Chapter 13

I was really excited today, and I owe Cody one. Who knew he was going to vindicate me from the predicament caused by Isabella? I thought they were dating, but anyways, I was so happy. Up until now, I still wonder why he decided to tell the truth after Miles punched him. Today was the last day of the first year, and I needed to enjoy every moment before I ended up regretting this moment.

Another reason I was excited was that we got to see the results of our finals. I wonder why Isabella had to get detention as a punishment while I was suspended. That wasn't fair, but who am I to complain? Alicia told me Isabella's father was the number one financial sponsor of the school. It could be why her punishment seems less. I was no threat to her, which makes me wonder why she hates me to the core.

I saw Cody approaching me once I got to where I parked my car. "Are you stalking me?" I asked, looking pissed as hell. "Heck no, but that's a nice car you have there," he said with a smile. "Thanks, but I will appreciate it if you keep my having a car a secret." Cody used his hand to zip his mouth, and I laughed at the gesture.

"What's the reason you followed me, though? You know today is the last day, and I really want to be home so I can relax. It better be something important because I don't like wasting my time." Cody chuckled and stepped too close for my liking. "Well, take this. I wanted to give you this." He handed over a card to me.

"What's this?" I asked, totally confused. "I can see you rant a lot. Just open it. It's my birthday party this Saturday, and I would love it if you are present," he said while scratching his head. "I will try to come, but that's not promised." I opened my car door, waiting for him to leave. "Bye, I will be expecting you." I got into the car and shut the door.

"How was your last day of the first year?" my mother asked once I entered the house, closing the door behind me. "Super excited, and I'm happy to make it to the second year," I said with a smile. "No child of mine gets to repeat a class. The intelligence gene is definitely from me; I don't know about your dad," my mother said with a giggle, and I knew she was being sarcastic. "But Dad topped all of his classes. I don't know about you, Mom." She chuckled at my response.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" She motioned for me to sit beside her on the sofa. "I was invited to a friend's birthday party tomorrow. Can I go?" My mom nodded, and I looked surprised. "You mean I can go?" I asked for confirmation. "Yeah, why not? But you need to come back before eleven pm, else you will be grounded." Mom cautioned, and I nodded. "Thank you, Mom," I said with a hug.

"As much as I appreciate the hug, I think you need a bath," Mom said, holding her nose. "Mom, I don't stink," I whined, and she giggled. I stomped my feet and headed to my room. After a much-needed shower, I decided to give Alicia a call. I would only go if she's present at the party. I don't want any awkwardness at the party. She picked up the call on the first ring.

"What's up, Alicia?" I called out. "You miss me already, don't you?" She spoke in her sarcastic tone. "Unfortunately, I don't. Let me cut to the reason I called. Were you invited to Cody's birthday party?" There was awkward silence before she giggled. "Are you crazy?" I said in a joking manner. "I got you, didn't I?" I nodded, although she couldn't see me, so I replied with a yes. "So you will be coming, won't you?" She asked, and I sighed. "It would be fun, so count me in." I hung up and tossed my phone to the side. I got up from the bed, shuffling through the wardrobe for a better outfit to rock at the party tomorrow. The theme was a swimming party, so I need to pack a bikini that doesn't show too much skin. After packing the needed outfits for tomorrow, I went down to have my supper and then went to sleep right after.

I was woken up very early in the morning by my mother, who decided I'd slept more than enough for the night. "Get up, sleepyhead," my mother whispered-yelled, and I stood up abruptly. I knew I was going to suffer a headache from my sleep being disrupted. "Mom, there is no school today?" I whined when I changed into my pajamas.

"You have a pile of laundry to take care of, besides today is Saturday, and Saturdays are for routine cleanings in this house. The earlier you start, the earlier you get to finish and prepare for the birthday party, else you will be late, so get to it." I nodded and smacked my forehead. I had even forgotten about the birthday party tonight.

After dinner, we had a family movie night. My mother insisted we watch the horror series, knowing perfectly well I'm a scaredy-cat. It was thirty minutes to the time for the party, and Alicia's dad dropped her off at our house. She was dressed in a green t-shirt with blue jeans and sneakers, and her hair, for the first time, was let loose.

My outfit wasn't really different. It was skinny black jeans with a pink top, and I tied my hair in a ponytail with a pink cap to cover my bangs. "We are good to go," I said, and Alicia giggled. Before we could even walk out, my mother stopped us.

"Wait, girls, I insist that you let Miles drop you guys off. It's late in the evening, and please be home before eleven pm. Alicia, I talked to your dad, and you will be having a sleepover at our place tonight." My mother explained. We both squealed in delight. As if on cue, Miles came downstairs holding his car keys. "Are you ready for the ride?" I bet I saw him wink at Alicia, but I shrugged.

"No drinking of alcohol!!!" My mother yelled after us when we got out of the door of the house. I got into the passenger seat while Alicia opted for the backseat. The drive was a silent one, which I appreciated. As we were getting closer to the venue, the sound of music got louder. I thanked Miles as we got down from his car, and he sped off.

I held my hand out for Alicia, which she gladly took as we walked to the party. "You actually came?" Cody said with a beautiful smile, directing the question to me. "Urgh, I did, I guess. Can we come in?" I asked with a smug. "Sure, why not?" Cody said, gesturing for us to enter.

After we got in, he left to join his friends. Many of our classmates were around. Some were in the pool swimming with their girlfriends, others were having drinks and playing games, while some couldn't keep their hands to themselves. I sat down with Alicia, and we were served by Cody's friends. Some of the people around were new to me. I don't think they go to school with us, but I was here to have fun.

After a drink or two, we stood up to sing a birthday song for Cody, and the party continued afterward. Alicia did this crazy dance, and I toppled over with laughter. I've caught Cody stealing glances at me every time I turned, but it could be my wishful thinking.

Once it was 10:30 pm, I went outside and called Miles to pick us up from the venue. It was running late, and some of the people gathered were already leaving for their houses. I spotted Cody standing alone by the swimming pool with swim pants and a bare chest. I blushed in embarrassment. He looked hot. I cleared my throat to get his attention.

"I want to give you this before I leave," I said, handing over the little gift I had prepared before leaving for the party tonight. It was a watch. I saw Miles standing at the entrance with a smug look on his face. I waved goodbye to Cody and found Alicia asleep in the chair. Before I could wake her up, Miles beat me to it, picking her up in a bridal style. I stared at him in shock, and he blushed.

He gently placed Alicia in the passenger seat, making sure her sleep wasn't disturbed. I sat patiently in the passenger seat, waiting for him to start the car. He got into his seat with a smile. "What's going on between you and my friend Miles? Do you like Alicia?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Miles smoothed out my eyebrow and smiled.

"I think I like her, but considering she's your friend, I'm not going to try anything funny," he reassured, and I nodded. "Promise," I said, extending my pinky finger. He brought his own out, and we hooked them together. "Promise," Miles affirmed and started the car. I looked back at Alicia, who was snoring in the backseat, and laughed.

As we got home, my mother insisted that Miles carry Alicia to my room. It was only after Miles left that Alicia woke up, surprised that we were already home. "Who brought me over?" She asked, and I giggled. "I didn't know you could sleep like that," I replied without giving her an answer. "Was it Miles?" I nodded, and she whined in embarrassment. "How can I face him tomorrow?" She said, totally embarrassed. "Don't worry, he doesn't mind. Go to sleep. I'm already sleepy." I switched off the lamp and closed my eyes.