Just a summer thing - A Folklore Love Triangle

POV: Betty

As I'm leaving class, James stops me. He doesn't say much and then accuses me of having an attitude so I just walk away. He chases after me and tries to apologize, apparently he couldn't text back because he was busy studying or something. I said I'd go without him, but I don't want to. Everyone is going with their partner. I break down crying in his arms because I'm so scared I'll lose him. I don't want that at all much less to another girl.

"I have to go to class, I love you. You love me, right?" I ask with my breathe still shaking.

"I love you, Betty. Only you, you know that. You can't believe a word Inez says." I give my best fake smile and he wipes my tears with his hoodie sleeve, while telling me to go to class before Mr. Sullivan scans the hallway and reconsiders giving me detention. I don't know he loves me, I know he says he does. Is that the same thing? I guess it is since I trust him. I trust him.

-2nd period 8:37am-

"Ms. Ramirez, can I sit somewhere differently today? Claire would be a distraction and I really want to pay attention so I pass finals next week."

"Of course Betty, that's a very mature decision. Sit in whatever empty seat you'd like." She says with a genuine smile. I sit next to Steven, my childhood best friend. James always assumes there's something going on between us but there never is and never was. He's like a brother to me, especially seeing as he's the only friend I've had that my mom has let in the house for longer than 15 minutes. Literally.

"Steven can I ask you something, from a guy's perspective?"

"What'd he do this time? Lie, ditch you, did he-" I cut him off.

"He's just been texting less, and he was seen this morning by  Jenette's locker apparently. He said if he doesn't get his grades up he can't take me to prom."

Steven laughs and jokingly asks, "Does that mean I have to be your date again? You won't puke on me again like you did last year will you?" I gently punch his shoulder, laughing with him.

He puts on his best therapist face and says, "No but I wouldn't be surprised if his grades are that low. Kid hasn't turned in one assignment on time since he moved here two summers ago. He didn't even show up to school most days until he started dating miss popular here and now he does but you know he wouldn't if it weren't for you. Jenette's dating that one football loser anyway. You're okay, and as much as I dislike that dude, Inez doesn't have the best truth record."

I let out a giant sigh of relief. I'm reminded every day why I chose him as my best friend in kindergarten. He's never let me down, and as a bonus he still talks to me despite the puking on him in front of everyone.