Playing For Keeps

6|Chapter 3-Lola

All those movies and the heartbreak songs said the truth. To get over a guy, you've got to get under one.

—Lola.

Today's the first day of school. And already, I can't wait for it to be over. Just last night, I found out that Richard and Mabel actually got together. 

Like seriously! As if it wasn't bad enough, he cheated on me—now they're flaunting their relationship out there in public. 

I would have skipped school if I could, but my mom was adamant that I showed up and flaunted how unbothered I was. 

 Gibby, my elder brother and general pain in the ass is quiet on the way to school. He backs out of the driveway, merges onto the highway and cruises to Redwood Academy, with his window down and one hand on the steering wheel. The radio blares one of the top hits and he bobs his head to it, and taps the beat.

''If you need me to mess him up, just call. I've been itching to punch that dude in the face,'' he says, hands gripping the wheel. I say nothing, knowing he wouldn't agree with not paying Andre back.

''Hey, I may be the pain in your ass but I love you. Call me if anyone tries anything,'' Gbolahan says before driving out of the car park.

Everyone's staring at me. 

Of course, they are.

It's my first appearance since the breakup and while I would have wanted a red carpet scene like the movies or to pick one of the jocks and have my way with him to show I'm over Richard...the truth is I'm not. 

I push through the small crowd at the door, making my way to my locker where Talia, Jessica and London are waiting for me. And already things are off to a weird start.

''Move on, people. Nothing to see here,'' Talia says, balling her fists and threatening one of the guys still staring at us. We snort as the crowd disperses before I try opening my locker. I pause, the combination clogging my throat as the memory behind it plays in front of me.

We were young, almost fourteen and fresh off the ice. I had fallen on my ass immediately we got off, but Andre had skills both on and off it. He leaned close, pulling me off the ground. I stumbled, my knees wobbly before he asked me the question. And I says yes. That date, 22nd March, 2019 became my phone's password, my combination and everything that needed a passcode.

I need to change it.

''I can't believe he did that. Actually, I can believe he did it, but Mabel...she is your best friend since the first day. Your ride or die, the one you counted on at all times. And yet the one time to show how much she valued your friendship, she couldn't do it.''

I sigh and nod, finding myself in the middle of a group hug that lasts enough time for the first bell to ring. Both Talia and London have classes on the other side of the school while Jessica and I were lucky enough to have both first and second period together.

''Come on. If we're any later than this Mr. Xavier is going to have our heads. And I don't look pretty as a headless horseman.''

I giggle, and pull my books out before shutting the locker. We move through the crowd, bypassing the staircase before reaching our first class, English literature.

My dad had ambitions that just like him I would become an author and while the job had its perks, I was more interested in becoming an engineer, a chemical one to boot all because I wanted to play with chemicals.

We enter at the nick of time with our teacher floundering after us. Most of the class go with menial talk about what is expected from us during the session, which books we will discuss and whether or not we're making a play for Christmas.