Page 147 of Before We're More Than Friends
“Let’s focus on what’s important again,” Oliver said, dodging the question. “You both need to stop treating each other like this.”
“Guys, this isn’t the time to discuss this,” Sienna said. “The girls and Dallas will be here any minute.”
“But I’m tired of this,” Caleb complained. “Why don’t any of you support me?”
“You know this isn’t about lack of support.”
“Listen to her,” Hayden said.
Caleb grunted. “Can you?—”
I opened the door, unable to take any more of this. “Hey.”
Their four heads turned toward me, eyes widening as red painted their faces. They were all standing together, fists and jaws clenched.
“H-hey,” Hayden said, his eyes not meeting mine. “We were just talking?—”
“Yeah, I heard.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Am I allowed to know what’s going on? And do Raina and Arielle know?”
“Do Raina and Arielle know what?”
I snapped my head around to see Raina and Arielle, both furrowing their brows in confusion.
“What are we missing?” Arielle asked.
“I-It’s just . . .” Hayden’s voice broke as if he was on the verge of tears. “Just having differences.”
“Forget it, dude,” Oliver said before looking at Caleb. “Going to tell them?”
“May as well.” Caleb looked over at us and put a hand on his hip. “You know the school Rory went to in New York? Apple of the Arts?”
“Who’s Rory?” I asked at the same time Raina and Arielle said, “Yeah.”
Caleb didn’t answer my question. “Fall enrollment opened last month, and I applied. I’m not going to hear whether or not I get in until mid-April, but if I do get in, I plan on going.”
“And he hasn’t even told his parents,” Hayden said.
Caleb frowned at him. “I was talking.”
“Sorry.” Hayden held his hands up. “Talk away.”
Caleb sighed before facing us again. “Anyway, I thought these three would understand, but because Hayden is so wrapped up in the band and our future?—”
“I have the right to have an opinion,” Hayden said.
“And how have you been handling that?” Caleb shot back. “Making it all about yourself like it’s notmydecision to make. Acting like I’m a traitor for wanting to do something I’m passionate about.”
“I’m sorry, okay?” Hayden said. “But you don’t have to be so defensive.”
Caleb scoffed. “Very rich of you to say.”
“Stop it!” Oliver bellowed. “Go outside if you want to yell at each other and get absolutely nowhere.” He muttered curses under his breath. “And you both wonder why you always fall out with people.”
“Don’t add to it,” Sienna snapped at him.
Oliver faced her. “I’m fed up, okay?”
“We all are?—”
