Carlos and I ditched school today and went to my house to knock boots. My mom was supposed to be up at the outlets, but she got a migraine and came home early and we were so totally busted. Thank God I had locked my door—but when it took us five minutes to find our clothes and come out, it was pretty obvious what we were doing. So I’m grounded for two weeks—one for having a boy in my room and one for blowing off school. I was so pissed until I got the best plan. I dictated a note to Carlos (who wrote it in his handwriting) that said: Darcy, I know we shouldn’t have left school. But I knew you weren’t feeling well and I wanted to take care of you. I do wish that your parents trusted you more. Did you tell them we have only kissed? Maybe you should. Then again, maybe it’s best to just take this punishment. We could both use the extra time to study since grades are so important to us. Your friend, Carlos. Then I left the note on my geography book in the kitchen—carefully placed on the map of Africa—knowing my mom would read it. Sure enough, she did! Which I knew because it was moved to Australia. And of course my plan so totally worked. She goes, “Darcy, I think maybe your punishment was a little too harsh. I’m going to change it to a week.” I gave her a big hug and told her she was the best. If I keep up the compliments and tell her she’s looking really skinny, I bet she’ll even lower it to four or five days. Rachel says that my parents are like the most lenient parole board in the world. They never stick to anything. It’s a wonder they’re still married.
May 12
I never thought it could happen but Carlos is starting to get on my nerves. He is so needy and insecure. Yesterday, we were at the mall and some guy whistled at me on the escalators and he just couldn’t let it go. He said it wasn’t so much about the guy whistling but about me talking to him afterwards, but sheesh, I didn’t want to be rude. Isn’t it common courtesy to thank someone when they compliment you? Like Emily Post 101. And then it turned out we knew all these people in common so I couldn’t just cut him off, right? Then, about twenty minutes later, we were in the dressing room in the Gap trying on clothes, and I stepped out to use the three-way mirror without buttoning my shirt back up. He was like, “Darcy, your bra is showing.” And I was like, “Aren’t there topless beaches all over Europe? Chill out.” I still love him, but I think it’s sort of a good thing that he’s going back to Spain this summer. That way I can avoid actually breaking up with him. I hate hurting people’s feelings.
May 20
Omigod—I got this letter today in my locker!
Darcy,
I hope that you interpret this letter to be the true feelings of a shy guy. Every time I see you my day brightens. I’m not sure if it’s the smile on your face, the way you look at me in the halls, or a combination of the two. All I know is that something about you stirs up feelings inside me. Sometimes I catch myself staring at you uncontrollably. My imagination runs wild about the things I would do or could show you if only I had the chance, but I’m not sure if our two worlds could ever fuse as a single unit. Only time will tell. I can only hope that fate is on my side.
Love,
Your Biggest Admirer
It’s either super creepy or really romantic (depending on who wrote it). The part about being from different worlds worries me a little, because my world is the only world!! Kidding (but not really). Oh, and I made the mistake of showing Carlos, who flipped OUT. He said it was MY fault for being so flirtatious! Like it’s a crime to be friendly. I told him he better stop buggin’ or we weren’t going to make it. I am REALLY getting sick of his jealous ass. (I mean, I like when a guy is a little jealous, but not when he gets all psycho.) Anyway, I’m going to try to figure out who sent the letter. Maybe it’s from a really cute junior or senior. If so, I will let him take me to prom. As friends. Carlos would have to get over it. That’s the worst part about dating him. I always said I’d never go out with a freshman or sophomore, at least not during prom time. And here I am. Now the best I can do is three out of four proms.
June 10