This Is How It Goes

I woke up Sunday with the worst headache. I am pretty lucky that I don’t get hangovers when I drink. Not like the ones other people describe, it’s just a normal headache. I had a pretty good night last night. I always do when I hang out with Val, Matt and Brian. Jimmy spent most of the night with Zacky which suited me. After his actions recently I really don’t like spending time with Zacky. Jimmy kind of ruined the night for me when he told me that Brian had just told him he had a crush on Aimee Kay. She is an over the top athlete and a bit of a bitch. I couldn’t believe she was Brian’s type. I didn’t want to believe that would be Brian’s type. Brian is such a nice guy I don’t think he could put up with that much bad mouthing and back stabbing. Jimmy told me it was for the best and that even if Brian had ever liked me he would never let me date him. Jimmy pulled the best friends don’t date best friends sisters card. Sometimes I think he forgets I am Brian’s best friend too. I go to the bathroom and take some aspirin then splash my face with some water. I throw on a shirt and jeans and walk downstairs.

I walk into the kitchen and put English muffins in the toaster. I take the orange juice out of the fridge and pour myself a glass while I wait for my muffins. I’m sipping on my juice when I hear groaning coming from the stairs. Slowly Jimmy appears in the kitchen and flops down on one of the chairs at the table. I pour him a glass of juice and hand him some aspirin which he takes quickly.
“Thanks E.” Jimmy said as I nodded.
“Welcome.” I said as I see my muffins are ready. I sit across from Jimmy and start eating.
“Do you need to chew so loud?” Jimmy whined making me grin.
“What’s the matter Jimbo, Long night?” I tease.
“I’m not going to repeat myself about you calling me Jimbo. I may have had a few drinks but at least I have fun and don’t leave a party before twelve.” Jimmy said as I rolled my eyes.
“I left at eleven, I knew you would drink yourself into oblivion and I was still tired from the movie marathon anyway.” I said as Jimmy nodded.
“How did you get home?” Jimmy asked.
“Brian gave me a lift.” I said as Jimmy chocked on his juice.
“Brian did what?” Jimmy growled.

“He gave me a lift. Everyone was drinking and I knew you wouldn’t go home any time soon and you would be too drunk to drive. So I asked Brian if he could take me home. He drove me home, waited until he saw me get inside and he left.” I said as I saw anger in Jimmy’s eyes.
“I thought I told you, I don’t want you being alone with him.” Jimmy said.
“If he likes Aimee Kay, why would he do anything with me?” I asked raising an eyebrow.
“He can be a player sometimes.” Jimmy said as I chocked trying not to laugh.
“You’re calling Brian a player? Please, Val and I are pretty much the only girls he talks to. He is nothing like a player. Are you sure we are talking about the same Brian?” I asked.
“Look I just don’t want him around you alone.” Jimmy said as I held myself up and leaned forward.

“Look Jimmy, I may be your twin and your sister but you’re wearing me thin with your lack of trust in my judgement. Brian has been OUR best friend for a few years now and I’m not just going to stop spending time with MY best friend because you feel the need to live up to your title as protective big brother. I can spend time with whoever I want to. You don’t control me.” I said sternly.
“Whatever.” Jimmy said as I sat back down smiling. After a while I went up to my room and started researching for one of my assignments. I usually would have Brian here helping but I think that for today I would try and lay off Jimmy’s nerves. I really didn’t feel like fighting with him. It was almost five when there was a knock at my door. Before I could reply Jimmy walked in.

“What is it?” I asked sitting up putting my notebook down on my desk.
“I got you a date.” Jimmy said smiling as I looked up at him confused.
“What? You never let me go on dates. Who did you set me up with?” I asked.
“I can’t tell you. But unlike Brian he has his eyes on you and only you.” Jimmy said.
“Jim don’t be mean. Can I at least have a hint?” I asked.
“Nope, you will see when he picks you up in an hour.” Jimmy said walking towards my door. I mentally scanned our yearbook but it only took to B to figure it out.

“No Jimmy no! Not Zacky!” I begged as Jimmy turned around with a surprised look.
“He loves you. A guy who has his heart set on you and no one else. What is so wrong with Zacky? You have told me that everyone deserves a chance, why doesn’t Zacky?” Jimmy asked.
“Jimmy I can’t. Zacky has become someone I do not feel comfortable with and of all things I do not want to be going on a date with him. He told me out of the blue that he loves me and just expected me to fall into his arms? I’m not going to pretend to make him feel better.” I asked.
“He was hoping for something more than the flat out rejection you gave him.” Jimmy said.
“If you like someone, you be yourself around them. When Zacky loves someone he follows them like a shadow and comes across as borderline stalker rather than being romantic.” I said.
“For the love of god Ellie, the dude loves you and that’s nothing to you?” Jimmy asked as I stood up.

“Look Jimmy I am NOT going on a date with Zacky, I don’t feel comfortable doing it.” I said.
“You should feel loved. You should be happy that anyone would want to be with you. You’re the bookworm and that’s all you will ever be to Brian. No one finds you interesting, you’re about as exciting as an encyclopaedia. Zacky is crazy for loving you, he could give up and date someone else but he wants you. Go out with him.” Jimmy said as I held back the tears I was doing everything to contain. When Jimmy acted like this it killed me to hear him say the things he did. I couldn’t let him know that he was getting to me or he would win every time. I took a breath as I tried to calm down.
“And if I don’t?” I teased Jimmy as he looked me square in the eyes.
“I will make sure dad never lets you date another guy ever again. Don’t think it can’t be done because trust me I know just what to say to keep you dateless until after college.” Jimmy said.

“How long does the date have to go for?” I sighed.
“A week.” Jimmy said as I looked at him confused.
“A week?” I asked shocked as Jimmy shook his head.
“No, you have to date him for at least a week. He has wanted you for years, I don’t think a week is too much to ask. I think now is the perfect time for you to date Zacky. Zacky will get your mind off of Brian and show you how a man treats a woman he loves.” Jimmy said.
“But Brian doesn’t love me.” I said as Jimmy rolled his eyes.
“And I can see why. Just give the poor man a chance.” Jimmy said slamming the door on his way out.
I sighed as I walked over to my wardrobe and opened the doors. I went through my clothes and eventually found a purple and black dress that was short at the front and had a long skirt at the back. I put on purple ballet flats and gave my hair a once over with my flat iron. I put on my dark red lipstick and some eyeliner before chucking my stuff in my handbag.

I walked downstairs slowly when I heard laughing and talking in the living room. I stopped mid step and listened. I heard Jimmy’s evil laugh, Matt’s chuckle and then the most adorable laugh I’ve ever heard, Brian’s. I took a breath as I walked down the rest of the steps and casually walked into the lounge room. As I turned the corner all three turned.
“Ellie.” Matt said.
“You look, beautiful.” Brian said making me blush while Jimmy shot him a glare. I let out a laugh.
“Good to know I look like garbage the rest of the time.” I say sarcastically. I wasn’t too happy hearing about Brian liking Aimee. I liked him so of course I was sour about it. I sat next to Matt and from the corner of my eye saw Brian side glancing at me a few times before speaking up.

“Jimmy, you’re going to let her go out like that?” Brian asked as I raised an eyebrow.
“It’s not that short at the front, it doesn’t ride up when she sits down. She could wear worse. Besides, it’s her body she can wear what she wants.” Jimmy said as I gave him a confused look and noticed Brian giving Jimmy the same look. I bit my tongue to avoid making a scene.
“Are you and Val going somewhere?” Brian asked.
“Val is going out with me tonight.” Matt said.
“Then where are you going?” Brian asked.
“I’m just going out.” I said brushing off the subject.
“Going out where?” Brian asked.
“Are you her keeper? She has a date.” Jimmy said as Brian’s eyes widened and filled with anger.

“Oh so that’s why you’re all dolled up.” Matt teased as I slapped him playfully.
“Hush you, I know way more embarrassing things about you.” I teased back.
“Who are you going on a date with?” Brian demanded. I felt my cheeks flush before regaining control of my emotions.
“Just a guy, does it really matter?” I asked wishing he would drop it.
“Just a guy? For all you know he could be a homicidal maniac!” Brian yelled.
“Well he’s not, I don’t go around accusing you of dating axe murderers.” I said.
“Stop it the both of you.” Jimmy said as the doorbell rung.
“Oh the pizza’s here!” Matt said getting up.
“No we only called ten minutes ago. It’s Ellie’s date. Have fun E.” Jimmy teased as I glared at him. I got up and started walking to the door when Brian walked ahead of me.

“Brian what are you doing?” I asked.
“I am going to check over the guy taking you on your first date.” Brian said.
“Do you have to check him over? He’s Jimmy’s friend, he’s fine.” I said as Brian raised an eyebrow.
“He’s Jimmy’s friend? He is friends with your brother and you class that as fine?” Brian asked.
“Well there’s nothing wrong with you is there?” I said sarcastically to cover my nerves. The doorbell rung again and Brian went to grab the door handle as I pulled his arm back.
“Brian would you please just go back to the living room?” I pleaded.
“Why? What are you hiding? We’re best friends. I can deal with whoever it is.” Brian said as I sighed. Brian leaned forward and opened the door to reveal Zacky on the doorstep holding a bouquet of pink and white roses. He was wearing a black button up shirt and jeans with his hair slicked with gel.

“Brian, I’m going on a date with Zacky.” I said as Brian’s face turned pale.

Notes

Hey guys! I know i said i would have this posted in a week but this is literally the fourth version i wrote of this chapter. I wrote it three other times but i wasn't happy with it. I knew you guys would hate me no matter how i wrote this chapter but i was feeling a bit slack towards Zacky. Even if being rejected isn't a clear enough sign to him that Ellie doesn't like him. Love to hear any suggestions or feedback you readers have.

Thanks to my lovelies mrsmshadz , MoMo_92 and DaniVengeance for commenting on the last chapter. :) And thanks to everyone reading the story whether you comment or not i hope you are enjoying it!