The next day I was too tired to bother getting up, but a certain shrew screamed my name. "Get up, Natalie!" Tracy shrieked. Isn't she the best?! Yep. I started my day off with a shot of extreme sarcasm. Checking my phone, I saw that I was running a lot later than usual. Looks like I have to skip my morning shower. This was what I got for going to an illegal hockey game with my friends last night. I got to wake up late and feel like a sarcastic zombie. Since I felt like crap, I decided to dress like it as well. I kept on my grey and white flannel sleep pants; they were comfortable and I didn't want to take them off. Knowing I couldn't go to school in only pajamas, I changed into a white, three-quarter sleeved, fitted shirt. I literally looked like a lazy bum, but I didn't care. Walking over to my dresser, I pulled my hair back into a low ponytail, pulling out my fringe to frame my face. I was going to put a little effort in and do my usual makeup, but then I realized that I was out of contacts. Dangit, I told myself not to forget about those! Not seeing any point in trying, I settled on going makeup free. Obviously, since I was out of contacts, I had to wear my glasses. People were either going to think I was on my period, or there was a death in my family. "No, no, no. Nat, you cannot be serious!" Lauren whined when she saw me. "Where is your dignity?! You are wearing pajamas in public!" "My dignity is where my heart is, back at home in my extremely comfortable bed," I said as I walked up to Lauren. She pulled me into a hug, and I could feel small chuckles escape her. "You are one of a kind, mi hermana," she laughed. We walked and talked until class started, and I recounted to her what happened yesterday. Lauren was definitely a talker, but she was also a great listener. I didn't even want to say goodbye when we had to go to our separate classes, but we'd talk at lunch. In second period, Kimi told me about her late night conversation with Levi. She was clearly into him, but I was trying to figure out how she had the energy left to talk to anyone last night; I barely made it up the steps without falling asleep. Now, walking into the cafeteria a little late, I was really confused. Lauren and the twins weren't at their table, and I wondered if they went somewhere else to eat. I checked my phone to see if any of them sent me a text, but I had no new messages. "Nat, we're over here!" I heard Lauren yell. Looking in the direction of her voice, I saw all my friends at one table, Drew's table; even Kimi. And, like the lucky gal I was, the only seat left open was next to him. "Awe, don't you look cute?!" Riley greeted through a laugh, winking at me as he stuffed his face with a roll. "Don't start with me, Baker," I warned. "This hot mess is all your fault." I sat down next to Drew, Kristen on the other side of me, and Kimi in front. "You aren't eating?" Kimi asked, noticing I didn't bother buying any food. "Nah. I just don't feel like eating," I shrugged, resting my head on my arms as I leaned onto the table. I noticed Drew glance over at me, but he barely blinked and eye before he turned to speak to Jayden. I wasn't expecting anything different. We didn't talk; we aren't friends. Everyone started talking about some Halloween party coming up next Friday, and they started making plans to go together. Since I had yet to party here in Texas, I agreed to go. "Awesome! We'll get together soon to find costumes," Lauren said with excitement. "All us girls. That means you too, Kimi." "Yippee," Kimi groaned, unenthusiastically. "I'm only going because the dark and handsome Levi is. And you too, Natalie," she added. Kimi wasn't a shy girl. She made it obvious who she liked and who she didn't. I could tell she was kind of indifferent when it came to the girls. She didn't dislike them, but she didn't necessarily like them, either. She couldn't stand Drew, but she didn't mind Jayden and Riley. And it was no secret that I was her favorite person at the table; although I think she would have rather been texting Levi. "Drew, can we talk?" I heard a warm voice ask from behind me. Even though her voice sounded like golden butter, my insides crawled from irritation. It was none other than Aliyah, and she was looking at Drew all lovey-dovey with a soda in her hand. Drew turned around, glared at her, and then turned back around. "No," he said, casually. "But I want to talk to you...about us," she whispered the last part, but I heard it because I was right next to him. "That topic doesn't interest me," he deadpanned, not even bothering to look at her. I couldn't help but snicker at how embarrassing this had to be for Aliyah. I guess I wasn't very discreet. "What's so funny, Urkel?" she barked, crossing her arms. I turned around and looked at her. I know she did not just call me Urkel. I wanted nothing more than to shut her down, but a small voice in my head said not to entertain her pettiness. In moments like these, I like to think it's her advising me. So, I listened to the voice and just smiled at Aliyah. "I'm not interested in wasting my breath talking to you," I shrugged, calm. Then I turned around and gave my attention back to my friends. Well, I guess Aliyah didn't like the way my back looked, because she poured her cold soda down it. By instinct, I shot straight up and faced her. Unfortunately, she just proceeded to pour her soda down the front of my shirt. I wanted nothing more than to punch her like I did Jeremy, but I refrained, only because I knew she would want me to be the bigger person. "Aliyah! That's enough!" Riley shouted from across the table, slamming his fists down. I also noticed that everyone else was either shocked or furious at what she did to me. Lauren looked like she was about to claw Aliyah's eyes out. "You're probably right, Riley. It's a good thing I don't have any soda left," she laughed, smugly looking at the purple stain on my white shirt. I started to hear a few howls and whistles, while Aliyah just giggled. "Nice bra," she commented, looking at my chest. "Where did you get it?" I looked down to see my bright red bra was clearly visible through my wet shirt. I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks as some guys started to say some crude and suggestive things to me. "Get lost, Aliyah," Drew suddenly said, standing up and moving in front of me. "And do not come back over here." The last thing I saw was Aliyah scowl at me as Drew dragged me out of the cafeteria and into the hall. Once we were out, he let go of my hand and faced me. "Do you have a change of clothes?" he asked, but he was looking everywhere but at me. "No. I wasn't exactly expecting to get soda dumped on me," I quipped. "And I'm not Siri, so it's rude to talk to me if you aren't going to look at me." He looked down at me, but only for a few seconds before looking away again. What the heck, dude? "Well, go home then. Change into something else," he said, sounding like he's giving orders. "You don't tell me what to do." I was confused on why we were even talking. "Whatever," he sighed, rolling his eyes. Then he walked away, back into the cafeteria. I actually did end up going home, but I didn't bother coming back. I took what happened as a sign; a sign that I deserved to get more sleep. The rest of the week went by normally; no new drama. We all continued eating lunch at the same table, instead of two different ones. I didn't know who started that, but clearly no one seemed to mind. I was getting along with everyone, except Drew, of course. Even though we now had the same circle of friends and ate lunch together, we avoided all forms of conversation; and that was alright with me. At least I got to spend the weekend with the adorable and lovable Nate. I felt like things could only go up from there.