Jealousy, Jealousy (Part 1)

36 - Lauren

It was Saturday, a study day for Spencer, Sasha, Ricky, and me. Midterm exams were coming up soon and we would always study together at my place.

"So, are you guys ready for the Math exam in a week?" questioned Sasha, at the beginning of the session.

"No, absolutely not," Ricky frowned. I responded to Sasha with a shake of my head. All of our books were open but nobody had started to actually study yet, except Spencer.

"I'm ready," he said confidently, without even looking up from his workbook. We all looked at him in wonder and astonishment.

"Ahh! Stop ruining the mood! I was about to suggest ditching this little study group today and going to the mall!" Sasha pouted.

"You guys go ahead. I need to figure out this question," I said, looking at the worksheet that was half completed in front of me. I noticed Spencer smiled a little.

"No, then we'll look like the lazy ones. We're staying," Ricky declared.

Sasha smacked him on the arm. "Take the hint, Ricky." She looked at Spencer and I, then grinned. "We'll be off now. Have fun studying!" Both her and her boyfriend grabbed their stuff in a hurry and speeded out the front door.

"Huh," I whispered. After a few minutes, I put down my pencil. I was still stuck on the same question. Spencer took a look at the problem and chuckled.

"I'll help you," he offered. "You have to switch the numbers here."

After he explained the question and how to solve it, I finally understood.

"Thank you! I was so confused," I grinned.

Spencer responded, "For sure." A pause. "So, I might have told Sasha and Ricky to leave."

"Wait, what?"

"Yeah. I thought it was time to tell you something," continued Spencer.

"Okay..." I nervously laughed.

Spencer looked right into my eye. "I like you."

Did he really just say what I think he said? Backpack Boy, top student of the school, liked me?

"I... I don't know what to say. Did Noah tell you to say that?" I wanted to know.

Spencer frowned. "What? Noah? No."

"Oh! Because I just turned him down a couple days ago," I told him, flustered.

"Well, that's good. For me. But Lauren, if you don't feel the same way, I hope what I said doesn't ruin our friendship."

I took a deep breath and tried to remember all the moments I've spent with Spencer. He always made me smile, laugh, and have so much fun when he was around. I realized something just then. Every time Sasha teased me for liking Spencer and I tried to brush the topic off, I realized it was true. I had fallen head over heels for him.

"Well, we can be more than friends," I bravely said. "Because I feel the same way for you. I like you too, Spencer." I daringly took a peek at his face and I was so glad to see him grinning from ear to ear. He reached out his hand and tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear, as I blushed.

And that was day one of our new relationship.

Five Months Later

I received a text message from Amelia during Spring Break. It simply said: I'm back in Westchester. Tell me a place to see you guys. ☻

Woah. My step-sister who I haven't seen in forever was back!

I started squealing and Spencer looked at me, confused. We were at a coffee shop, eating a quick brunch.

"Spencer, text Esme. Tell her to come here in 30 minutes."

Meanwhile, I called Noah.

"What is it?" he demanded.

"Come to Angel's Coffee in half an hour. And I would suggest that you dress nicely, okay?"

Noah mumbled, "I was sleeping! But fine, I'll be there, Lauren. See ya."

I typed a quick message, telling Sasha the same thing. I also told Amelia to come here.

30 minutes later, everyone had arrived, except my step-sister. Always fashionably late.

It took one look at Noah in a nice button up shirt and black jeans for Spencer to burst out laughing.

"Are you trying to impress someone? You always wear a shirt with some sweatpants," Spencer commented. I nudged him. Sasha and Esme were also giggling and whispering to each other.

"I don't know. Lauren told me to dress nicely, so here I am." Noah squinted his eyes at me.

I grinned and looked towards the door. I saw a figure I recognized (and kind of didn't) come in.

"Well of course Noah should look good for his crush," I smirked, playfully.

Spencer turned to face me. "And his crush is you!?" I knew he said that jokingly.

I shook my head. "Nope." I saw the figure walking further into the shop and nodded towards her. Everyone looked over and gasped. There, standing at the front of the shop, was Amelia.

But a different version of her. Instead of her raven coloured hair, she had dyed the parts that framed her face white. In addition, she had on a leather jacket with a gazillion zippers and pockets on it. She surveyed the shop and her eyes finally landed on us. She lifted her tote bag onto her shoulders and walked forward. I could see the genuine happiness on everyone's faces, especially Noah's.

She came over, smiled, and coolly asked one simple question.

"How are you guys doing?"