Love Is a Losing Game // Joel Pimentel

18 | Shenaningans

Chapter Eighteen

Blu's POV

I flip a page in Lit class and I begin to read the new passage. Joel and Yoandri both weren't in school today due to a business meeting for their family's companies so it was both peaceful and eerily quiet.

My teacher gave us the remainder of class to read our assigned book and I took advantage unlike others in the class. My mind wanders deeply into the story in the book, the plot very smooth yet entertaining to read.

I'm interrupted by a loud, "Hey, you're the girl who hangs out with Yoandri and Joel right?" I look up from my book just to see a random girl walking up to me. I analyze her, trying to read her intentions before shrugging, "I don't really think of it that way but I guess?"

By the way she talked and the manner in which she dressed I could tell she was either a stereotypical cheerleader or a popular kid — I just couldn't tell which one.

"You do realize you're basically nothing to them right? I even overheard them talking about how whoever gets you first wins. How shallow is that?"

I look at her in both conflict and confusion but my stomach chooses to drop at her words anyways. Nonetheless, I choose to give both of them the benefit of the doubt. "Actually, I didn't realize that but thanks for letting me know," I thank her. She smiles and nods, "Oh of course. I couldn't let another girl get heartbroken as a result of those twos shenanigans."

***

I sigh on my way home and don't take into notice the car that had stopped next to me until my name is being called out. My head snaps to the sound and I see Joel smiling at me. I run a hand through my hair and peer into his car, "What?"

His smile falters and he unlocks his car, asking me to get in. I begrudgingly follow instructions and don't waste time on asking my question.

"Is it true you and Yoandri said that whoever gets me first wins?" I ask with a look in my eye that warned him not to lie.

He exhales before saying, "He said that because we both like you and he keeps doubting that I will be able to treasure your companionship if I ever get fortunate enough to have it."

My heart deflates a little at the truth behind the girls words and I nod, "Oh." Joel begins to drive away and I add to the topic at hand. "Why does he think that?"

Joel shakes his head, "You know my reputation but all I ask is that you don't doubt the genuineness of my feelings for you."

I sigh and look over at him, seeing him with a rather solemn expression. "Why me?" I mumble hoping he didn't hear me but of course, he did. "Because you're different. You don't care what others think of you, you stay true to yourself no matter what," he replies.

"I admire that."

***

A buzz from my phone distracts me from my homework as I sit in bed. I pause my music to reach for it, thinking it's Joaquín with another existential crisis but am greeted by a text from none other than Yoandri.

Yoyo — Kinda sad I didn't get to see you today.

A smile can't help but make its way across my face softly. It fades once I remember the words he spoke without a second thought.

Blu — You sure you aren't just trying to win me over?

Yoyo — I' m sorry you heard about that conversation but I still do really like you. That doesn't change.

I bite my lip before responding.

Blu — I'm not so sure it doesn't.

Yoyo — Very well. I will work on changing your mind.

I leave him opened and return back to my homework, wondering how on Earth I got into my current predicament.

My heart tugs at my actions but I just sigh as I get another notification, this time from Joel.

Joel — Hey, just double checking that you're good.

Blu — Of course. Why wouldn't I be?

I see the three little iMessage bubbles pop up just as I send my response. Joel replies within a matter of seconds.

Joel — I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to text you ;)

Blu — Are you sure want that for your life?

I press send and wait for his message back. When it comes, it's not quite what I expected, it's just a little bit more.

Joel — There's nothing else I'd want.

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a/n

i'm so sleepy