Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 9

"Well, I guess they're kind of cute together." I said, smiling a little as I watched Chris give Geoffry a daisy. He looked just like a little kid. Leo and I were sitting on a bench outside at recess, enjoying the weather.

"Uh-huh, sure, Angela." Leo said, grimacing. "You don't think it's weird at all?"

"Mm?" I said dreamily. I don't know what was wrong with me that day, I guess Chris and Geoffry's happy-go-lucky relationship had kind of gone to my head.

Leo sighed, "You don't think it is at all creepy that your brother is dating a guy?" He said slowly. 

I shook my head dopily, "Nope. It's love, Leo, it's natural. I suppose you don't believe in the Harold and Maude approach either?"

"The what?- Uhg, what's up with you, Angela?" Leo looked at me, looking a little worried.

I closed my eyes, breathing in the warm spring air. "Isn't it such a great day, Leo?" I smiled stupidly, patting the space next to me, "Sit."

Leo blinked, probably wondering if I was a clone or a robot. Then he grinned, scooting closer to me. "I guess it is a pretty nice date- day. Day....."  

I clenched my teeth, trying to ignore Leo's stupid comments and just enjoy the nice day. Leo put his head on my shoulder and I hesitantly put my arm around him. He was only getting away with this because of my sudden good mood, otherwise he'd be face-down in the sand by now.

Jamie and Alice passed by a few yards away. Seeing my arm affectionally around Leo's shoulder, they blinked in confusion. Jamie said something to Alice and she shrugged, cocking her head at us. 

They walked on and Alice smiled sweetly at Geoffry and Chris, who were lying in the grass, pointing out clouds like they do in movies. Ah ha ha, sooo cheesy. Now, now, Angela, good mood day! Don't make fun of the youngsters.... heh heh.

"You know what," Leo said, "I think you, me, Geoffry, and Chris, I think we should go on a double date." I had to try with all my power not to make a hateful comment. 

I laughed lightly and sighed, a fake smile plastered across my face, "Ah, Leo, you think that's actually going to happen. Ha ha...." I laughed sweetly, trying to cover up my comment that I couldn't stand not making. 

Leo laughed hollowly, "No, seriously." He said, trying to take advantage of my good mood. Good luck with that, buddy. 

"We should. Like, uh.... you and me and then Geoffry and Chris can come too." Leo grinned stupidly, wincing when he mentioned Chris and Geoffry. Maybe I could try it, I mean, it's my good mood week, if I could last that long. But I couldn't do it alone, Geoffry and Chris had to come. For some reason I can't last more then ten minutes on a date (I'm serious, ten minutes is my record). But, this is Leo we're talking about. Ew, I don't want to go out with him! Then again, it's my 'nice week', the one week where I don't threaten to rip Leo's brains out when he says something stupid.

I said with mock enthusiasm, "Oh, well I thought you and Michelle were still together."

Leo shook his head, "No, not really." Crap.

I sighed, and, closing my eyes, said through clenched teeth. "I guess I can ask Chris and Geoffry if they like the idea." 

Leo's eyes lit up. Oh no, what had I done? "So you'll do it? You'll go out with me? Really?" 

I looked around frantically, "Shh! Stop saying that!" Seeing Leo's face fall, I smiled tightly, "I mean...." I swallowed and made myself say, "Sure."

The smile returned to Leo's face and he said, "Yes! Okay, what time?"

"Dude, I still have to ask Geoffry and Chris if they want to come."

Leo nodded, "Okay! Go ask, now!" He beamed stupidly and I tried not to roll my eyes. I got up and brushed off my skirt, walking over to Chris and Geoffry. 

I bent over them and said, "Hey, guys. Am I interrupting?" 

Chris shook his head and said politely, "Nope. What's up, Ange?" 

I sat by them in the grass and they sat up. I couldn't help smiling, I must say, they do make a pretty cute summer couple. "Leo just invited us to a...." I gritted my teeth, glancing at Leo who nodded excitedly. "Double date. You two and.... us."

Sunday? Leo mouthed to me and I shrugged, trying to smile. "Sunday?" I suggested to Geoffry and Chris. Chris blinked, looking from me to Leo then back at me. "Uh, sure. What do you think, Geoffry?"

Geoffry smiled, "That would be great." He took Chris's hand in his and smiled at him. I tried not to puke all over them, it would be uncivil. Sure, they were cute, but that doesn't stop them from being over-the-top cheesy.

"We can meet at my house." Geoffry smiled warmly. Yes, their couple is cute, but there is no way we're meeting at Geoffry's house. I don't even want to set foot in that hellhole, let alone let Chris go there.

"Oh, it's fine, we can meet at my house!" I smiled a big cheesy listen-to-me-or-I'll-kill-you smile and everyone nodded.

I nodded and stood up. Leo grinned, "Okay then, it's a date!" I tried not to cringe when he said 'date'. Sunday. That was in three days.

So that was it, I had to go out with Leo. I hate this 'nice' thing.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 8

I sat next to Alice on the bus, as usual. "Should I just.... stop worrying about Chris and Geoffry?"
Alice nodded in kind of a 'duh' way, "Yes, that's what I've been saying." She said slowly. 
I thought the idea over deciding against it, "But.... Chris is practically a baby! I mean, he cried when we watched Bambi!"
Alice shrugged, "Well, it's pretty sad."
I shook my head, "That wasn't it. It was too scary for him."
"Oh." Alice cleared her throat, "I thought you were the one always complaining about Chris being too clingy."
I whimpered, "Well, yeah, but....." 
Alice gave me a look and I sighed, "Fine, I'll leave the young lovers alone."
She smiled and changed the subject. We talked for the rest of the bus ride about random stuff. When I got home, I was crossing my fingers that Geoffry wouldn't be there. I looked around, no Chris. "Hey, Mom! Where's Chris?" I said.
Mom called to me from the kitchen, "Hi, Angie! He's in his room."
I walked to Chris's room and cautiously opened the door. "Chris?" I said quietly. He was sitting at his computer, watching episodes of Glee on Hulu. "Screw you, Terri!" He wailed, bawling into his sleeve. Ah, such an emotional child. I was kind of afraid that Geoffry would've been there when I opened the door but, thank god, he wasn't.
I sat in the living room, watching TV, when Chris came in. I looked up at him, "Watching Glee again?"
He nodded, sniffing. "I can't believe Terri would lie about that, she is such a...." Chris sighed, "Well, I'm not going to say the word." 
I grinned at Chris's Chrisness, unable to say any bad words in front of Mom. He tried not to swear at all, but he did sometimes. I studied Chris in his long sleeve shirt, blue sweater vest, and long pants. Maybe that was it, the reason why I was worried about him being around Geoffry so much. Chris is so pristine and pure and modest and Geoffry's so.... not. I guess I was a little worried about Geoffry being, well, I don't know.... creepy. I don't know the kid that well and I wasn't too sure how he usually expressed his love. I mean, I know that sounds bad, but think about it, Geoffry had only known Chris for about two weeks when he kissed him.
I swallowed, "Hey, Chris?" 
"Mm?" 
"Um...." I said uncertainly, hoping Chris wouldn't get mad at me, "H-how are things going with Geoffry?"
Chris looked at me suspiciously, "Fine, just fine."
"So he hasn't done anything that seemed at all.... creepy... to you? Nothing bad?"
Chris studied my face and said slowly, "Nope, he hasn't. What do you have against him, Ange?"
I shook my head, "Nothing! Nothing, I uh......" Chris raised an eyebrow at me, he didn't believe me. I pretended to be really interested in what was on TV and Chris left. 




Phew! That was close.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 7

"OOWWW!!!! ANGIIEEEE!!! HEEELLLLPP!!!!!!!" Chris was screaming on the top of his lungs. Mabel had him pinned down on a lunchroom table and was threatening to break his arm. I stood helplessly at one end of the lunchroom. I was the one who told Mabel about Chris and Geoffry, it was my fault. I felt awful, I had brought this on my little brother. How could I? Alice and Leo yelled at me to come save my brother, but I couldn't move, it was like I was frozen there. Was I afraid of Mabel? I mean, anyone can pin Chris down within seconds, even a blind girl. Maybe that was what scared me, she was blind and usually super cheerful cupful of sunshine, but now I see her sitting on my brother's back, threatening to break his arm. 
Chris howled again, getting my attention. Everyone in the room was watching now, screaming and cheering Mabel on. Alice and Leo stood near the wall, frantically trying to get me to come over. Harold was huddled by them, looking stressed. Gee, I wonder why anyone would be stressed in a serene situation like this. Seeing the tears running down Chris's cheeks as he screamed my name and Mabel twisted his arm harder, I couldn't believe what a bad person I was.
I broke into a run, jumping over tables to get to them faster. Hopeful smiles broke across Alice and Leo's faces. I think Mouse was on Mabel's side. Oh crap, now I was there, but what the hell was I supposed to do? Punch her? I don't think so, she'd kick my butt. I started to panic and I halted to a stop. The crowd gasped and Mabel froze. Stupid crowd, now she knew I was there. 
Not letting go of Chris's arm, Mabel turned around slowly. "What do you want, Angela?" She said coldly. "Is there any reason why I shouldn't break this boyfriend-stealer's arm?" 
The crowd laughed stupidly.
I swallowed, feeling small all of a sudden. Why couldn't the magical Geoffry come save the day and face his own psycho girlfriend? "Um.... because..... because he didn't do anything! It was Geoffry.... he...."
"Angie, don't!" Chris cried, whimpering as Mabel twisted his arm to shut him up. 
"What did Geoffry do?" Mabel asked solemnly. I swallowed, glancing at Chris. He shook his head violently, "Don't, Ange." He whispered. I looked back at Mabel, who had an expression on her face that read, I'm waiting. 
I swallowed again, "He didn't do anything. I made that up, it was a joke." Bye Chris, bye Mom, bye Dad, bye Alice, I'll miss you all. Mabel let go of Chris's arm, stepping off the table, a scary, intimidating look on her face. Being blind probably couldn't stop her from world domination. The crowd remained silent as they watched. As I've said before, fights are a big part of our school and I don't know how we never get caught, maybe the teachers have given up by now. All I knew was that anything that could possibly turn into a fight excited the crowds at our school. 
Chris and Alice watched me in disbelief, they both looked scared. I don't even know where Geoffry was during this whole thing. Mabel stopped in front of me, scowling. "What?"
I nodded, half expecting her to be able to see it and then said, "Yes, it was wrong and I'm sorry. It was a mean joke that obviously led to trouble."
Mabel glared in my general direction and I braced myself incase she would hit me. She didn't she simply said, "I'll let you off the hook this time, but this time only." 




With that, she spun on her heels and left.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 6

At lunch, durning passing time, and pretty much every other chance they got, Geoffry and Chris would talk and talk and talk and talk and talk. By now I've gotten tired of listening to their conversations. However, Mouse was extremely interested in them when they came to school on Monday. Geoffry offered to walk Chris home at the end of the day. I rolled my eyes and Mouse watched with extreme interest. "Angie! Aren't you watching this? Aw, I wish I had a camera!"
"Since when are you a romance junkie?" I asked flatly.
Mouse shook her head, "Never, but I'm a sucker for humiliating your brother."
"Oh, yeah."
We watched as Chris nodded and linked his arm through Geoffry's. Oh my god, I wanted to puke. 
I groaned, "This is like some stupid romance movie." 
Mouse nodded excitedly, "Yeah, but with two guys! Dude, this is gold! You better watch out though, there will be a mob after them for a while. The football team, other popular guys, their followers, Mabel."
My face fell. Oh crap, Mabel. That could be pretty messy. I remember having to listen to Mabel blab about how much she loved Geoffry and what a good boyfriend he was and such. Chris kind of stole her boyfriend. I mean, Geoffry kind of started it, but she wouldn't hurt him. Chris, however, is an open target.
"Hey, you okay, Ange?" Mouse said. I swallowed and nodded, turning to take the bus instead of having to walk home with Chris and his new boyfriend.


Leo wasn't as enthusiastic about Chris and Geoffry's togetherness. He had been avoiding Chris even more than usual and had stopped sitting with us at lunch all together. I was halfway there to joining him, this was driving me nuts. It was like when Chris befriended Kathy (before we knew what an evil demon she is) and we had to listen to them chatter all night long. But this was almost worse, it was like that combined with an old cheesy romance movie. All the catch-phrases Geoffry used; "Don't worry, I won't let you fall.", "I'll walk you home.", "You know, Chris, I think you're really cute.", "I'm your night in shining armor!"..... Okay, he didn't say the last one.
I couldn't stand this anymore, but what would I do to end it.....? No, I couldn't do that, it could be dangerous...... Well, I'll give him a warning.
What I did then was one of the darkest deeds of my life. *Psycho music* No, I didn't kill anyone. *Music fades* I walked up to Mabel Oakfiled, a serious look on my face. 
"Hey, Mabel." I said sharply. 
She turned to face me, smiling. "Oh, hi Angie!"
I hesitated. Come on, Ange, do it! You have to! I took a deep breath. "What would you say if I told you your boyfriend was cheating on you?" 
Mabel's face fell and I could've sworn she was looking right at me. "What?" She said, sounding hurt. 
I stared at her, wondering if I was doing the right thing. I made myself say it, "Chris." 
Mabel's hurt expression turned into a dark scowl, which was kind of scary on her. "What?" She said the same word, but instead of sounding close to tears, there were icicles dripping from her words.
She thought about what I had just told her and said, "Thank you for telling me." 
After that, after seeing that cold look in her eyes, after seeing her storm off like that, I regretted ever telling her.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 5

Chris has been listening to a lot of Beatles lately, which is weird because he has never especially liked the Beatles. I could hear All You Need Is Love blasting from his room as I tried to read. I glanced at Mom and she looked at me, confused. "Am I missing something?" She asked innocently. Nah, I didn't need to poison her mind with the truth. Chris was in love.
I shook my head, "Well, Chris suddenly loves the Beatles and he sings to his cat.... what's any different from the usual?"
Mom thought this over and said, "Is anything going on between him and that boy? Geoffry?"
My face fell. Are moms just psychic or something? How did she know? I shook my head again. "Nope. Uh-uh. Never, not at all." Stupid, stupid Angela! Don't talk! You suck at lying! Shut up! Shut up!
 She Loves You came on from Chris's room. I covered my ears, "Arrrgg!!!! Make it stop!"
Mom called down the hall, "Chris, Honey! Could you please turn down your music?" The music calmed down a little and I relaxed.
Mom turned to me, looking a little concerned. She studied my face, which I hate because it's a dead giveaway that I'm lying. Lying, it's one thing that runs in our family. We're really bad at it.
"Angela, is there something you know that I don't?" She said gently. Stop it, Mom! Stop it! You're gonna make me guilty and I'll spill the beans....
I swallowed, staring at her with glazed eyes. "Chris is in love with Geoffry."
Mom nodded calmly, "Is that all?" Nope.
"Uhhhh...." Oh, so stupid! Stop it, Angie! Now I would have to tell her, but Chris would hate me.....
I leaned down the hall, "Hey, Chris! Come here!"
It Won't Be Long was shut off and Chris came into the room, trying to wipe the stupid grin off his face. "Yes, Ange?" He said, sighing dreamily. His eyes fell on Mom, who was watching him curiously.
Chris looked back at me, the smile faded from his face. "Did you tell her?" He whispered. 
I shook my head, "No, but you should." 
Mom was starting to look scared now, so I said, "Don't worry, Mom. Chris isn't pregnant." Chris scowled at me and I hid my smile. Mom nodded and Chris turned to her, taking a deep breath. "Mom, Geoffry.... Geoffry kissed me."
Mom nodded, a smile breaking across her face, "Really? He did? Oh, that's so great, Sweetheart!" Mom laughed, hugging Chris. I blinked stupidly, which I seem to be doing a lot lately. She was.... okay with this?
Chris broke away from Mom's hug and said, looking her in the eyes, "But there's one thing you have to do for me now." Mom nodded, listening.
A serious look on his face, Chris said, "You can't tell Dad. Please, he would totally freak. He would... he would....." Chris's voice cracked and he bit his lip. Hooray, kids! It's Cheesy Moment With Mom And Chris Time!
"I won't tell him, Sweetie." Mom smiled at Chris and he smiled back. 
"Thanks, Mom." He said. I rolled my eyes. We definitely shouldn't have told Mom about Geoffry kissing Chris, now she's going to always be inviting him over and being all sickeningly nice, yada yada yada. That's the one thing I don't like about Mom, she's so.... sticky. I don't really know how else to say it, my Mom is hot for secrets and giggles like a schoolgirl over this kind of crap.
I sighed, "I'm gonna go do my homework. You can continue talking about boys, I don't care." 
I expected Mom to tell me to stop teasing my brother, but instead she said, "What? You don't want to talk with us?"
I stared at her, "Uh, no thanks, Mom."
"What, are you saying there are no boys you like, Angela?" Mom chattered, her eyes twinkling. Oh my god, Mom. I was so glad none of my friends were here to witness my Mom being so embarrassing.
"Moooooomm....." I groaned. 
Chris giggled stupidly, "What about," He paused dramatically, "Harold?"
I felt my cheeks catch on fire, "No! Dang it, Chris, I didn't mean that! Forget I ever said that...." I knew he would hold that against me for the rest of my life.
Chris smirked triumphantly and Mom's eyes lit up, "Who's Harold?"
"Moooooooooooom!" I groaned louder. 
She laughed, "Sorry, Angela. You don't like talking about boys with your Mom?" 
I glared at them, narrowing my eyes. I could feel my cheeks turning redder and redder. "I'm doing homework." I said, retreating to my room before they could tease me more.




Sometimes, I hate my family.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 4

"Alice! Jamie! Come over now!" I screamed into the phone, which I had set on three-way with Alice and Jamie, as you might have guessed.
"Uh, okay." They both said, hanging up.
I sat on the floor, right next to the front door, waiting. The doorbell rang and I immediately opened the door. "Alice? Jamie? Hi! Come in!" They were both there and I pulled them into the house.
"What's wrong, Angie?" Jamie said.
"I think Chris is sick!" I sputtered, shushing them, "We have to be quiet, he can't see us." I slowly pushed Chris's door open a crack. He was lying on his bed, singing to the cat his own version of And I Love Her by The Beatles. "And I love him! Bright are the stars that shine, dark is the skyyy.  I know this love of mine will never diieee. And I love him...."
I started hyperventilating, "Oh my god..... oh my god.... he's losing it! My baby brother is losing it! Oh god, what do I do?" 
Alice gripped my face with her hands, looking into my eyes. "Ange! Calm.... down. Chris is fine. Let it go, he's not dying." 
I stared into her eyes, totally freaking out. "He's singing, Alice." I said in kind of a worried, weird tone, "He loves him, he loves Geoffry. My baby brother is in love....."
Alice took a deep breath, Chris had taught her to stay calm in all situations, including the ones where your friend has a nervous breakdown. "Ange, it's fine for you to call him that, but he's not a baby any more, he's fifteen. That was his first kiss, right?"
I nodded, "Unless you include spin the bottle and Kathy attacking him, but yeah, this was the first real one."
Alice nodded too, "Yes, and how old were you when you had your first kiss, Angela?"
I thought about it and said quietly, "Thirteen."
Alice smiled, "See, Angela? You were two years younger than Chris is now. You need to let him grow up." 
I sighed, annoyed by Alice's cheesiness. "Okay, but you know he's gonna freak if that wacko does anything remotely sexual."
Alice nodded, "Yep."
Jamie was so lost by now, "What the hell are you guys talking about?"
Alice and I looked at each other. Oops. Okay, time to tell Jamie. We explained the whole thing to her with the homework and the drive in and the.... ki... that, yeah. Jamie blinked, nodding slowly. "You mean.... Geoffry like that creepy guy who always sits by Chris at lunch? You mean..... Geoffry like.... Mabel's boyfriend?"
I bit my lip. Alice looked at me and I shrugged. "Oops." I said and she shook her head at me, laughing a little.
"Hey, it wasn't my idea." I said.
We all peeked back into Chris's room. "The kiss my lover brings, he brings to me-e. And I love him." Chris sang stupidly to Ger10, who sat in front of him with its same cheeky grin on its cat face. I really don't like that cat.
"Mabel is gonna kill him if she finds out." Alice said. That actually hadn't really occurred to me, but she was right. Crap.
I gritted my teeth, "Let's just hope she doesn't."

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 3

We decided not to tell Mom and Dad about... ah, I can't even say it. Geoffry making out with my baby brother, so weird, almost scarring. Especially how Chris...... liked it.

I swallowed, thinking about it as I sat at my desk in study hall. Alice whispered to me, "Are you okay, Ange?"

I managed a groaning sound that sounded like someone had just kicked a goat and Alice retracted, patting me on the back and saying, "You don't have to tell me."

"I'll tell you at recess." I groaned, doubling over like I had been punched in the stomach. Alice studied my face, looking worried , but she let it be until recess. 

Alice actually had to pester me until I told her. "Um...." I said, feeling the blood drain from my face. I don't know why it bothered me so much, I guess Chris actually being a teenager is just alien to me. Alice nodded for me to go on.

"Uhh..... You know Geoffry? He sits with us every day." I said stupidly, kind of stalling. Alice nodded and I swallowed, continuing. "Geoffry.... ahh...... Geoffry came over yesterday.... and... we went to a drive-in, m-me, Geoffry, and..... Chris." Alice nodded anxiously. 

"And..... Geoffry kissed Chris." I said quietly, "But he didn't kiss him, he like, attacked him! With his lips!" 

Alice blinked stupidly, looking a lot like how I probably looked when I saw.... it. She cleared her throat loudly, "Um.... Well, I didn't see that one coming." She looked away for a second, then back at my desperate face. "Is that..... bad?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed, "Chris is, like, a baby! He still believes in Santa Claus! He still watches Blue's Clues!"

Alice blinked again, "He still believes in Santa Claus?"

I sighed, shaking my head, "Nah, that one was an exaggeration, but he's like a little kid! You know that song, uh.... You're just a baby in disguise and though you know blah blah blah...."

"Young Girl?" Alice suggested.

"Yes!" I shouted, "That's what Chris is!"

Alice raised an eyebrow at me, "A young girl?"

I shook my head, "Uh, no, no. Not...."

Alice sat down next to me and said, "You know, Angie. Everyone grows up sometime. You need to let go of the past."

I looked at her and said, "You sound like Mister Rogers' daughter."

Alice laughed, "I'll see you later, Ange." She patted my shoulder.

"Bye, Alice." I said.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 2

When Chris and I got home, Chris asked Mom, "Hey, Mom, can my friend Geoffry come over to do homework tomorrow?"
"Sure, Honey." She smiled her cheery Mom smile.
So Geoffry came over the next day after school. He and Chris sat at the kitchen table, chattering. Every time they would notice Mom or I come in to the kitchen, they would start talking about math instead of whatever crap they were talking about before.
Dad came in and looked between Chris and Geoffry. Chris smiled, "Hi, Dad! This is my new friend, Geoffry!" 
Dad nodded slowly, suspiciously looking them up and down the way Chris does sometimes. "Patricia!" He called down the hall for Mom. 
"Hi, Honey!" She called back. It was like that old show, I Love Lucy. Honey, I'm home! Mom came into the kitchen and gave Dad a kiss. "Hey, Dan. Did you meet Chris's new friend?" 
He nodded distastefully and whispered to her, "They aren't dating, are they?"
"Dan! No, they're just friends." Mom said, glancing at Geoffry and Chris with embarrassment., hoping they hadn't heard Dad.


Later, Mom and Dad were going out to dinner. When they were about to leave, Dad turned to inspect Geoffry and Chris, who were quietly working on their homework.
I patted him on the shoulder and said quietly, "Don't worry Dad, I'll babysit." After a moment's hesitation, Dad nodded and said, "Thanks, Ange."
"Honey, are you coming?" Mom called to Dad. He nodded and followed her out the door.
In the car, seeing her husband's worried look, Patricia (mom) said, "They'll be fine, Honey."
"How old is that Geoffry kid?" Dan (dad) asked, not taking his eyes off the road.
"The same age as Angela, but we don't have to worry, Angela didn't seem interested...."
Dan sighed, saying under his breath, "That's not what I'm worried about."


I lied sprawled out on the couch, bored out of mind my and hating the fact that all there was to do was listen to Geoffry and Chris blab. Oh. My. God. SO annoying. But, then I started listening to what they were saying.
"Hey, Chris," Geoffry said, a little sheepishly.
"Hm?"
"You know, I think you're really cute." Geoffry said.
Chris chuckled, "Really?"
"Uh huh." 
I turned around, I wanted to watch. 
Chris smiled, blushing a little. Seriously? This was like some stupid movie that Kathy would make us watch at her party while she and Chris would cry about how sweet it was and the rest of us would sleep. 
Uhg. I didn't want to see this.... but I kind of did. I knew Mouse would- No, no, don't be a bad sister, Angie. If you call Mouse it will ruin everything. I decided I would just sit back and watch....... This was getting boring.
"Hey, guys." I said, they broke from their trance and looked at me. I said, "Let's go somewhere.  The three of us."
Chris smiled at Geoffry, "I think that's a good idea." 
Geoffry nodded.
We decided to go to a drive-in and see Mean Girls. Geoffry climbed on top of his blue Maverick and held out a hand to Chris. "Here, climb up." 
Chris looked up at him, "But.... you mean on top of the car? C-couldn't that be dangerous?"
Geoffry smiled, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall." 
I rolled my eyes, this was making me sick. I considered mentioning Mabel to them, but I knew better. 
We all sat on top of Geoffry's car and watched the movie. I volunteered to sit behind them because we couldn't all fit in front. I guess it was a pretty good movie. I couldn't help glancing over at Chris and Geoffry every five seconds. I thought about what they would be like as a couple. I know I'm assuming too much, but whatever. I was surprised they could get along so well, they have nothing in common.
I raised an eyebrow at Geoffry as he did the classic thing where he yawned and put his arm around Chris shoulder. Are you freaking serious? I started watching Chris and Geoffry instead of the movie. They seemed to have completely forgotten I was there, which didn't bother me. Being careful not to fall off the back of the car, I scooted back, giving them some space.
Geoffry put his hand over Chris's hand and Chris blushed.
Geoffry turned to Chris and smiled, chuckling. Chris cocked his head to the side and said, "What?"
Geoffry said, "Chris, it's just...." 
Slowly, he leaned over and kissed Chris, sliding his arms around his waist.
Chris put his arms around Geoffry's neck, kissing him back.
I blinked, totally lost now. My brain was on overdrive. 
What the hell? I thought. I didn't know whether to say "awww!" or throw up.
I slowly slid off the side of the car, deciding it was safer inside.

Cool With A "K" PART 15 - CHAPTER 1

At lunch yesterday, Mabel came and sat down at our table. She had someone with her. Someone..... Uhg! I hate it when I can't tell if someone is a boy or a girl, it's so embarrassing. Luckily, she introduced them.
"Hi, you guys! This is Geoffry, my boyfriend!" Mabel said enthusiastically. Geoffry smiled at us kindly. His eyes fell on Chris and he looked at him for a while. Chris smiled, a little uncertainly. To me personally, I thought it looked like Geoffry was making eyes at Chris, but that was extremely unlikely for these reasons and probably more:


A) He's a guy. Guys don't usually find Chris attractive.
B) He totally wasn't Chris's type, at least appearance-wise. He had dreadlocks, tight pants, he looked like a girl. In short, Chris is quite the opposite, except for maybe the feminine vibe he gives off.
C) He's dating Mabel.


But, now I was just jumping to conclusions, it was probably my complete imagination. "Um, nice to meet you, Geoffry."
Geoffry smiled back, "Pleasure." He said politely, glancing at Chris again.
Mabel and Geoffry sat there for a moment before Mabel giggled and said, "Come on, Geoffry!" With that, they got up and left. Once they were gone, Chris sighed. "Did anyone else think he was looking at me weird."
"Yes." Mouse, Leo, and I all said in unison.


The next day at the same time, I saw Geoffry excitedly gesture toward us. He was saying something to Mabel and she was crossing her arms. They were too far away for me to hear them, but it looked like Mabel said, "Why?" after Geoffry said whatever it was that he had said. Mabel sighed and nodded and, grinning, Geoffry grabbed Mabel's hand and started walking over to us. "Hey, you guys! Are we interrupting anything?"
Alice shook her head politely, "Oh, no. Not at all." Across from me, Chris gritted his teeth, eyeing the two empty seats between him and Harold, who had been sitting with us a lot lately. 
Chris watched as Geoffry sat Mabel down next to Harold and sat down by Chris. "Hi, Chris." He said cheerily. Chris nodded back awkwardly, trying to smile and failing.
We started asking Geoffry random questions like "So, Geoffry, where are you from?" and "How long have you and Mabel been together?" and "Do you intend to sit with us every day?" Chris froze, glancing at me. Geoffry smiled and said politely, "Oh, are we invited?"
Chris watched me as I said without thinking, "Oh, sure!"


So that was that. Every day, Geoffry would drag Mabel over to our table and weasel his way over to Chris. Chris started seeming more comfortable around him and Mabel started seeming less comfortable around Chris. She would always get all sour when Chris and Geoffry started talking, which was starting to be more and more often. Surprisingly, though they didn't have much in common, they could talk for a looooong time.
One day, Geoffry giggled and said, "Chris, you have a milk mustache." He slowly reached over and wiped the milk off Chris's lip with his thumb. We all watched oddly as Geoffry stared into Chris's eyes and Chris stared back. Sitting across from them, Mouse, Leo, and I stared in disbelief, twitching. I blinked.
Mabel leaned over and said through clenched teeth, "Harold, what just happened?"
"Uh, I don't think you would want to know." Harold stuttered. 
Mabel suddenly reached out and, with perfect aim, grabbed Chris's hair and screamed, "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY GEOFFRY??? DID YOU HURT HIM?"
"I didn't do anything!" Chris wailed, "Let go!"
"Mabel!" I said, trying to break them apart and get the image of what just happened out of my head at the same time.
They sat back down and Geoffry looked back and forth between Mabel and Chris helplessly. They were quiet for the rest of lunch.

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 8

The wedding.
Chris and I sat next to Alice..... in the pews. Yep, that's right, Alice's mom had not wanted her own daughter as a bride's maid. We watched the wedding go on. Weddings are kind of boring, it occurred to me. I glanced at Alice when the priest said the line, "You may kiss the bride." She sat perfectly still as she watched Chad kiss her mom. Smiling peacefully, Chris took out a tissue and wiped the tears off his cheeks. Such an emotional kid.


The after party was pretty fun, one could say. Chris and Alice danced, Alice's mom looking pretty impressed. After all, Chris was the one who taught Alice to dance. Then Chris and I danced, then Alice and I. I couldn't dance as well as them, but it was still fun.
Now, the moment of truth. Chad and Alice's mom inspected the cake Alice and Chris had taken hours to make (lots of hours if you count the clean-up time). Alice's mom cut a small piece out of the cake and took a bite. Her eyes widened and she turned to face Alice. I half expected her to spit cake all over her daughter, which would've been a disaster. But no, instead she said, to my great surprise, "Great job, Sweetie." 
She turned to Chris and said, "Alice was right, you can cook!"
Alice and Chris stood, staring in shock at her. Again, to my surprise, Alice's mom laughed and smashed a piece of cake onto Chad's face. I would never suspect Alice's mother to be the starter of a cake fight because she is one of the biggest neat-freak perfectionists I know (and I know quite a few).
Soon, cake was flying all over the room. Thank god Chris didn't freak out about getting cake all over his clothes. We were all throwing cake, even Chris, Alice and I.




Wow, I guess weddings can be fun.

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 7

Alice walked up to Chris, "Hey, Chris."
Chris smiled at her, "Hi, Alice. What's up?"
Alice smiled, "Well, um, you know how my mom and chad are.... getting... married. Well, my mom said that I could make the cake for her after party and I was wondering if you wanted to help."
Chris grinned, "Sure! That sounds fun."
Alice laughed nervously, "And, um.... I was wondering...." Chris nodded for her to go on.
"My mom would kind of kill me if I trashed the kitchen...."
"It's fine, we can use my kitchen." Chris affectionally put his arm over Alice's shoulder.
"Thank you so much." Alice smiled at Chris.


Chris walked up to me, "Hey, Angie."
I smiled at him, "Hey, Chris. What's up?"
"Ange, do you think Alice and I could use the kitchen today?" He said, using his big blue-green puppy dog eyes on me.
I smiled at him sweetly, "Sure, Honey."
Chris's eyes lit up. He's just like a little kid. "And- and do you think we could go grocery shopping?"
I laughed, "Sure, wait- What for?"
"Cake stuff." Well then.
"Sure, buddy."
Chris grinned at me, "Thank you, Angie!" He attacked me in a hug.
"Yeah, no problem. Now get off."


"Two eggs next," Alice said. Chris put two eggs in her hand and she cracked them open and into the bowl. 
"Alice, be careful!" Chris said, "Don't put the shells in."
"Oh...." Alice began carefully picking the egg shells out of the cake mix. "Uhg, I'm a mess!" Alice gestured to her flour-covered apron.
Chris laughed, "It's all part of the fun!" He glanced at Alice, who was busily reading the cookbook. 
Grinning, Chris slowly reached into the flour bowl and scooped up a pinch of flour. He aimed and flicked the flour at Alice. She whirled around, her mouth open in shock. Chris bit his lip, snickering. "You're like a cute little flour snow girl."
Glaring, Alice took a step toward Chris and he backed up, his smile fading. Without saying anything, Alice reached into the nutmeg bowl and flung it at Chris, who shut his eyes just in time. Brown powder covered his face. Alice giggled as Chris wiped the nutmeg off his face, shaking his head like a wet dog, sending nutmeg flying through the air. They both laughed and started throwing ingredients at each other.
Well, now the kitchen was a mess. Chris and Alice sat on the floor, laughing.
"Well, we should probably work on the cake now." Alice said. Chris chuckled, nodding.


I opened my front door, leading into my kitchen. I dropped the shopping bags I was carrying. The kitchen was trashed; There was flour and sugar and bowls and spoons everywhere.
I looked around the kitchen, in shock. "Chris! Alice!" I called out. I heard giggling and Chris and Alice came out from the hallway. 
I held my arms up, gesturing to the kitchen. Chris laughed. "Hi, Angie."
"Hi?" I asked in disbelief, "Hi? What, was there a tornado in here? What did you do?" 
Alice fought back a laugh. "We're baking a cake for Mom's after party."
Chris nodded, "Red velvet."
I snorted, "Chris, you can't make red velvet cake."
Chris crossed his arms, "Oh yeah?" He picked up a tiny little pan and tore off a piece of red velvet cake from it. "We made a little one for us." He explained, putting the cake in my mouth. I chewed it slowly, "Oh my god, this is amazing!" I exclaimed. 
Chris and Alice smiled proudly, saying at the same time, "Thank you." They both gasped and whirled around to face each other. They said in exact unison, "One, two, three, you owe me a soda!" They started laughing. Whoever said "Great minds think alike", they are so wrong. 
I rolled my eyes. "Okay, guys. Let's see the cake, then it's clean up time."
They nodded and uncovered the cake. It was beautiful. It had three layers and was about two or three feet high. The cake was covered in pale blue frosting and it read Congrats, Rachel and Chad! in pink icing with little white doves on it.
"It's beautiful, guys!" I said, smiling. "I love it."
Alice chuckled nervously, "Let's hope Mom and Chad do too. That's the tricky part."
Chris nodded, "Rachel is a little hard to please."
"You think?" I remembered once when Alice and I were in fourth grade, we came home from day camp and we had made collages. When Alice showed hers to her mother, she had said to little eight-year-old Alice, "It's too messy!"
I was so happy our parents weren't like that. Chris probably was too, I can't imagine how much he would've suffered if Mom never let him sleep in their bed when he had nightmares.
"Well," I said, hugging Alice, "Good luck, Sweetie." 
Alice nodded, "Thanks. Hey, do you guys want to come to the wedding?"
Chris and I looked at each other, "Are we invited?" I asked. Alice shook her head 'no'.
Chris and I shrugged, "Sure." We both said. We were going to a wedding.
The thing about agreeing to go to a wedding, is that means Mom and I had to listen to Chris blab about what he should wear for about two and a half hours straight.
Mom helped me try on an old flower girl dress from when I was ten. Of course, too small. "Wait a sec...." Mom said, "I think I might still have...." She walked out of the room and I followed her curiously. She came back with a big white bag for fancy clothes that was probably old because it had a yellowish tint and it was dusty. I watched as Mom unzipped it and pulled out a pretty white dress. 
She smiled, "This is the dress I wore as a bride's maid at Jodie's wedding."
I stared at the dress, smiling at its beauty. Then I realized what she was saying. "Oh, no. Mom, I can't wear this! I'm a klutz, I could kill it!"
Mom laughed and said, "Ah, whatever. It doesn't fit me and you need a dress. Here, I'll help you put it on."
I changed into the dress and admired myself in the mirror. I looked good, I guess. Dad came in the room and eyed us. "Angela's not getting married, is she?" He half joked. It's kind of hard to tell when Dad is joking. "Not to the Leonard kid, right?" His smile faded.
I looked at him in a are-you-f***ing-kidding-me way and said, "Ew, no Dad." He laughed and Chris came in, dressed in a white suit with a black necktie and black shoes. "Hi Dad."
Dad whirled around and sighed, taking in Chris's outfit choice and running his fingers through his hair. "Uh.... Hey, Chris.... New clothes?"
Chris nodded excitedly, "Yep! I bought it yesterday. Like it?" 
Dad glanced at Mom and she nodded at him. Dad turned back to Chris, "Yeah, it's great, Chris." Chris beamed, happy to hear something positive from Dad and he frolicked back to his room cheerily.
Dad sighed, making a face at Mom and she shook her head, "Dan, you need to learn to support your son."
Dad was about to say something back, but then he looked at me and I said, "Okay, I'll leave then."
"No, no, Angela. You can stay, it's fine." Mom said, "Oh, this dress fits you great!" I nodded. 




I hope this doesn't turn out too bad.

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 6

"What is it, Alice?"
"Um, can you and Chris please come over?" Alice sounded upset.
"Sure, Alice. We'll be there in ten minutes."
"Thank you, Angie. I'll see you."
"See you." 
She hung up and I wondered what was wrong. Chris and I got to Alice's house and Alice opened the door. She grabbed our wrists and pulled us inside. "Come on!" She lead us to her room.
"Is everything okay, Allie?" Chris said. I rolled my eyes at his new pet name for her. I guess it was kind of cute in a really annoying way.
Alice looked back and forth between us, a serious but panicked look on her face. She took a deep breath and said, "Chad asked Mom to marry him," Chris and I looked at each other.
"And she said yes." Alice looked at us nervously.
Chris squealed, "Oh, congrats to her!" I elbowed him.
"I take it this isn't a good thing...." I said gently.
Alice sighed, "I don't know... Marriage is supposed to be a good thing, but..... it was just so sudden...." I patted her on the back. I understood.
After Chris and I comforted her for a while, we went home.


Alice peered into the kitchen. Dressed in a perfect 'I Love Lucy' type dress and apron, her mother walked around the kitchen, talking on the phone. 
"Um, Mother?" Alice said quietly, clearing her throat. 
"Oh, hold on, Dianne. Alice? What is it? Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Her mother said sharply.
"I-I'm sorry," Alice stuttered, "I.... I was just thinking..."
Her mother pursed her cherry-red lipstick-covered lips and raised her eyebrows at Alice, as if saying, I'm waiting. 
Alice continued, "Um, well, I was thinking.... maybe....."
Her mother sighed in a rude, irritated way. "Uhg, Alice! Just spit it out, won't you? I'm trying to have a conversation with Dianne about the wedding." 
Alice nodded, "Oh, yes, the wedding! That's what this is about! Um, I was thinking that maybe to save money, instead of buying a cake, maybe Chris and I could make the cake...."
Alice's mother crossed her arms, "Alice, are you serious?" Before she got a chance to reply, her mother started talking again, "Chris? Angela's brother? You know how I feel about him. He's meek, he's small, he's useless. You need a man that you can rely on, someone you can count on to get a good job so he can buy things for you!"
Alice stuttered, "Mom, I'm not dating him! I-I mean, he's not useless. Chris is a really good cook and h-he's hoping to become a lawyer. If that's not a good job, then I don't know what is."
Alice mother pursed her lips. "No, Alice. You can't make our wedding cake. I want a professionally done cake, one with our names written in frosting. Rachel and Chad. One with doves! Doves, Alice...."
"W-we can do doves! Doves! We can write your names too!" Alice said quickly.
Her mother sighed, "Look, Alice. If I let you make the cake for the after party will you leave me alone?"
Alice nodded quickly, "Yes, yes mother. I will."
Her mother said, shooing at Alice, "Okay, now go. I need to get work done."
"Can Chris help?" Alice ventured, biting her lip and bracing herself. Her mother glanced at her and rolled her eyes. "Sure. Fine, I don't care. Do whatever you want, just don't bother me."
Alice wanted to say more, but she knew better. Her mother was back on the phone, "Oh, yeah. Sorry, Dianne. I know, kids can be such a pain!" 
Then why are you having one with that doofus? Alice thought as she walked back to her room.

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 5

It was Wednesday, fourth hour. I glanced around the French room, bored out of my mind. Mouse was out cold again. Leo kept glancing nervously at her, almost looking worried. This was really getting on my nerves.

I watched Alice, who was three desks away, as she grasped the edge of her desk. She gasped and her eyes widened. She sat perfectly still, gaping. I looked down, under her desk. Alice slowly moved her fingers, which were covered in white ABC* gum. I can see why Alice hates it when people stick gum under tables and desks. She once spent about two and a half hours cleaning gum off the bottoms of tables at a restaurant, or so Mouse said.

Alice sucked in her breath like she had just been punched in the stomach. She peeled her fingers out of the used gum.

I held my breath. Alice glanced at me and I shook my head. Please don't scream, please don't scream, please don't scream..... I thought. 

Alice was breathing heavily now. She slowly raised her clean hand. "Mrs. Green, may I please wash my hands? Please?........ Please?"

The French teacher nodded and Alice instantly got to her feet.

What was Chris up to? I wondered. He was sitting in his desk, quietly glaring at Jesse, how had apparently "broken his heart" on Monday. Ah, such a sensitive child.

On the way to recess, Jesse stopped Chris in the hall. "Uh, hey, Chris. Hey, um, are you still mad at me? I mean, I don't think you should be, ya know, 'cuz I didn't do anything, but uh...."

Chris scowled at Jesse, looking him right in the eye and not saying anything. Jesse looked uncomfortable and swallowed. "So, uh..... are we cool? You're not mad?"

Chris scowled more and said, "No, we're not 'cool.' We'll never be 'cool.'" He passed Jesse and walked away. 

Once Jesse was out of sight, Chris broke into a grin. "Oh yeah, you are most definitely 'cool'."

Chris sat down next to me on a bench at recess, grinning like he owned the world. "Why are you so happy?" I asked him.

Chris giggled stupidly and I said, "What, did you find a new crush? Or did you and Jesse make up?" 

Chris scowled and said sharply, "No. Neither. We didn't make up, I still hate him. God, 

what an idiot." 

I raised an eyebrow at him and he looked at me haughtily, "What?" He said with a tone that I didn't like, an un-Chris-like tone, a snotty tone.

"Chris, don't you dare use that tone on me!" I snapped, losing patience. My brother was not allowed to talk to me like that. 

Chris whimpered, leaning over to hug me. "I'm sorry, Angie." He said honestly. I rolled my eyes, Chris is such a kid.

"It's okay, Chris." I sighed.

I heard yelling and I turned around, unwrapping Chris's arms from my hips. "Chris, listen." It was Mouse and Leo. Mouse was screaming at him about something and Leo seemed to be trying to calm her down. What the- 

"Oh, gosh...." Chris stood up straight. 

"What?" I asked him. Chris bit his lip, mumbling to himself. I cocked my head, "What, Chris?" Before I could stop him, he walked over to Mouse and Leo. I followed him.

Chris stood in between them, staring into Mouse's eyes, looking concerned and serious. Why did everyone seem to know something I didn't? "Mouse," Chris said gently, but firmly at the same time. Mouse stared at him without saying anything. Chris grabbed Mouse's hair, which was a brave move for him, and he sniffed her breath. His eyes widened slightly, but he didn't say anything. 

He turned to Leo, "You knew, didn't you?"

Leo nodded, looking tired but relieved that someone else knew what he was going through, whatever that was.

"Knew what? What, Chris? What?!" I exclaimed. 

Chris shushed me, "Calm down, Angela...."

"Am I the only person who doesn't know what's going on?" I asked, starting to get anxious and maybe a little scared.

"No," Leo said, "Kathy and Alice don't know, neither does Harold. I don't know if anyone else knows besides us, except for some of Mouse's drunken friends from the football team. They might."

"Shut up Leo!" Mouse shouted at him.

"WHAT?!" I yelled, "Just- please! Someone tell me what the heck is going on!"

Chris sighed, "Mouse, have you been drinking?"

I cocked my head to the side, completely confused. 

"No!" Mouse shouted defensively.

"For how long?" Chris asked, ignoring her disclaim. Mouse gritted her teeth, glancing at Leo. I was so lost now. I didn't even know what to say.

Mouse shifted from foot to foot. "But it tastes good....."

Chris looked surprised, "So does smoking! Just because you like it doesn't mean you should have it!" He held out his hand. "Give."

Leo held up his hand, "I already took it from her locker after fifth hour." 

Mouse whirled around, "What?!" She tried to grab the liquor bottle and Leo easily held it out of her reach. "Nope. This is going in the garbage."

Chris nodded, "Sure thing. Leo, give me the bottle."

Leo held it close defensively. "Why?"

Chris sighed, "Just give it, Leo. I can't trust you with that either."

"I don't drink!" Leo snapped. Chris held out his hand to Leo and Leo put the bottle in his hand. Chris opened the cap, sniffing it and wrinkling his nose. "Nasty stuff. Why do you like this, Mouse?"

Mouse sighed, rolling her eyes. Chris sniffed the bottle again and took a swig. 

"Chris!" I yelled at him.

"Sorry, sorry." He said, "I wanted to know what it tasted like. Bitter, but good."

Leo grinned stupidly, "Hey, that was what I did." 

I snatched the bottle from Chris and poured it's contents out into a garbage can, tossing the bottle in after it.

Leo and Mouse watching longingly. Chris sighed and said, "Mouse, underage drinking is very very bad."

Leo nodded, "See, Mouse? That was what I said."

Mouse looked sick as she glanced around groggily at us. I eyed her, "Hey, you okay, Mousey?"

Mouse went up to Chris and said, "This is going to hurt you a lot more then it's going to hurt me." 

Chris cocked his head to the side, "What?" Next thing we knew, Mouse barfed all over Chris. Chris stood perfectly still, looking a lot like Alice with his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open.

We all stood, staring in shock. 

I tried not to laugh, "Mouse, how much did you drink?"

"A third of a bottle."

"Are you an idiot?" Chris sputtered, laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. "Ha! Why am I even asking? I, out of all people, should know the answer to that question because I'm the one covered in your drunken barf!"

Leo and I were trying with all me had not to laugh, but, of course, we did. 

Chris took a deep breath and started off to the bathroom to change his shirt. Alice passed him, "Chris! What happened?" Chris glared at Mouse and kept walking.

Alice looked from Leo to Mouse to me, totally lost. "Don't worry about it." I suggested and Alice knowingly nodded.

Later Chris ended up puking too. I guess it's an alcohol thing.

*ABC gum: In case you don't know, means Already Been Chewed.

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 4

Leo had been acting weird. So had Mouse. I wondered if their weirdness was connected. Leo has seemed depressed for the past week, but maybe not depressed.... worried? About what, I wondered. Mouse just seemed sick and tired. All week she had been falling asleep and she always had dark circles under her eyes, more so than usual. She had also been talking kind of weird sometimes....
"Hey, Ange."
I smiled as Mouse sat down at the lunch table. She looked around at us all blankly, "Wha.... Why are all these frogs at the table, Angie?" 
Chris and I exchanged looks and Chris said, "I don't look like a frog, do I?" I felt his cheeks for acne and I rolled my eyes, "No, you don't look like a frog, Chris."
I was starting to get worried about Mouse. What was wrong with her?
I asked Leo about it in Study Hall. "Leo, do you know what's wrong with Mouse? She's been acting kind of.... weird... lately." 
Leo's face paled and he swallowed. What was up with him? What was wrong with everyone?! "Oh, uh- Sh-she's fine! Just fine..." I raised an eyebrow at Leo and he nodded, looking away. 
I hoped my therapist hadn't lost his mind yet, I really needed someone to talk to. "I just don't understand, Chris. What is going on with everyone? I mean, Mouse has been acting all weird and Leo has been acting all weird and Harold- never mind, he's always like that." 
Chris nodded, clearly listening to me. That's one thing I love about my brother/therapist is I can always tell when he's listening. He cleared his throat, crossing his legs. "Well, Angela." He said in his 'professional' voice, folding his hands in his lap. "I can't say  I know what's going on with Mouse... or Leo. Harold, however, there are several symptoms shown." Symptoms? Harold wasn't that weird. 
"Symptoms?" I asked.
Chris nodded, "Yes, Angela. Symptoms. Symptoms that consist of nervousness, speech impediment, shortness."
"You're pretty short too, Chris." I said. He ignored me.
"Our little friend Harold could easily have," Chris paused dramatically, "paranoid schizophrenia."
"What?" I said, "Chris, now you're just being ridiculous!"
Chris said calmly, "Am I? Think about it, Angela." He started naming the symptoms off on his fingers. "Anxiety, delusions, hm, probably. Violence,"
I laughed, "Harold isn't violent!"
"What about that Una girl he's friends with?" Chris turned to me, "He picked a fight with her last quarter." 
This was news to me. "Really? Is that why he was gone for so long?"
Chris nodded grimly, "Yep. He grabbed her butt and when she reacted, he hit her." I wasn't sure if I could believe this, but Chris isn't a liar. 
"Really?" I said in soft disbelief. Chris nodded again, sighing as he took off his dorky reading glasses that he sometimes wears for effect when he transforms into Therapist Chris. It's like Clark Kent, only backwards.
I couldn't believe it. Why would Harold do something like that? He wouldn't, but the likelihood of Harold doing something like that is just about as likely as Chris lying, which isn't much. A few Christmases ago, Chris snuck downstairs and ate all the Christmas cookies. He would've gotten away with it too, if he hadn't told on himself. Even as a little kid, Chris was pretty much an innocent little angel. Gift, curse, take your pick.




I could've sworn that Chris then hid a grin behind his hand, but I wasn't sure.

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 3

Mouse?..... Hey, Mouse.......... Mousey, wake up....... Mouse, what's wrong?
We were in the French room. We had been trying to wake Mouse up for about ten minutes now, but she was out cold. Weird. Usually even she didn't sleep this long.
"Maybe she's dead." Chris said, grinning. "Let's poke her with a stick or something." 
I snorted. "Tempting, but not a good idea. Imagine if she woke up, you'd be in the hospital again."
Chris cringed when I said this.
As we tried to wake her up, Leo stood in the corner, eyeing Mouse. He almost looked sad, it was weird. I walked over to him, "Why do you look so guilty? Did you kill her?"
Chris made an anxious sound and I hushed him. Leo shook his head, "Um, no. She's alive." I hope. Leo thought.
Chris poked Mouse's head. "Wake up. Or not, if that's what you want. You know what, maybe you don't need to wake up-" Mouse's hand shot up and grabbed Chris's neck.
"Shut it, Chris. I'm trying to sleep." She mumbled. 
Chris clawed at her hand, "Mouse.... Mouse, I can't..... breathe...." She let go and Chris gasped for air. 
"I hate to say 'I told you so', but...." I said, Chris glaring at me.
Jesse came into the room. We all turned to look at him. "What?" He said, "I forgot my books." We all stared at him. He shrugged, "You guys look all tense. Is she dead or something?"
Chris said dreamily, taking a step toward Jesse, "Oh, I wish!"
We all looked at Chris and he cleared his throat. "Um, I mean, she's fine. She's sleeping.... But wouldn't the world just be so much of a better place...." 
Mouse sat up, choking Chris again, "I'll send you to a better place, Panty Boy!"
"I don't wear panties!" Chris wailed, clawing at his throat.
"Oh, you soooo do!" Mouse grinned. Chris glanced at Jesse, realizing that his 'secret' could've easily just been revealed (which is funny, because you would think confessing love to Jesse would've already indicated that Chris was homosexual).
Chris's face turned red and his eyes widened. I couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or from Mouse choking him. "Mouse, let go!" He cried. She loosened her grip and Chris stood up straight, blushing. "Um, heh heh." He laughed stupidly, running his fingers through his hair.
Jesse stood in front of us, looking confused and uncomfortable. "I.... I have to go meet Jamie at the lockers...." He said stupidly.
The smile slowly faded from Chris's face. Jesse was trying to ditch us. Chris sighed, looking Jesse up and down and looking pissed. "I'll see you later, Jesse." He said, an edge to his slightly-feminine voice.
Jesse stood there, frozen, for a second. I recognized the feeling of wanting to leave without being rude, I could see it in his eyes. Even so, I remained silent.
When Jesse didn't leave, Chris gestured for him to leave. "Go on."
"Uhh....." Jesse said.
Chris nodded, "Uh-huh. Good dog. The door is right their." 
Looking offended, Jesse left the room. Chris stood with his hands on his hips. "What a shallow douchebag."
Mouse, Alice and I exchanged looks. Chris turned around, pursing his lips. "Well, what are you staring at? Is it so unnatural for one to call someone a douchebag?" He said, an irritatingly mocking tone to his voice.
"Uh, no...." I said, shrugging at Alice.
"Um," She said , "Douchebag?"
"Asshole?" Chris suggested, "Jerk? Smartass? Jerk?....... Jerk?"
We were silent and, turning on his heels, Chris diva-ed out of the room.
"Somebody's upset." Mouse rolled her eyes. Leo had stayed quiet the entire time, not even stopping to laugh at Chris's embarrassment.
"You okay, Leo?" I asked him.
"Yes!" He said as if on cue. Hmm....

Cool With A "K" PART 14 - CHAPTER 2

At lunch, Chris and Harold came to sit down. I smiled at them, "Hey, you guys! I see Harold decided to join us today!" I chattered perkily. Shut up, Angie! Shut up!

Harold laughed uneasily and I chattered endlessly for a while. Kathy spotted us and broke into a grin. She walked over to us and leaned in between Harold and Chris. "Hi, guys! Hey, Chris, who's your friend?" She smiled flirtatiously at Harold, who cringed a little. Smart boy.

Chris drew back, startled. Then, the look of dread at Kathy's presence faded from his face and he grinned. "Oh, Kathy. This is Harold."

"Hi! I'm Kathy!" Kathy beamed at Harold who made a ahh... sound and looked down uneasily. Kathy giggled, "How cute!"

Chris gestured for Kathy to come closer and he whispered in her ear, "I think Harold likes you, he said he thinks you're cute." So that's what the little rat was doing! He was trying to get Kathy interested in Harold and out of his own life! I rolled my eyes.

Kathy giggled again and sat down in between Chris and Harold, "Is that so?" She said, crossing her legs and showing a bit of her thigh. Harold cocked his head to the side, he obviously hadn't heard what Chris said to Kathy. He glanced at me for help and I said, "Hey, Kathy. Did you know Jacob just broke up with his girlfriend?" Jacob is one of the "hottest" of the football players. You know, perfect tan, perfect teeth, perfect I-throw-littler-kids-into-garbage-cans muscles. 

Kathy squealed excitedly, "Oh my gosh, are you serious??" 

Nope. "Of course!" I smiled innocently.

Kathy squealed again, almost fully forgetting about Harold and running off to go flirt with Jacob.

Once Kathy was gone, I leaned in and explained, "Harold, that's Kathy. I don't think you'd like her."

"Who would?" Chris sighed, looking tired. "She has kissed me, without my consent, twice. She snuck into my house once, she sang Love Game by Lady Gaga to me at auditions...."

"That was why you looked so sick?" Harold said, cocking his head. Chris nodded.

"She kissed me once too." Leo said, more smugly than disturbed, though. 

"She's kind of like...." Chris held his hands out in front of him dramatically, "an evil kissing fairy." 

I snorted. He was so right.

Chris hesitated before patting Harold on the back gently and saying, "She's not really your type." 

"Hey, Angela." Harold stuttered as I walked to recess. 

I smiled, "Yeah?"

"Uhhh....." Harold blinked, looking at his feet. "Um, thank you for letting me sit with you today." I nodded, "Oh yeah, any time!" Was I being to cheerful?

Harold nodded, blushing a bit. Oh geez.... "O-okay. I'll talk to you later.... Angela...."

I smiled and walked away.

Chris chuckled, walking up to Harold, "Oh, Harold, you have such a way with women."

Harold laughed nervously, "Yeah? Well, what about you?"

Chris pursed his lips and was silent for a moment. "No, not really. I spend too much time being bullied to date." He turned away dramatically. "You know, being pelted with paint balloons, being given wedgies," He turned back to Harold, looking at him with big, innocent blue-green eyes. "Given swirlies."

Harold chuckled, "Hey, uh, about that. I think we, you and I, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I think..... I think we can be friends, right?"

Chris chuckled and gave Harold a fakey smile. "Sure, Harold. I'll see you later." Chris patted Harold on the shoulder as he walked by, leaving Harold standing alone in the hall.