Chapter 3
I don't know when Brian and she became so close.
One day, out of the blue, Martin Robinson decided to switch things up. Instead of the apple juice that Brian usually brought me every morning, he handed me a carton of plain milk.
"You know I can't stand plain milk, right?" I said, frowning at the carton in my hand.
"Oh, come on. You're just hung up on the flashy apple juice packaging. You're too old to be drinking apple juice every day. From now on, it's plain milk—it's better for you," Brian said, ruffling my hair.
Mae Parker was holding a carton of plain milk, too. She turned and gave an awkward smile at his comment.
"Sorry, Juicy. I prefer plain milk, so I asked Brian to bring it," she said.
"But honestly, apple juice is too sweet. Do all you girls really enjoy drinking this stuff?"
I set the carton down, furrowing my brow as I stared directly at her.
"Do you always have to make up nicknames for people?" I asked.
She paused for a moment, her expression shifting to surprise and then resignation.
"Ha... Why make such a big fuss? I was just joking. You're way too sensitive."
"Am I sensitive, or are you just feeling guilty? You know the answer," I shot back.
"Alright, Gabby," Brian intervened, trying to mediate with an exasperated look.
"Mae can be a bit careless with her words sometimes. Just ignore it."
"..."
I was fuming, my eyes welling up with frustration, and I gave Brian a hard shove, not forgetting to snap at Mae.
"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!"
Brian flinched slightly, quickly wrapping his arms around my waist, blurting out, "Okay, okay, my bad. Don't be upset. I'll bring you apple juice tomorrow, alright?"
Mae's expression soured, and she shot me a sharp glare.