The Bloodied Phantom [Chapter 2]

Chapter 2

“Yeah. I heard you.” I teased, placing my hands over my ears.

I was just as happy as she was, to tell the truth. I just didn’t holler it out for the world to hear. We were exiting the school building, heading out onto the school grounds. It was sweltering and I began to feel my shirt sticking to my back. To make things worse, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky to shield us from the scorching sun.

“Oh, Raiya. Don’t act like you’re not happy.”

“I never said that.”

“Well, all I know is that I’m extremely happy. No work. No congested hallways to maneuver through. And no more disgusting school lunches.”

We walked along the cobblestone path that led to the school parking lot.

“But I guess I’ll miss it just a little bit.” She stopped all of a sudden, turned toward the school and did a salute saying, “Farewell Saint Madison High. We’re going to miss you.” She ended this statement with one of those false falling out acts.

I laughed. She turned around and fell back in step with me.

“You are a real class act. You know that right?”

“Ha ha. Very funny. I’m glad that this summer we’ll be able to hang out.”

She was referring to last year when I had went with my boyfriend to New York. Once there he showed his true colors. Which is why we are no longer together. I had felt bad that she couldn’t come along. I felt even worse when Kyle had attacked me. Before we even hooked up she was continuously trying to warn me about him, but I just didn’t believe her. I guess it was the fact that he could actually become my first boyfriend. I didn’t want anyone to get in my way. Not even Zia.

I tried to ignore it. “Yeah. This summer is going to be great. Just you and me.” All of a sudden, I didn’t really feel excited anymore. She had brought up my ex. Even though he had abused me, I still had feelings for him. After all, it was only a year ago and I guess I just haven’t gotten over him.

“Hey. Is your mother still picking us up today?” she said changing the subject.

“Sadly to say, no. She has a meeting with the representative from the bank.”

“Your crazy, head banging, heavy-metal-track-blasting, skater boy brother?”

“Yeah.”

I didn’t really know why she was complaining. She has a major crush on him. I must admit, my brother kind of cute. But he's a heartthrob to all the other girls. He has short spiky black hair with brown streaks. Hazel brown eyes, a goatee and long sideburns. Plus, he wears more eyeliner than me and his ears are covered in studs.

Now back to the part about her having a major crush on him.

Its so obvious. She thinks I dont know, but I do. Everytime he comes around she twirls her fingers in her long curly blond hair. Whenever he says something to her she blushes. She laughs at all, and I mean all, of his corny jokes. If my brother hasn't noticed this then he's a bigger fool than I thought.

But, I'm beginning to think he likes her too. Sometimes his comments sound pretty flirtatious. Or maybe he's just joking around with her. I mean, there wouldn't really be anything wrong with it. He's a senior and we're juniors, so it means he's only a year older. What am I saying? That is wrong. MY BEST FRIEND DATING MY BROTHER!

Yikes.

Just then we heard a Fall Out Boy track being blasted.

"Here he comes." I say, dryly.

I automatically know its my brother before I even see his red and black mustang. When he pulled up alongside, I was about to yell at him about the music, when I saw a blond haired boy sitting in the passenger seat.

One of his cronies. I bet.

"Come on loser. Hop in so I can drop you off and be on my way."

Jerk.

"Yeah. Yeah." I said as I got in on the left and Zia on the right. I automatically buckled my seatbelt. Ryan is a crazy driver. He exceeds all speed imits.

Just then he turns around and says to Zia, "Hey. What's up long legs?" Was it me or was he flirting with her?

As if on cue she blushes. "Nothing much."

He chuckles to himself and so does the guy beside him.

"So, where you headed to in such a hurry?" I asked.

"None of your business. You know I never tell you where I'm going? Why do you always ask me that?"

"Because I enjoy annoying you like a younger sister should." I said laughing.

"Whatever." he said, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the main road. Everything went by in a blur of colors. I looked out the window as we drove unto our blok. Maple Street. How typical, right?

We drove past the many suburban homes, with their manicured lawns, flower gardens, luxury vehicles, and people lounging in their yards, as if they hadn't a care in the world.

Our neighborhood is boring. Period. With the exception of my brother of course. If you had to choose the person who did not belong your finger would point straight to him. Ever since our father died three years ago, he'd been partyin alot and getting into trouble. I could understand his griefing for our deceased father, but that didn't mean you had to go out and get into all sorts of trouble. My mother never eally disciplined him. That was our father's job.

I know you're probably thinking that my brother is an out-of-control juvenile delinquent. But he's not all that bad. He just needs to lay off with the partying.

We pulled up into the driveway. Zia and I got out and Ryan and his croie drove away.

"Your brother sure is full of himself."

"Yeah. That's what you like about him." I mumbled.

"Huh?'

"Nothing." I said. I pulled ut my key and unlocked the door.

As we entered the house I sneezed.

"Someones's talking about you." she said with a littlw grin on her face.

Littledid I know that she was right and that the person who was talking about me was the man I'd been dreaming about.