Fragments Read Online Free Page B

spotted me, their mouths stopped moving as Robbie shot forward on the couch and adjusted his shoe.  All the while Alex just smiled at me, acting cool as a cucumber. I had interrupted a private discussion. They usually had their ‘man chats’ in Robbie’s room, and if his window was open, I often heard every single word. My MP3 player was used and abused during that time. I knew too much about the girls at my school and how little they cared about themselves.
    “What’s up, arse-faces? You guys coming to the lake?” I asked, while leaning against the back of the couch. Their shoulders dropped as I didn’t draw attention to their odd behaviour. Last time I had intentionally listened, it was about a girl in my science class who my brother had wooed at a party. The taste of vomit still lingered in my mouth when I remembered hearing about how his ‘tongue’ had made her ‘happy’. Argh.
    “We’re just chilling under the air con. Your feral friends coming today? Rach is, too, so if they can avoid scaring her that’d be good.” Like always, Robbie enjoyed attacking my friends. Especially Hazel. He lived to torment her.
    “Yes, they are, you dick. Besides, they’re the ones who will be nice. But if you can keep your wandering hands at a PG level, that’d be good. I’d rather not have to throw up in the lake.” I looked at Alex directly, waiting for the smart-arse reply, and he delivered.
    “Hey! What are you lookin’ at me for? It’s not like we share!” Both boys started laughing, making me feel like I was on the outside of an inside joke.
    “Well, thank fuck for that!” I threw back over my shoulder, walking towards the crunching sound of tires driving up our driveway. Awesome. My friends had arrived. I couldn’t wait to see them.

Chapter Two
    “But, so that you may rid yourself from fears,
    I will tell you why I came, and what I heard
    At the point when first I became concerned for you”
    Inferno II lines: 49-51
    Trice
    “Tricky Trice!!! Where you at, woman?” bellowed my friend Trinity. Her father had barely stopped the car before she leapt out. “I need to dive into that lake, my skin is a roastin’.” She turned to the trunk of her car and grabbed her duffle bag. My other friends, Hazel and Theo, climbed out of Trin’s sedan.
    “Later, Pops. I’ll call you when we’re done. Thanks for the ride. Mwah!” She waved, while blowing an exaggerated kiss with her other hand. She could barely manage her duffle on her shoulder, looking like an uncoordinated twig. I waved excitedly, as I watched them walk closer. Trinity was the smallest of the lot, but what she lacked in her five-foot stature, she made up for with her personality. Already, I could see her elbow Theo a few times, causing his steps to falter. Our poor, introverted Theo. I was surprised that he liked hanging out with us, seeing as Trinity lacked a common filter. Hazel walked quickly beside them, clinging to her beach bag, while rolling her eyes at their antics.  
    As predicted, we heard Robbie call from the back door.
    “Hey, Ginger Ninja and the misfits are here! Here to join us in the lake? Don’t worry Ginge, you won’t let lost; NASA can see your hair from space.” 
    Poor Hazel’s face turned bright red and she moved closer to Theo.
    Robbie laughed, high fiving Alex and strolling out with a towel on his shoulder while calling out again, “Oh, not just your hair but your face, too.” 
    I turned to face him with my hands on hips ready to fly when Trin beat me to it.
    “Oh, Robbie. Nice to see you’re still a dickhead. The fact that you keep teasing our friend here specifically each and every time isn’t going to make her fall for you. Surely, there’s an easy gal who you can go and impress with your manhood… or lack thereof.” Robbie’s response was an immediate laugh. It was times like these that I hated my brother.
    “Sorry Haze, you know Robbie’s a dick. We don’t have to go out there if you want. He’s