Miserable

8

The next day, I hung out with James for as long as I could. I wanted to prove how hanging with him isn't bad.

Today, we're back at school and my confident feelings from yesterday, seem to have vanished.

My mom doesn't talk to me that much anymore. All she says is either, "good morning", "it's time to eat", or "goodnight". Rich on the other hand, is our bridge. He keeps on talking. I stay silent and just nod if I agree or shake my head, if no. That's how it is now in my house. Quiet, distant. Like we're all breaking. And maybe we are.

"Look, Joy!" Jade whispers quite loudly.

Some people turn to look at me then who Jade was pointing to. Clarence Troy, the football captain, walking down the hall and towards us. He winks and smiles at me then walks on to their classroom. Some girls turn to look at me from where they are, and start whispering. Psh. Whatever.

I close my locker and follow Jade to homeroom.

"He winked at you!" She squeals.

"Jade. We've been talking for a quite a time now." I say, rolling my eyes.

"But, Joy! He winked! There's a difference between talking and WINKING!" She argues. "A BIG difference!"

I sigh. "Whatever, Jade."

James comes in and sits down beside me quietly.

"Hey James!" Jade says.

He nods in her direction.

"James?" I ask.

He raises and eyebrow.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just fine." He replies gloomily.

"You're obviously not, so would you mind telling us why?" Jade asks.

He sighs. "Just you, Jade."

I raise an eyebrow but don't push him further. Just Jade? Why?

Ms. Hornette comes in and I go back to silent mode, pondering on what just happened in the past few minutes.

After the first few classes, we have lunch and I sit alone at the table. Well, James and Jade are here but I'm not "part of their conversation".

"Hey Joy. Wanna come sit with us?" A guy asks.

I look behind me to see Chase. I smile. "Nah. Thank though."

He shrugs. "No problem. Troy was asking." He says with a wink before walking away.

Troy wants me to sit with them?

"Joy?"

I look over at the two and see James with a clouded expression.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

Jade hesitates. "We need to talk. Outside."

I get up and follow her.

"What is it?" I ask.

"James is- I don't know how to explain it without telling you. He wants to keep it a secret. So I'll respect that. But just don't be hurt okay? He can't bear to tell you right now. He's afraid things will change between you two." Jade explains.

"What? Why?" I ask.

She shakes her head. "That's all I'll say. Just please cooperate with this." She begs.

I shrug my shoulders. "Uh. Okay I guess."

"Thanks."

We walk back to the cafeteria and I sit down.