A Not so Wicked Paradise

CHP 16: Frypan

I was nervous.

I woke up early, as I normally did. However, today wasn't going to be a normal day. Today. I was going to start phase one of my plan to get Elizabeth to fall for me.

I was slightly jealous of my friends. They all had girlfriends who held mutual feelings for them. Elizabeth and I were the "odd men" out so to speak. At first, I didn't even like her. She was too sarcastic and even a little judgmental for my taste.

But then, everything changed.

When I hugged Elizabeth for Truth or Dare at Thomas' birthday bash, a weird sensation developed in my gut. After I pulled away, I found myself unable to keep my eyes off her. I figured it was just the alcohol until the next day, whenever I was around her, my palms would sweat and I would feel nervous.

Like right now.

I had resolved to make her fall for me when overnight, two new couples had formed. I couldn't stand it. Being alone. The odd man out. Most of all, I couldn't stand not being with her. Elizabeth.

With a yawn, I changed into suitable clothes and went down the Mess Hall. My cooks were already there, ready to cook breakfast. Today we were making the usual, eggs, bacon and sausages. I ordered everyone around and we began cooking at around 6:00am ending at 8:00am. We now had enough food to feed 200 people. Breakfast began at 8:15am so we had time to get out the plates and utensils.

Our first "customer" was Sam. He said he always got up early so he could eat breakfast, then focus on his woodwork. I think it's just because he doesn't want to wait in line. People started to file in and so I helped distribute food until everyone was served.

After all the work was done, I grabbed a platter of food and slipped in next to Newt where our friends were sitting. Everyone was there. Even Harriet. As I took a bite out of my sausage, Thomas said to Harriet,
"So... Why did you kiss Ivan?

I mentally face palmed. The "incident" was a sensitive topic in our group. And here goes Thomas, speaking his mind without thinking.

Harriet stuttered and tried to reply. Her eyes watered. She got up and ran off. Minho gave Thomas an angry glare and took off after her. Once they were out of sight, Teresa slapped Thomas on the arm.
"Why would you do that!"
"Wha-? It was a honest question!"

Newt and I made eye contact and rolled our eyes. Sometimes, Thomas could be... Ridiculous.

"You asked Harriet about a very sensitive topic in front of everyone! I think she's only told Minho why she did it. And that was in private! Let her tell us on her own time!" Teresa said, scolding Thomas.
"Uh.. Sorry." Thomas replied, looking embarrassed.

Today really had started off great!

Newt steered the conversation away from the "incident". I sighed in relief. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Elizabeth playing with her food. I gazed at her until she looked up, making eye contact with me. I turned away, red faced.

I went back to listening to the conversation. Everyone finished their food. Thomas got up, saying,
"Alright, I'm going to go on an expedition right now with my Runners. I'll be back before dinner."
We all whooped and clapped.
"Good luck Tom."
"Don't get lost." I said.
"Try not to mess up."
"Have fun!" said Sonya.
"Watch out for klunk Tommy!"

We all said bye to Thomas. He walked off, but not before he gave Teresa a lingering kiss. We all gagged. After he walked off, Newt said,
"I gotta get to work. See ya!"
"Don't forget about your second in command.." Teresa muttered to herself, getting up.
"Wait! Can I come too?" Sonya asked.
"Yeah sure." Newt replied.
Teresa, Sonya and Newt headed off to work. Leaving Elizabeth and I together at the table. Alone.

Great!

What the shuck was I supposed to do now? It was always hard to start and maintain a conversation with her. Unless she was interested, she replied in one or two words. She was almost always uninterested.

You're probably thinking,
"Why would you fall for a girl like that?"

Well, I'm not too sure either. I think it's how, sometimes, I see a side to her no one else sees. A rare smile. An infectious laugh. I guess ever since I met her, I've been trying to see those sides of her. The ones that no one hardly ever sees.

And once I saw them, there was no turning back.

Don't get me wrong, being in a one sided unrequited love had its perks.

Not.

The only bright side to this whole situation was that I knew for a fact that she didn't harbor feelings for anyone else. She figured that all the good guys were already taken. The ones who remained were too annoying, ugly or weird.

I'm pretty sure I fall into the annoying category.

But I'm going to prove her wrong.

"So..." I started off, awkwardly.
She glanced at me, then looked away, uninterested.
"What time do you have to get to work today?" I finally got out.
She looked back at me, contemplating whether or not to reply. Surprisingly, she did.
"In an hour or so."

Just like usual, she left no room for conversation. Yay.

Shaking off my nervousness, I decided to put my plan in motion.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later, bye." I got up and walked away.

Without looking back, I smiled to myself. The first part of my plan was to be a little more distant than usual. Typically, I always tried to get her to talk. I figured that I may come off as unintentionally annoying. So, if I'm more distant with her, she'll wonder why. Which will get her to think of me. Once she starts to think more of me, I'll-

"FRYPAN!" A girl screeched my name. I winced. It was Shelby. I reluctantly turned around.
"How ya doing?" She asked me with a flirty grin.
I internally groaned.

She was (unfortunately) one of my Cooks. So I saw her every day. She began flirting with me around a month ago and ever since then, I've found her presence irritating.
"I'm alright." I replied.

I looked away and stared at Elizabeth. Even though she was just throwing away her food, she looked perfect. I guess Shelby noticed because she grabbed my arm and yanked me towards her. I almost fell, but managed to catch myself.

"Hey Frypan, wanna-"
"I gotta go! Bye!" I cut her off and jogged towards Elizabeth. As I approached her, she noticed me. She stopped walking so I could catch up to her.
"Shelby again?" She asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah." I said with a groan.
She chuckled and looked away.

I felt my face grow warm.

My plan was going to work.

It had to.

🔼🔼That's the end of Chapter 16! I think so far, this has been my favorite chapter to write. I based Elizabeth's personality on one of my closest friends and I based Frypan's on mine. Thoughts? Reviews and comments are very encouraging and helpful! Until next time!!🔼🔼