Stay Away From My Friends (Jenna McDougall and Vic Fuentes)

Chapter 4

This week has been going by so slow. It's only Wednesday and I'm ready to blow my brains out. I just want it to be the weekend. I don't want to be here.

My science teacher is rambling on about something; I don't know what. I'm not paying attention. I'm just doodling, trying to get past writer's block.

I glance at Jenna, who's texting. Ronnie probably. I look over at him, and sure enough, he's texting too. I wonder what they're talking about. Me probably. They're mocking my hair or laughing at my clothes.

What am I saying? They're not, snap out of it Vic. They don't care.

"Alright," our teacher, Mrs. Burke, says. We all look at her. "Project time."

Insert collection of groans here.

"I'll be assigning your partners," she grabs her clipboard.

More groans.

She starts listing off pairs. I don't care who I'm with, just please, don't let it be Ronnie. It'd be torture. Everyone else is indifferent to me, or can at least tolerate me. They'd be a little rude, but they wouldn't punch me or anything. Maybe I can ask to work alone.

"Jenna and Vic."

Well, never mind.

My heart skips a beat. Am I hearing things? Do I really get to work with Jenna?

"Now get with your partners and get to work."

Jenna looks around. I don't think she knows who I am. It hurts a little, but it's better than her hating me because of Ronnie or something. Although, maybe she does and just doesn't remember who I am. She's been nice to me the few times we've talked, but it was just small talk, or a question and answer (usually excuses I used to talk to her). Still, anything beats Ronnie.

I look over at Ronnie, who's glaring daggers at me. I'm in for it now.

Jenna finally looks back over at me. I give her a small smile and wave. She smiles and walks over.

"Hi, you must be Vic," she greets.

I nod.

"Nice to meet you."

I want to say we've met before, but I'll let it go. "You too," I say.

She sits in the empty desk next to me. My heart's beating a little faster. Hopefully I'll be able to keep my cool around her. I don't want to seem even more like an idiot.

"What were you thinking of doing for the project?" she asks, taking out her notebook.

I shrug. "Well, it's about DNA right? Let's just make a model and label it. It's easy and teachers always love the 3D stuff. It looks like we worked hard when we didn't have to."

Jenna laughs a little, writing it down. "Sounds good."

I can't help but stare at her. Her smile is so cute.

I quickly look away before she notices and gets weirded out.

"Well this'll be easy to do," Jenna says. "Want to just come over to my place after school and work on it?"

This can't be real.

I nod, trying not to be too eager. I was just invited to Jenna's house. Sure, it's for a project. But I got invited to Jenna's house.

"Great," she takes a piece of paper out of her notebook and writes down her address. She puts her phone number next to it. "In case you need, or want, to tell me something."

'Or want'? What did she mean by that? Does she want me to text her? I'm probably reading way too deep into this.

I nod again. 

"You don't say much, do you?" Jenna asks, playfully.

I shrug, smiling a little. "Not much to say, I guess."

That's a lie. I have so many things I want to say, I'm just trying not to look like an idiot. My head is full of words. But they sound way better in my head, so that's where I keep them.

Jenna nods. "Alrighty then."

The bell rings. She stands.

"I'll see you later Vic," she grabs her backpack and walks out. I watch her walk away. Her blonde hair sways behind her. She moves with such grace. I sigh. I need to get ahold of myself.

I see Ronnie out of the corner of my eye, and he's even more pissed than he was earlier. I quickly get my stuff together and dash out. I'm safe for now. But I'm so gonna get it tomorrow.