The Girlfriend: Fake It Till You Make It

Chapter 3: Desperate Measures

Damn that stupid cat. Why does it always end up sleeping on my head? 

Strolling down for breakfast, I have time today. At least I don't need to scarf down food while sprinting for the bus today. I wonder if every day will be like this? Probably not.

By the time I arrived at the bus stop, I still had ten minutes to spare. Plenty of time to read the latest book I'd borrowed from the library.

"Emily!"

Oh, for fucks sake... I don't usually like to swear, but that's the point that I've gotten too. I'm actually using the F-word now.

"Jump in. I'll take you to school," Ryan suggested. "No need to take the bus."

I like to take the bus. Gives me time to read,"  I said, showing him the book in my hand. "So, again, thanks. But no thanks."

Ryan looked dejected, but what can I do? Feelings can't be forced as they say. The two girls also waiting for the bus looked at me like I'd lost my mind. They looked at Ryan like a couple of idol fangirls. Admiring his handsome face smiling, they then looked back at me.

"Did you want to go with him," I offered the girls. The both looked at Ryan expectantly. Hoping.

"Sorry, but you're the only one I have in my heart, Emily." The girls pouted, then directed their angry looks to me. I just shrugged my shoulders. What can I do about it?

Thankfully, the bus arrived to save me from this annoying situation. Ryan watched as I boarded the bus and took a seat. Opening my book, I didn't even give him a second glance. As the bus pulled away, I noticed Jordan sitting towards the back. She gave my a nod. I nodded back, then returned to my book.

Stepping off the bus, Jordan caught up from behind and said, "That guy still hassling you?"

"Mmm. I don't know how many ways to say I'm not interested. I think I've tried them all. Oh, thanks for yesterday by the way. It was really helpful."

"No problems. Happy to help a fellow woman out," she said with a captivating grin. " Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure." Given her help yesterday, I can spare some time for her.

"Why don't you like that guy? I hear he's the most popular guys in school. All the girls would love to be in your shoes."

"Just not interested," I replied. 

"So, are you interested in girls then?" Jordan asked with a bit of a raised eyebrow.

I thought about it for a while. Jordan studied me curioiusly. Shaking my head, 'No. I'm just not interested in anyone at the moment. I don't have time for that romance stuff."

"Fair enough," Jordan said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Catch you later." Waving goodbye.

"Later."

It was around lunchtime, when I was explaining to a generally uninterested Sarah, about the latest book I was reading, when Ryan came and sat at our table.

"You don't mind if I sit here do you, Em?" Sarah scowled at him. Even though he was handsome and popular, Sarah was a good friend who always sided with me. The crowd nearby, oohh'd and aaah'd. Clearly they were mocking me.

"Go out on a date with me," Ryan said in a voice that was loud enough to silence the entire cafeteria. The crowd was waiting with bated breath for my response. The boys ready to cheer him on, the girls squeezing their fists, preparing for disappointment. 

This guy was really starting to stress me out, and why were all these people looking at me.

As I looked around, I saw Jordan walk in, holding a tray of food. Then I had a lightbull moment.

"Sorry, Ryan. But I have someone I'm already seeing." Ryan gave me a sceptical look.

"Who? Who are you seeing? I've never seen you with anyone." Ryan looked around to his friends who were nodding their heads in agreement. Like they'd know anyway. Sheep.

Looking to where Jordan was standing, I said, "Her. She's the one." 

My arm outstrected. The finger point is directly at Jordan. 

Jordan stood there, whose mouth opened wide. She looked around behind her, but nobody was standing there. With a questioning look, she pointed to herself as if to say, me?

I strode over to her in the middle of the cafeteria and put a pleading look on my face. 

Looping my arm through hers, I whispered, "Please, just play along?" 

Jordan looked at me like I'd gone crazy. She then looked where Ryan was sitting. She must have figured it out because she put down the tray of food and escorted me out.

Once outside, Jordan let go and said, "Seems that's two you owe me?"

I grabbed hold of Jordan's hands, shaking them.

"I'm so sorry for putting you on the spot. Ryan asked me out in front of everyone, and I just blanked. Until I say you walk in..."

Jordan looked down at us holding hands, then laughed out loud.

"It's ok. You're pretty good-looking, so I don't mind being associated," she joked.

I looked down at her hands that I was still holding. Blushing, I immediately let go.

I thought about it.. This might actually work? I'd get Ryan off my back and keep away any potential future suitors, if they thought that I like girls...

"Um, Jordan? Would you possible help with out?"

"With what?"

"Would you be my girlfriend?" I said straightfaced.

Jordan did a double take, "What did you just say?"

"Pretend to be my girlfriend at school? Please?" I begged.

"Uuummm???"