Ms. Popularity

4 | Barbie Doll

To say I'm nervous is an understatement. Not about the pretending, but all the attention. To look acceptable for this first day, and not like a nervous wreck, I put on Chloe's old pair of skinny jeans and a white Cami tank. I dig through my closet and pull on a black cardigan. It's 7:25, I have enough time to make breakfast. Mom is nowhere in sight, and it's no shocker that my father is at work again.
At 7:30 I pull on my black ankle boots and walk outside. Letting my mind wander while I stand on the curb. When Chris still isn't here by 7:38, I start walking. This is not a good start to our relationship.

When I get to school, it's still ten minutes till first bell. When I go through crowds, eyes are glued on me and I seem to be turning heads. I stare at my feet and quickly weave my way to the lockers.
"Wondered when you'd get here, babe." Chris's voice reaches my ear and seconds after he slumps into the red locker next to mine.
"I would've gotten here sooner, if my ride showed up on time," I say, and add, "babe."
He shifts uncomfortably, and rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, I needed to take the kids to school. My mom had an early shift at work. I would've called, but Chloe had her phone off so I couldn't ask."
"Kids? How many siblings do you have?"
"Two brothers and 3 sisters, including Chloe," he watches me go through my bag for a bit, "I see how I pissed you off right now, but Harper is gonna be next to us in 7 seconds, so put on a smile until then."
And on que; "Christopher! I was waiting for you. You were always there to greet me in the morning."
"That was when we were dating, two weeks ago."
"Well we're technically still dating, handsome. You just need some time to gather yourself. This time next week, everyone will be laughing at this little, shall we say, mix up."
"Um, no we won't. Because a week from know, he's taking me to dinner." I speak up. Surprisingly confident, I hoop my arm through his.
"Who are you?" Harper asks, trying to regain her confident face.
"I'm his girlfriend. Do we have a problem with that?" I ask.
She clicks her tongue, straightens her back, looks me up and down and then looks at Chris. Finally, she pulls a smile that's too big and fake onto her face, "Not at all, honey. I'm glad Christopher found a fling. In fact, I think it's healthy before continuing our serious relationship."
"I think you've got it wrong, honey. You were the fling," I turn my head to look at Chris, "Walk me to class?"
I take his hand and lead him away from Queen Bee and her side kicks. Obviously a number of people 'overheard' the conversation because they were staring at us and whispering.
"I never thought goody-two-shoes had so much fire." Chris smirks, and cha-cha's his shoulders.
"I never thought Mr. Popular was so scared of the live Barbie doll." I let go of his hand and smooth down my hair.
"I'll see you at lunch."
"Can't wait." I mutter and walk into Maths class. I have to admit, standing up to Harper like that was so much fun. Being Mr. Populars girlfriend just seemed to defeat her.
I take my seat and am immediately attacked by Jessica.
"You are dating Christopher Lowe? How could you not tell me?" She whisper-shouts.
"I was looking for you this morning, but I got held up."
"Barbie drama?" She asks, going calm for about two seconds with pity etched onto her face.
"Yes, god, you have no idea," I groan, "But I wanted to tell you in person."
"You are dating Christopher Lowe."
"Yes."
"You are dating Christopher Lowe."
"Yes! Now stop saying it like it's so surprising."
"But it is!"
"Yeah, it is."
"Victoria and Erin are totally gonna freak."
I roll my eyes and turn to face the front of the classroom. Guilt is already starting to spread through me, I hate lying to me best friend.