Nametags

Chapter 22

                   When I got to school on Friday, Tony wasn't there. I called him at free time, but there was no answer. Worried, I even texted, "Hey, Baby, why arn't u at school?" There was no reply. Jadee was also acting weird. She looked sleepy and stressed. Her hair was a mess, and she was, for the first time since we started High School, not wearing makeup. I tried to talk to her, but she just pushed me away. Finally, I pinned her at lunch. She was shoving her food around on her plate.

"So, Jadee, are you ok?"

She nodded and put her head down on the table.

"Is it Jackson?"

"Mhh" She muttered.

"What?"

"No."

"Do you know why Tony is absent today?"

"Do I look like I know?"

"No, I was just wondering."

"I'm just tired, ok? I'm fine."

"Oh. Uh, ok."

Now I had lost my appetite. Tony wasn't here, Jadee was in a mood, I was alone again. So, I went to the library. I picked out a book from my favorite series: Michael Vay, and started reading it for the hundredth time. When the warning bell rang, I stood up and checked out, then walked to English. Jadee sat next to me, but didn't raise her hand (or even move for that matter) the whole class. She just sat with her head on the desk the entire time, her dark hair hanging like a curtain over her face. I was so bored, I looked around the entire classroom reading name tags the whole time. "I am a good artist", "I have an eating problem", "I am a great cook", I'm illiterate", and then Jadee's familiar "I'm good at remembering names" and "I have Athsma". I couldn't wait to go home.

          In GYM, the last class of the day, Jadee walked into the gym wearing her normal school clothes. I heard her mutter "Coach, I'm sick. Can you wright me an office note?" Coach didn't look up. "It's almost the end of the day, Jadee. Can't you wait?" Jadee shook her head. "Ok, Jadee, But you'll have to make up the grade.  Just go and call your parents. Here." Coach scribbled a Post-It and handed it to Jadee. I tried to run up and talk to Her, but the bell rang and coach yelled "Ok, Troops, line up!" I shot her a worried look as the turned the corner to get her stuff.

          At home, I tried to call Jadee and Tony. No answer. I tried to calm my worry as I fell asleep. What was going on with my friends?