As It Was *Complete*

37. Cruising For Men

So the following day, which just happened to be Wednesday, Astra went back to pretending as if nothing special had happened the evening before.

Draco told their friends that they went to the library and did some homework before discussing their date, forgetting about dinner. Astra said nothing and simply smiled and went along with his story.

Maddi and she had eaten breakfast with the group, something that was pretty regular these days before they all headed off to class. This morning, it was Alchemy for Draco and Astra.

Today's lesson focused on only one of the four fundamental elements: air. Something Astra's head was full of as she couldn't pay attention to the lesson, instead she went over the evening before and wondered what she did wrong or why Draco would be compelled to forget about it.

Either way, as the bell rang, she jumped, imagining she had only sat down about five minutes ago as opposed to an hour and a half ago. "You OK?" Draco looked concerned as they headed off to Transfiguration, another class in which she got lost in thoughts and didn't pay attention.

"I am fine, thanks," she smiled at him. She didn't want to be dramatic and cause a scene either in public or private, so she suffered in silence.

By lunchtime, she had managed to give herself a headache. As a result, she didn't eat very much. "Angel, you don't look too good. What's wrong?" Pansy asked, checking her forehead.

"I have a headache," she frowned. "Bit of a nasty one, to be honest."

"Well, if you're finished, I am taking you to Madame Pomfrey to get something for it," Draco said quickly, trying to shovel the rest of his food into himself.

"Stop rushing before you give yourself heartburn. I can go on my own, you know," she stood as she spoke.

"I am finished, I can take you. Besides, I need your advice," Maddi offered, standing herself.

"I would go, but I and Theo are going to write to my dad about our dating." Pansy looked at Theo and blushed, and he grinned.

"It's OK, you have fun. We, single girls, can go cruising for men as we go. I want to tell you about Shane anyway, Astra, and to let you know that Elijah keeps asking after you."

Both Blaise and Draco snapped their heads up.

"Elijah, why?" Astra was confused.

"Well, I heard from Justin that he wants to ask you on a date. Has been trying to do it for days. Let's get your headache sorted and then go find him." She pulled Astra away before she could even glance at Draco.

When they were out of earshot, Maddi giggled. "I think my plan is working."

"I think my arm is about to dislodge," Astra retaliated and pulled Maddi back to walk at a normal speed. "And what plan?"

"Getting Draco and Blaise jealous. Isn't it brilliant?"

Astra stopped. "Why would you do that?"

Maddi sighed. "Because I am getting fed up as heck. Blaise and I spend all our time together, and yet he hasn't asked me out on a date besides the ones given to us. I'm beginning to think he isn't interested in me."

"He is interested, Maddi. Anyone with eyes knows he is. But making him jealous may not be the best way of dealing with it. It seems a little silly."

"Draco, did it to you, remember?"

"And it backfired, and he ended up having to date the girl he tried to make me jealous of. And look how well that turned out."

"That's true," Maddi thought aloud. "But doesn't it annoy you that you're getting nowhere with Draco? I see how you look at him. I know you like him."