A Loser's Guide to be Noticeable

16: There will Always going to be a Misstep

Some students who had no interest in sports or doesn't have booths to prepare didn't come to school on Monday. Even though I was that "Some Students," I still went because I liked helping Lawrence and the Art club, and also because of Jaeden's basketball tryout. It was still in the afternoon, so Lawrence and I have the morning to help decorate the Art club's photo booth.

There were five backdrops, all huge and beautiful and unique. The first one was a festival-style backdrop, which had fireworks and confetti. In the painting, there was a banner tied to a floating balloon with the words: "Happy Intramurals and Foundation Day!" The next one was a Starry Night style, it looked like you were walking in Van Gough's creation. There was also a backdrop that looked like the inside of a European castle. Another was Egyptian with hieroglyphs and stuff. And then, Lawrence's Paris slashed "Cruella" backdrop. Each had a box with props that people could use while taking pictures. Most of the props were Art Club's creations.

Yesterday, I helped Lawrence finish the backdrop -- okay, more like Lawrence and Christian finished the backdrop while I was preparing snacks and bringing coffee. But still.

Besides, I got to know more about Christian. And also their flirty banter that made me squeal inside.

I never saw Lawrence like that I couldn't help smiling. Lawrence deserved happiness. And I knew I was so far ahead, but if they ended up together, Christian be better to take good care of my best friend, or else I would castrate his balls.

I mean, it was too early to tell what would happen. And I didn't want to look like a creep following their relationship and being a snoop (even though I was on the inside). But I rather be swooning at my best friend relationship (maybe create fan fiction in my mind) than thinking about my nonexisting love life.

Of course, I wanted to experience what it feels like to fall in love and be loved. Ever since I knew that I was gay, I always thought about what would it feels like to kiss someone, to feel how soft the kiss was... or maybe it was more fiery. Was it the same as the way the books described it? The incredible and unforgettable first kiss? What was it felt like to be in a romantic relationship? Was it easy? Was it hard?

Funny how I became a Romance-Fantasy writer but never experienced this sort of thing.

Lawrence, Christian, and I arranged Lawrence's backdrop, hauling the boxes that contained the props, putting some last touches, and everything. When we were done and satisfied, and when Hannah and Mrs. Anderson approved, we took solo and group pictures. Mrs. Anderson encouraged us to post it on our social media to gain customers when it opened tomorrow.

"You know, Felix. You should be part of the Art club. You did more than just help," Mrs. Anderson said.

I smiled. "It's okay, Mrs. Anderson. I like it when I was just helping."

"You're a good kid." Then she patted my shoulder.

After, Mrs. Anderson treated us with pizzas and cokes. When the delivery man arrived, we shouted and hooted in delight and huddled around the food, sitting on the floor, eating, and talking. I may not be part of their group, and most of them I didn't know or even had a single word, but at that moment, I felt like I belonged.

***

When we were done eating the pizzas and cleaning the booth, and Lawrence saying goodbye to Christian (which ended up Christian saying, "Your backdrop is the most beautiful."), Lawrence and I went to the Basketball court.

The Intramurals/Foundation day's opening was on Tuesday. But you could already hear the energy buzzing from the court as if the game was already started.

Or maybe it was because how everyone was hungry to see what Clarke Reynolds and other Basketball varsity players would do to make Jaeden look pathetic again.

It was really bad. Not to mention that Clarke Reynolds was the sophomore basketball team captain and who would pick for sophomore's representative for the intramurals. He and other sophomore varsity players were teaming up to make it harder for Jaeden. Though I was not saying that Jaeden doesn't deserve it because he was always pestering a lot of people, especially Stacey, which Clarke wanted to win over again.

"Argh! I don't want to see this." I looked away, facing other students who were also watching the sophomore's tryout with a smile on their faces.

For Jaeden to be part of the sophomore basketball team, he needed to pass some drills: shooting, dribbling, and such. Jaeden failed all pf them. It felt like I was watching him in a hazing. Though, at least, he was good at the running drills.

"No. You should watch it," Lawrence's delightful voice said, not even blinking as his gaze fixed on the basketball court. "I know karma will get him."

They were in the passing drill, Jaeden was doing push-ups while staring at Clarke smirking while holding a basketball, and waiting for him to pass it to him. Jaeden's arms were wobbling, sweat was running down his face. It was the second time. The first time went to his stomach instead of his hand. A grunt escaped from Jaeden's mouth, but he continue.

I covered my eyes, peaking every second, because I still needed to see what was going to happen. And then Clarke released the ball, it was so fast I couldn't even notice that he released it, not until it was halfway toward Jaeden.

Jaeden tried to stand quickly, but it was too late, the ball hit him in the face.

Everyone was laughing. The audience seating on the bleachers, the seniors who were waiting for their turn to use the court for the tryout, the junior, and freshmen who were already done and now watching at the court, even Lawrence. "Nice one Clarke," he shouted.

"Ow." Lawrence looked at me as he stroked the arm I slapped. "Why are you so stingy?"

"Because it's Jaeden."

"You should be happy. Not look like his..." then he trailed off.

That made my ears burn. "His, what?"

Lawrence rolled his eyes as a smile played on his face. "Nothing, nothing-- wait! Jaeden walked out."

"What?" And Jaeden did. Every step indicated how angry he was. He didn't even look back when others booed and laughed even more, telling him he was a sour loser.

"Where are you going?" Lawrence asked.

That made me realize I was standing. "I-I" -- then I looked at where Jaeden went -- "I need to do something."

"Wait. Do you want me to go with you?"

"No. Just wait here, I'll be quick." I dodged the people sitting on the bleachers, walked down, and went to the changing room where Jaeden headed.