Umber In Level 8

+Chapter Five+

"Claude Trix?" Someone asked. I turned around to see none other than Gisela. I strained my ears to hear their conversation. "I was wondering if you'd go out with me?"

"U-uh..." Dorky Trix stammered. "I'm sorry, but I think I'm with Umber right now."

Gisela's voice was thick with artificial sympathy. "Oh, you didn't know? She was just pretending to be into you to make Ruy jealous."

I watched as Dorky Trix's face crumbled. "Oh. Are you sure?"

Gisela nodded.

Trix seemed to be considering. "Sure, I guess."

Gisela's face lit up like she'd won a free ticket to the eurypterid races. What game was she playing? "Amazing. See you later." She offered a flirtatious wave, then disappeared down the hallway. I didn't fail to notice how Trix's gaze seemed to be glued to her. Just a minute ago, that same look was directed at me.

For a split second, I felt a tinge of jealousy in my gut. Then I instantly wanted to wash out my brain. I didn't even like Dorky Trix. There was nothing–not even a bone in my body–that felt anythingromantic towards Dorky Trix.

I couldn't believe Gisela would even ask him out. What did she even see in him? And more importantly, didn't she know that I couldn't be friends with anyone who was caught dead with Dorky Trix? I couldn't have that ruin my reputation. If I wasn't on the top of the social pyramid... I didn't even know what I'd do. So it became clear: I needed to have a talk with Gisela.

+++

"Are you being serious right now?" Gisela asked. She didn't look too happy about the news. "You're really saying you can't be friends with me if I'm with Dorky Trix? That's... that's insane!"

I nodded. "What do you even see in him? You're in completely different leagues."

"Not once you get to know him." Gisela said defensively, crossing her arms. "He's a good guy."

I scoffed. "And when did you get to know him, Gisela? After I kissed him at your winnowing gala? We're best friends, Gisela! You can't do that!"

"Right, because you're all knowledgeable about what friends should and shouldn't do. I spend all day long in your shadow. If you cared enough, maybe you'd notice how I felt."

An instant dent was put in my defenses. Was Gisela... right? Not about Dorky Trix, obviously. But... what did Gisela do all day once she left my side? The truth was, I didn't really take time to think about that.

But no matter. Gisela was with Dorky Trix, and we couldn't be friends anymore. That was that.

"I'm sorry, Gisela. But until you're done with Dorky Trix, we're no longer friends." Then I left, leaving all my friendly feelings for Gisela behind me. From then on, we were enemies.

[A/N: Sorry, shorter chapter than usual. I really wanted to end it there, though!]