Everything in Between

Chapter 2: Cause and Effect

I think it's best to say this now, before an angry mob comes at me for raising their hopes: I have a bad, bad, track record with the girls. If love was a basketball game I won't even make my shots. 0/3 to be exact. 0. Out. Of. Three. Even Kobe's got a better percentage than me.

I say this now, because I wouldn't want you thinking, "Oh, this guy's gonna get the girl." Or "This guy will be the smooth criminal." Don't bet on it. Chances are, you'd lose whatever cash you have. The odds are against me in this one.

Speaking of a bet, this is probably the reason I got into her birthday party anyway. Though it wasn't the right reason, it was something I'd take nonetheless. I know, I know, that sounds sad...I'll just get on with the story.

It all began in the early months of the school year. I could feel the summer vibes slowly dying as an evil spirit was being born in the forms of homework and curricular activities. But on the bright side, there're a few hangouts here and there. What grasped my attention though, were the rumors of a birthday party of a certain Gale. It was still in the works, according to Claire, my faithful female confidant.

I keep this information on the down low, until it comes to life, eventually people were being asked to go and so on. Never the socialite, I never bothered to ask and I didn't really care I wasn't being invited. Now, I'm not being bitter, alright? I just happen to not care that much. Even though it's my crush's party. And at least two of my boys were invited. Nope. Not. Bitter.

"Dude you're so bitter right now," said Priestly, as we were waiting for class. He was, yes, in fact, invited. "100%. Pure bitterness  right here."

"I'm not. 100% fine right here," I just said. I really was. Purely. Totally. Okay, maybe not. I'd rather not prove him wrong though.  So I keep going, just saying, "Bro, you know me. I am not jealous. She can choose who to invite. I respect that."

"Ah, bro, I see. I believe you."

"Wait, why you, though," I wonder out loud, the question hanging in my mind. "We're about the same on the closeness scale. I don't get it."

This time, Priestly, the good friend, the best, friend that he is, could no longer live up to his title and just starts laughing,  acting like a lighthouse, attracting ships full of curious eyes towards us. "You're so jealous man!"

This...guy...

Does it matter if I was, though? End of the day, that isn't going to do anything. But before I could give him a rating (a violent reaction) fresh from my mouth, I see our table covered by two shadows.

"Why's Nick jealous?" inquires a light voice I recognized as Claire, with Rachel, a smile slowly making its way on both their faces.

Rachel, ever the supporter, bounced off her friends words and, not even bothering to hide the pretense of not knowing,  prods on, "Yeah Nick, tell us!"

These...girls...

I must've said that out loud because they started to laugh, filling the room with their heart, joyous and light laughter. As if the room wasn't noisy enough. But this noise escaped through the open windows as the teacher arrived, signaling the end of lunch. I, however, predicted there would be no escape to the teasing that shall ensue after the last bell tolls.

I must be a prophet, because my prediction came true.

"Come on, Nick, out with it!" urges Claire as she punches my shoulder. The four of us were hanging out after school, waiting for Led to finish band practice. This was pretty much my group. My life, of teases and eternal insecurities.

Come to think of it, why was I jealous and bothered to begin with?

Maybe it's because I had Chemistry with her, to begin with? Note the capital C, implying the school subject, not the attraction, sadly...