The Beasts and Me

Chapter 2: Jealousy

I headed to my friend Zoey, who was already sitting down in the corner of the hallway we always eat lunch in. It usually got great lighting because the walls were mostly windows but the overcast made it have an almost eerie feel.

“Woah nice fit Zo!” I heard her exclaim.

I gave an wide eye roll, “it’s just some extra clothes from my locker, I tripped this morning”, I nodded my head outside towards a huge puddle through the glass.

I looked down at my outfit, I had on a pair of old gray leggings and a Hot pink barbie tee. Zoey bought it for me, that was before she knew my style. I zipped up the black hoodie and covered my top.

“I need you to help me with something.” I whined as I sat down pulling out my PB&J.

“That’s what I’m here for!” She said clipping in her barrette on the left side of her orange hair.

We were complete opposites, but that’s what made us such good friends. I pulled down my sleeve and held my arm in front of her. She grabbed my wrist and pulled my arm closer to her eyes. Did I mention that she acted like an old lady?

“224-6738” she called out, a little louder than she needed to. “And whose number is this?”

“This guy Jayke. He helped me out of the puddle this morning, he said we should meet up so he could get his jacket back.”

“Oh…”, Zoey almost sounded disappointed.

“What’s the matter Zoey?” I questioned.

I’ve known Zoey since 5th grade and I knew when something was wrong. I was new to town and we became friends, I’ve never had a friend as close to her before. Well, I haven’t really had any other friends. We’re outcasts but that’s ok.

“Nothings the matter, I hope that goes well for you.” She states in an almost robotic way. “ I have to go retake my chem test cause I was sick last week. I’ll text you later.”

She got up and smoothed her pale pink skirt down. She waved and left in a rush. Something was the matter, I just didn’t know what. Was she jealous of me? Why would she be? She gets enough boy attention as it is, but she never seems to care for them.

I slowly took another bite of my PB&J before I grabbed out some homework from my backpack. My eyes skimmed over the page of chemical equations. I didn't understand it at all, part to the reason that I was texting Zoey all last week during class. I decided to go to the room and get some help from that god awful teacher.

I walked up the stairs, my still wet converse squeaked on the tile. I entered the room and it was a lot louder than I thought it would be.

'How could Zoey take a test like this'.

I saw a group of boys in the back of the room playing a board game. Ohhh... it's the day D&D club meets up. I looked around but didn't see Zoey.

"She lied?!?" I blushed after realizing I said that out loud.

Something was definitely up. The teacher turned around along with the boy he was talking to. I recognized those eyes. Those mesmerizing black eyes, staring back at me.

"Oh hey Zoe!" His deep, buttered voice murmered.

"Hey, um... here's your sweatshirt, i i i ...I've got to go." I stuttered.

I ran out of the room and down the hall to Ms. Meeks room. That's the only other place she'd be. Yearbook was her favorite class and the teacher just happened to be her old babysitter.

I burst into the room.

"Zoey what the hell!" I yelled as my eyes locked on hers.

Her black bug eyes began to tear up and I ran over to her. I put my arm around her shoulder to comfort her.

" Zoey why did you run away from me at lunch?" I calmly whispered after realizing the teacher had put in her headphones to distract from our conversation.

"Zo, I have something I've been meaning to tell you.." she exclaimed.

She shook her head and looked away, "Nevermind. I've been having a bad day..."

Authors note: If you can guess what happens next, I'll give you a high five!