Forever and Always, Olive

Chapter 6: The Happy Drunk

Chapter 6

Just like Saturday and Sunday, Monday is a dreary and bleak day. Rain pours from the skies and I have a mood to go with it. My aunt refuses to let me walk to school because it's pitch black out, which is "dangerous", plus I would slide down many hills and slopes thanks to the sopping grass. I reluctantly get into the car with my cousin, who didn't seem too happy about the arrangements.

"Why didn't you just get a ride from Maddox?" she scoffs as we get closer to the school school.

Speaking of Maddox, I've been thinking lately; I think I'm going to cut ties with him as soon as this project is finished. I thought he had potential to be kind and nice, but I don't see it as of now. Besides, I'd rather not be friends with someone who constantly puts me down. His words on Saturday took a large chunk from my self-esteem and I have a feeling that's what's in store if I decide to stick around. And I honestly don't need any more negativity in my life. Speaking of negativity, I don't need to sit and dread coming home because of my cousin. Being quiet and respectful didn't keep her from hating me; I may as well do something to justify her feelings.

"Why don't you mind your business?" I snap, which catches her off guard. Her car swerves slightly in the rain. "You might want to watch where you're driving."

"You might want to watch your mouth," my cousin snapped. "Have you forgotten that I'm supposed to drive you home later?"

"Have you forgotten that I have legs?" I snapped. "I'm capable of walking, in case you weren't aware."

"Yeah, have fun walking uphill in the rain," she bites back as she comes to a halt in the parking lot of the building. I get out of the car and walk up to the school, grumbling unhappily. And I have to deal with her and Maddox in first period.

Oh joy.

+ + +

The week goes on slowly. I don't talk to Maddox and I'm beginning to think that we'll never get this project done. I'm grateful when Friday swings around. I'll hopefully be able to get some of this project done on my own. And who knows? Maybe Maddox will come around, stop being such a jerk, and actually decide to actually help me. Or maybe the moon will turn neon green and grow a face.

I'm relaxing in the living room, watching television, when my aunt calls us to dinner. I shuffle over to the table with a grumbling stomach. I didn't get a chance to eat lunch today, mostly because I was avoiding the cafeteria and I didn't have money to buy anything from the vending machine. Cassidy and Winona keep trying to get me to sit at their table, but I keep declining. I stay away from the cafeteria altogether. I'm afraid they'd use brute force to get me to go over there, where I'd be faced with Maddox.

Vivica comes trotting down the steps and drops in a seat at the table. "Hey, mom, mind if I go out tonight?" she asks with a large smile on her face. The only time she grins is when she's being malicious or when she wants something from her mom.

I try to pretend that I'm not listening as I scoop some potato salad onto my plate. "Where to?" my aunt responds with a curious look on her face.

"Well, Chelsea's having a sleepover," my cousin begins. Lie. Maybe it's because I've used this lie so many times that it translates to 'I'm going to a party' in my head. I stare at my aunt and see that she's completely and utterly clueless.

"You can go...only if you bring your cousin," my aunt concludes and I choke on the potato that I'm slowly chewing.

"Mom, I can't just invite other people to Chelsea's house," Vivica explains, growing a bit panicky.