THE NARCOLEPTIC GENIUS

CHAPTER 12

Marybeth spent the rest of the days before the exam to study. She went to the library with the excuse of some peace and quiet as she didn't want to raise questions. While she was there, Debby walked in. She went to the librarian to register her entry. As she approached the shelves, she saw Marybeth so she stopped and went to talk to Marybeth first.

When she approached, Marybeth seemed so engrossed into the book that she didn't even see Debby. Debby waved her hand in Marybeth's face to catch her attention. Marybeth looked up and said, "Oh, Debby. Didn't see you there. What are you doing here? " "I just came to peak through some magazines. I'm kinda lacking inspiration. What you upto? " Debby asked looking at the cover of one of the books on the table. "Ahh, " Marybeth said hesitantly. "Algebra? Sweetie, you want a perfect score? The exam is over for us, " Debby said. "Hey, can't a nerd do her thing in peace? I'm just trying to understand somethings I didn't understand, " Marybeth said. Debby raised a brow and said, "This is why Andrew calls you a nerd. You did it to yourself. " They both giggled a little.

"How is he by the way? Like, how are things going between the two of you? " Marybeth asked. "You say it like we're a thing, " Debby said. "Well, aren't you? " Marybeth asked. "Noooo, " Debby said. While they were talking, Marybeth saw Andrew approaching. "Him and I can never be a thing, " Debby said. "Ahh, De..., " Marybeth said trying to tell her that he was right behind her but Debby continued talking anyway. "I only kept on hanging around him coz you were mad at me and let's face it, you're the glue keeping Joseph and I as friends. We're not really as close. Andrew was practically a friendship rebound, if that's a thing. Plus, he does everything I say but sometimes, it's clingy as f***. I'm actually thinking of cutting him off, " Debby said.

Debby was about to continued talking when Marybeth stopped her and said, "Debby, stop. " "Na, let her speak, " Andrew said. Debby's face turned pale. She turned to look behind her and said, "Andrew, I thought you were waiting outside. " "I was but I figured you took too long for some magazines so I came to check what was holding you up. I'm sorry if I'm being clingy, " Andrew said. "No, Andrew, " Debby said.

"It's okay Debby. You know I've always liked you. You're beautiful, smart and popular but still so down to earth. You don't go for outward appearance or riches when making friends. You're not like most popular girls. I know I've made some mistakes and it's okay if you still see me as a jerk. I've been one for the longest. I just want you to know that I didn't get close to you just coz you're pretty but also coz I'm a better person with you around. I even managed to cut Cameron off and do better for the SATs. I didn't really expect you to date me but I just hoped I'd be someone close to you. I didn't realise I was being clingy and that I was just a chauffeur to you, " Andrew said.

"No, that's not what I meant, " Debby said. "No, it's kinda true. I do everything you say but I didn't think it would paint that picture for you. I didn't realise how desperate I appeared. I'm sorry. I'll do you a favour, you don't have to worry about me anymore. I'll leave you alone, " Andrew said and turned to leave but Debby took his hand. He looked back at her and gently took back his hand. "It's okay, no hard feelings, " Andrew said and finally walked out.

Debby turned to Marybeth and said angrily, " Why didn't you tell me he was behind me? " "You're not getting mad at me for real, are you? " Marybeth asked confused by her change of mood. "You wanted this to happen, didn't you? You wanted to get back at me, " Debby said. "Get back at you for what? How was I supposed to know you came with him? " Marybeth said. "But you saw him behind me, " Debby said. "I tried to warn you but you and your big mouth, you just kept blabbing. I had to hold your hand to get you to shut up, " Marybeth said. "You didn't try hard enough. Admit it, you're still mad at me for what happened at the party, " Debby said. "I actually forgot about that but since you've brought it up, why did you do it? " Marybeth asked. "Uhg! I can't believe you still think I did it to you. For what gain Marybeth?! It's your stupid boyfriend that did it to you. I don't know why but he did okay. I don't have proof for that but I have proof that he's the bad guy. You can come take a look when the spell he's cast on you wears off. If it ever will, " Debby said.