RIVALS

Chapter Three

Jack walked home with Tedros beside him, in deep thought. He was thinking about the new girl, she was so pretty, but it wasn't only beauty that made him notice her, there was this part of her that felt so special, that seemed like she belonged to him and he belonged to her. It felt so perfect. What the hell was he thinking? A girl he barely knew, and he was already thinking about spending the rest of his life with her. Was he crazy? Or, was this what they called LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?

Tedros stared at his best friend since kindergarten. He thought Jack would look at him and be like, 'Hey, man! Stop staring at me' but Jack did not even notice him. He hit Jack hard, and Jack yelped. "Hey! What was that for?", said Jack. Tedros did not answer the question. Instead, he said, "What were you daydreaming about?", said Tedros. Jack looked at his best friend and thought to himself. Should he tell him Tedros was sure to make fun of him but at the same time....

But at the same time, they had been friends for a very long time and nearly brothers for those who didn't know them too well. They were called twins. Tedros would never keep this secret from him , so why should he keep this secret, the secret that he was in love with SOPHIE CARTWRIGHT. He sighed. "What the hell are you thinking? You are keeping me in suspense here", said Tedros. "Fine, I'll tell you", said Jack. "Then what is it?", said Tedros impatiently.

Jack whispered into Tedros' hair and pulled away. For a moment, Tedros stared into the distance and burst into laughter immediately, mumbling a few words. The only thing that Jack could hear was that, 'Alison is going to kill you'. Jack walked away, embarrassed, and Tedros ran to catch up with him. "Be practical, Jack. If Alison should ever hear that you are in love with that girl, it's not you that'll suffer. It's the poor girl", said Tedros. "Not if I'm protecting her", said Jack.

"Well makes sense, but do you remember what happened between I and Emily?" DOES SHE LOVE YOU BACK?", said Tedros. "That's exactly what I'm worried about", said Jack, thinking. "But I love this girl, I really do", said Jack. "Someone's in love!", said Tedros, laughing. "Stop it, Tedros, it's not funny", said Jack. Tedros stopped laughing after what seemed like ages to Jack. "You are a hot guy, so why are you worried? She'll like you", said Tedros.

"Aren't you also hot? So, why did Emily reject you? And she seems like a very sophisticated person, did you see her jacket, it must be 20,000 dollars", said Jack. "Then we are going to dress you up to match her taste and, if she accepts you, that'll call for a celebration but, if she rejects you, it will still call for a celebration because we'll know we tried our best", said Tedros. "Yep!", Jack said, hoping badly that Sophie did not reject him. And, they soon got home.

"Hey, mom. I'm home", said Jack. "We're home", said Tedros loudly. Rosaline walked into the sitting room and hugged the boys tightly. "Hello, boys", she said, pulling away. "You're a bit late today. What happened?", said Rosaline. "Basketball practice", said Tedros, while Jack embarked on the steps. "What's wrong with him?" Rosaline whispered. "He's in love with a girl", said Tedros. "Is she pretty?", she asked. "Yep! Very", said Tedros. Jack called from upstairs.

"Tedros, stop gossiping with my mum. I told you to come help me with my clothes!", said Jack. Tedros winked, embarking the stairs. "See you later Rosaline", Tedros whispered, walking up the stairs, and Rosaline laughed, "Silly boys", said Rosaline, moving to the kitchen to give them their lunch. "So, what do we start with", said Jack. "Your hair", said Tedros. And so, the grooming for the prom night began to attract the most beautiful girl in school.

Shampoo and after shave scent travelled through the house, and Rosaline could swear that she tasted some of it in her mouth. Hours passed by, and Tedros only left just to get his tuxedo from home. It was soon sunset when Bob came back home. "I'm home, sweetheart", he said, walking to the sitting room to meet his wife. Rosaline came from the kitchen where she was preparing dessert. They had a short kiss, and they chuckled. "Where's my son?", said Bob.

"Our son is in love, and tonight is their school's prom night. I've never seen him so excited", said Rosaline. "Do we know her name?", said Bob. "No, we don't", said Rosaline. The door creaked open from upstairs, and Tedros poked his head out. 'Hello, Bob", said Tedros. "What of your dad? It's been long I've seen him", said Bob, climbing up the stairs, his coat in his arms. As soon as he reached Tedros' side, he whispered, "What's the girl's name", said Bob. "Sophie", said Tedros.

Bob barged in on his son. "Hello, son", said Bob. "Hey dad", said Jack, focused on the suit he was ironing. "Nice tux", said Bob. "Thanks, dad", said Jack, with a smile. Bob sat down beside him at the edge of the bed where he was ironing his tux. "So, when were you going to tell me about the girl? If you don't mind, I've got some tips on how to win her heart", said Bob. "Don't need them, dad. And please, I really need some privacy. TEDROS!!! Stop talking to my mum", said Jack.

Bob got out chuckling, and Tedros walked in, grinning like he just won an award. "It is time to start dressing", said Jack, closing the door behind his dad. "Hey, sweetheart, what's for dessert?", said Bob. "Apple pie", said Rosaline. And so, when it was night time, Jack got out of his room, and to be honest with himself, he was impressed. Jack gelled his soft, curly hair into an impressive style, and his skin was glowing. His blue eyes shone like sapphires, and his tux looked immaculate.

He wore a bowtie, and his polished shoes gleamed like they were in the sun. Jack smiled at his parents' reaction. "Any girl who doesn't know the value of this is crazy", said Bob. Rosaline stood up from the dining and walked up to Jack. "You look good, but remember, don't mumble up your words and don't push the girl too much we girls hate pushing", she said, adjusting the bow tie. "And this outfit would not be complete without a car", said Bob, handing his key to Tedros.

Jack smiled and was feeling so worried, 'would Sophie accept him?'