Read Online A Little Crushed by Viviane Brentanos - Free Book Online Page B

league.”
    “Well I am sure the delectable Andy will be thrilled to know he is second best.”
    “Becs...”
    Emma’s serious tone set off Rebecca’s mutiny-in-the-ranks alarm. She didn’t do serious a lot, but when she did, it usually spelled trouble.
    “This no boyfriend pact. Don’t you think it’s a bit daft? I mean we’re eighteen. I just want us to be…you know…normal.”
    “Define normal.”
    “Normal as in fit in, be part of a crowd. It’s always just you and me. Oh dear,” Emma wailed. “This is coming out all wrong.”
    “So make it right.”
    “Now you’re getting all arsey on me. It’s just that, well, don’t you think it would be nice to have some fun for a change? What’s wrong with going to parties and clubs and meeting people?”
    “You mean boys.”
    “Yes. Maybe I’d like to be a bimbo occasionally.”
    There was a pregnant pause while Rebecca digested this earth-shattering revelation. “You’ll be booking a holiday to Ibiza next.”
    “And so? It’s got to beat camping in the Trossachs.” Emma warmed to her theme. “Come on, Becs, there has to be more to life than endless Saturday nights of Coldplay and Trivial Pursuit.”
    “There has?”
    “You always have to resort to sarcasm. I’m being serious. Look, I understand it’s different for you. After what happened—”
    Rebecca whirled round, patience at an end. “Stop right there.” Her hands shook, her anger growing. “God, Emma. I thought you, at least, got it. My not wanting to party has nothing do to with what happened to me.”
    “I never say the right thing, do I? I’ve tried so hard to understand, but you don’t speak to me anymore.”
    For the first time Rebecca could remember, her friend looked angry.
    “You’re so moody, Becs. You bite my head off for the least little thing. I pretend I’m okay with it because that’s what I’ve done for most of our friendship, but sometimes, your attitude hurts. I know you don’t mean it but… Example, look how you are about Mr. Jackson.”
    “No.” Rebecca held up her hands and stepped back. “I am not talking about him. He has nothing to do with this conversation.”
    “But he has.” Emma’s colour deepened. “It’s just...well...everyone in our class is a bit worried. We’re not all as clever as you, and if you’re going turn every lesson into a battlefield…We’re not in fifth year now. You used to be funny but… Oh, I hate this.”
    “Spit it out.” Rebecca guessed what was coming but no way was Emma getting off lightly.
    “The others are tired of your antics.”
    “And you? Are you tired of me?”
    “Don’t be daft.” She looked close to tears. “You know we’re best friends.”
    “Are we?” Rebecca turned before Emma read the hurt on her face. “Look, if you want to go out with Andy Stone, then go. I don’t care. I am not your keeper. If you want to be stupid and gullible, just don’t expect me to tag along.”
    “Why is it that every time I disagree with you, I’m stupid, or pathetic, or gullible? I happen to like Mr. Jackson, and so does everyone else. You’re the stupid one. Sarah’s right. You do need to grow up.”
    Astounded by this unprecedented attack, Rebecca had no come-back.
    * * * *
    From behind his copy of Romeo and Juliet , Max watched Rebecca slip behind her desk. She looked paler than normal. He noticed she and the girl with the curls were not talking. He wondered if they’d argued. They seemed too close to fall out. Rebecca looked up and met his gaze causing him to feel…struth…embarrassed, like a shy schoolboy caught drooling over a secret crush. For the briefest of seconds, he found it hard to breathe. Her expression tugged at his heart. In her eyes, he read incredible pain and so much anger. Mouth turned down in a dismissive frown, she looked away and opened her bag. He wasn’t fooled. His scrutiny unnerved her.
    He tugged at his neck. Pull yourself together, Maxy boy. You’re the adult,