The Prank War

Chapter 4.

Ember's POV

It was Wednesday morning, and the prank war officially started. Madison and I turned in our contracts on Monday, and Mr. Marks announced the start of the prank war yesterday. At first, Madison was nervous that they'd notice I forged my mother's signature, but I told her they wouldn't. I've been forging her signature since my dad left, and I was right when I told her that it would be fine.

Now that the prank war was official, Madison and I began throwing ideas here and there, but we still hadn't decided what prank to kick this off with. I couldn't help but wonder if Jake had decided on his prank already. I was on edge all day yesterday, and I'm on edge today as well. I wish he would just get it over with.

It was lunchtime, and I pushed the prank war to the back of my mind as I walked to my locker. I hadn't gotten the chance to meet up with Logan, so it was a surprise to see him waiting for me at my locker. He was standing next to it with his arms crossed. He was looking around, probably trying to spot me.

As soon as Logan sees me, he smiles. I gladly return the gesture. He always seems so happy to see me, which I love. It reminds me that even in my struggling life, I have people in it who care for me. That includes Logan and — of course — Madison.

As soon as we're in arms reach, Logan pulls me into a hug. Logan was a bit taller than me, his lips were aligned with my forehead. Our height difference was nothing compared to the one I share with Jake. He was practically a whole head and shoulders taller than I was. If we were hugging, Jake would easily be able to rest his chin at the top of my head. Not that we've ever done that or that I would want him to, for that matter.

"I feel like I haven't talked to you in a long time," Logan says as his hug loosens.

I pull away from the hug to look at him. "I know, but we've both been busy."

Logan keeps his beautiful smile full of sincerity on his lips. "I know, but it's still no excuse not to make time for you."

"It's fine, I don't want you feeling guilty about it. So, instead of apologizing and talking about this, how about you help me think of ways I could prank Jake."

Logan chuckles and rolls his eyes. By the way he was looking at me, I knew he was annoyed about the prank war. But I could also see the good boyfriend in him trying to support me. "The prank war is barely starting, Ember. You have time to think about these things."

"I know, but it's just that Madison and I have been coming up with these ideas. We're just not too sure how to execute them." I sigh as I face my locker. Logan moves slightly to the side, leaning on the locker next to mine.

"You'll do great, Ember. You're a smart girl. You'll figure it out." With the way he reassures me, I couldn't help but believe him. There was no drip of doubt in his tone of voice. It was so confident, so I couldn't help but believe in myself so much more than I had before.

I open my locker, and I quickly close my eyes as I hear a small pop. It was as if a bomb of flour went off in my locker, and it just spewed right out onto me. Not too long after, I cough and slowly open my eyes. The white powder was starting to settle down, but not before it covered me in its dust. I let out another cough, trying to get the powder that felt stuck in my throat out. I squint as I look over at Logan, who seemed to have gotten out of the way right on time. He had some dust on him, but it was nothing compared to how ghostly I looked.

"Jake," I venomously mutter under my breath. I was annoyed and humiliated. The one time I let my guard down, and this asshole finally decided to prank me.

"Damn, I guess Jake has officially started the war." Logan tries to swat at the small clouds of flour still around us, but it was pointless. He still coughed as the flour roams around us.