The Downside of Popularity

29|Sucks to be me

Alina
✿___________✿

“So what’s been up with you and your pretend partner?” Alice asked, nibbling a chocolate cookie.

I shrugged, placing the phone on the island. “Hold on, my queso’s ready.”

There was only one reason I was trying to avoid her question. As much as I tried to play what happened yesterday off like it was nothing, my thoughts were a hurricane. I couldn’t be normal and not think about how things have changed.

Jake and I weren’t just pretend-dating friends now. We are friends who would hang out at The cliff this Friday.

Maybe I was overthinking this.

We are still just friends after all. So maybe it wasn’t a big deal.

I reached into the microwave and take out my bowl of queso, stirring it with a chip and taking a bite. “He invited me to The cliff,” I said with food in my mouth.

Her eyebrows scrunched together in suspicion. “Wait, are making this whole thing up?”

“Cross my heart,” I said, making an X motion over my heart.

“How did that happen?” Alice asked, eyes wide as she awaited my answer.

“He came to pick me up at Pablo’s place and—”

“Hold on, what were you doing at J.P’s? There’s so much I don’t know!”

I rolled my eyes. Alice and her habit of exaggerating. “Principal Darian wants me to tutor him.  Remember that club I proposed once before?” she nodded, stuffing her mouth with another cookie. “He’s letting me run the club.”

A wide grin splayed across her face. “Wow, that’s good to hear, Ally. Congrats!”

I held a finger up. “Don’t congratulate me just yet.” Alice frowned in confusion, tilting her phone so she could have a better look at me. “I have to make sure my first assigned student doesn’t flunk his grades before it can be accepted.” I pick up my sub, shrugging tiredly, before taking a massive bite.

“Oh. And your first student happens to be a crazy rich and handsome movie star who’s enemies with your pretend boyfriend. I can already see how messed up this entire thing would turn out.”

I cleared my throat, glancing shortly at the front door. It was a good thing I was the only one home at the moment because I couldn’t imagine what other bad things might happen if any member of my family heard what Alice had just said.

“Now, back to my story,” I gave her a pointed look. “I guess Jake felt mad about me spending two hours alone with  a shirtless Pablo so he thought he should invite me to a party at The cliff so I could also see him shirtless.” Alice laughed at the thought and I shrugged. “You know males can be stupid sometimes.”

“Well, I think he’s starting to like you, Ally!” I winced at her words, moving my face away from the phone screen. Alice groaned. “Don’t give me that face, think about it! Everyone knows what goes on at The cliff. Guys don’t invite girls to escort them there except they were deeply interested.”

“Have you ever considered the possibility that this was all part of our pretence game?” I rolled my eyes.

Alice tutted. "Keep telling yourself that.” It was her turn to stare at me like I was the dumb one. “But I have this strong feeling he’s going to fall for you sooner or later. It’s up to you and your lousy feelings now. You either pick him or hot bad boy.” she winked at me, and ended the call.