The City Is at War

I walk out of my last class alone. William and I haven’t spoken to each other since lunch and I feel lonely without him towering over me. I’m instantly jarred out of my thoughts, when I hear someone calling my name. I turn around and see William running towards me and I smile.

“Hey,” he mutters, after catching his breath.

“So,” I say folding my arms, “what happened at lunch?”

“I was…well I guess I was jealous, because…I really like-”

“Hey Sisky!” I yell, waving him and Patrick over.

William shakes his head in irritation, “Sabrina, I’m trying to tell you something.”

“Sorry, but it can wait right?” I ask, as Patrick and Sisky walk over.

“What’s going on with you and Gabe?” Patrick asks, immediately.

“Why does news travel so quickly?” I mutter.

Sisky smiles at me and I blush.

“I’ll see you guys later,” Sisky says, before walking in the opposite direction.

“"You know him?" I ask and Patrick nods slowly.

"You should have introduced us! Sisky is so cute and funny-"

"All he said was I'll see you later!" William exclaims in frustration.

"Yeah but he said it in a cute way," I say. William groans and Patrick rolls his eyes.

We drive to my house in silence, despite my many attempts at conversation.

“So,” Patrick begins when we get up to my room, “What is-”

“Sorry, my phone,” I mumble, pulling it out of my pocket.

“It’s Gabe,” I mutter absently.

“Let me see that,” Patrick demands.

“No way,” I hiss.

“Give me the phone, Sabrina.”

I shove the phone in my back pocket, after memorizing Gabe’s address and stick my tongue out, “Ha! Try and get it now!”

Patrick stares at me for a second and then smiles devilishly.

“Bill you get the phone, I’ll hold her down!” Patrick commands, before tackling me.

Bill holds down my legs with one hand and reaches into my back pocket with other.

“This is not fair! I feel violated!” I scream.

William pulls the phone out of my pocket and tosses it to Patrick, who runs to the other side of the room. I try to run after him, but William grabs me by the waist.

“Let go! William Eugene Beckett, I command you to let go of me!”

William only laughs and tightens his grip. Patrick drops my phone on the floor.

"Be careful with that!” I exclaim.

“So you guys are friends now?” Patrick hisses.

“We have to work on a project together, Patrick.”

Suddenly the mood is no longer cheerful and only the ghosts of our smiles are left behind.

“You expect me to believe that’s true?!” he exclaims.

“Yes!”

Patrick rolls his eyes, “I gotta go.”

“Patrick!” I call, as he slams the door behind him.

William doesn’t say anything and I groan in frustration.

I glance at the clock on my wall and sigh; it’s already 5:15.

I look through my closet and turn to William, “I don’t have anything to wear,” I pout.

“What you’re wearing is fine. Why do you need to change anyway?”

“I’m going to Gabe’s house,” I say quietly.

William opens his mouth to speak and I cut him off, “In my defense, I don’t really have a choice.”

William sighs, “You don’t need to change. You look amazing.”

I smile happily and pull him into a hug, “Thanks, Bill.”

William stares at me for a second before speaking, “I…like y-”

5:20.

“Um, can we do this later? I’m uh, gonna be late.”

“You are unbelievable,” he yells, before storming off.

I just can’t get a break today.