The Look Of Love

Chapter 5: A Not So Subtle Lunch

"Thank you principal Hester," Mary said as soon as the principal's meeting ended. Mary reached to grab her tote and head to lunch. Harris Cho (the super rigid, aggravating, academic rival) stood to grab his books. Both made their way to the door. Upon exiting the office, Cho gave Mary a pointed look. He dryly said "Mary" with an air of condescension. Mary squared her shoulders and responded "Cho" in the same manner. They both nodded and respectively left for lunch.

Thank goodness that's over. Stupid Harris Cho always trying to one up me. And of course there's a new stipulation to class Valedictorian this school year. It just figures! Dumb 10% civics Mary stewed in thought.

As she rounded the corner, to walk to the lunch tree, she noticed something different. Boys... Not just any boys either, the Cobra's. And Bobby! He looks so good today in his fitted black polo.This day is just way too much. I guess we're all into trying new things. Mary paused to fluff her hair and touch up her lipstick, before heading over.

"Mary you're here, finally" said a concerned Gwen. She has been anxious to see her friend.

"Yeah, what took you so long?" asked Ashley. She took her food out of her brown paper bag.

Everyone turned and looked in Mary's direction. They're staring. I hope my hair is OK and I don't have lipstick on my teeth. That would be awful, especially in front of Bobby. Now if only I can manage to sit gracefully on the ground and not flash the goods.

"Well, I just got out of meeting with Principal Hester and Cho," Mary responded. She ran her fingers through a few strands of hair.

Gwen cut her off and remarked, "Obviously we all know what that's about then."

"We do?" asked Dutch. Everyone gave him a look that screamed idiot.

Except Lori. With her soothing voice, she stated "Here Dutch have a cookie. It's chocolate crunch." Then she reached across to hand it to him.

"So did he tell you if you're valedictorian," Ashley wanted to know.

"No. We won't know that until at least mid April. But I did find out there's a new qualification added this year," Mary announced before taking a bite out of her apple slices.

With a scoff of derision, Jimmy remarked "Well crap." Everyone was shocked at this, as he usually doesn't say anything in large groups.

"My words exactly," Mary agreed.

Lori asked the question everyone wants to know, "What's the new qualification?"

Mary waved an apple slice around as she answered. "Oh it's this service mindedness mumbo jumbo. The academic committee thinks it would be "just wonderful if the top two Seniors showed leadership and service in the community." She used her silly teacher's voice for the last part. Everyone chuckled at that. "If the project we choose is successful in several categories, then that will get totaled into our overall qualifications. Luckily it only counts for 10% overall," she concluded.

Ashley thinks "that doesn't sound too bad." It could be worse.

"You're joking, right Ashley?" Jimmy exclaimed. He turned to Mary wanting to know, "What if your service project totally fails on execution? Or what if unforeseen circumstances hinder it?"

"Then that means she's screwed," answered Johnny. He's used to life kicking him where it hurts.

But not Gemma. So she encouraged him and her friend. "All will be well and all manner of thing will be well."