, she's dashing towards the halls of Goalmont High.

✾

When the bell rings for the thousandth time today, I feel like I've been waiting so long that I can't even get my feet to push me just a bit further. And, as if my pessimism isn't enough for everyone, Sophie slaps my shoulder and screams in my ear. And it's a shrill scream.

"Julian and Pierce are coming towards us!" She gets a grip on my shoulders, shaking me so hard that I feel my brain actually shatter into a thousand little pieces.