Feelings at Bay

Chapter 4

"There you are!"

Emily rushed over to the group's table at lunchtime. She pushed her way through several people in order to sit right beside John (to the visible annoyance of those who were moved against their will). After learning about their plans, she wanted to go with them; no one was surprised. Several people however, noticed her boyfriend's reaction.

"Youbetternotbethinkingaboutdoinganythingstupid." Matthew said, embarrassed that it was out loud.

The entire table looked at him. Coughing, he motioned to his unwilling savior. Mark had just arrived and was heading their way!

Thanks for that one, Man.

Jordan wasn't so easily fooled. Her scowl, however, wasn't noticed by any of her friends. By now, Mark was standing in front of Amy.

"How was your first day here? Everyone treating you alright?"

"Yeah, it's been great."

"What do you want?" Emily's sharp attitude caught her off guard. Did everyone hate this guy?

"Easy there! I'm just being nice. I was just about to ask your friend here if she would be willing to help me out later."

"With what?" She demanded.

"See, I'm supposed to be recruiting a bunch of people to help plan the big party in October. School put me in charge of one of the committees, so would you be willing to help me out? It's a bunch of paperwork, but someone like you could help out in the decoration department; I'm sure Julianna and her buddies are already on board."

"Oh, well. It's kind of early to think about that, isn't it?"

"No way! You know what, why not have lunch with us today. A few of the older girls will show you what's going on. Oh and while we're at it, the rest of you artsy girls might as well come along too."

What's your angle this time? Jordan made sure to look away.

"Let's see. That leaves you three by yourself." His voice was demeaning.

Emily, John, and Matthew just watched as they grabbed their things and walked away. An awkward silence followed.

"That guy can't be more annoying!" Emily exclaimed, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, he's obviously trying to get closer with Amy." John said, sounding too concerned for Matthew's comfort.

He's right though.

"Well, I've been drafted as well. Cleaning up afterwards."

"Need any help, man?"

"I'm sure I'll be able to find something for you guys to do together."

This caused the couple to look at their friend. He was putting their relationship first. By bringing it up, he was trying to remind his friend of common human decency. Everything seemed to fly over the girl's head, which was probably for the best, but John seemed to catch on quickly. Thankfully, he didn't say anything in front of her. When she went to the bathroom, it was another story.

"Matthew, what the hell are you doing?"

"I've seen the way you look at that new girl. You're just as bad as Mark, if not worse. You know I wouldn't try picking a fight with anyone, but I'm afraid I have to step in this time."

"Are you crazy? I've never even tried to do anything. I thought we were all on board about this guy being a bad influence, so why are you getting mad?"

"Like it or not, you have a girlfriend. By letting her talk and get all cutesy with you like that, instead of stopping her is more than enough proof. In her mind, you guys are a thing. In the school's mind, you guys are a thing. And for Christ's sake I'm tired of watching this half and half crap! Look, just pick one or the other."

John could only watch his friend cross his arms. Everything he had said was true. By not objecting, he may have led her on.

"You're crazy if you think she's going to let me live after this."

"She's just a girl. Man up."

If she's just a girl, why are you so suddenly concerned?

"When should I fix this?"

"As soon as possible. Don't be a jackass about it though. I don't want to hear anything about dumping her on campus in front of everyone. Talk in person at your place or something for all I care.

"My biggest concern is our new student as well. She'll easily give in to that delinquent if he gets to her first. He's probably getting the other girls outa the way as we speak."

Or maybe it's not Emily...

"What's your angle in all of this?"

"As much of a pain that spoiled girl of yours is, I still think she deserves to know that this whole sham would never have worked."

"What about me? It's not like I wanted to play along!"

"Calm yourself. I already know that; why do you think I'm being civil with you?"

"You realize my name is going to get destroyed, right?"

"You guys grew apart. It happens." He said, sounding like a pothead.

"You think that's a good enough excuse?"

"Is that not what happened?" The look in his eyes was suddenly dead serious.

"I'm back! Sorry about that, guys." Emily saved the day.

The three reunited with the others at gym time. Jordan could only watch as her two guy friends seemed to be targeting each other during dodgeball. Neither was able to completely subdue the other as the rest of the class got caught up in the heat of the battle. After the whistle signaled the end, Jordan looked around for either friend, but her efforts were in vain. Letting out an exhaust-filled sigh, she found Amy and began the long journey back home with the new visitor.