Friendzoned

Chapter 8

Rae

            It’s just about time we both move on. Who does that? Breaks up with someone over text? I looked down at my phone again. It was probably the tenth time I had read the message.

            Rae, I really liked you. I did, but being at different schools and having such a big gap with our grades isn’t working out. I would love to stay friends and study together sometime. It’s just about time we both move on. It’s not you, it’s me.

            Get together and study? We didn’t even really do that when we were dating! The only time we did homework together was when he was just copying off my paper the whole time. This is the worst timing with the end of the year school dance is in two days. Perfect. The only reason I have to go now is because the few friends I have are begging me to come. I don’t even know what I am going to wear yet! Maybe I will pretend to be sick. Besides, I don’t need Ryder laughing at me about how I don’t have a date. He probably has ten.

            “That’s your line.” I heard Ryder say. I looked up from my phone.

            “Oh um, you jump I jump remember.” I said as I turned my attention back to my phone. My head really wasn’t on history or titanic today.

            “Come on! You have to put more feeling into it. You are like madly in love with me and so you couldn’t leave the ship without me.” I heard him say I scrolled through the message again. Then my phone wasn’t in my hand. I looked up.

            “What the crap! I was doing something.” I said

            “Yeah I know. I have seen you look through that same message like a million times. We have to present this tomorrow and you clearly couldn’t care less.” He explained. Oh no! He saw me looking through it? What if he read it? I didn’t want him knowing that Brandon just broke up with me. I tried to get my phone back but he was taller than me so there was no hope. I gave up and he put it in his pocket. I looked at him. I could tell he was thinking really hard. All of a sudden this big smile grew on his face. Oh no, that didn’t look good.

            “We have to get real emotion out of you. And honestly, what you’re giving me now kind of sucks. So I have a plan.” He said I just looked at him.

            “What?” I asked

            “Since Titanic is a big love story, I feel like we should add a kiss!” My eyes got wide.  A kiss?

            “No. No way. I am not kissing you in front of the whole class. It’s a dumb idea. Besides, the teacher would probably count points off for it.” I said, trying anyway to get out of it.

            “Oh come on! It’s a great idea. I promise, I have improved my kissing skills.” He said stepping closer. I stepped back.

            “No. I’m not doing it.” I said standing my ground.

            “Fine why don’t I just ask the teacher?” Ryder threatened, taking a step to the teacher’s desk. He wouldn’t. He took another step. Before I could say anything he started talking to Mrs. Brown.

            “Mrs. Brown, I had this grand idea to make our skit for Titanic the best in the class. But I didn’t want to do anything that you would not approve of if we are presenting in front of the class. To be able to see the true emotion that Rose and Jack have, I was wondering if it was ok to add a kiss in the script. I know its a little last minute, but my partner doesn’t really have her heart into it so I thought this would bump it up a notch.” He explained. I waited.

            “Ryder! That is a fantastic idea to get the true emotion across! That’s perfect!” She said smiling. Ryder turned around 100% satisfied. As he walked by me, he whispered into my ear.

            “Better pucker up sweetheart.” I heard the smile in his voice.