“Hey guys, ready?” I ask, walking over to the guys again. They nod and we start walking over to ICON again, just like yesterday. School was pretty boring, as usual, but it was even worse because now everyone knows I turned down the popular group and they’re all glaring at me 24/7.
“So Kahtea, ready for your first practice as an official ICONic Boy?” Madison asks as we head out the gate of the schools.
“Yup! Oh my god, when did it get so hot?” I ask as a sudden burst of heat gets my attention.
“It’s ‘cause I’m here.” Nick says seriously.
“Yeah, right. Good things I wore shorts and a tank top instead of my long sleeve shirts I was wearing yesterday. Wait, yesterday it was so cold though? Is it always like that here in Jersey?” I ask.
“Yeah, pretty much.” Vinny answers. Great. Well, at least I have PLENTY of summer clothes.
“So, Nick, I hear you have a girlfriend!” I say, changing the subject.
“Yeah, Isabelle. She gets to leave early though because she gets to go to tennis lessons way out in the valley instead of P.E. We tried signing up for the program, but since ICON is so close, they said no.” he says sadly.
“Aw man, I hate P.E. It’s so dumb.” I mumble to myself.
“Hey, you’re preaching to the choir buddy. We’re with you there. But I’m just happy I don’t have Mr. Kales. You got it bad, Kahtea. He’s the worst, most mean teacher in school history. I just pray I don’t get him next year.” Madison informs me.
“Wait, you aren’t going to Allentown next year?” I question.
“Oh, no, I’m still in seventh grade. The algebra classes in the seventh grade wing are all full so they sent me and a couple other people to the eighth grade wing for math.” He says.
“Huh, well you definitely pass for an eighth grader.” I say laughing. We reach ICON after about three more minutes of walking and by then I’m already tired from walking through the burning weather. Luckily, as we walk into the building, there is AC blasting in every room, so I get some relief.
“Ah, Kahtea, Vinny, Madison, welcome back! Geo ran out to get some waters for y’all, but Louis and Jason are in the room already.” Amelia says as we walk in. Thank god for Geo getting water; I drank all mine at school.
“Hey Kahtea!” Louis says as he runs up to me and gives me a hug. I awkwardly pat his back since I have no idea where this sudden love came from. I look to Vinny for an explanation but he just shrugs and laughs at me.
“Um, hi Louis! What’s with the sudden affection?” I ask as he leans his head up towards me. Aw, he was so baby cute, I wanted to just squeeze his cheeks.
“Well, since you don’t have a little brother or sister, I’ll be your little brother!” Louis says, hugging me again.
“Yay! I have a little brother now!” I say, picking him up and spinning him around.
“So, are you guys ready to dance?” Geo says as he appears through the doorway.
“GEO GIVE ME A WATER RIGHT NOW!” Jason yells as he jumps up and runs to Geo with bottles of water.
“Um, Jason, you know we have water fountains, right?” Geo says through laughs.
“Yeah, but the water ran out and I’m dying in here.” He says, exasperated, finally getting his water bottle, chugging it down.
“Ahh.” He sighs as he flops on the ground.
“Um, alright, once T-Money and Mikey get he-“ Geo starts but gets interrupted by a loud voice.
