Mr. Popular's Bet

A/N: This story is dedicated to EmilyMyrick I hope you'll love this story!

Please vote and comment!

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Prologue

I have been waiting for my best friend for almost an hour in my house. We have plans on spending the day together. So we can get away from all the reality in the world.

What I like about him is how spirited and how positive he is towards everything. He may be smart, good looking, sporty, but he's childish and playful at the same time.

Sitting here in our porch, I try to distract myself by wandering my eyes at the surroundings before me. Hmm, I really need a gardener to fix my front and backyard.

"Hey!"

My smile couldn't grow wider. He's finally here.

Before I could even respond, he ran towards me and immediately gave me a tight hug. I can smell his lavander cologne. When the hug finally broke, I slapped his arm playfully, "Hey! Where have you been?"

He ruffled his hair and smiled apologetically, "Sorry, I was stuck at traffic. Plus I had to drive my baby brother to McDonald's."

"You left him there?"

"Yep. Don't worry. He'll be fine. He's fifteen. He's old enough to walk around the streets and ask for directions."

"You're such an ass Nick."

"Thank you. Now my dear best friend, off we go?" He reaches out for my hand and I gladly accept.

Off we go to our usual spot.

Not too far from my house there's this secret place we call Paradise because of it's beauty. It's like a mini forest. Huge rocks and trees covering the place and at the middle is a mini waterfall. It is where we usually go for a nice alone time picnic.

"Wow. This place is still beautiful." I commented.

"Yeah it is." He breathed.

After a moment of admiration, we took out our stuff and arranged it, and then we planted our seats under the big old tree.

We just sat there and casually talk as if we haven't spoken in ages. Believe me, it feels like ages. We are close, but as we grew, we slowly grew apart... and eventually my best friend is in a relationship. Where, the jealous girlfriend despises me so much.

He took his homemade sandwich and gave me one, "Wow it has been years since we met."

"Yeah seven years ago."

He chuckled as he took a bite, "We were ten years old, we met because you got lost in the wilderness, while I was exploring the wilderness."

"Yeah and you pushed me and I scraped my knee."

"Oh yeah and remember, you pushed me harder, I broke my ankle? Good times, Raina."

We laughed at the fond memories, good times. But what changed is how puberty hit both of us. Well, mostly him. "So, how are you and-"

His phone started to ring. He held a finger up, "Oh, hold on." Nick checked his phone and smiled, "Hello? Oh hey babe. No, I'm with Raina... It was today?... Oh right, can we postpone that?... Fine fine! I'm on my way."

I pressed my lips onto a tight line, "Girl issues?"

He massaged his head to ease the irritation. He holds my hand and said, "Rain, I know I promised that today is our day but-"

Before he could finish, I cut him off, "It's fine Nick. I... I totally understand. Lauren needs you."

He smiled and gave me another hug, "God, you are the best, Rain."

"I know."

****

Today's a busy day for me because of the finals and I have to organize a program before the football game. I still have to finish the flyers and banners that are needed for the game.

After putting my books and took my planner, I jumped upon seeing the last person I would want to see with her minions.

She's tall, beautiful... you know that typical blonde in movies, a cheerleader with a failing grade. I still don't get why Nick is dating her. "Hi Raina!"

I quirk my eyebrows up, "Umm, hey Lauren. Any reason that you're talking to me?"

"Of course, you're my boyfriend's best friend." I raised an eyebrow at her response, "I want you to do something for me."

I snorted a laugh, "Uh, Lauren. Yeah I may be Nick's best friend but I don't do evil things for you so-"

She grabbed me by collar and pinned me to the lockers, "Bitch, better do as I say or I'll-"

"Or what? You're going to make my life like a living hell? Please do." I retorted.

"Sarcastic are we? But I am not. Do as I say, and stay away from him. I don't want you in his life because you're ruining his reputation." My eyebrows met in confusion.

"Why would I ruin his reputation? I'm the Student Government President, captain of the science and math club... okay I see your point."

"Yes, you're a nerd." One of her minions told me.

Lauren, smiling evilly, is slowly leaning dangerously close to me and whispers, "He got demoted by the team, and almost got kicked out of the popular table. You wouldn't want your best friend to feel that you're taking away everything from him, right?"

***

I never plan how everything might turn out. I didn't avoid my best friend, that is why Lauren is out to get me.

Now that it's lunch time, Lauren started a food fight and hit me with a chicken leg. This is how Nick caught me pouring ketchup on her hair, "Raina! What the hell?!"

I stood there stunned.

"Babe, look at what she did to me!" Lauren acted out badly. I just looked at her in a bored way.

Nicholas being him, rescued his damsel in distress and glared at me, "Apologize to her, Raina Marie."

I scoffed, "M-Me? Apologize? Excuse me, Nick but she's the one who-"

"Raina I have heard and seen enough." He said loudly, making everyone in the cefteria to stop what they're doing to witness us.

My eyes began to water, but no. I am not weak. "FINE. Be that way." I poked his chest hard in anger and hurt, "I totally understand. I am ruining your reputation with her!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Stop acting so clueless Nick. It's over. I hate you."

With that, I walked out of the cafeteria with the rest of his brothers trailing behind me. They wanted to make sure I was fine. I told them the most satisfying answer. They still looked worried, but I don't want to be rescued, I can save myself even after that horrible moment. They understood me and hesitantly left, while I took that chance to escape to go home.

Funny how things turn out to be. From that person whom you really cherish is now the person you'd love to bury alive.

It's kinda sad that that's how Nick and I became arch nemesis.