Becca (18)

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-Chapter Eighteen-

My eyes were roaming over the book in my lap. My Spanish really was coming along but of course just when I start to get the hang of one of the verbs someone has to bug me. I would’ve preferred anyone over her but she always seems to come at the worst of times.

“I see you’re getting ready for school.” Liza said and I gave her a sharp glance. She winced and cautiously sat down on the seat opposite from me. I had escaped to the porch with my grammar book to be alone but it seems I can never be.

“I remember high school—”

“That’s nice now I’d like to concentrate.” I interrupted her without one empathetic edge. Her lips pressed in a tight line and I see that she is done trying to be nice. This should be interesting.

“Why can’t you at least pretend that you like me or at least pretend being nice? I am tired of being the only one that has to try and get on your good side.”

“I honestly just don’t like you.” It was a simple response that she looked so taken aback. I am not about to pretend to like her or anyone. She said nothing and quickly left me alone on the porch but just as I was about to pick up where I left off Alejandro had to take her place.

“Want to go sailing?”

“I am reading.” I replied automatically and through my teeth.

“I meant tomorrow silly. I don’t trust the ocean at night we could be marooned on some strange island and eaten by cannibals.”

“I am not going to laugh at your comments anymore.” I told him as I shoved the book to my face and tried to read it.

“What makes you think I am trying to make you laugh? I was just speaking the truth. I know someone that really did escape from cannibals.”

“Who?” I called his bluff and lifted my eyes to show him my crooked brows.

“Sonny.” He lied and I rolled my eyes.

“That actually would make sense. Probably ate his voice box or something.”

“Exactly.” He then placed his hands behind his head and stretched back far. “Sucks that you have to read all those Spanish books; I bet you’re just dying to but that boring book down and do something fun.”

“Reading is fun.”

“No reading what you want is fun, but reading what you have to is just torture.”

“I beg to differ I got an assignment a few years back to read To Kill a Mocking Bird. It was fantastic.”

“Whatever.” Allie grumbled and I chuckled but shut my mouth before I realized what I had done. “I thought you said you weren’t going to laugh at my comments.”

“I can’t help it you are just so funny looking.”

“Funny looking, I beg to differ.”

“I’d like to see you beg.” I challenged and he dropped down to his knees and interlocked his knuckles. Good god, but before he could amuse me with his begging my dad came out and he quickly went back up to his spot as if nothing had ever happened.

“Nice night. We still on for sailing tomorrow, Alejandro?” Hal asked and I flashed Allie a hard look. I thought it would be just him, Sonny, and I but it seems like the whole gang is coming; great.

“Yes sir.”

“That’s good hopefully the weather will stick to sunny.” My dad replied with a nod.

“Why would it stick to Sonny? Oh… wait… you mean… sunny.” Alejandro murmured mostly to himself but I heard it and rolled my eyes. I stood up smiled fakely at the two of them and then went into the house. I decided that maybe it just wasn’t the best time to even bother and study. I would just keep getting bothered anyway.

I went all the way upstairs into my room only to find Becca sitting on her bed and reading a thick book. She huffed and put it down. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who hoped to be alone.

“I suppose you are already tired and are planning on sleeping.”

“Nope, just thought I’d come into my room.” I responded coolly and sat down upon my own bed and flipped open my dad’s laptop that I took from his room. I’d give it back, later. “You excited about sailing tomorrow?” I asked after a minute.

“I guess not exactly my cup of tea but it is something to do and this is a vacation so might as well live it up.”

“Oh my god Becca having fun, sounds so strange doesn’t it? But I guess if you can get all wet and splash around in the ocean with a couple of fools then you can go sailing above the scary abyss.” I at least expected her to roll her eyes but she surprised me by laughing.

“That was pretty fun wasn’t it?” At her comment I gave her incredulous expression and closed the laptop.

“You are serious aren’t you?” Her obvious reaction was defensive but she shrugged her shoulders and looked back down at her book.

The door shoved open and Alejandro jumped up and down on my bed. I threw my pillow at him and he threw it right back. Soon enough he was lying down right beside me and pretending to cuddle up against me.

“What the hell?” I growled but he smiled and sat up.

“I have a question…” He said it in such a boyish way it made it sound like I was talking to a six year old. His expression was also childish.

“What?” He opened his mouth to speak but then his head snapped up as he noticed Becca listening intently from her bed. Alejandro stiffened his back and tried to act casual. She stood up and glowered at him.

“Oh fine I will leave my room.” She grumbled as she slammed the door shut and stomped down the hall. Allie easily went back to his original composure.

“So there’s this party down the way and I was wondering if you could cover for me.” His tone turned hushed and I crossed my arms.

“You mean you are going to a party while those dulls are here and you didn’t even think about asking me?” I tried to sound insulted and he jumped to his own defense.

“Oh well you can… umm… come too I just didn’t think…”

“If you don’t want me there—”

“No. No it’s fine we can sneak out together but we will need someone to cover for us.”

“I can do that.” Becca’s voice chirped and both of us whipped our heads around to the door. There stood Becca with a small smile on her face.

“What’s the price?” I asked with narrowed eyes.

“You just owe me. That’s all.”

“Done.” Allie said jumping in and I opened my mouth to protest but he threw another pillow at me. “The deal is done.” He warned in a voice of such authority I was at a loss of words. Usually he was just so immature.

Becca wasn’t smiling or smirking triumphantly at me; instead she was just slowly making her way over to her bed. I still didn’t trust her what if she did just rat on us but then again she did sound sincere… oh whatever it won’t be the end of the world if she does tell. Besides I needed a night away from the stiffs.