A Recipe for Disaster

I'm overheated, can't be defeated

I bolted out of the cafeteria, my face burning, and my heart pounding with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

Ryder's words replayed in my mind, each one sharper and more humiliating than the last:
"You're just jealous he likes someone who isn't you!"

What did he even know about me and Graham? I don't like him! And he didn't have to yell that so loudly! I wanted to storm back into the cafeteria, scream at Ryder, insult him, and maybe even top it off with a punch.

I kept walking and found myself outside, where a slight breeze did nothing to cool me down. As I leaned against a tree, my phone vibrated in my pocket—it was a text from Graham.

GREY-HAM:
Hey, you good?

I stared at the screen, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions. I didn't even know how to answer him. I was mad at him for not telling me about Maya, for making me hear it through Ryder of all people. Even if they were best friends, he didn't have to let Ryder tell me!

Maybe I should ignore him, leave him on read. Nah, I couldn't—he'd know I saw his message. I let out an annoyed sigh and texted back.

Me:
Yeah, yeah of course
Just a little embarrassed that I stormed out
Should've kicked that dude's ass

A few seconds later, another message popped up.

GREY-HAM:
lol

The next day, I was too mad and embarrassed to even go back to school, especially after the whole cafeteria scene. But my mom insisted, convinced that we'd actually learn something on the second day.
Hilarious.

So I dragged myself out of bed and put on something decent. I wore my hair in a tight ponytail, hoping that maybe he'd notice how good my hair looked and realize he was missing out.
Yeah, sometimes I look back on my thoughts and cringe, too.

I left the house ten minutes earlier than usual to avoid running into him since we usually walked to school together. Just as I was leaving, guess who I didn't see—Ryder, with a bouquet of flowers, down on one knee. He gave me a heart-melting smile and asked,
"Will you marry me?"

I squealed excitedly and ran to him, shouting, "Yes! Yes—"

Just kidding. He wasn't even there, and we didn't get married. But Graham was. He was standing there, looking awkward, his eyes snapping to mine as I walked up. He gave me one of his small, dimpled smiles—priceless as ever.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey," I whispered back, trying not to break eye contact because I read somewhere that holding someone's gaze can make them nervous. Also, I learned Ms. Foej's psychic readings are only twenty bucks. "So, um, my mom's taking me to school today," I lied.

He nodded, looking anywhere but at me. Thank you, Ms. Foej, I thought.

"Oh, okay. I just wanted to talk about yesterday. I swear, I wasn't trying to start a fight between you and Ryder."

Oh no, no, no. I'm not rehashing that mess. "Look, I'm not mad anymore. I'm glad you're dating this Maya girl. Done?" I forced a small smile.

He nodded awkwardly, looking like he wanted to say more but didn't. "Well, that's great. So, um, bye."

"Bye," I muttered as I turned and stormed back into the house.

"Amy, is that you?" Mom called.

"Yeah, I just forgot my lunch," I lied, grabbing a piece of bread and an apple from the pantry.

"But I could have swo—"

"I've gotta go, Mom. Love you," I said quickly, slipping out the back door and taking the long way to school.