"What made you think it was okay to use my ingredients to make what you wanted?" my aunt yelled at my brother.
He shrugged as he feigned innocence. “I just wanted a sweet treat.”
“You’re testing my patience,” Macy warned sternly. “Clean up those dishes.”
That was the last thing she said to any of us before she stormed off. Easton moved past me to go clean the dishes like he was told. There weren’t too many since we had finished most before she made it home, but it was still a hefty amount.
My brother almost knocked me over to get to the kitchen sink. I was rubbing my shoulder as Emerson came to me.
"He took the blame for you," she informed me.
“Why?”
“Don’t ask me. You should be grateful.”
My eyes focused on Easton as he began to clean. "I am."
She nodded before making her way to the dishes to help. I followed behind her even though it was not enough dishes to need three people at once. It was the least I could do since it was technically my mess.
I was fucking exhausted from the roller coaster of a day. From the competition, to being around Javi, to my siblings and aunt being their usual selves, it was all a lot. Who knew why my brother had taken the blame for me. Maybe he was simply feeling generous. Maybe he felt bad for me because he knew Macy would be angrier if she knew I had made the mess versus him. I didn’t know. There was merely one thing that had become clear to me because of the events of today, and I had only recently just admitted this to myself.
I had feelings for Javier Cortez.
Twenty-six
Eli
It was passing period and Ricky and I were walking to our next class together. On our way there we spotted Bella and Justin sitting on a bench against the wall. Bella was scrolling her phone and Justin was rummaging through his backpack.
We stopped in front of them and neither noticed us. Ricky plucked Bella in the forehead causing her hand to shoot up and swat at it. She had a scowl on her face, but it softened when she realized who was standing before her.
Ricky grinned. “What are you doing?”
“I made it here early. I didn't want to be the first one to walk in class, so I'm waiting it out,” Bella said as she crossed her legs.
I pursed my lips. “You’re a bit odd, Bell.”
“It’s one of my qualities.”
Justin cleared his throat and leaned forward. "Where's your shadow, Eli?”
I folded my arms to my chest. “Who?”
“The guy you lost the election to…how many times did you guys say? Oh, yeah. Four times.”
“Do you ever get tired of being on my dick?” I snarled.
“Do you ever get tired of losing?” he asked smugly.
Asshat. I wish I knew what his problem was with me because the random strays I would catch from him were unnecessary. I used to think he was jealous, but I didn’t believe that anymore. It seemed he simply disliked me the same way the rest of our classmates did.
Ricky sighed heavily. “Justin, chill.”
Justin didn’t react as he leaned against the wall. “Seriously, though. Where is he?”
I shrugged. "I haven't seen him yet today."
"Well, do you know what time he wants us to get to his place?" Bella asked.
