Welcome To Carlsonton Academy

Chapter XIX

Never in my life had I been so happy to be back at school. My parents had been serious about the grounding thing. After taking away my phone and my laptop, I literally had nothing to do for two weeks.

I walked into the cafeteria and sat down next to April.

"Hey," she said, smiling at me.

"Hello."

"So, how was Christmas?"

I laughed. "I have a dysfunctional family. Oh, Christmas was great."

She rolled her eyes. "You're being over dramatic."

"They took away my laptop and my phone."

"Okay. Your holidays sucked."

I sighed and put my head down on the table.

"What's up with her?"

I raised my head to see Phoebe and Shane looking quizzically at me.

"My holidays sucked."

Shane looked at me sympathetically. "What happened?"

"My parents confiscated my laptop and my phone."

"That's not good."

"No sir, it is not."

"So guys," said Phoebe, sitting down, "any resolutions for the new year?"

I scowled. "I planned on not being a bitch. But then I met my parents."

Shane laughed. "Well, I plan on not being smitten by any girl again."

I scoffed. "We'll how long that lasts. What about you guys?"

"I'm not one for resolutions," said April.

"I'm going to study harder this year," said Phoebe, turning to face me. "You and James inspire me a lot."

"You're quite welcome."

James and Mikaela joined us at the table. I didn't even realise I was glaring at them until James raised an eyebrow. I quickly changed my expression and smiled sweetly at him. He still wasn't very convinced, but he let it go.

Shane caught the tension between us and decided to something about it.

"Hey Valerie, do you mind helping me with my chemistry work? I can't wrap my head around those damn reactions."

I nodded and we left for the library. "You didn't really want my help, did you?" I asked, as we sat down in the science section.

"Well, actually I did, but I want to talk to you."

"About what?"

"James."

"What about him?"

"I don't know. You tell me."

I sighed. "So I guess you saw that."

"Yes I did. Mind telling what it was about?"

"I dunno, Shane. I really don't know why I'm so mad at him."

"Did something happen over the holidays?"

"No, everything was fine. We just didn't talk much, that's all."

"Is it because of Mikaela?"

I looked at him apprehensively. "Maybe. I don't know."

Shane was trying really hard not to smirk. "Have you tried talking to him?"

"I don't want to."

"Well, you should. It'll help sort things out without complications."

"It's not that easy."