The Delinquents

Chapter 4: Mike

The walk back home after the incident was a tense and awkward one. We didn't exchange any words and the silence was suffocating. I couldn't stand the way things had turned out and it kept me up all night, tossing and turning in bed. The next morning, we met again on the lawn before school began. As I walked up to the group, I noticed they were whispering to each other. Their hushed tones made me feel uneasy and I stopped before them, and knelt down on the green lawn which was still drenched with dew from the early morning dawn. The group fell silent and turned to look at me, their eyes fixated on my every move.

"What is it?" I asked them.
"We just think we should consider what Becca said yesterday, in the cafeteria," Layla spoke up.
"Oh, that? You're going to consider that?!" I exclaimed, confused.
"It is true, the rules state the treatment is only for freshmen." Amanda put forth.
I looked around and let out a strained breath. They weren't shying away from confrontation with me, though I could reinforce the rules here— and counter with my justification on why I disagree. But I didn't have the energy since I didn't get much sleep last night.
"So? What do you say?" Becca asked eagerly.
"We should ask him what he thinks," I replied.
They looked at each other and then back at me.
"Really? You want to ask him if he wants to join us?" Layla asked, confused.

"Yeah. I do." I reinforced, nodding my head.
They looked at me like I had two heads. But, I wanted the decision to be his because I knew mine would be no. It would just be interesting to see his face when I ask him if he wants to join us.

"Ok. We'll ask him today if he wants to join our group," Becca announced and everyone agreed. "Today during lunch. Since there will be no distractions."

I grimaced at the thought of it all. I'd have to tolerate him and I already can't stand the thought of being near him. It made me itch just thinking about it. None of this was going to plan, and I had many devious plans to torture him. Now I must act nice towards him? I couldn't fathom such a thing.

During lunch that day, our group huddled together to brainstorm the best approach for breaking the news to him. Amanda and Layla were in deep discussion with Becca, exchanging ideas on how to conduct the charade properly. Meanwhile, I stood back and listened attentively, taking in their every word. As I observed their movements, I couldn't help but notice the way their faces lit up when they talked about him. They spoke animatedly, their words flowing effortlessly and their eyes sparkling with excitement.

As they continued, I turned around and caught a glimpse of him standing by the corner on the other side of the cafeteria. He had his arms crossed and was leaning against the wall, watching us intently. I couldn't help but watch him too, observing his every subtle movement. I noticed the way his hair slightly bounced when he moved his head, his pink lips that pursed slightly as he listened to our conversation, and his tall figure that loomed over everyone in his vicinity. Despite his imposing presence, he seemed approachable and friendly, and I couldn't fathom why him. Why does he do what he does? What makes him tick? What makes him angry? I suddenly realized I was becoming too invested in him, so I pulled myself back and got myself together.

As I stood there looking at Mike, I suddenly heard giggles coming from the group of girls. It was loud enough to pull my attention away from Mike, and I couldn't help but wonder what was so funny. I turned towards them and observed their conversation. They were talking about Mike's luscious locks and how hot he looked. I bit my lips and It was all I could do to stop myself from rolling my eyes. They were gushing over him like he was some kind of celebrity. I couldn't believe they were falling for this crap! I decided it was time to intervene and break up the conversation before it became even more cringe-worthy.

"Listen up, everyone. He's here, standing over there. If we're going to do this, we better do it now." I stated firmly.

They stopped giggling, their faces were still red and hot from all the blushing, they cleared their throats, and got themselves together before they were to walk over to him and asked him if he would be willing to join our group. As a leader, I reluctantly turned around, with one leg at a time, and slowly walked over to him. My heart beat steadily in my chest, thumping in my ears as I grew nearer and nearer to him. The anticipation was palpable, seething in my bones. I knew he sensed we were coming because he readjusted himself and stopped leaning against the wall. He licked his lips and looked up at me with those soft brown eyes, and I felt a feeling I never felt before. A wave of butterflies overcame me and I became flushed. I stopped just a few feet from him and crossed my arms. I kept my face expressionless. I didn't want to display any signs that I enjoyed this- because I didn't. Not for what I'm about to do. The way he makes me feel makes me sick.