I threw my head back in laughter as Allison shook her head.
“Seriously, though. You guys should come over. The both of you. We can watch girly movies and eat shitty food,” she said.
Michael smiled brightly. “And I can finally get you two to watch Top Gun.”
I sighed. “Are you really still on that tangent? You haven't gotten us to watch it for two years. What makes you think this weekend is gonna be any different?”
Allison snickered. “We’ll watch Top Gun if you paint our toes.”
Michael pointed at the two of us. “Deal.”
My jaw dropped. “Wait, don’t I get a say in this?”
Michael shook his head. “Already made the deal. Sorry, guys!”
Allison whispered, “I mean, he’s going to paint our toenails. Make the most of it, okay?”
I shook my head, watching as Michael grinned. I knew there wasn’t a damn thing that boy wouldn't do for Allison. He had it bad for her, and she knew it. It was cute, though. They’d been going back and forth for damn near two years with one another. Flirting, but neither of them making a move.
I mean, they’d make cute preppy little babies. With his above-the-knee shorts and her collared shirts.
The child would come out wearing boat shoes, if they had anything to do with it.
Allison furrowed her brow. “What’s so funny?”
I giggled. “Nothing. Just thinking about this weekend.”
Michael paused. “You better wash your feet. I’m not painting grody toenails.”
I shrugged. “You already agreed. No toenails, no Top Gun.”
He shook his head. “You’re gross, you know that?”
Allison winked. “I’ll wash mine, don’t worry.”
Michael stared down at me. “If you don’t wash your feet, I’m painting your toenails purple.”
I gasped. “You wouldn't dare.”
Allison butted in. “Or pink!”
My eyes narrowed. “I’d kill you both in your sleep.”
Allison moved from my arm to Michael’s as the three of us stepped onto the school’s sidewalk. We kept talking about our weekend, making plans for food and drinks and what time we’d be over. I knew it wouldn't be an issue, either. Mom never gave a shit what I was doing on the weekends. She was nowhere to be found, which gave me free rein of the house and whatever was in it.
Then the three of us came to a stop in front of the high school doors.
“You guys ready for our last year?” Michael asked.
Allison nodded. “I already know where I’m applying for college. Just gotta make the grades to get me there.”
Michael looked down at me. “What about you, Rae?”
I shrugged. “Could be worse.”
Allison peeked over. “Do you know where you’re going to be applying for college?”
I didn't know how to answer her. I was a C-plus student, at best. Which meant my future included community college, a technical degree, and a prayer to somehow get the hell away from my mother for good.