Troublemaker's Guide

Chapter 7 - "Have you guys fucking lost your freaking little brains?"

"Excuse me? What did you just say?" I asked, unbelievingly.

"Jesus, Ivory how many times do I have to repeat myself?" My mother asked, dramatically and sighed.

I rolled my eyes. Typical Mother. "Till I don't understand. Now stop changing the subject and answer my previous question, Mother." I demanded.

Mother's eyes went wide. She shot me a disapproving look. "Ivory, is this what I have taught you? Ordering your elders? You are very well aware of the fact that I don't tolerate rude manners." Mother lectured.

I felt like banging my head to a wall. I would even prefer to jump into a blazing fire if that meant getting rid of my mother's ignorant lectures. I failed to understand how come my mother was so over-bearing. Neither was I aware that being frantic to know something was considered as rude! This is just so unbelievable!

Trying to calm my nerves, I asked my mother, trying to be as polite and sweet as possible. "Mother, you have tolerated me being rude for a couple of years now. So would you please ignore that fact for now and concentrate on the piece of information you just happened to bestowupon me?"

Mother shot me a long glare before she spoke. "You are going on a road-trip with Daniel, Charles and Nicole."

"A road- trip?" I asked, smilingly.

Mother nodded, annoyed.

"With Daniel, Charles and Nicole?" I asked with a sweet smile.

Mother nodded again, sipping on the red wine.

"HAVE YOU GUYS FUCKING LOST YOUR FREAKING LITTLE BRAINS?" I shrieked in horror.

My reaction was much unexpected and it startled everyone in the room. Daniel choked on the Chicken he had shoveled down his throat. Father almost spurted out his drink and whereas mother was coughing wildly. I guess the drink went down her wind pipe. I wanted to laugh at their reactions but I contained. This was a serious matter.

Once mother had recovered, she shot me one of her deathliest glares. It was clear from her expression that she was offended by my words. Well I couldn't have expected anything else.

"Ivory! What many times do I have to tell you that your foul, inconsiderate language will not be accepted in this house?" It was my father who scolded me this time.

I rolled my eyes. Wasn't Mother enough to handle with her melodramatic statements that even father stepped in?

"You can stop this very moment, Father. 'Cause frankly its getting kind of too overrated to listen to your same old lectures all the time." I replied, sweetly with an innocent smile. That was enough to rile up my parents, well more specifically my father.

Daniel cracked up at my response but he instantly covered it with a cough. Well you really wouldn't want to get caught laughing in a situation such as this. Trust me, I was containing myself too. And it wasn't an easy task. Particularly with the expressions that were plastered over their faces.

"Ivory Richards, do you want to be sent to a delinquent's camp?" Father threatened me.

I raised my eyebrow at him as an amused smile played on my lips. "I would love to watch you enroll me into a delinquent's camp."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Mother asked, baffled.

I rolled my eyes. Of course, only they can be this shallow. Why am I not surprised?

"You can't, I mean you wouldn't dare to send me to a delinquent's camp. It would be like a black mark on the reputation of the family. And you are more about reputation and status." I explained, as a devilish smile played at my lips.

My parents wanted to argue but they knew I would win. So they didn't really say anything but they did shoot daggers at me. I chuckled at that, mentally.

"Whatever. Go pack your bags for the road-trip." Mother ordered, in a cold hearted tone.

I snorted. "I'm not going anywhere with these people. I care too much about my reputation!" I said tauntingly.

Mother shot me a disapproving look and so did Father.

"You mean to say that going with us would mean a downfall of your reputation?" Daniel asked, offended.

Who asked him to speak? I mentally sighed at the thought of dealing with him again.

"If you had a brain you would understand." I retorted bluntly.

Daniel stood up from his chair and started walking towards me. His face didn't hold the usual smug smile. He looked...pissed? Or maybe offended, but who cares about what he is feeling. I certainly did not.

He came and stood in front of me. He was glaring at me. As if it was going to have any effect on me. I rolled my eyes at him and shot him a bored look.

"You don't know who you are messing up with, Ivory sweetheart." Daniel said, in a hoarse, intimidating voice.

I raised my eyebrow at him as an amused smile played at my lips. Was he trying to threaten me? That's just so sweet!

"Trying to threaten me?"

"Consider it that way, sweetheart."

I snorted. He is just so over his head. It's actually annoying. With the attitude he has got, I doubt he had any friends. I mean he was just so conceited. It's sickening!

"You need to get your facts cleared, Michaels. You are messing up with me. It's not the other way around."

"You can't really do anything to me, Ivory sweetheart." Daniel said, smugly.

I raised my eyebrow at him questioningly. Was he for serious? Did he already forget about our previous two-three encounters? I had already beaten him up and he still had the nerve to face me. I should really be saluting his idiocy.

"Underestimating my strength, huh? I hope you remember what happened the last time you underestimated my strength." I said in a low, cold voice.

"I've had worst." He said.

Is that so? He should get ready to face worst at the hands of Ivory Richards. He doesn't have any idea, about how big of a mistake he had made by saying that. This war was so on.

"And it was just a small, beginner's demo that you experienced before." I told him in a sweet, seductive voice and winked at him.

"Ivory! Is that how you speak to a guest? Learn some manners, missy!" Mother hollered.

Why does my mother exist again? Oh right. To make my life a living hell!

"Get over it Mother. You don't always know everything. And you really don't know anything about Daniel Michaels either. He isn't as saint as you guys make out of him." I retorted, annoyed.

"IVORY RICHARDS! Apologize to the young man, right now!" Mother ordered and glared at me.

I rolled my eyes. Apologize to Daniel? Never in a million years would that happen. One look at him, and I can assure you I would rather be buried alive than apologize to him.

"Mother, remember what happened the last time you asked me to apologize?" I asked sweetly.

Mother further narrowed her eyes at me. Why does she keep narrowing her eyes at me so much? Does she really want those small Chinese type of eyes? I mean, mother seems to be doing a really good imitation of them.

This is getting boring now. And way over my head to handle them now! I had enough arguing for the evening. I need some relaxation time now.

"I've had enough of your disrespectful behavior. You start packing for your road trip tomorrow. I don't want to hear a word about this now. Do I make myself clear?" Mother said in a strict tone.

"No. I'm not going anywhere with Daniel and his group." I stated, gruffly.

I didn't want to argue, but if mother gave out such bizarre orders I had no option but to argue. I mean going on a road trip with Daniel, Nicole and Charles? If I haven't already lost my mind by staying with my parents, I would surely loose it with these people.

"Does it look like I care about what you say or not? All I know is that you are leaving with Daniel and his friends' day after tomorrow." Mother said, cold-heartedly.

"Well, I can assure you I'm not going. You see I have other plans." I said, sweetly and shot daggers at her.

"And what are your plans?" Mother asked, emotionless as she glared at me disapprovingly.

"I'm going to a camp with Janet," I informed, smiling brightly.

"Janet? Janet Jean?" Mother asked, raising her eyebrow. She was shooting me skeptical looks.

"The one and only!"

"You are not going anywhere with that wretched girl." Mother ordered.

Wretched girl? Did Mother just call my best friend a wretched girl? How could she? I could feel my anger boiling. She can't go around insulting my best friend!

"What did you just call her?" I growled. My fists were clenched by my side.

"You heard me."

"She is my best friend." I said through gritted teeth.

"Oh please, Ivory. That girl can't possibly ever match our standards. You need to modify your company. Hang around with Daniel, Nicole and Charles instead of her." Mother said, casually.

See how shallow my parents can be? They really don't care about anything but status, reputation and bank balances. They even tend to ignore my feelings and needs. So expecting them to talk nicely about someone who don't upgrade their status is as useless as expecting it to snow in deserts.

"She has more dignity than anyone else in the room. And hanging out with her is thousand times better than being with Daniel and his friends." I stated, truthfully.

"Are you insulting your own parents?" Mother asked, offended.

"Just telling you the truth,"

"This is it. I can't bear with her rude, disrespectful behavior anymore." Mother complained.

I simply rolled my eyes. Dramatic as always! I really didn't wish to stay any longer around self-centered people. Frankly, it was giving me a head ache.

"Screw you guys. I'm out of here. And I'm going with Janet. I'm not going to listen to anyone of you. My decision stands still." Saying that I walked out of the dining room, I didn't spare them another glance. I could faintly hear my mother complain to my father. But I cared less. I'm going to be out of here soon anyways. I really couldn't wait to get away from my family and have some peaceful time.

****

It was late afternoon, when I finally finished packing for my trip with Janet. There was a broad smile playing by my lips just at the thought of going away from family. It made me feel at liberty. Damn. I wouldn't have been happier.

I was going to spend the night at Janet's house since I didn't want to have anymore encounters with my parents.

I was loading my bags in the trunk of the car when the most annoying voice disturbed me.

"Hey Ivory sweetheart," Daniel greeted.

I huffed out a deep breath. I really didn't want to have an encounter with Daniel, but looks like I do have to talk to him now.

"What do you want?" I asked, straightforwardly as I closed the trunk of the car and faced him. He stood about a few feet away from me. His hands were dug in his pockets and as usual a smug expression masked his face.

"You."

"Excuse me?" I asked, baffled.

"I want you," He repeated. His face didn't hold a look that said, 'I'm kidding'. It looked like he meant what he said.

I simply shot him an incredulous look and said, "Get some rest. You are speaking shit."

"I'm speaking the truth, Ivory." He said. "Believe it or not,"

I raised my eyebrow at him questioningly. Was this guy for serious? He has such weird mood swings! Sometimes he is fighting with me, sometimes he would be all cocky and flirty and then he would be trying to be caring and stuff. It's just difficult to keep up with his mood swings. Heights of being bipolar!

"I'm not a thing. You just can't have me." I stated, as calmly as possible.

"I want to make you fall in love with me, Ivory." He said flirtatiously, as he closed the distance between us. I shot him a dubious look. Does he really wish to end up in a hospital?

"Do you even know what you are saying?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"Then I hope you know how delusional you sound." I retorted, snorting. This guy was the epitome of idiocy and stupidity. I was really starting to think that he just hasn't lost a few screws but lost the whole freaking tool box!

"I'm not being delusional. I'm just stating the truth sweetheart." He convinced.

I snorted and shot him a dubious look.

"I might as well be dead, than fall in love with you, Asshole!" I said, smirking.

"Don't punish yourself so harshly sweetheart. We can work it out." He said, smugly as he caressed my right cheek with his thumb.

And that was all it took to start another fight. I hated being touched without permission. And this was the second time he was doing it.

"Get your hands off me." I stated through gritted teeth. I was being really nice here, by giving him another chance. But his only chance to back off!

"Oh c'mon, you don't have to resist me. I like you too." He muttered sensually in my ear. Frankly, it grossed me out. I rolled my eyes at his bothersome behavior.

Since he was mostly hugging me, I used the simplest and quickest move to get rid of him.

I kneed him in his balls.

There was an instant space created between us. Daniel was slightly hunched over and was wearing the most idiotic expression as his hands covered his precious jewel. He wasn't screaming in pain though. But it was clear from his body language and expressions that he was trying hard to not scream.

That scenario just made me want to devour in laughter. And I did. It was just that amusing to watch him. It was actually amusing to even think that he actually thought he could make me fall head over heels for him. With a conceited attitude like his, I doubted anyone even paid him attention!

Shaking my head in amusement, I walked past him, to get inside the car. I was about to start the engine, when Daniel's hoarse voice interrupted me again. He was leaning against the window on the passenger's side.

"It's a shame you aren't coming with us, Ivory sweetheart." He said, with fake sadness.

I rolled my eyes.

"I haven't been this happy ever."I retorted, smirking.

He shot me a poker face.

I chuckled.

"Ivory sweetheart, trust me, by the end of the vacation, you would be begging for my attention, you would be begging me to be your boyfriend." He challenged, seriousness was laced in his voice.

I shot him an amused look.

"I can't even think of dropping so low. I mean you are far off from even matching my standards, Daniel." I said, tauntingly and revved up the engine and drove off, leaving behind a very speechless Daniel Michaels!

****

"SHITS! SHITS! SHITS!" I faintly heard someone scream at top of their voice. I was trying to catch up on some sleep! Doesn't this person understand? I tried my best to ignore the voice and sleep, but it was a futile attempt because the thing I realize is that I'm drenched in water.

I immediately sit up straight. I groggily opened my eyes. They were still half closed. I could faintly see some figure hovering over me. I rubbed my eyes a few times, before I could see my surroundings clearly. Well the only thing I saw was an anger striven face of Janet. She was shooting me a deadly glare and her lips were pressed in a thin line and she had her hands placed over her hips.

This definitely wasn't the friendliest sight to wake up to.

I had absolutely no idea what was up with her. And nor do I remember playing any prank with her. So what's got Janet in such a foul mood was far out of my understanding. At least at this hour of the morning! I was still trying to recover from my sleepy state.

"Good Morning," I greeted, sheepishly, not knowing what else to say.

"GOOD MORNIG?! THAT IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY?" Janet screamed in my face. If she were a cartoon character, there would be steam coming out of her ears. Yup, that's how angry she was.

I furrowed my eyebrows at her. "What is up with you? Wait, I should be the one screaming at you. You poured cold water on me!" I complained.

"You deserved it." She said, glaring at me.

"What is wrong with you?" I have never ever seen her so angry. At least not early in the morning!

She shot me a poker face. "You have the audacity to ask me that, after what you did?" She said, glaring at me.

"Why are you behaving like I killed someone and didn't bury their body?" I asked, completely baffled by her behavior.

She was about to say something, but refrained herself. She was trying to control her anger. It was clear from her face and the way her fists were clenched by her sides.

I couldn't dare say anything. Honestly, she looked scary. I tried thinking of what possibly would have got her mad. It was clear that she was mad at me, but the question remained, why?

Think Ivory, think!

Janet usually got mad at me when I forget something. So, did I forget anything? But I don't even remember Janet giving me any work. What could it possibly be then? I couldn't think of a single think. Ugh! This is bad!

"I asked you do one thing. ONE THING! That also you managed to mess up!" Janet screamed at me.

I flinched at her voice.

Damn. What did I forget?

I shot her a sheepish, unsure look, not knowing what to say.

Janet studied my face for a few seconds before she sighed and said, "You don't even know what I am talking about," It was more of a statement then a question.

I sheepishly shook my head in denial.

Janet heaved a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes, whereas I was looking at her expectantly. I needed answers as to why I was woken up in such a cruel manner!

"What's today?" She asked, trying to be calm as possible.

I shot her a quizzical look. "Why?"

"Just answer the question."

"Um, Friday?" I said, unsurely and my answer came out more like a question.

"And where were we going today?" She asked, glaring.

We were going somewhere today? On Friday? Just then it struck me and my eyes went wide in realization.

Oh Shit. Holy Fucking Shit.

You may have to attend my funeral in the next few minutes.

I started looking around frantically, searching for a watch or anything that would show me the time. I spotted my cell phone which comfortably lay next to the partly soaked pillow. I reached out for it and pressed the middle button. The screen lit up. The time over it read,

7.45 am.

Double screwed.

I warily turned myself to look at Janet. Her hands folded over her chest, all her weight was balanced on her left leg and honestly, her deadly glares didn't help the situation.

"Sorry?" I asked, unsurely. Because I was far well aware that sorry wasn't going to cut it.

We were going to leave for the camp today. And we were supposed to be at the bus stop forty five minutes ago. So you can imagine how royally screwed I was!

"All I told you to do was set the alarm! You couldn't even do that properly! We missed the bus because of you now!" She screamed at me, annoyed and disappointed.

I shut my eyes tightly and pursed my lips together, trying to think of something rational to get me out of this mess. One thing Janet hated with passion was being late. She just couldn't get her head around the fact of not being punctual. So, missing the bus was a big deal.

The camp was about a five hours drive from here. And since we were already forty five minutes late, there was no chance we could catch up with them. So, that leaves us one option.

I got off the bed and walked towards Janet, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, and grumpy expression was masked over her face. I held her hands and ushered her to get up. But she didn't even budge. Damn, she is very stubborn! Okay, maybe more mad at the moment. She didn't even make any eye contact with me. So that was saying something.

"C'mon get up. We have some place we need to be." I ushered at her sweetly. She slowly looked at me and shot me a baffled look.

"We missed our bus,"

"That doesn't mean, we can't go the camp."

"What do you mean?"

"My dearest friend, we are driving to the camp." I said smirking.

An instant smile was plastered over Janet's face. And smiling being contagious, I also felt my lips turn upwards into a big grin.

"Let's get ready then!" Janet cheered and got up to start getting ready and so did I.

***

We have been roasting in the heat for the past two hours. It wasn't even funny. And secondly, today just isn't my day. I mean firstly we missed the bus and now my car broke down and it refused to start again. I never thought I could have such an unfortunate faith.

"Great! Just Great!" Hollered Janet, annoyed as yet another car passed by and didn't bother to stop to give us a lift.

I simply chuckled, which was a wrong move on my part because Janet turned towards me and shot me a glare. "What's so funny, huh?"

I just shook my head, in amusement. It was actually amusing to watch Janet getting all riled up. And this was the best entertainment I had at this hour.

"Stop laughing! This is entirely your fault! We couldn't be roasting here in this fucking heat if you had set the alarm properly!" Janet screamed at me.

"Hey! I already apologized for that! I didn't do it purposely," I defended myself. It wasn't my fault that the alarm got set for 6 pm instead of 6 am. It was an honest mistake.

Janet muttered something under breath, but I couldn't quite catch what it was. My guess would be that she would be mimicking me. That would be a lot like Janet. She always mimics people when she's annoyed at them. And that's quite amusing to be true.

"God, I really don't know how I have tolerated you for so long. And to top it all you are my best friend!" Janet said, grumbling.

"Hey!" I voiced, offended and pouted.

Janet simply shot me a devilish, victorious look.

"Whatever." I muttered and looked away.

We were currently stranded in middle of nowhere. There wasn't a sight of any human civilization anywhere near. And worst part, there was no network either. Like absolutely nothing. Nada! We couldn't even call anyone to come to our rescue. So the only option that was left was hiking a lift from strangers. And that's what we have been trying for the past two hours. But no bloody person bothered to stop! I mean, was there even any humanity left?

HONK! HONK!

The sound of a honk caught my attention and I looked up, but I instantly regretted after recognizing the people who sat comfortably in the air cooled car. You can probably guess who it was.

Yes, you are right. It was none other than -

Daniel Michaels, Charles Kingsley and Nicole Howards!

My worst nightmares!

*****

End of Chaper 7!

Sorry for such a long wait, but I hope this chapter was worth the time gap! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

And the only people who stopped to rescue the damsels in distress was Daniel Micheals and his crew. So, what do you think will probably happen next? Are they going to hike a ride from them or continue to roast in the heat?

If you did don't forget to Vote and Comment!

Thanks! :D

Adios!