TEENS

Chapter 6

As I walked into school the next day, I kept my eyes glued onto the ground, pushing past everyone. I was avoided you know who and decided that I would focus on school, not boys. I have no idea why I had even wasted two days of my life stressing over a boy who I truly didn't know. Sure he was extremely cute and funny and sweet, but that's really it. When it comes down to it, he's just like any other guy.

Of course, I was lying to myself.

"Hey," I looked up and Paulina smiled at me, tilting her head to the side. "You look like you're going to throw up,"

"Why, thank you,"

"Thinking about Wren?"

I laughed as she fell into step with me. "How'd you know?"

She shrugged. "Carla looked that way after they broke up. She was devastated. Said it was the worse thing that's ever happened to her,"

"That's dramatic,"

"I guess," Paulina's hair was in a long braid down her back. I don't know how she mained that curly black hair into a braid, but she did. And she looked gorgeous. "I mean, all the boys I've dated have turned out to be jerks. I'm the one who broke up with them,"

"I knew you were a heartbreaker,"

"I'm not a heartbreaker," she said. "I just have high standards."

"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone."

I noticed Jemma at the end of the hall and she turned to wave at me. She slowly lowered her hand when she saw Paulina beside me. Paulina sensed the awkwardness as well, because she stiffened and looked over at me.

"It's fine," I whispered. "She's just not always so good with accepting new people,"

"Real friendly, that Jemma,"

I gave her a look as we approached her. Jemma gave me a tight smile. "Hey,"

"Hey," she replied slowly. She then pretended to be busy with the ruffles on her cream-white shirt. It really highlighted her tan, dark skin. I always felt like I was in a shadow when next to Jemma. It was like she had to have the spotlight. "What's up?"

"Nothing. Just talking to Paulina,"

"Hi," Paulina said, quietly. "I like your shirt."

Jemma snapped her head up and smiled. "Thanks,"

"Now that the jitters are out," I said. "Let's focus on the project. Where's Lyle?"

"You mean gothie? She's over there," Jemma pointed behind my head and sure enough, Lyle was leaning on a locker, smiling up at some jock. It looked like she really knew her stuff, as she twirled a dark strand around her finger and widened her eyes when she laughed, as if whatever he said was the funniest thing she'd ever heard. "She probably cast some goth spell on that boy."

"Jemma, unnecessary." I said.

Paulina smirked. "She's actually not that bad. One time, we were in PE together and she made me laugh so hard, I threw up the milk I drank at lunch. It came out of my nose,"

I laughed, but Jemma just stared at Paulina in a disgusted way. An awkward silence followed and we all stood in our place. Lyle looked over and saw us, gave us raised eyebrows instead of a wave, and began walking toward us.

"People," she said.

"Hey," I said. "We were just talking about the project,"

"Yeah, when can we meet up?" Paulina asked.

"My house is sort of cramped," I said.

Lyle nodded. "Mine too,"

"That leaves Paulina and Jemma," I said, looking at Jemma expectantly.