The Big Five

2. Favors, Sleepovers, and Shopping

Holy coconut fudge sticks! I groaned and thought of what happened at lunch. Eric? Out all the guys I pick the one guy I never talk to? Idiot.

I sighed and concentrated on my art. Maggie and Emma never let me hear the end of it. As soon as I said it, they made a big deal out of it.

"I knew it!" Maggie practically shouted while pointing at me.

"Really?" Emma gave me an excited look.

I buried my head into my hands. I shouldn't have said that. I never even talked to Eric. If anyone, I should have said Sam. I actually liked him better than the others since I had World History with him and we did a couple of projects together. He was a fun guy....when the others weren't around.

I sighed and stared at my blank easel. I had no idea what to draw. Ms. Hudson told us to draw what we felt. What I felt right now was embarrassment and confusion.

I looked at the clock. Ten minutes until school was over. I jumped when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Nicole," Ms. Hudson said sternly. Her forehead creased with concern. "Why didn't you start your art?"

I looked up at her, uncertain on whether I should tell her. I shrugged and said, "I feel blank, Ms. Hudson. So I don't know what to draw."

Ms. Hudson eyed me skeptically. "You feel blank? Think, Nicole. There must be something you feel. There are so many emotions. You must be feeling one now. Happy, sad, angry, confused, frustrated, scared. There are a plethora of emotions you could be feeling."

I smiled at her. "Thank you. I'll think of something. I'll be sure to bring my final work tomorrow."

She nodded and left to critique someone else's work. I let out a sigh of relief. Ms. Hudson didn't take art lightly, so she always expected us to try our best. Even when we were sketching a basket of fruits, she wanted to see us in the sketch. She told us not to just draw what was there, but also what we felt.

I never understood, but I guess I did well since she liked most of my artwork. I packed up my supplies and waited for the bell. Three minutes. It felt like an eternity until the bell finally rang.

I walked to my locker to get my History book. Joey was waiting there. I knew since his locker was at the other end of the hall and the only reason he would come here was because of me.

"What do you want, Joey?" I asked as I opened my locker.

"Hi to you too, Nick," he said sarcastically. I stuffed my book into my bag and locked my locker. I turned to Joey. He handed me a small box.

"What did you come here for?" I asked. I knew Joey needed something when he gave me gifts. It was some sort of bribe.

Joey ran his fingers through his hair and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, so, I'm thinking of hosting a party for my birthday, and--"

"What?!" I practically shouted. "What are you, four? A birthday party. Joey, you never had one since--"

"Shut up," Joey clamped his hand on my mouth. Oops. Almost spilled the beans to anyone within earshot. I nodded and spoke in a lower voice.

"A birthday party?" I repeated.

"Yeah, but it's not going to be like the last time. There's going to be music, disco balls, and alcohol."

I sighed. "So. What do you want me to do?"

He smiled. "You know me too well, Nick."

"Unfortunately," I muttered.