The Enigma of Love

Anna slammed her locker shut. The day had started off bad, and had just gotten worse from there. It was as if the powers that be had decided to lob a craptastic bomb full of crap in her direction.

Way too early in the morning, Matt had sped away in his brand new car while she was in the shower, causing her to be late for AP Calc. But did he care? No. Not one bit. Anna scowled at the thought of her obnoxious older brother. She didn't ask him much. All she demanded was a freaking ride to school! It wasn't that hard of a job. 

Deep furrows marred Anna's forehead as she angrily pushed the lock up. So it was all Matt's fault. It was his fault that she was forced to sit by Jimmy "Leaf" Spardo when she found her normal spot taken. It was his  fault that she couldn't concentrate because the stench of a certain plant wafting from Leaf's body had her gagging. It was because of him that she realized in second period that she had forgotten her biology homework. 

All. Matt's. Fault. 

She shouldn't really be surprised. When had Matt ever not let her down? Well...before Jake, of course. Anna's mind wandered to their former best friend. Anna frowned. Jake Adams was not to be thought of at 11:30 in the morning. The only acceptable reminiscing time was late at night when her brain was foggy and didn't know what the hell it was thinking. 

"Anna!"

She whirled around and spotted Haley rushing towards her with a megawatt grin across her elfin face. Anna smiled at her best friend. "Hey Hales." Anna said tiredly.

Haley narrowed her eyes. "Birdy, what's up?" You sound like your future, yet-to-exist-baby has been snatched from your bosom by an evil scientist who plans to use her in his plot to take over the world and rename it Floob." 

What?

Anna just looked on with amusement as Haley continued her spiel

"--because little does anyone know, your baby is the key to human salvation! Well, the evil scientist knows. But you don't, and try to get her back with the aid of a sexy FBI agent named Lorenzo, who's secretly the prince of Monaco!"

"Are you done?" Anna laughed as her best friend gulped in air.

Haley looked pointedly at her. "You get my drift."

Anna really didn't, but she couldn't deny the fact that Haley had cheered her up immensely. Sighing, she told Haley about Matt ungraciously leaving her to make the 20 minute trek to school on foot. Haley had been her friend since middle school, and knew all about Matt's annoying side. She didn't fawn over him like 97% of Central High's female population, something for which Anna was grateful for every day. 

"Anna, you've got to stand up to him. He's gotten to be more and more of a jerk, and without your guidance, I fear he will never be free of the dark pits of jackassery."

Haley's eyes widened dramatically, and Anna couldn't help but laugh. But Haley's words struck a chord. She really did need to talk to Matt about his behavior. 

Anna groaned. Now she was starting to sound like some bitter aunt who tried to mother unwilling kids over Thanksgiving dinner. Pushing Matt's douchebaggery out of her mind, she tried to smile at Haley. 

"C'mon, we've got to hurry if we don't want to be late for English!" Haley exclaimed.

Anna inwardly grimaced at the thought. English was the only class she had with Jake, and that was more than enough. They barely spoke, unless absolutely necessary. They had even managed to give a group presentation together having only exchanged the phrases "You do that, I'll do that." and "Fine." while working.