Page 37 of Forever Summer

I caught my reflection in the cloudy mirror above the mantel, and for the first time I had actually felt unsure, that maybe I should be the one that should go up and change into something less flamboyant. Maybe natural was what Adam wanted, and to be honest, I was the complete opposite to everything Megsy represented. I had had enough girls abuse me over time to know that the general consensus was they thought I was plastic, fake, lock-up-your-boyfriends-girls, a few drinks and she was anyone’s. Maybe Meg had already played me at my own game, knowing that she didn’t have to sabotage me in any way because I was quite capable of doing that all myself.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a horn blasting out front, as two buses rolled up out the front of the Onslow. I snapped out of the trappings of my mind and jumped to attention.

“See ya, Melba. Don’t wait up,” I yelled over my shoulder.

“Trust me, I won’t. Have fun.”

I pushed through the door, almost colliding with Meg on the landing.

“Oh good, you’re ready. I didn’t know if you heard the bus,” she said, doubling back down the stairs. “Come on, I don’t know if there is room for everyone.” She began to make her way down the drive; I was still somewhat stunned at the fact she had thought to come and get me. The thoughtfulness behind it unsettled me; I was far more versed in dealing with mean girls. Still, I wouldn’t be fooled, not for a second.

I gathered the fabric of my skirt at my side and ran in small dainty steps across the drive like I was in a Jane Austen novel, although I don’t recall them having to navigate Havaiana footwear.

I stopped. “Bloody stones,” I said as I flicked out the pesky intrusion with my fingers before gathering myself together again to make it to the edge of the drive. I stepped up onto the first bus stairs but was quickly met with a hand to the face.

“Sorry, luv, this one’s full; head to the second bus.”

With no time for so much as an eye-roll I headed to the second bus, where I spotted Megsy sitting in the window.

“Right, okay.” I started to make my way, hearing the sound of the bus engines rev to life, making the urgency even more imminent. I joined the line that was painfully making their way slowly onto the bus, people laughing and chatting and the general excitement that came with a bus trip; it felt like we were headed to a footy match.

Chris stood next to the driver, ticking off names on his clipboard, ushering people along in an orderly fashion. Only then could my heart begin to settle, knowing I was nearing the stairs. By the time I reached Chris, I merely made eye contact and gave him a brief nod as I went to join the queue down the aisle searching for seat.

“Hang on, Ellie,” Chris said, flicking through the pages, frowning. “You’re not on the list.”

“What?” I said, thinking I misheard what he said.

“Well, you’re on the list but your name’s been crossed out.” Chris seemed perplexed.

“Why would my name be crossed out?” I did a double take toward Megsy, who appeared to be chatting and watching on with much interest.

Surely not.

“Buggered if I know; hold on, Barry,” Chris said to the driver. “Hey, Adam, is there room for Ellie?” Chris shouted over the heads as he shifted from side to side to try and lock eyes onto his brother.

I felt relief wash over me. Adam was here, thank God for that; my patience was really starting to wear thin.

I couldn’t see Adam; instead, I heard him first. “No, there’s no room,” he shouted.

“Ummm, WHAT?” I exclaimed, my mouth ajar in disbelief as Adam shifted sideways down the aisle, making his way toward me.

“Are you kidding me?” I said, perhaps a bit too loud but I didn’t care. “You crossed my name off the list. I wasn’t even late.” My voice was shaking I was so angry, so completely and utterly mortified that the likes of Megsy was watching on from her comfy seat.

“Come on, guys, wrap it up. We have to get going,” Chris said, probably wishing he were anywhere else but here.

“Ellie—”

“Don’t Ellie me, Adam Henderson; of all the names you had to cross off the list you chose me, Tess’s best friend, YOUR supposed best friend. How do you think that makes me feel?”

“Ell—”

“Save it! I came all the way back from the city for this. It was the one and only time I would allow myself to come back, because of Tess, and what now? How am I supposed to get there? I can’t believe you could be so selfish.”

Adam folded his arms across his chest, sighing deeply, almost as if silently counting for the strength to keep calm.

“You done?” he said, cocking his infuriating brow.

“I’ll tell you when I’m done,” I gritted, not caring less if we now held the whole attention of the bus, who of course were laughing and wolf whistling. I couldn’t have cared for a single moment. I had my murderous gaze set firmly on Adam; I was trying so hard to remain calm, to not have the hot tears pool in my eyes at his betrayal.

---