“I single-handedly save this whole town,” Cary said, putting his lunch tray on the cafeteria table next to his friends, Charles, Joe, Martin, and Alice, “And I still can’t get a homecoming date.”
“Single-handedly?” Joe said from across the table.
“Well, yeah, except for you, anyway,” Cary said.
“You’re actually surprised about that?” Martin asked.
“Shut up, Smartin. Like you have a date either! How’s your love life?!”
“FANTASTIC,” Preston said, loudly dropping his tray on the table.
“Preston’s found love? Do tell,” said Charles.
“Her name’s Cassandra—”
“Ew,” Alice interrupted. Preston shot her a look.
“—and she asked me WHAT’S UP!!!!”
He paused, letting this information sink in.
“Pure romance,” Cary said sarcastically at last.
“No, I think it means something. Because when I said ‘Not much,’ she said—” Preston paused for dramatic effect, “—INTERESTING.”
“I really don’t think that means anything, Preston. I’m sorry,” Joe said, sadly shaking his head.
“Oh really?” Preston countered, sliding into the seat. “Because she’s coming here right now!”
And then a medium-sized girl, kind of chubby, with black hair touching her shoulders, sat down next to Preston.
“Hey,” she said, stabbing her mashed potatoes with a fork.
“Heyy, how’s it going?” Preston asked enthusiastically.
Dropping her fork with a clang, she said, “Crappy.”
“I-I. . . I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have a homecoming date either?” Cary asked.
Cassandra clenched her hands into fists and snapped, “What would make you think that?!”
“Nothing! Nothing,” Cary said, holding up his hands to fend off his attacker. “It’s just a common topic.”
Returning to her mashed potatoes, Cassandra said, “I don’t know why you think you’d have a date anyway. All you do is cuss and light things on fire. Not very attractive.”
Cary exchanged a glance with Joe, but Cassandra didn’t seem to see it and pressed on. “And really, I don’t think any of you would get dates because you’re just. . . You’re just losers. I mean, Joe here makes his little toys.”
“They’re models. It’s art,” Joe defended.
Cassandra snickered. “Whatever. I mean, I don’t even know why Alice would like you. I think it’s because she feels sorry for you.”
Joe and Alice looked at each other. “What would make you say that?”
“Your mom died, and it was technically her dad’s fault. So now your life sucks, and she feels this is the way to make it up to you.”
Joe turned red at the mention of his mom.
“What do you know about us? What do you know about anything?”
“And I don’t know why you like her either.”
“Well, what’s not to like?” Joe said, gaining volume.
Cassandra opened her mouth, preparing for a tirade.
“Don’t,” Alice cautioned, “answer that.”
“What a shame. I had a lot to say.”
“Oh really? Well. . .” Alice muttered.
“You chubby freak, get away from our table!” Charles finally said in his loud way.
“You’re calling me chubby? I’m skinnier than you! Than you’ll ever be!”
“GET AWAY FROM US,” Martin said.
“Whatcha gonna do, Martin? Throw up about it?”
“Okay, seriously, please leave,” Alice said.
“Gladly.” And with that Cassandra got up and walked away.
Everyone looked at Preston, who squirming in his seat.
“You sure can pick ‘em,” Cary said.
YOU ARE READING
The Call of the Others
FanfictionDid you like the cover? I tried, guys, I tried to make it cool... ANYWAY, this is about the gang we all know and love in the school year after the attack. There's a new girl named Cassandra, who's supposed to be me. I know that's kind of lame, so I'...
