Believe Me, I'm Lying

by Jordan Lynde

  ‘Joey, your brother is one of them.’

  ‘We don’t get along,’ Joel said before Joey could reply. ‘I couldn’t get along with someone like him anyway.’

  ‘You take the words right out of my mouth,’ Joey said flatly.

  ‘Glad the feeling is mutual.’

  I rolled my eyes. ‘Listen, I don’t care about your issues with each other, but this is my class. And in my class, we get along. Got it?’

  ‘You say that,’ Oliver started, ‘but still you partner us with people we get along with, and also divide us to two different sides of the room?’

  ‘The only reason I do that is because I don’t want a repeat of the first day,’ I told him, narrowing my eyes.

  ‘Then how are we supposed to “get along”?’ Oliver demanded, rolling his eyes.

  I narrowed my eyes. ‘Well, since you’re so keen on wanting to get along, I’ll switch up the partners – starting next week.’

  Oliver glared at me, and I resisted the urge to smirk smugly at him, then turned back to the class. Everyone now had apprehensive expressions on their faces. To be honest, the idea of setting new partners up – partners I knew they wouldn’t get along with, made me apprehensive as well. But I was tired of all the fighting, so it was worth a shot.

  ‘Oh no, my chocolate!’

  My eyes snapped to Zak, who was staring at his pot in horror. It took me a few seconds to realize that it was on fire. My jaw dropped in shock as Zak threw me a bewildered look.

  ‘What do I do?’ he asked in a panicked voice.

  ‘Get the fire extinguisher!’ Joey ordered before I could respond, yanking Zak away from the burning pot.

  ‘I’ve got it!’ Luke responded before I could even turn towards the area where the fire extinguisher was held.

  ‘I should do it,’ I protested, taking a step towards him.

  ‘I’ve got it.’

  It only took a few seconds to put the fire out. And to my luck, the fire alarm didn’t go off.

  ‘Ms Allen, what do I do with this pot?’

  I sighed, motioning for Joey to hand the destroyed pot to me. ‘I’ll clean it later myself. It’ll probably have to soak in some water for a while in order for the burnt chocolate to be scrubbed off.’

  ‘It’s hot,’ Joey warned me. ‘I’ll carry it. Where do you want it to go?’

  I smiled at him. ‘In the supply room. Thanks.’ I turned my eyes to Zak as Joey started for the door. ‘Can I trust you won’t catch anything on fire for the few moments we’re gone?’

  Zak smiled sheepishly. ‘I’m not sure . . .’

  Tucker snorted from across the room. I sent him a warning look and he flipped me off.

  ‘Tucker!’ Arden snapped, but I could tell he was amused.

  ‘Do you want a detention, Mr Quinn?’ I asked threateningly, a little hurt by his actions. I mean, really! What was his problem? Was he like this to every teacher? Flipping me off was a little across the line.

  ‘No,’ Tucker muttered, glaring at the floor.

  ‘Don’t do that again then.’

  ‘Whatever.’

  I could tell Arden was trying not to laugh now. After a moment more of giving Tucker a disapproving look, I turned around and headed toward the supply room. Oliver grinned as I walked by him.

  ‘Must be nice to have a suck-up like Arden to defend you,’ he commented quietly.

  ‘Shut up,’ I snapped before I could stop myself.

  Oliver raised an eyebrow. ‘Did you just tell a student to shut up?’

  I quickly glanced around to see if anyone had heard me. Luckily, it seemed like no one was paying attention. I had to be more careful and not let things like that slip out.

  ‘Ms Allen! Where does this go?’ Joey called, his voice slightly muffled by the supply-room door.

  ‘I’m coming,’ I told him, looking one last time at Oliver, who had a smug expression on his face. ‘Why don’t the rest of you clean up? We’ll call it a day . . . I don’t want anything else catching on fire.’

  There were a few snickers throughout the room, and I heard Zak laugh ruefully. ‘I’m sorry . . .’

  ‘Ms Allen! The pot?’

  ‘Just put it in the sink!’ I called, feeling a headache coming on.

  Suddenly there was a crash from the supply room. My eyes grew wide and I hurried to it, popping my head in. ‘What happened?’

  ‘I put it in the sink.’

  I glanced at the sink. ‘And it made that much noise?’

  ‘Well, I threw it in the sink . . .’

  ‘Joey . . .’

  ‘My bad,’ he responded with a grin.

  I pointed at the exit. ‘Out.’

  ‘Right away, ma’am!’

  Joey scooted past me and back into the classroom as I went to check on the dishes in the sink. Luckily he hadn’t broken anything. I switched on the water, filling up the burnt pot so it could soak.

  ‘You know, you really shouldn’t be alone with an older man in here,’ a voice commented from behind me.

  I jumped, twisting around to see Oliver smirking at me. ‘Go back in the classroom, Oliver.’

  ‘Hmm, I think I’ll stay here,’ he drawled, leaning against the counter.

  ‘Then lower your voice,’ I warned.

  ‘If it slips, it slips.’

  ‘No, that’s not how it works, Oliver!’ I whispered harshly. ‘I can’t let anyone know!’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Why what?’

  ‘Why does it matter? You can find a new job,’ Oliver said in an offhand voice.

  I narrowed my eyes at him. ‘Oliver, I need the money this job offers. You don’t know how hard it is to live on your—’ I broke off, quickly averting my gaze. ‘Never mind.’

  Oliver frowned. ‘On your what?’

  ‘I said, never mind.’

  ‘Tell me.’

  ‘Forget it, Oliver.’ I tried to move around him, but he quickly put his arm out, blocking my way. I gave him a flat look. ‘Please move out of the way.’

  ‘No. I want to know why I’m keeping your little secret for you,’ Oliver responded, shaking his head. ‘If you want it to stay a secret, tell me what you were going to say.’

  I scowled at him. ‘I was going to say that it’s hard to find a job when you’re as young as I am.’

  ‘Why do you even need a job?’

  ‘Why do you?’ I countered, earning a harsh look.

  ‘That’s none of your business.’

  ‘You’re such a hypocrite!’ I said with a humorless laugh. ‘If you want me to tell you why I need a job, then you tell me why you need one first!’

  ‘Why should I? You don’t know a secret about me that I’m asking you to keep,’ he responded. ‘I don’t have to tell you anything.’

  I bit my lip to keep myself from screaming at him. Why did he have to be such a jerk? He didn’t need to know anything about my private life! If I told him, he’d probably pity me, and I didn’t need pity.

  ‘I don’t want to tell you,’ I told him honestly. ‘I’m sorry, but please drop it.’

  For a moment he looked taken aback, but he quickly rearranged his features into a nonchalant mask. He shrugged. ‘Whatever.’

  ‘You can blackmail me all you want, I’ll help you with your job, I’ll help you with whatever you want, Oliver! Just please don’t tell anyone!’ I hated to have to resort to begging, but Oliver was so unpredictable – I didn’t feel like I could trust him at all.

  ‘I said if you helped me with my job I wouldn’t tell anyone,’ Oliver responded simply, rolling his eyes. ‘Don’t get so worked up.’

  Don’t get so worked up? I clenched my fists, giving Oliver my harshest glare. ‘You know what? You’re not my favorite person.’

  Oliver stared at me for a second, his face blank. I returned his look solemnly. When he started laughing, I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. He thought it was funny I didn’t like him?

  ‘I’m not your favorite person?’ Oliver repeated, sound
ing highly amused. ‘Oh, that’s quite a shame.’

  ‘What’s so funny?’

  Oliver suddenly leaned closer to me, coming within inches of my face. I backed away from him a bit, making him smirk. ‘Why don’t you just say “I hate you”?’

  ‘I don’t hate you.’

  ‘You . . . what?’

  I almost laughed at Oliver’s shocked expression. ‘I think you’re annoying, and a jerk, but I don’t hate you.’

  Oliver opened his mouth to respond, but before he could a different voice spoke up.

  ‘You two are alone in here again? During actual class, though – I see you’re taking more risks.’

  I jumped and turned around to see Arden at the door, standing with his arms crossed. Oliver immediately scowled, narrowing his eyes at Arden.

  ‘We aren’t doing anything,’ I snapped.

  ‘Is that so?’

  ‘Oliver was just—’

  ‘Harassing you?’ Arden finished for me.

  I looked at him in shock. ‘What?’

  ‘I’m not harassing her,’ Oliver snapped.

  Arden chuckled. ‘Really? From what I listened to, I think you were.’

  ‘You were listening to us?’ I asked, my eyes widening. ‘For how long?’ Did he hear the beginning of our conversation? Did he know?

  ‘Not for long, but long enough to know that he’s blackmailing you about something.’

  ‘It’s none of your business,’ Oliver responded coldly.

  ‘Actually, it is.’

  ‘Oh, really? How is that?’

  ‘Since Harley is my girlfriend.’

  My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets as Arden sent Oliver a smug look. I quickly turned to Oliver; his eyes were on me now, and for some reason he looked angry.

  ‘You can’t date a student,’ Oliver told me. ‘It’s against school rules.’

  ‘Who cares about rules?’ Arden snorted.

  ‘Wait, wait, wait,’ I interjected before Oliver could respond. ‘Arden, what are you talking about?’

  ‘It’s fine, Harley,’ Arden responded, putting emphasis on my name. ‘Oliver can know we are together.’

  ‘But—’

  Oliver roughly shoved me out of his way and I staggered backwards a few steps, hitting my back on the edge of the sink. He made his way toward the exit, but before he went out he stopped in front of Arden, grabbing the front of his shirt.

  ‘Oliver!’ I protested, pushing away from the counter and hurrying toward him. ‘Let go!’

  ‘You’re dead,’ Oliver warned Arden threateningly, then he pushed Arden away and stormed out the door.

  ‘Oliver!’ I called after him, but Arden put out a hand to stop me.

  ‘Let him go.’

  I stared at Arden, shaking my head. ‘Why did you tell him that – that we were together?’

  ‘He was harassing you!’

  ‘I understand your intentions, and I thank you for that, but why say we were dating?’ I demanded.

  Arden chuckled. ‘Oh, that was purely for my entertainment. I didn’t expect him to get so angry, though . . .’

  ‘It’s not funny! What if he says something about us to someone? Arden, I’m a teacher! I could lose my job!’

  ‘Don’t worry. He won’t tell,’ Arden said, sounding sure of himself.

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘Because,’ Arden told me, rolling his eyes, ‘I know Oliver, and I know he’ll like having power over you . . .’

  I bit my lip. Crap. That didn’t sound so good.

  Chapter Twelve

  Saturday morning I woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. For a few moments I debated sleeping for a little longer, but the delicious scent drove me out of the comfort of my bed. I trudged into the kitchen, rubbing my eyes sleepily.

  Will was whistling to himself as he hovered over the stove. ‘Morning!’ he chirped upon seeing me. ‘I’m making breakfast.’

  ‘Obviously,’ I responded, cracking a smile.

  ‘Pig!’ Elliot came out of nowhere and ran into me full force, nearly knocking me over. ‘Morning!’

  ‘Don’t call me Pig,’ I sighed half-heartedly – I had the feeling he would never be giving up that nickname.

  Elliot pouted at me, resembling a puppy. ‘But Pig is Pig . . .’

  I couldn’t help another grin from spreading on my face. Lowering myself down to Elliot’s level, I gathered him into a giant bear hug, squeezing him tight. ‘You’re too cute! I love you!’

  ‘Hey, hey! I want in on this love fest,’ Will joked.

  I rolled my eyes. ‘You’re too old.’

  ‘Ouch . . .’

  ‘Is breakfast ready? I’m hungry,’ I complained, sitting down at the kitchen table and slumping my head on it. ‘And tired.’

  ‘You should have slept longer,’ Will told me with a laugh.

  ‘And miss out on your not-so-awesome cooking? I think not,’ I responded, waving my hand. ‘It smells good.’

  Will shrugged. ‘I may not be much of a cook, but I thought I’d make you a nice breakfast.’

  I cracked a smile as Will winked at me. He returned his attention back to the stove before he spoke again. ‘So, what are your plans today?’

  I shrugged. ‘I don’t know . . . I kind of want to go to the mall.’

  ‘Spending your hard-earned money?’

  ‘My first pay check should be in the bank now,’ I responded with a grin. ‘I have a little extra money to spare, so I just want to buy a congratulations gift. Nothing big.’

  ‘I feel like I want to cry . . .’

  ‘What? Why?’

  ‘I’m just happy for you,’ Will told me, turning off the stove. ‘Here.’ He put a plate full of eggs, bacon and toast in front of me. ‘Enjoy, chica.’

  ‘Gracias, tío.’

  ‘You’re too cold,’ Will said with a sigh. ‘At least call me a brother. “Uncle” makes me sound old . . .’ He placed a plate in front of Elliot too. ‘There ya go, bud.’

  ‘Can I go to the mall too, Pig?’ my brother asked, looking at me hopefully.

  ‘Of course, Eli.’

  ‘Can I get a toy?’

  ‘Absolutely,’ I told him with a grin. Now that I actually had extra money, I would buy him anything he wanted.

  Elliot cheered happily, his eyes wide with excitement. I was just as excited as he was – before, I could never afford to buy him something when we went. Well, besides little things here and there, but now he could actually pick something worthwhile.

  ‘Eat up, champ,’ Will ordered. ‘The mall is a big place. If you’re going to be walking around today you’ll need all the strength you can get.’

  ‘Gotcha, Captain!’ Elliot responded with a mock salute to Will. ‘Pig, when are we going to the mall?’ he asked.

  ‘After lunch?’ I said, unsure.

  ‘OK,’ Elliot responded, sounding excited. ‘Can we eat lunch after we’re done with breakfast?’

  Will laughed, putting a hand on Elliot’s head. ‘I don’t think you have enough room in your stomach for both meals.’

  ‘No, I’m really hungry,’ Elliot insisted.

  ‘Elliot, even if we did eat lunch right away, I still need to get ready,’ I told him with a laugh. ‘You can wait.’

  ‘Fine,’ he pouted.

  ‘Cheer up,’ Will said, mussing with Elliot’s hair. ‘I’ll play video games with you while you wait.’

  I smiled as Elliot cheered right up. Will grinned at me and I mouthed a thank-you – I really had no idea what I’d do without him.

  The mall wasn’t too crowded when we arrived. There were still lots of people, but not as many as I had expected on a Saturday. I tightened my grip on Elliot’s hand as we weaved through the throngs of people going every which way. Elliot was grinning excitedly at all the stores as we went by them, which made me smile.

  ‘Where do you want to go first?’ I asked him, squatting down to his level. ‘Anywhere.’

  ‘Candy store,’ he replied immed
iately.

  I laughed slightly. ‘I should’ve guessed. C’mon.’

  Elliot and I made our way to the candy store on the other side of the mall. When we made it to the store, Elliot ran ahead of me eagerly. I followed behind him quickly, not letting him out of my sight.

  ‘What can I get?’ he asked me, stopping in front of one of the large display cases of candy.

  ‘Anything,’ I assured him. ‘Fill up a whole bag.’

  Elliot grinned at me widely, his eyes widening in eagerness. ‘Really?’

  I nodded. ‘You just have to remember to brush your teeth.’

  And with that, Elliot grabbed a plastic bag and dragged me throughout the store, making me put in all the candy he wanted. I had a feeling I was going to regret this when he was bouncing off the walls at home, but seeing him this happy made me happy, and that was all that mattered. When he was finished, I was surprised to find that his total was only ten dollars. With a large bag of candy in Elliot’s hand and a lollipop in my mouth, we exited the candy shop.

  ‘Where to next?’

  ‘I can get something else?’ Elliot asked, a small gasp leaving his mouth.

  ‘Mm,’ I told him, grabbing his hand as we started going through the crowds of people. ‘Hold my hand, Eli.’

  ‘Can I make a Build-A-Bear and dress it up?’

  I raised an eyebrow. ‘You want a Build-A-Bear?’

  Elliot nodded frantically. ‘Yes!’

  ‘OK,’ I said with a laugh. ‘Let’s go make one.’

  Elliot suddenly lunged himself at my legs, giving me a hard hug. ‘I love you, Pig.’

  ‘Oh, you love me for my money,’ I joked, patting his head. ‘Come on.’

  The Build-A-Bear workshop was close to the candy store so we got there pretty quickly, Elliot practically dragging me into the store, babbling excitedly about what he was going to make. He went straight up to the bins with the animal bodies and picked up a pig.

  ‘I’m making you,’ he told me with a toothy grin.

  I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be amused or upset at this. I appreciated the fact that he wanted to make a Build-A-Bear after me, but I didn’t appreciate the fact that he chose a pig. It made sense because of my nickname, but still . . .

  ‘Welcome to Build-A-Bear!’ an enthusiastic voice cried from behind me. ‘Are you making a bear, little guy?’