CHAPTER 7: 6 MILLIMETERS

FRIDAY

Parking Lot @ Miriam High School

“Who exactly are we waiting for? And where the hell are your things? Don’t tell me you’re going to class empty-handed. Wanna get detention? That’s not so smart.” After munching on her carrot sticks, Alice gave Shane a little shove. “Hey. I’m talking to you.”

“We’re waiting for Carmen…”

Before Shane could finish her sentence, Alice cut her short, “So, you two are dating. Maybe it wasn’t a Cherie Jaffe thing that got people cold on you yesterday after all.”

“What? Carmen has my bag. I was trying to hitch a ride from you. She saw me waiting here and offered. Couldn’t pass it up but I ended going with someone else. And I left my bag in her car. I was so lethargic to get it back so I asked her to meet me here before school starts. Jesus, Alice.” Shane said, impassively.

“Was it Cherie again? I thought you don’t fuck the same person for two consecutive days, Shane? I don’t see why you’re not hooking up with Carmen though. She’s so your type. Want some carrot sticks?” Alice stuck out her pack of carrot sticks. “I’m going healthy.”

“Healthy? What? No thanks.” Shane declined. “And I didn’t fuck Cherie. Here they are.”

Shane was a bit thrown off when she saw Papi climbing out of the passenger seat of Carmen’s car. Carmen then, opened her door and got out of the car, with Shane’s duffel bag in one hand.

Shane immediately walked toward Carmen, giving her a big smile. “Thanks… A lot. I owe you.”

“It’s ‘kay.” Carmen handed her the bag before getting her own from her sister’s car.

“Hey, Carmen, Papi.” Alice greeted. “What happened to your car, Paps?”

“Hey…” Carmen smiled.

“I got home really late last night. My dad took my car keys – said I can’t use it till next week. For fuck’s sake. Lucky for me, Carmen caught me just as I was about to take a bus so, here I am.” Papi grinned at Alice.

“I never thought you guys were close…” Alice muttered.

“Oh. Uhm, Papi and I are in the same History class.”