Arabella Rivera Gwen: Seriously this is our last year, we need to make the most of it. YOU need to make the most of it. Arabella: It's still a fucking NO. I'm not going and I don't want to. Besides we have tons of homework that can fit a library shelf. Gwen: Bitch today is Friday and the day hasn't even started yet. How do you know we will have 'tons' of homework? Jeez Arabella don't manifest this into the universe. Arabella: Because I know. We're in our last year, it doesn't take a genius to know that we will be bombarded with homework and unnecessary assignments. Look you can go to the party but I'm staying home. It's not my scene. Gwen: But I can't go alone, I need my best friend with me. Who's going to stop me from making bad choices and stopping me from doing a foursome? My brows furrowed and I cringed. My fingers work quickly on the screen of my phone as I type her a quick reply. This wouldn't be the first time you're going to a party alone Gwen. Besides Samantha and Meredith will be there. Nothing's going to change my mind. I rolled my eyes. It hadn't been three weeks since senior year started and I've done more than I'd bargained for. This year I was supposed to take my work seriously, well more seriously than I have done the prior years. But instead, I kissed the school's well known bad boy, made him take my virginity. And I may or may not have fallen in love with him in that short span of time. Also, let's not forget the illegal street fight I walked into all because I was following him. Can't forget about the morning after pill I had to force to swallow. I made bad choices, I wasn't about to make some more. My phone pings and my eyes fall onto the screen. They widen seeing a picture of a sleeping me with a dick markered on my cheek. Gwen: Not even this? When the hell did she take this? I looked further and noticed that I was in the school's library. She must've taken this last year when I was studying for the last term exam. She must've cleaned it off before I had woken up. Note to self, never study with Gwen.My fingers slam harshly on the screen of my phone as I glared down as if Gwen would feel the harsh stare through the device. You wouldn't dare. Gwen: oh but I would. Unless.........someone comes to the party with me tonight. It's just for one night Arabella, come on live a little before you turn a nun when you go to college. I let out a harsh sigh. I had no doubt that Gwen would post the picture on her feed knowing it would get reactions from her many followers. I was pushed into a cramped corner, with no way to escape. "Is everything alright?" Mother asked. I heard the sound of liquid hitting glass as she poured herself some orange juice. Gertrude was off today. "Yeah, just great." I forced a smile to reassure her as she lifts the glass to her lips. We were in the kitchen, me already dressed for school and ready whilst, she didn't have her usual attire. In fact, she was still dressed in her creamy silk nightgown. Even her hair was untidy than her usual. My brows furrowed. "Aren't you going to work today?" I asked. She shook her head, pulling the glass away from her mouth. "I think it's time I take a day off, don't you think?" She smiled and places the half empty glass on the countertop. I narrowed my eyes. After the little chat with her yesterday, mother seem to have lost her tensed posture and tight features. She was acting very different than how she had done days ago. "Are you sure it's my mother in there and not some sort of alien?" I asked jokingly even though I had a slight suspicion that she had eaten too much ice cream yesterday and was still on a sugar rush. Mother's lips lift into a soft smile. "Maybe, maybe not. You'll just have to wait and see." She joked, lifting her shoulders into a shrug. It was strange yet comforting to talk to her like this. I smiled. My phone pings and draws my attention to it. I groan noticing it was Gwen who messaged me. Gwen: Since you won't answer me and won't stop being a prude I'll have to resort to asking Mrs. Rivera. Don't worry I'll convince her to agree. *insert emoji with tongue sticking out* I didn't quite understand why she was so hell bent on me coming to the party tonight. It was just a party with horny teenagers and too many illegal drinking and drugs. Safe to say, this was definitely not my scene. It was hers. Arabella: good luck with that.I snorted and left the conversation. I looked up at mother, watching her push the messy blonde strands behind her ear. "Do me a favor. Suppose Gwen comes here to ask you anything that involves me, please say no." Mother liked Gwen, something I had noticed quite often. This means she might as well fall for Gwen's unbeatable puppy eyes when she wants something. Everyone does, including me most times. Mother's perfectly plucked brows scrunch in confusion. "Why is that?" My phone pings again and I nearly rolled my eyes in frustration. I opened the conversation and groan lowly. "Fucking bitch." Gwen: You better not tell your mom to say no to me. Or else I'll post the picture on my Instagram. *insert devil emoji* "I beg your pardon!" Mother screeched in shock. I winced not only by her loud volume but knowing she had heard me. Shit here comes the disappointed rambling. But a knock on the door saves me. Or perhaps it was Gwen, so I suppose I wasn't saved at all. The door opens without us having to get it, so I had no doubts now that it was Gwen. I groan lowly again when her cheery face enters the kitchen. "Good morning everyone." She chirped, her blonde hair bouncing with every step. "Didn't anyone teach you that texting while driving is a no-no?" I asked but she ignores me. Her main focus was on mother. She throws her bag on the countertop nearly taking my hand with her. I jerk it away and glared at her. "You look quite lovely this fine morning Mrs. Rivera. Any secrets on your morning routine?" Her white teeth peeked out as she grinned. Mother giggles shyly while tucking more strands of her untidy hair behind her ear. "Oh stop it Gwen." I refrain from rolling my eyes. Just great, Gwen already had her in the palm of her hand. Gwen's voice then grew soft, her elbows now resting on the surface of the counter as she leans forward. " Mrs. Rivera I'm unbelievably sad today." She pouts. "Oh why is that?" Mother stalks forward in worry. "My mom will be working late tonight, so I'll be sleeping all alone in the house." She sighs as if it pained her to even think about being alone. I knew where she was going with this and I wanted to call bullshit but I couldn't exactly do that considering my current circumstances.Mother's eyes drop in pity as she looked at Gwen." I'm so sorry to hear that Gwen. You can come to stay over tonight, I'm sure Arabella would love to have a sleepover." Her eyes drift to mine. "No!" Gwen rushed out then clears her throat. "I mean no, it's fine I can't leave my house unattended. I was thinking that maybe, Arabella can stay the night? I'll drop her off early tomorrow morning, you wouldn't even notice she was gone." Inwardly I begged mother to say no. But seeing how her eyes leveled in pity for Gwen's facade situation, I knew I was utterly doomed. "Sure. Just have her call me before she goes to bed so I can know you guys are safe. "