Chapter 7- Call Me Cupid 

Dear Journal,

One word, jealousy.

Wikipedia Definition of Jealousy-

An emotion that typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection. Jealousy often consists of a combination of presenting emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness and disgust.

I hate it. In fact, I hate that word. Even though that was exactly what I was feeling today when Sage, Coleen and Charity were excessively flirting with Aiden, I didn’t want to admit it. Partly because I had no reason to be….jealous.

 If Aiden and I were just friends then I shouldn’t care that he had pretty girls flocking over him all day. I should just be a friend and be happy for him, right?

So why couldn’t I be?

Why was I such a terrible friend? I shouldn’t be so possessive of him. He should be able to date or flirt with whoever he wants.

I just wish this feeling would just go away.

Maybe when Cam’s back this thing I’m feeling for Aiden will be over.

Speaking of Cam, I found out his grandma passed away today and he will be flying back after the funeral on Wednesday. Turns out, he’ll actually be at school on Thursday instead of Friday.  ONLY THREE MORE DAYS!

He’s still not showing any emotion over his loss, but I figure he’ll come around when he wants to. Maybe they really didn’t have any connection like he said. I guess I just find it hard to believe because I had relationships with both of my grandparents.

On another note, there is a totally awesome party coming up this weekend that’s being thrown by Sage. Yeah…I’m not really too excited about it. I’m not exactly crazy about parties as it is, but now that my frenemy is the host, it makes me suddly want to come down with the flu until it's over. 

I’d much rather be sitting at home watching Gilmore Girl reruns till two am than subject myself to one more party. I still haven’t gotten that beer stain out of my pink dress since the last time. Maybe I should send the dry cleaning bill for it to Hayden Bennett. It was completely his fault after all.

If I knew Cam didn’t want to go this party then I wouldn’t even think of showing up, but he never misses these for anything. I don’t know if it’s due to keeping up appearances or just because he actually enjoys them. Either way, we had different opinions when it came to them.

I guess I’ll just be the good girl friend, as always, and go to this one. I’m not about to let him go it alone. Not with Sage on the prowl. She’s had he sights on Cam for as long as I can remember. That might actually be the reason she doesn’t like me.

However, it isn’t my fault he asked me out. I didn’t even know Sage at that time. Charity finally told me about it a few months ago, that sage had a crush on him since middle school. That is a long time to be crushing on someone! If that doesn’t show dedication I don’t know what does.

Is it even healthy to have a crush that long? How long before it becomes an obsession? In this case I don’t think it’s far off.

I hate that to say that about a person but something about her just sets me off. I don’t think we’ll ever be friends. No…we are just friends of friends. Sharing mutual friends isn’t exactly a reason for me to warm up to her.

Anyway, that’s enough of my problems for one night. After all, I’m sure there are plenty more to come tomorrow.

Now, I’ve got a date with my DVR that I can’t break. I didn’t record Beastly for nothing.

I swear I never get tired of that movie!

Goodnight!  -Bailey

I quickly closed my Journal and stored it in my bedside table like I did every night and switched the TV with the remote lying on the end of my bed.

“I’ve got the popcorn.” Aiden announced walking into my room with a big blue bowl filled to the top with buttery goodness.

“And?” I asked.

“Two Vanilla Dr. Peppers.” He said moving his other arm that held them.

Without taking my eyes from the screen I took the drink Aiden held out for me and opened it before taking a large sip.

Ah perfection.

Aiden took his place next to me while feeding his appetite and sat his drink on the coaster next to him on the table.

“So what is this about again?” He asked.

I sighed a rolled my eyes at him for having to explain this movie a second time and took another sip of my drink.

“In short, this arrogant guy named Kyle pisses off a witch, which causes her to cast a spell on him that turns him hideous. If he doesn’t find someone to love him in a year he has to stay like that forever.”

“Oh.” He said nodding his head. “So it’s basically beauty and the beast.”

“Yep, but the best part is, this one stares Alex Pettyfer.” I said a little over enthusiastically.

“Oh, the Magic Mike guy?” He said a little disinterested. “A lot of girls at my old school talked about that movie for a month.”

“Poor you.” I teased with a giggle before turning back to the movie.

At the movie’s end I was in awe as usual. Who doesn’t love a good ending? I just loved fairytales and happily ever after’s. They are quite joyful to watch, even if they are not true stories.

It would have been better though, if I wouldn’t have knocked my drink off my bedside table halfway through the movie. I had to pause it for ten minutes to get the brown stain out of my carpet before my mom seen it. She’d never let me have food in my room again and that would be almost as bad as being grounded.

Almost.

I glanced over at my alarm clock that was beside Aiden only to realize he was sleeping soundly next to me. He hadn’t moved an inch in the past thirty minutes, so he must have been very comfortable. I guess he was pretty tired.

One hand rested under his blonde head while the other was easily draped over his side resting. He looked positively adorable. In fact it was the opportune moment to take a picture. Who could pass it up?

After I grabbed my phone and took the picture I examined it on my phone when my mom walked in and gently knocked on my door.

“Aiden sleeping over?” She asked staring at me in amusement when she spotted my phone in my hand.

I lightly blushed before shuffling to put it way. “No, he just fell asleep during the movie. I was getting ready to wake him.”

“Don’t bother.” She whispered. “His parents told me to tell him they’d be home late tonight anyway. Just let him sleep. He can go home when he wakes up in the morning.”

Well I guess that would be best. There is no sense in waking him up just to send him to an empty house. Besides, it would be nice to have Aiden sleep over again. It had been a couple years since the last time. I missed it.

“That would be alright.” I agreed. “He seems pretty out of it anyway.”

She nodded her head before taking a look around my messy room before her eyes landed back on me again. Although, this time when she looked at me, she seemed to have a bit of a different look in her eyes.

“I don’t have anything to worry about here, right?” She asked motioning between me and Aiden’s sleeping figure.

I almost laughed at her insinuation when I realized what she meant.

“No. Believe me, nothing has changed. We’re just friends.”I insisted before reminding her. “Plus I have a boyfriend remember?”

“I know, I know. I’m just trying to be a responsible parent. I trust you.” She grinned while backing out of my room and pulling the door along with her. “Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Night.” I smiled back to her before she latched the door closed behind her.

I could hear her retreating footsteps heading down the hallway to her bedroom until she entered it. Our bedrooms weren’t very far apart, just two rooms, so it wasn’t like I could really even do anything with Aiden if I wanted. Which I don’t; I’m just saying.

I’m not even going to go there again. Besides, I pretty sure that if Aiden and I ever became anymore than friends, not only would Cam be mad, but so would Sage, Coleen and Charity. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if Sage scratched my eyes out for it.

If today wasn’t obvious enough that she had her sights on him then I don’t know what was. The worst part of it was that once Sage wants something, she usually gets it and nothing would stop her. Not even her friends. Not that I would ever dream about going up against her anyway so that was hardly an issue.

To say she was determined was a bit of an understatement.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that part of this seemed like payback for Cam. She was still bitter about it and wouldn’t rest until she ruined my relationship with my best friend. In fact she was one of the core reasons Cam and I broke up before. I won't get into that now though. I had a feeing that if this kept up things were going to get very ugly.

I sighed just thinking about all the drama that was soon to unfold and stood from my bed to get changed. Once I pulled out my favorite pair of Tweety Bird pajama’s I left for the bathroom to change into them. I didn’t want to stay in my room and risk Aiden waking up to see me. That would be more than awkward. I’m not sure I could face him after that.

Once I was comfortable I quickly ran a brush through my smooth brown hair before tying it up in a bun on top of my head. No sleeping on wet hair for me tonight. I’ll just take a shower before school in the morning and let it air dry. I think some wave would do me good. It doesn’t hurt to mix things up a bit every now and then. Change can be good sometimes.

Well unless is comes to Aiden dating one of my friends…then it’s bad. I don’t care for that kind of change. I’d rather things stay the same.

With the quick brush of my teeth and taking out my contacts I was back on my room getting in the bed next to Aiden. I was pretty tired by this point. I don’t think I’d have much trouble getting to sleep tonight. It was much needed.

I let out a long yawn and rolled over to Aiden’s side of the bed to turn off his lamp before giving him a quick peck on the check. I then moved back to my side and with the switch of my light, I was out for the rest of the night.

By the time I had awoke the next morning Aiden was already out of my bed. He was more of an early riser, whereas I was not. I’m actually a very heavy sleeper too so it’s not surprising he hadn’t woke me up when he got up.

The house was unnaturally quiet for this time of morning so that meant mom was either out of the house or  she was sleeping in. The latter one I could definitely believe, but the first one seemed a little odd. If she were planning on going somewhere this early in the morning then she would have told me last night. I think.

My alarm clock read 7:30am when I got up to get my shower. So far I was running right on schedule and I was feeling rather proud of myself for it. In fact I was more than on schedule, I had actually bought myself five extra minutes which I spent in my very hot shower. What a better way to start the day?

Well, other than a morning greeting from my boyfriend, but unfortunately he hadn’t called me yet so that was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe he’ll text me around lunch today.

I lathered my hair with the purple bottled shampoo and rinsed my hair for a second time this morning. My hair was extra thick so I had to wash it twice most mornings. I tend to go through more shampoo than the average person did in a year and the budget knew it. It was a quite costly to have such thick hair.

Luckily for me mom bought four bottles of my favorite shampoo while they were on sale and I still have two of them left. If my math was correct then I wouldn’t have to buy shampoo again for two more months; that that is pretty good in my opinion.

Once the rest of me was washed off, I stepped out of the shower and quickly finished my morning routine so I could stay on time. No doubt Aiden would already be dressed and waiting for me again this morning. Apparently I take much longer getting ready than I used to.

I did a quick onceover in the mirror after I was dressed before speeding out my bedroom and to the kitchen for a quick breakfast.

As soon as I spotted a banana in the fruit bowl on the counter, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted until a large hand came down a swiped it before I even got the chance to do so myself. 

“Hey,” I protested turning to face the culprit. “You stole my banana.”

“I did.” Aiden smirked peeling it open.

With my hands on my hips I gave him my best glare. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you stealing was wrong?”

“All the best things are.” He chuckled before stopping abruptly and studying my face.

“What?” I asked cautiously.

He watched me for a minute before breaking out in an appreciative smile. “Nothing, it’s just nice to see some of the old Bailey back. Nice glasses.”

Well I- wait, glasses? I knew something seemed off this morning! How had I not noticed them when I glanced in the mirror? I guess I’ve just grown so used to wearing them around the house, it never occurred to me to take them off.

Whew! That was a close one. Imagine me showing up to school like that. I’d be the laughing stock of all my friends.

“Oh, that…I’ll be right back.” I said before quickly racing up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

“Bay, come on. We’re going to be late.” He whined as I disappeared from his sight.

“Don’t worry; it will only take a second.” I called back to him.

Aiden sat idly beside me staring out the windshield at all the students standing around the parking lot. Most were of them were too involved in their own little conversations to notice we had arrived or either they didn’t care anymore. It certainly didn’t take long for the new to wear off, did it?

However, I’m sure Aiden didn’t mind it on bit. He was never an attention hog. It’s just another great thing about him.

“You don’t have to wait in here with me. You can go hang out with your friends if you want. I’m sure they’re looking for you anyway.” He said.

“All the more reason for me to hide out then.” I laughed lightly.

“Yeah, that one brunette girl didn’t exactly seem to be your biggest fan yesterday.” He stated a little amused.

His knowledge on the matter took me aback. I hadn't even realized he notice that little exchage between us yesterday. 

“That because she’s not.” I admitted. “Sage is…Sage.”

“Gotcha.” He grinned looking back towards the mass of students. “Then I’ll hide you for as long as I can.”

“And that’s why I keep you around.” I joked, lightly punching his arm. “You’re the best.”

“Of course I am.” He agreed. “I’m Aiden.”

We sat in the car and continued to talk for what was left of the pre-class morning until the bell, so rudely interrupted us, forcing us to proceed to class. I almost groaned at the thought of it.

Well not so much as the class but the students…or student unparticular.  Yes, unfortunately Aiden and I shared our first class with, guess who? Yep, Sage. This morning was sure to be eventful. No doubt she’d take the seat next behind Aiden again, which is exactly what she had done yesterday. Getting under my skin had become a new hobby of hers.

However, for friendship sake, I’d try to look over it and get along with her today. If a conflict were to start it would surely drive our group apart and she wasn’t worth that to me. No, instead I will bit my tongue and bare it the best I can.

Upon entering Mrs. Patterson’s room I felt completely overjoyed that Sage was nowhere to be found as of yet and I silently hoped that she would be absent this period, if not day. As mean as it sounded, I wouldn’t miss her at all if that happened. It’s bad enough having physics this early in the morning without having to share it with her as well.

“Quiet down, while I take roll.” Mrs. Patterson called over the noisy classroom.

As she called our names out one by one I couldn’t help but notice her pretty features that had seemed to go unnoticed before. If she were to spend a little more time on her hair and make-up and avoid the baggy attire, she’d be the spitting image of Demi Moore. It was quite a remarkable resemblance.

“Bailey Mathews?”

“Bailey.” Aiden whispered while nudging my arm. “She’s called you twice.”

Oops. I hadn’t realized.

“Oh…um here.” I said quickly feeling quite embarrassed.

Mrs. Patterson raised her eyes from the paper in her hands and gave me a questioning glance before shaking her head and moving on.

“Charlotte Mathis.”  She continued.

“Here.”

“Sage Owens.”

The room was suddenly braced with silence at her name which only served to make me a little to happy. Could it be? Might she be out today? Oh Please.

“….Sage Owens?” She repeated.

When Sage didn’t speak up, the teacher looked up taking a slow look around the room before sighing and marking her absent.

“Parker O-”

“Here.” Sage quickly interrupted walking into the room with her care free attitude. She seemed as if she hardly cared she just strolled in late and interrupted the teacher.

“Miss. Owens I’d appreciate it if you would be more punctual from now on.” She said in a monotone voice before picking up where she left off with the names.

I tried not to roll my eyes when she took one of the two empty seats in the room. However this one just happened to be the seat directly in front of Aiden which made me all the more annoyed. How predictable.

Aiden glanced up at her as she took her seat and she sent him an overly friendly smile the made me want smack it off her face. However, being the non violent person I am, I refrained.  I couldn’t allow her to make me look bad.

Something is up with her. I can just feel it. She’s never been a very friendly person…ever.

“Today, I’d like for everyone to work in pairs on the new assignment I’m about to hand out.” Mrs. Patterson began.

Yes. The perfect opportunity for Aiden and I to spend more time together. We can be partners. Maybe I can even warn him about Sage.

“Please turn to the person behind you.” She continued to say while writing on the dry erase board. “They will be your partner for the rest of the week.”

I slowly felt the color drain from my face at her horrifying words. No. She can’t do that. That means Sage will be…

“I guess that means you’re mine.” She cheered to Aiden before sending me a self satisfied glance. “Shall we begin?”

I couldn’t help the jealousy that was bubbling up in me at the moment when she scooted her desk closer to his. She pretended not to notice the death glare I was sending her way, but I know she did. She was trying to tick me off more ignoring it, which was working.

I swear. If I could just get close enough, I would reach up and grab her by the hair-

“Hi. I’m Charlotte.” The girl in front of me greeted cutting off my thoughts.

I forced my eyes away from girl I wanted to throttle right now and looked at the tall blonde girl sitting in front of me wearing a friendly smile.

I felt bad when I realized I had spoken to her since she introduced herself and tied to regain my composure.  I didn’t want her to think I was angry at her. It wasn’t her fault Aiden and Sage was partners.

“Oh hi, I’m Bailey. I think we have Math together.” I said once I recognized her.

“Oh right.” She nodded. “I didn’t think you’d remember.”

“Well it’s not a very big class.” I noted. “Plus you’re one of the few girls that are in that class.”

She giggled at my response. “That’s true. I was surprised to only find four girls in the whole class on the first day. Those guys can be so obnoxious.”

“Agreed.” I nodded before glancing at the papers being handed back to me from the front.

Mrs. Patterson was going from row to row handing a stack of papers to be passed back to each person. After I grabbed mine I passed the rest back.

“Newton’s Law. Fun stuff.” I Charlotte stated in sarcasm.

“I know right? I hope you’re better at this than I am.” I said flipping through the worksheet pages.

“I guess we’ll find out.” She laughed opening her book for reference.

The hour passed by painfully slow as we worked together on the assignment Mrs. Patterson gave us that had to be completed before the end of class. I would like to say that both of us equally put forth effort on the work, but that would be a lie. Charlotte was a lot better at this than I was plus my mind was elsewhere the entire time.

It was hard for me to concentrate when every time I looked up Sage had her hand placed on Aiden’s arm in a flirty manner. And what’s worse was he didn’t push her off. Did he actually like her, or was he just being polite? I really couldn’t tell. I mean Aiden was a very nice person so it could have been the latter, I suppose. I hope it is.

When the bell rang for us to leave first period I was surprised when Aiden found me outside the classroom door. I was sure that Sage would have kept him otherwise occupied and he would have forgotten all about me.

Ugh. Listen to me. I’m being so insecure. I hate it. This isn’t me. I’m supposed to be confident and carefree. What is happening here?

“Something wrong?” He asked walking with me down the hall to the lockers.

“No.” I lied. “Why would think that?”

So he noticed, great. Now, I’m being too transparent. Fix this Bay! If he notices then so will Cam when he’s back. This is isn’t good.

“I don’t know, you just seem out of it and distant. You okay?” He asked not hiding his concern.

“Of course.” I swallowed nervously. “I just have a lot on my mind today, that’s all. I’ll be better tomorrow.”

...Or not. I really couldn’t be sure at this point.

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Positive.”

He watched me for a moment as if making sure I was telling the truth before looking contented. I must have hid it well. For that I’m glad. Aiden could always see right through me. I guess I’m getting better at the whole lying thing.

“Okay, if you say so then I believe you.” He smiled wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

After we stopped at our lockers and exchanged our books we both continued down the hall toward our next classes. However Aiden seemed to be thinking of something along the way.

“Do you want to go out with me today?” He asked in a hopeful voice.

For some odd reason my heart raced at his words. I don’t know why I couldn’t reply. Was I nervous? Excited? What?

“Um…”

“To lunch, I mean.” He clarified. “I know you usually like to hang out here with your friends, but I’d kind of like to go somewhere. I’ve been back for a whole five days and still haven’t been around the old town. What do you say; my treat?”

His cute grin was too much to refuse. Who could say no to that face? Not me, that’s who. It was always a weakness of mine. That’s how he always won our arguments in the past. He definitely had an advantage over me and I didn’t care.

“Sure. I’d love to go with you.” I smiled and agreed once he had walked me to Math. I stopped at the door to talk to him before going inside. “So I guess I’ll meet you at your car after class?”

“Or I could wait for you here and we can walk together.” He offered.

I felt flattered at his response. The only other person that has waited for me outside of class was Cam. It was nice to have some else offer as well. It made me feel…special. Or maybe it was just because it was Aiden who was offering. I don’t know. Either way it was a welcomed gesture, something that I had missed.

“That works too.” I agreed. “I’ll see you then.”

I stood on my toes and reached up to give him a quick hug and felt butterflies erupt in my stomach when his warm arm embraced me back. It was a feeling that was definitely foreign to me when it came to Aiden. I wasn’t exactly sure what was happening to me to be honest. Which is why it scared me a little.

What do I do with this?

With that I quickly released him and headed inside the classroom a quickly as I could before he noticed the deep blush that appeared on my face and disappeared for his sight. It was better this way. I wouldn’t want him to think I was being weird. I’m sure I was the only one that was feeling this way anyhow. I wouldn’t want to make things awkward between us. Not when I just got him back.  

“Well that looked cozy.” Charlotte teased taking the seat next to me. “Who’s the good looking guy and where can I get one?”

I giggled her response. “Oh, he’s just a friend.”

“Some girls just have all the luck.” She said shaking her head. “I’d never get a guy like that or any guy for that matter. Nope, I’m completely unnoticeable when it comes to guys.”

She blushed at her words and looked down at her books. “I’m sorry. You don’t care about stuff like that. Sometimes I just can’t stop myself from talking. I hope I’m not bothering you.”

Her sweet personality was far from bothersome.  I would never think that about her. In fact talking to her was a nice change from the usually company I kept. She was far more interesting.

“Not at all.” I said. “I’ll talk a lot too so no worries.”

“Really?” She asked a bit surprised. “I just didn’t expect someone like you to be interested in my problems. I know you have a life of your own and all.”

As if she had said something wrong she looked horrified at what she had said and quickly tried to correct herself. “Not that I’m saying you’re self centered or anything. I was just saying that people like yourself usually have a lot going on and stuff. I really hope that didn’t come out the wrong way. I mean, I certainly didn’t mean to offend you in anyway. Sometimes I can’t help myself.  I just go on and on, not really knowing when to stop if you know what I mean. I’m completely uncensored sometimes. I hope you’re not to upset with-”

“Stop.” I laughed cutting off her babbling. “It’s okay. I wasn’t offended. You worry too much.”

“Sorry.”

“And stop apologizing.” I added.

“Sorry.” She repeated again when she realized what she did. “See.”

When continued to laugh about it until a guy that suddenly caught Charlottes attention made her stop. He walked by her in front of our desks not even noting that love-struck look in her eyes as he passed us by. She watched him until he found his seat in the back row next to his loud friends then quickly looked away before he noticed staring.

“I think someone has a crush.” I quietly teased looking between them. “You should go talk to him.”

“What?” She said surprised. “I can’t talk to him. He’s Nick Bradshaw and I’m not that smooth. I’m mean come on, he wouldn’t even know I existed if I walked in here naked tomorrow.”

“Which I wouldn’t,” She corrected.

I almost burst out laughing at that thought.

“We need to work on your confidence skills.” I stated.

“It’s going to take a lot of work if I’m ever gonna fill Leah’s shoes. I mean let’s face it; he dated a cheerleader and one of the prettiest girls in school for an entire year until she moved away. I can’t compete with that.”

Hmm….

“I’d like to take that challenge.” I smile mischievously. “Give me till Friday to prove you otherwise and you’ll start to see things differently. I promise.”

“Okay, but why Friday?” She asked curiously.

“Because there is going to a party and I know a certain someone will be there.” I sang. “He never misses them.”

I had a pretty good memory at the ones who went to these kinds of things. I’d been to enough to know.

“I don’t know. I don’t think I’m invited.”

“Well, I’m inviting you so no excuses.”

I could tell she was still iffy about it, but also very excited as well.

“Oh fine, if you insist.” She smiled, giving in without a fight. “I’ll go.”

I smiled to myself as I formed a plan in my mind. I’d be glad to help her because she’s more than deserving of it. Nick would be crazy not to notice her after Friday. Plus, I think he’d be good for her. He’d only had long term relationships so he wasn’t a player or anything. And that, in my book, made them a great match.

Call me cupid and hand me an arrow because I was determined to get these two together. Maybe I can even get Aiden to help me. He can be friend him to find out what he’s like and give us an advantage. Yeah, I’ll ask him about it when we go out for lunch.

Lunch....

And just like that my butterflies were back at my realization. I had a lunch date with Aiden and I was a giddy, nervous mess.

Wow… something was most definitely wrong with me.

A/N

I’m back from my break! Hope you like the new chapter. I made it extra long for you guys. :)

Pretty Pease-

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Banner to the side is of Sage, Charity, Madison, Coleen and Bailey (Does it remind anyone else of Mean Girls? lol) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(Works cited- Wikipedia)