Dismissed (10 page)

CHAPTER 11

Taylor was waiting for Lizzie at the school gate on Monday morning.

‘Oh my God! We have to debrief. Why were you ignoring my calls yesterday?’

Lizzie hadn’t been in the mood to indulge her friend. She still wasn’t, but she couldn’t escape now.

‘My phone was flat and I couldn’t find my charger,’ she lied. ‘But I don’t know if I want to hear about how you had sex with Brandon’s brother anyway.’

‘Shh! Don’t talk so loud! I don’t want everyone to know.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because, despite what you might think, I don’t want to get Brandon in trouble.’

‘If you really meant that, you wouldn’t have gone back to his apartment in the first place.’

‘That’s not fair. Brandon can’t claim rights to who Jason sees.’

‘I’m sure there’s an exception where students are concerned. Especially because it was his apartment too. Not to mention he’s a twin.’

‘Whatever. Do you want to hear about my night or not?’

‘I’d rather not.’

Taylor looked put out. ‘That’s not the answer I was hoping for.’

‘Sorry to disappoint you.’

‘Well I’m going to tell you anyway. Jason has a really big…’

Lizzie covered her ears. ‘La la la… I can’t hear you!’

‘Fine. I’m just saying… I now have a pretty good idea what Brandon looks like naked. And it… is… beautiful.’

‘Taylor! Why would you compare them? That’s really wrong!’

‘I can’t help it. Because, as you so kindly just pointed out, they
are
twins.’

‘Yes, but poor Brandon has to teach you now while you’re superimposing him over his brother’s body. How do you think he’d feel if he knew?’

‘It’s not like I’m going to say anything to him. So I assume you went home after I left you?’

‘Yes.’ Lizzie didn’t say exactly
how long
after. ‘Thanks for that, by the way.’

‘Sorry Lizzie, but you know, I had to take advantage while I had the chance.’

‘Why? Why couldn’t you have taken it more slowly?’

‘I don’t think Jason’s that kind of guy.’

‘Well that should be a red flag right there. Are you going to see him again?’

‘I don’t know. I gave him my number, so I hope so.’

‘Just be prepared for if he doesn’t call.’

‘Yes, Mum.’

‘Can we change the subject now?’

‘Did you get in trouble with your dad for going home in the middle of the night?’

‘No. Thankfully I was able to sneak in without waking him up.’

‘No harm done then.’

‘Yes, but please don’t ditch me again.’

Taylor pulled Lizzie towards her and kissed her on the cheek. ‘I’ll try not to.’

Gabe appeared. ‘Woo! It looks like I got here just in time. A bit of girl on girl action is always welcome. How about a bit of lip action now?’

‘God, and you think I have bad taste in guys,’ Taylor said disgustedly.

Gabe grabbed Lizzie’s hand. ‘Say what now?’

‘Never mind,’ Lizzie said. ‘How was your weekend?’

‘I’ll leave you two love birds,’ Taylor said. ‘Although, didn’t you have something to ask Gabe, Lizzie?’

Lizzie shot her a warning look. ‘I’ll see you in class.’

Taylor skipped off.

Gabe looked at Lizzie quizzically.

‘Did you have something to ask me?’

‘Uh, kind of. Did you, er, want to go to the formal with me?’

He beamed. ‘I would be honoured.’

Lizzie wasn’t yet ready to confront him over the text. Hopefully he would explain it in his own time anyway.

‘You’re getting in early,’ he remarked. ‘But it’s nice to see that you’re planning for our future.’

Lizzie hadn’t even thought of that. Crap. The formal wasn’t until the end of October, and that was eight months away. She wondered if their relationship would last that long.

He kissed her on the top of the head. ‘Big weekend?’

‘You could say that,’ she sighed.

They walked towards their lockers. Brandon came out of the staff room nearby and stopped Lizzie.

‘Do you mind if I have a word?’ he asked her.

‘Uh, sure.’ She turned to Gabe. ‘I’ll see you a bit later.’

‘Cool.’ He happily continued on.

Brandon waited until Gabe was out of earshot. ‘Have you spoken to Taylor?’ he asked in a low voice.

‘Yeah, why?’

‘Did she say anything?’

‘More than I wanted to hear.’

‘Damn it. Do you think she’s going to talk to anyone else?’

‘Actually, no. She did say that she didn’t want to get you in trouble. So hopefully that’s it and it’s over. If your brother is anything like I think he is, he probably won’t contact her again.’

‘I hope so. But then I hope Taylor doesn’t do anything stupid if he doesn’t.’

‘She’s not
that
bad.’ Although if Lizzie really thought about it, she couldn’t be completely sure.

‘Oh, and I meant to say, it’s probably best if you get someone else to be the liaison for the formal.’

‘That’s fine. Taylor probably won’t like it, but I understand.’

‘Thanks Lizzie. Let me know if she causes you any trouble, and I’ll talk to her.’

‘Will do. See you after recess.’

‘Oh, right. Yes. See you later.’

He walked off, and Lizzie smiled. This was definitely a weird year so far, and it was only the start of the second week.

***

The next few days went smoothly. Lizzie worked in the afternoons again, so she was kept busy with her shifts and homework. She even snuck away to the library at lunchtime so she wouldn’t fall behind. Taylor didn’t seem to mind. She seemed preoccupied by daydreams of Jason, or increasing her efforts to impress Heather in anticipation for the committee get together on Friday night.

‘I told everyone to bring their PJs so we can make a proper night of it,’ Taylor told Lizzie on Thursday morning.

‘Did you now?’ Lizzie wasn’t overly impressed at the idea of hosting Heather AND Cara for a whole night. At least Zoe was coming. And despite Taylor acting all lovesick, she hadn’t been as selfish as usual.

‘Yeah, I’m going to bring pizza and something to drink. Do you have any requests?’

‘Maybe a double bacon cheeseburger pizza?’

Taylor wrinkled her nose. ‘I honestly don’t know how you’re not the size of a house. But I wasn’t talking about the pizza. I was talking about drink.’

‘Oh. I’m OK, thanks.’

‘You’ll have to drink whatever I bring then,’ she warned.

‘Fine. Just some Bella.’

‘Is that even alcoholic? I suppose it’s better than nothing.’

‘I can’t believe your mum buys you whatever you want.’

‘She knows it’s better than me sneaking behind her back and writing myself off.’

‘But you still do that anyway.’

‘Not as much as I would if she told me not to.’

Lizzie shook her head. ‘Oh, I forgot to tell you, Brandon said he can’t be the formal liaison.’

‘Why not?’

‘Why do you think?’

‘He’s such a baby.’

‘I don’t blame him.’

‘OK,’ she huffed. ‘We’ll just have to get Mr Smart instead or something. Boring. You can sort that out if you like.’

Lizzie was relieved Taylor wasn’t making a bigger deal about it.

‘Sure.’

At lunchtime, Gabe whisked her away to a quiet corner of the school grounds for a private lunch.

‘I’m supposed to be working on an assignment,’ she protested.

‘It can wait. We’ve hardly seen each other this week. Are you alright?’

‘Just busy with work and school. Sorry.’

‘No need to apologise. Hey, look.’ He opened up his lunch bag and brought out two containers of a fancy looking salad.

‘I cooked for you,’ he said, pleased with himself.

Lizzie laughed. ‘Really?’

‘I did. It’s roasted pumpkin and quinoa.’

‘Wow. You went all out. Thank you!’

Lizzie opened one of the containers and took a bite.

‘It’s really good,’ she said, surprised.

He pretended to look hurt. ‘You don’t have to act so shocked.’

‘Sorry, I think it’s just because you usually only bring vegemite sandwiches.’

‘That’s my mum. She works, so she makes me the same thing every day. I should probably start preparing my own stuff.’

‘You should,’ Lizzie scolded lightly. ‘Your poor mum would already have enough to do.’

‘Well I won’t have time to make masterpieces like this every day, but I could probably aim for at least once or twice a week. Hey, how about we turn this into a thing? We can alternate making a dish for each other each week. I’m dying to try some more of your amazing cooking.’

She laughed. ‘OK. That might be kind of fun. I have to make my lunch every day anyway, so that way I’ll get the odd day off.’

‘Perfect.’

They ate quietly for a moment.

‘Hey, do you know Chris Collins in Year Eleven?’ Lizzie asked casually.

‘I know who he is, but I don’t really know him,’ he said. ‘Why?’

Lizzie studied his face carefully. She was pretty sure he was telling the truth.

‘Oh, nothing. I just thought I saw you guys hanging out the other day.’

‘Nope. Must have been someone else.’ He took another mouthful of salad. ‘So do I pass?’

‘With the salad? Definitely. With flying colours.’

He seemed so happy that Lizzie couldn’t bring herself to probe further. For now at least.

CHAPTER 12

On Friday afternoon, Lizzie caught the bus home and prepared for the four girls to arrive. Taylor had promised to show up early for moral support. Lizzie quickly ran around, tidying up the living room and making sure everything was presentable. She didn’t want to give Heather an excuse to find fault with the house she loved so much.

Her dad was working late again and then going to the gym. It seemed this was becoming a regular occurrence. Lizzie didn’t mind, as long as he wasn’t going too hard and wearing himself out.

And it meant the girls would have the house to themselves at least until ten.

Taylor showed up at five thirty with three pizza boxes and three bottles of champagne.

‘I’m here! We can start now!’ she joked.

‘You’re lucky my dad can’t see how much alcohol you’ve brought. He’d have a fit.’

‘What? It’s only just over half a bottle each. And with your lolly water, you’ll barely even feel tipsy.’

‘It just looks like a lot.’

‘Lizzie, I’m saying this as your friend. Please chill the fuck out.’

‘But…’

‘No buts. Just enjoy the evening.’

‘OK, sorry. It’s just… I don’t know. Someone has to be the voice of reason.’

‘Why? We’re teenagers! We’re supposed to be crazy!’

‘I just don’t think we have to get smashed at every opportunity.’

‘Well you can do whatever you like. But I’m going to drink.’ She went in search of some glasses in the kitchen. The doorbell rang.

‘Do you want to get that?’ Taylor asked.

Lizzie took a deep breath and braced herself for the onslaught. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this.

She opened the door and greeted Heather, Cara and Zoe, who had all driven over together.

Heather pushed past her and headed up the stairs.

‘Nice place,’ she said dryly.

‘Thanks,’ Lizzie replied, unsure whether she meant it as a compliment or not.

Zoe and Cara followed her up.

‘I like your paintings,’ Zoe said politely.

‘Yeah, they’re great aren’t they? My mum bought them before she died. Hey, are you guys hungry? Taylor brought pizza.’

‘I’m starving!’ Cara announced dramatically. ‘I haven’t eaten since breakfast because I was supposed to buy my lunch today, and then realised I left my purse at home. My stomach is starting to eat itself!’

‘You couldn’t grab something after school?’ Lizzie asked.

‘No. Thanks to this one,’ she gestured to Heather. ‘We had to go to Myer before it closed so she could buy some freaking perfume.’

‘I ran out of J’adore,’ Heather explained.

‘Okaaay,’ Lizzie said. She didn’t understand why they couldn’t have quickly stopped at one of the many food outlets at the shopping centre, but that was Heather and Cara for you.

‘Champagne for you and you,’ Taylor said, coming over and handing a flute to each of the girls. She went back to the kitchen to retrieve another two for Zoe and Lizzie.

After getting her own, she held it in the air. ‘Cheers ladies! To a fun night of formal organising and hopefully some hot gossip!’

They all clinked glasses, and Lizzie sat down. Zoe joined her. Heather and Cara continued to stand, looking around the house as if searching for something to pick on.

‘Hey, you girls should see my new holiday house in Noosa,’ Heather bragged. ‘We sold the one in Noosaville and now we have a place on the Sound. It’s so amazing, right on the water and really close to Hastings Street.’

‘That sounds awesome,’ Taylor said, clearly sucking up. ‘You should totally have a party there one weekend.’

‘Maybe I will.’

Lizzie brought the pizza boxes and some plates over to the coffee table. She served herself a slice and noted that everyone else was ignoring the food. Even Cara seemed to have forgotten how hungry she was.

Lizzie shrugged and started eating. She’d never understood that whole thing about pretending not to eat. Taylor ate around Lizzie, but when Heather was nearby, she pretended that she lived on salad.

‘So unfortunately, we don’t have Mr Thomas for our teacher liaison,’ Taylor explained. ‘But Mr Smart said he’d be happy to take the job.’

‘He’s not exactly Brandon though, is he?’ Heather sniffed.

‘I think Mr Smart is kind of cute,’ Zoe offered.

‘Ew!’ Taylor, Heather and Cara all looked at her at the same time.

‘What?’ she asked, bewildered. ‘He is!’

‘I suppose he’s alright,’ Lizzie said, not wanting to make her feel bad.

‘I’m pretty sure he wears a toupee,’ Taylor said.

‘He doesn’t!’ Zoe laughed. ‘And he’s really nice.’

Lizzie smiled. She decided she should hang out with Zoe more often.

‘Have you guys done your English assignment yet?’ Taylor asked.

‘I’d like to do the English teacher,’ Heather said, laughing dirtily.

Lizzie watched for Taylor’s reaction. She looked like she was dying to tell them about Jason, but was torn about the consequences if she did.

‘He
is
pretty hot,’ Cara conceded.

‘I wonder what he looks like naked,’ Heather mused.

Taylor seemed ready to burst with the effort of staying quiet.

‘I think he’d be pretty fit,’ she finally managed to choke out.

‘What do you think of Brandon, Lizzie?’ Heather asked.

‘He’s a little bit hot,’ she admitted.

Taylor gave her a look, but Lizzie just shrugged.

‘I guess we should get the official business out of the way early,’ Taylor suggested. ‘We have to fill out a form with all our names and details for the committee.’ She ran to her bag and came back with a piece of paper and pen.

‘Alright, so full name. Taylor Walsh, obviously,’ she said, starting to write. ‘Do you think we need to put our middle names?’

‘Oh God, please no,’ Heather said.

‘Why? What’s your middle name?’ Cara asked her.

‘I don’t want to tell you.’

‘It’s Mildred,’ Zoe giggled.

Heather glared at her. ‘At least I don’t have a stupid hippie middle name. Chai.’

‘Is that yours?’ Taylor asked Zoe.

‘Yeah. My parents were born a decade late. My mum doesn’t even shave her legs. I had to beg her to let me do mine when I started high school.’

‘At least it’s better than mine,’ Taylor lamented. ‘I just have boring old Rose. But Lizzie’s is the same, so we’re kind of twins in a way.’

She almost said something then, obviously reminded of Brandon, but stopped herself.

‘Are you alright?’ Heather asked, noting Taylor’s weird expression.

‘Yeah. I think maybe we should just skip middle names.’

‘Well I quite like mine,’ Cara announced. ‘If I ever get famous I’m going to use it as my stage name. Nicolette.’

‘That’s pretty,’ Zoe said. ‘Nicolette Abrams.’

Taylor handed around the form for everyone to sign. ‘Alright, well now we should probably brainstorm themes and locations so we can pass them onto Mr Smart. What were we all thinking?’

***

Two hours later, the girls were well and truly done with their formal planning and feeling giggly from all the alcohol. Even Lizzie had relaxed, and they still had a couple of hours until her dad got back.

‘Why don’t we play Truth or Dare?’ Heather suggested saucily.

Taylor groaned. ‘I hate that game.’

‘Don’t be such a spoilsport. What about if you go first?’

‘Alright, Lizzie. Truth or Dare?’

Lizzie assumed that Taylor wouldn’t ask her about Brandon in front of the other girls, but she didn’t want to take the risk. ‘Dare.’

‘Suck on one of your toes.’

‘That’s gross.’

‘You can’t argue. Just do it.’

Lizzie bent over and sucked her big toe. She wasn’t particularly impressed, having walked around the house barefoot all afternoon.

‘How long do I have to do this for?’ she asked, her voice muffled.

‘A minute.’

Heather, Cara and Zoe all found this hysterical.

‘I’m putting this on Instagram,’ Cara laughed, getting her phone out.

‘Please don’t,’ Lizzie said, her toe still in her mouth.

‘And…. Time!’ Taylor smacked the coffee table with her hand to indicate the end of the minute. ‘Your turn.’

‘Zoe,’ Lizzie said, turning to Zoe. ‘Truth or Dare?’

‘Truth.’

‘Hmm… how far have you gone with a guy?’

Heather frowned. ‘That’s easy. Nowhere. She’s a virgin.’

Zoe blushed. ‘Actually, not anymore.’

‘What?’ Heather screamed. ‘Since when?’

‘It was over the holidays. I got together with this guy and we had a bit of a summer romance.’

‘I want details,’ Heather demanded. ‘How come you didn’t tell me?’

‘Because it was no big deal.’

‘Your virginity is a very big deal. He must have been special.’

‘He was sweet,’ she agreed. ‘But you know how those things are. You go back to school and everything changes.’

‘Who is he?’

‘Kind of a family friend. My parents know his parents.’

‘So does that mean you’ll see him again?’

‘Maybe.’

‘You little minx, you. Well, welcome to the club. So I take it it’s just you now Lizzie who hasn’t popped their cherry?’

‘Actually I haven’t,’ Cara interjected.

Heather turned to her, surprised. ‘What about when you were with whatshisface last year?’

‘Nope. I went down on him, but we didn’t have sex.’

‘Really? Did you know he was telling everyone you did?’

‘Yeah. I didn’t care. If anyone had bothered to ask me, I would have set them straight.’

Lizzie actually felt slightly more friendly towards Cara after that revelation.

‘So Lizzie, are you going to do it with Gabe?’ Heather quizzed.

‘I’m not sure yet.’

‘Has he asked?’

‘No. We’ve only been going out for like two weeks.’

‘Has he told you he loves you?’

‘No. We’re not in a hurry to do all that stuff.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because it’s Year Twelve and we have other things to focus on.’

‘I meant it when I said you were a robot,’ Taylor said.

‘Leave me alone. Just because I’m not in a hurry to throw away my virginity or declare my love, doesn’t mean I’m a freak.’

‘Of course not. Sorry babe. I was just being silly.’

‘Who are you into this year, Taylor?’ Zoe asked, diffusing the tension.

‘Oh, no one really. There is this one guy, but I don’t think it’s going to be serious.’

‘What’s his name?’

Lizzie shot Taylor a warning look. It would be risky to reveal too much in case the girls made the connection later.

‘Jason.’

Lizzie shook her head. She hoped that they hadn’t already discovered that Brandon had a twin brother. But then Jason was a pretty common name. She supposed Taylor was safe for now.

‘Taylor, do you want to help me tidy up? Then we can watch a movie or something.’

‘Yeah, sure.’

Taylor carried some plates into the kitchen, while Lizzie carried the empty pizza boxes. It had only taken a couple of glasses of champagne for the girls to forget their carefully crafted images and scoff down half a pizza each. Cara had eaten almost a whole one herself.

‘Don’t say anything else about Jason, OK?’ Lizzie whispered.

‘I won’t. Settle down. Hey, did you end up asking Gabe about CC?’

‘Sort of. But I didn’t get far.’

‘Maybe we should ask the girls.’

‘No! I don’t want them knowing anything is wrong. Heather would tell everyone.’

‘OK. But they might be helpful.’

‘I’ll think about it.’

‘Hey, what are you two whispering about?’ Heather called out. ‘Get over here and let’s watch a movie. I’m in the mood for some Ryan Gosling. Who’s with me?’