Adelaide
Adelaide's POV
"Hurry up Sophia, we're gonna be late!"
This is normal for me. My little sister, Sophia, always insist on taking extra time to sleep. And then, of course, she'd take another hour to get ready. Which makes us almost late for school way too often.
"I'll be down in five!"she screeched from the upstairs bathroom.
"We don't have five more minutes! We're already late as is, if you wanted to take more time getting ready then you should start waking up earlier!"
After about another couple of minutes of my dear sister ignoring my pleads to hurry the hell up, she finally came waltzing down the stairs with an unnecessary amount of makeup on her face. I mean don't get me wrong it looks great. But she honestly doesn't need it. She's only about a year younger than me and if someone were to guess who was older, they would probably pick her. Which I understand, she always takes her time to look her best, even if it means being late.
It's very obvious that Sophia and I are sisters. We both share the same red locks, with hers have a bit more brown to it than mine. As well as our pale "vampire" complexion, as Sophia calls it, and light freckles. The only reason we haven't been mistaken as identical twins is because of my shorter stature and distinguishable blue eyes. Out of everyone in my family I'm the only one without brown eyes. Although I've wondered where my blue eyes resulted from, my mother always told me that I was just the lucky one who inherited Granny's stunning blue color.
"Are we just gonna sit around, or are we gonna go to school anytime soon?" she said as if I was the one who was making us wait for what felt like hours.
"You are so unbelievable sometimes, you know."
She said nothing and instead just chuckled while I began walking out to my white 2014 Honda Accord. Even though it wasn't necessarily a brand new car, it worked well for me and did everything I needed it to.
Once we finally arrived at our school, Brooklyn Hill High, Sophia was already out of the car and standing with her friends when I had just barely turned off the engine. I glanced at the clock on my phone and noticed I still had some time to set up for my chemistry project, which was due soon for Mr Brown's AP chemistry class.
While I was walking up the stairs in the building, I saw puffs of smoke coming from the boy's bathroom. I rolled my eyes at this. Why can't some people just go walk a few more feet to the outside and smoke out there. Or better yet, how about just not smoke at all, rather than spending your time smoking, in the same place you urinate.
If I were in this same situation freshman year, I would have reported it to the closest teacher. But, now that I am a junior and have learned about all the ways teenagers can make bad choices, I don't bother. Along with the fact that Teddy gave me a lecture about how "uncool" and "kinda prudish" it would be to do that. Thinking back on that I now understand. After all, most of my friends do the same thing and would totally give me shit if got them in trouble.
When I finished setting up my project, there was barely any time left before classes started. Carrie texted me this morning asking me to meet her at her locker before the bell rang. I have always thought Carrie is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Despite how she appears unapproachable because of perfect appearance, you couldn't be more wrong. In a way I could see how you would be intimidated by her, she is after all gorgeous.
As I approached Carrie's locker, I noticed Mackenzie was there waiting with her. To say I was surprised to see her without Marcus would just about sum it up.
I've never understood how two siblings could get along as well as they did. It seems like Sophia and I are always finding something to bicker about. But, then again they are twins, so I guess that's just a bond I'll never understand.
Throughout the many years I've known them, I've only seen them have one semi-serious argument. It was because Marcus told everyone Mackenzie had a crush on some random kid, just because she accidentally took an unflattering picture of him and showed it to everyone. Consequently, said random kid began trying to get a date from her and she had to reject the poor kid. . . several times. Which she felt horrible about. Honestly, I think the whole situation was kinda funny, even though they probably have different thoughts on it.
"Sorry I took so long. You can blame Mr. Brown for giving us such a time consuming project"
"Don't worry about it, you can repay us for patiently waiting for you by coming over and helping me with my project this weekend," Carrie said with a pleading look.
"Ugh," I groaned. "Fine, but you really need to work on your time management skills when it comes to projects," I said with a serious tone, which is the only one that Carrie responds to when it comes to school related things.
"Do you want to help me with that too?"she said flashing me her pearly white teeth and puppy dog eyes.
I rolled my eyes and turned toward Mackenzie, who was chuckling at the whole exchange.
"What's up Kenzie, you better not need help with chemistry too," I said with a grin.
She had a small smile and shook her head, "Nope, unlike some people, I don't torture myself with that college level shit. Besides, Marcus and I do our homework together when it's assigned, so we don't have to stress about due dates."
"Fair point," Carrie added,"That 'college level shit' can be quite annoying at times." Carrie glanced at the time as she closed her locker. "Speaking of, I need to get to English, or Miss Doleman is gonna kick my ass for being late again." She turned to leave and threw us a see you later over her shoulder, as she rushed through the crowds of people; leaving Mackenzie and me standing at her locker.
Kenzie and I gave a small shrug to each other and began walking to our next class together. Algebra is one of harder subjects for me to learn. I used to be good at math, and then all of a sudden, someone decided to add every letter of the freaking alphabet to a single equation and that's when I realized math was no longer on my side.
"So, Kenzie, where's Marcus? You two are usually together in the mornings."
"Oh, h-he's um, he's actually at a um sports meeting," she stammered, like the words had a tainted meaning to them, "y-yeah, he's been thinking about joining some school sports teams. That way he'll have some extracurriculars, which will look good for colleges," she sighed and looked towards the ground. "Honestly, I think all that extra college stuff is unnecessary bullshit."
"Isn't that good though," I gave a small, encouraging smile. "That kind of stuff and clubs can really benefit you when it comes to colleges. You should join some too, just find something you like. It doesn't even have to be sports."
"Maybe, but I don't think that Br-," she paused and I saw a unfamiliar emotion flicker in her eyes before she corrected herself, "I-i mean, I probably won't find anything that interest me."
"Well, you never know, maybe you'll find something."
She gave me a small smile, that I had a feeling was a little uncertain, but I ignored it as we continued walking to class.
When lunch time came around, I was still a little confused about my conversation with Kenzie and why she seemed somewhat uneasy about the whole thing. But, I decided to let it go when I saw her again, though this time she was with Marcus and appeared rather unbothered by anything.
Sometimes, on days like today, you can really notice how much they look alike. Although they are obviously fraternal, they both share the same dark brown hair with small hints of highlights from being out in the sun. Their chocolate brown eyes and slightly olive skin only add to the fact, and don't even get me started on their killer cheekbone structures.
Marcus and Mackenzie are basically the same person, but in separate bodies. Sometimes, if you're in the same room as one of them without the other, you can't help but notice how insanely identical they are in some aspects.
As per usual, I was the first to arrive. Followed by M&M, which is the group's secret nickname for the twins and they hate it. Then, Carrie and Teddy came together, because they both have gym together before lunch and Carrie never fails to complain about it. However, Teddy loves reminding Carrie that it was her choice to take another year of gym in order to stay shape for gymnastics.
Teddy may be one of the most well-known people in our friend group. He is, after all, the schools best quarterback on the football team. One of the things I admire most about him is his loyalty. He continues to prove to us that he'd much rather spend time with us, instead of literally anyone else in the school. But, he doesn't let that fact get in the way when it comes to throwing one of his infamous parties.
"Is Austin here today?" Teddy asked as he sat down with his lunch tray.
Austin is another friend in our little group. We're all different in our own way, but we've stay friends for all these years and throughout all our changes, because we're all special to each other. As far as most changed, that would most certainly go to Austin, for a multitude of reasons. Which I won't go into right now.
I have been friends with Austin longer than anyone else, because our mothers have been friends for what seems like forever. Austin has always been there for me and I for him. But, more recently he has been more distant when it comes to that sort of thing.
Don't get me wrong, he's still there for me and will listen if I need to talk, he just isn't as open. I guess that's to be expected though, when your best friend has a bit of a "reputation" he needs to uphold. I just wish he wouldn't be so closed off to me sometimes.
"I haven't seen him yet, but I did notice someone smoking in the bathroom this morning," I scrunched my nose in disgust before I continued, "It could have been him, he might have gotten in trouble."
"Oh God, please don't tell me you reported it," Mackenzie looked at me with a hint of exasperation, "I thought we've talked about this."
"Hey, I'll have you guys know I haven't done that since freshman year," I said in a deadpan matter, "I don't think that intense lecture you guys gave me about it will ever be forgotten."
"Well it's good to know we've made such an impact in you," Teddy said with a satisfied smile.
I jokingly rolled my eyes at him and shook my head
Marcus raised his phone and then spoke, "I texted him when we sat down, he said he's in the library looking for some classic book for one of his classes."
That was all I needed to hear in order to finish my lunch in a record time and prepare to leave.
Ever since Austin and I were little, we have adored all types of books. Some of my favorites to read were the classics, and he would stick to reading the more dark and fictional books. We used to joke that if we ever got lost, we would go to the nearest library to find refuge.
The text that he had sent Marcus was his way of saying he would rather not be surrounded by everyone. But, it also meant he didn't want to be alone, because if that's what he wanted, he would've just ignored the text entirely.
I gathered up all my trash from my food and stood up to leave. "Alright guys, I think I'm going to help Austin with finding a book so he isn't stuck in the library all day."
"Wait!" Teddy exclaimed before I could walk away, "You're still coming over for the party tonight, right?"
Whenever the football team wins a game, one of the player's host a party at their house. Even if they lose there's still a party, because who doesn't love a party filled with booze or whatever else people decide to put in their bodies. Yes, I realize there is a double meaning to that. What? I never said I was innocent. For this party though, Teddy just so happened to be the one hosting it.
I gave him a incredulous look, "When do I ever miss one if your parties?"
And with that I turned and left, but not before Teddy added, "Don't forget to tell Austin!"
"Of course!" I replied while walking in the direction of the library.
The library served as a school and public space, which meant there were genres for every person to read. I knew exactly which section of the library to go to in order to find Austin.
Before I went to Austin, though, I stopped by the classics to find one of few I have yet to finish reading and grabbed it.
As I approached the isles dedicated to fiction, I spotted a boy with messy blond hair, signature black jeans and a plain white tee-shirt, sitting in the floor engrossed in his book, City of Bones, it was one I hadn't yet read. I walked a little closer and sat down next to him with my book in hand, making sure my long floral printed skirt didn't expose anything as I extended my legs in front of me and crossed my ankles. I opened the book to the place I left off and began to read.
Before I was able to dive in too deep into what was in the pages, the boy spoke without looking up from his book, "You sure took your time, didn't you?"
"I'll have you know I finished my food a lot faster than normal, Austin," I said with a proud smile.
Austin shook his head with a small grin and chuckle, "Whatever you want to tell yourself, Ads."
I smiled at this. Austin was the only one out of our friends who used that nickname. I guess the others figured Adelaide didn't need to be shortened anymore than Addy. In a way I'm kind of glad, because it showed how much closer we were than some of the others. Sure we're all close, but Austin and I are like family in more ways than one.
"So, are you going to the party tonight? It's at Teddy's this time."
"Depends, am I gonna have to babysit you again?" Austin said with a playful smirk.
I smacked his arm with my now closed book, just light enough so it wouldn't disturb the whole library. "What do you mean babysit, I'm a big girl I can take care of myself," I said not totally convinced of this, but I wouldn't let Austin know that.
He scoffed playfully and looked at me with disbelief, "Come on Ads, we both know you can't hold your liquor all that well."
I guess he is kind of right.
"What are you talking about, I can handle my liquor," I said all the while avoiding eye contact. Knowing that if I did, he would call me out on my bluff.
"Oh, Adelaide, didn't your mother tell you lying is bad?"
"Whatever," I said rolling my eyes, "hypocrite,"I mumbled under my breath.
"What do you mean, 'hypocrite'," he said looking at me with confusion.
"Tell me Austin, does your mother know about your smoking habit?" I said with a questioning eyebrow raised.
Usually it's in anyone's best interest to not say anything about Austin's mother in anyway. It's been said, he once broke some kids nose after he said something about her. So, everyone just listens to the rumors, because they'd rather not take a chance on it being true. I, However, am the exception to this rule because, our mothers are basically each second mom's to the both of us. I never asked if the rumor was true, so he never told. Besides, I believe somethings are better left unknown.
He stared at me for a while, then started bursting out into quiet laughs, so he wouldn't get in trouble. I couldn't help but laugh along with him. I guess what they say about me being the "mother hen" of the group is somewhat true.
After spending the rest of lunch in the library with Austin, the duration of the day went by rather quickly.
Sophia decided to grant me with her presence on time today when school was over. Which meant I didn't have to wait an addition 10 minutes for her to do whatever it is she does that takes forever.
When we arrived home I checked the time and it read 4:26, which meant I still had quite a bit of time before the game and party started. Most of the time I don't like to go to the football games, because sports aren't really my thing and it always way too loud and hot there. But, I do however enjoy the after game parties.
Since I still had about 2 hours until the game started, so I chose to call Carrie and see if she wanted to do anything in the meantime.
Carrie answered the phone almost instantly and said, "Addy! Perfect timing, I was just about to call you!"
"Hey, what were you gonna call about?"
"You should totally come over before the party and get ready with me and Mackenzie!"Carrie said almost way too enthusiastically.
Sometimes I wonder how that girl has so much energy.
"Yeah, sure I'll be over in a little bit. I'm just gonna make sure Austin doesn't try to bail on going to the party before I leave, you know how he can be sometimes."
"Yeah. . .," She said as though she was deep in thought, "I've got an idea! You should invite him over too."
"Um, I don't think he would want to come over while we're getting ready, besides what's he gonna do while he's waiting? I highly doubt he would be into girl talk," I said with a small laugh.
"Yeah, you're right, any guy would refuse the offer to come over, while a bunch of girls are in another room changing, what was I thinking?" She said as if it were the most mind-boggling thing she'd ever heard. "And anyways, I can tell Mackenzie to bring Marcus so he won't have to wait alone."
"Okay, I'll tell him. But it's your fault if he thinks I'm a crazy person," I said jokingly.
"Deal. Anyways see ya at the game, I'm gonna start changing. Bye, love you."
"Love you too, bye."
