Numerical Apocalypse

nine

Right as we emerged from the woods, Lena found us, arms crossed.

"Well," she started, looking perturbed. "How was your little talk?"

There was an edge to her words I didn't like.

"Uh, good." I furrowed my brow at her. "Why-"

"No reason." Her glare suggested otherwise.

Theo glanced from her to me, his eyebrows raised. "Uh, I'd better go find my aunt." He disappeared inside.

I started to follow, but Lena stepped in front of me.

"How could you?! You know I like him! And, and you just- you just hug him like feelings don't matter! Did you ever think about me?" She ranted before I could say anything.

I gaped. "Wait, I didn't-"

"Oh, yes, because you're so perfect, blah blah blah. You have amazing aim and know stuff. I don't have any of that!" Lena glared at me, on the verge of tears.

I don't want to handle this right now! I just sat through a heart wrenching conversation with one of my best friends!

I took a deep breath. "Lena, I wasn't trying to steal him. We were just-"

"Talking," she snapped. "About personal things. Which is exactly what I told you I wanted to talk to him about."

Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed back into the building.

I stood there for a moment, too stunned to do anything but try and process what just happened.

I came to my senses while I was in the shower.

Oh my gosh she's jealous.

OH MY GOSH SHE'S JEALOUS

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PLAN TO GET THEM TOGETHER

Why didn't I think of her feelings?

Nonononono

I watched the water stream down the drain, listening to the consistent pitter patter on my head and shoulders.

"What on earth do I do now?"

The hot tears mixed with the cool shower water, and I took a shaky, deep breath.

"You go to sleep, silly," I answered myself. "It's been a long day."

Fueled by pent-up emotions, I hurried through the rest of my routine and collapsed into bed.

The next morning, things were no better.

Lena was giving me the silent treatment, and Theo seemed to realize he had spilled his guts to me last night very quickly and also stayed out of my way.

I ended up sitting alone to eat lunch, watching the shimmery numbers in the room fade in and out.

"Is- is this seat taken?" A shy voice asked.

I shook my head.

Ava, the pale brunette from the first day, sat down carefully.

We sat for a moment in silence, eating.

Eventually she spoke. "You don't normally sit alone."

I shook my head again.

She watched me for a moment.

"Both of my friends now have problems with me," I mumbled through a mouthful of sandwich.

Ava nodded. "Your boyfriend included?"