The School For Gifted Kids

Chapter 6: Elle

So I do like him. Does it matter? I meant every word I said. Luckily, Willa didn't talk to Ben and Tyldy about it. They were my only real friends. But then, miss little perfect had to walk right in. It was so obvious that he liked her, and it was disgusting. It wish it was me.... ever since grade 4, I had dreamed about him, yet she comes in and he falls over his feet. And in case you're wondering, this was not the Incident. That happened about a week or two later from this. Classes were no good. I didn't help that everyone laughed when I turned into an eel during science and started flopping all over my desk. My only friends were books, until a day before the incident, Ben approached me. He tapped me on the shoulder, and I was so surprised, I dropped my books. We both dropped to our hands and knees, he helped me pick them up. "Hey Ben, I've been meaning to talk to you." I tried to be as casual and sultry at the same time, but all I got was an odd look from Ben. "I just came to tell you, or ... to ask you, I guess." Wow! This was it! He would sweep me off my feet, kiss me and ask to go steady! "Why have you been avoiding me and Tyldy? And Willa?!" His eyes looked wistfully away. "Willa..." focusing again, he said: "listen, we're your friends. And always will be." I turned away. "Yeah. Friends..." His eyes fiercely looked at me. "Tell me what's wrong!" I couldn't help it. A tear escaped my eye. I ran. "Elle!"...

Maybe this is what lead to the incident. If this didn't, I know for sure what did. When Valarae stopped me in the hall. "Like, Elle. I've seen you've finally come to your senses about those... those... friends of yours." Normal I would've protected Ben and Tyldy, but Valarae was in grade nine, and could be a little intimidating when she wanted to be. "We're having a party. This Friday. Come, or don't come. But Willa and Tyldy are not coming." They turned around and started to leave, their high heels clicking loudly on the marble floor. "Wait!" I called down the echoing halls. "What about Ben?!" Valaraes eyes pierced me as she stared me down. "Oh, him? He's cool. As long as you don't bring your other nerd friends." Friday! That was tomorrow! I would have to tell Ben.

Unfortunately, I never found him in time. At Valarae's house, I showed my invitation to the hired bouncer and headed into the freshly decorated and modern house. And there, in all his glory, stood Ben. "Ben!" I gasped. "How'd you know to come?!" He dangled a bright pink scented invitation away from his body, like it was dipped in toxic waste. "Found this slipped under my dorm door." I breathed a sigh of relief. "I was wondering why we got invited to and are at Valarae's party." I told him the truth. "They invited me, so I got you in. I didn't want to come in here by myself." We mostly enjoyed ourselves the rest of the time. It was going great until Valarae stood up on a chair to make an announcement. "Alright, guys! It's time for spin the bottle!" That sentence caused cheering and clapping from what I realized was an even number of boys and girls. She'd planned this. Ben whispered in my ear. "Elle, let's go. We don't have to do this." I pointed to the bouncer, who was blocking the exit. "There's nothing more I want to do, but we're trapped." "Participation is mandatory." Valarae glanced our way, as though she was feeding off of our fear. Two minutes later, we were all assembled in a large circle on the floor. Every time the bottle was spun, I crossed my fingers to hope it passed over me. I was just starting to relax when I realized the whole room was staring at me. The bottle, pointing at my chest.