In Real Life: A Jonas Sister Love Story

In Real Life: Chapter 2

I sighed as the boys walked me to my locker. They did this every day. Just to be sure that I didn’t talk to anyone they didn’t approve of. I opened my locker and grabbed my books before slamming it shut. Despite Kevin’s dire warning about us being late we had arrived at school with twenty minutes to spare.

“Nicole!” Demi, my best friend in the entire world called out. She rushed up and we exchanged hugs. “What are you doing here so early?”

“Kevin is working hard to make sure I’m not late for class anymore,” I said pointing at my oldest brother. “What are you doing here this early?”

“I had to clear my stuff out of Sterling’s locker before he got here,” Demi said on a sigh. Sterling was Demi’s current boyfriend.

“What happened?”

“We broke up. He said I wasn’t invested in having a relationship with him,” Demi said softly. “Which is kind of true. I did start dating him to get over my unattainable crush.”

“What unattainable crush?” I asked. “You haven’t told me about any other guy.” Demi froze with her mouth wide open. It wasn’t often that Demi was struck speechless. “Demeteria Devonne Lovato, you tell me about this guy right now.”

“So Demi, does this mean you’re finally going to use your own locker?” Nick asked interrupting my interrogation. I shot him a dirty look. If he thought I didn’t see Demi mouth “thank you” to him he was dead wrong. He knew something, and I was going to get it out of him. Nick was my twin, and he could never keep anything from me for very long.

“Actually, my locker is in the same hall as Sterling’s,” Demi said. “Nicole, can I store my stuff in yours?” I sighed before opening my locker once again for her. Demi shoved all of her things in and just barely managed to shut the door.

“I hope you know I’m going to have to start using your locker for the overflow,” I said looking over at Nick.

“As long as you don’t decorate it with posters of half-dressed boys again,” Nick shuddered. “It’s really hard to impress a girl when you open your locker to get your chemistry book and there’s a picture of a shirtless Taylor Lautner.”

“You should have just told the girl you were secure in your masculinity,” Joe snickered.

“Every time I go after a girl you guys or Nicole end up sabotaging it,” Nick said.

“Well, there is one girl who adores you,” Joe said. “And she’s headed this way.” We all laughed as my other good friend Selena ran up to the group her focus entirely on Nick. Sel has always been obsessed with Nick, but it didn’t get this bad until last year. Selena had read a Cosmo article the encouraged girls to go after the guy if they really wanted him. Ever since she had been a little too pushy around Nick.

“Nick, I baked you some cookies,” Selena said holding out a small Tupperware container. “They are reduced sugar because of your diabetes. I hope you like them.” Demi and I exchanged looks. No matter what we told her Selena was still convinced that she could talk Nick into liking her.

“Aww, man!” Joe whined. “No one makes me cookies!”

“That’s because you don’t deserve them,” Demi said with a smirk. “And we all know Nicole can’t bake anyways.”

“I would eat any cookies that you make Nicole,” Nick said sweetly.

“Thanks Nicky,” I said. “But Demi is right. Remember that cake I made last week?”

“That was a cake?” Kevin asked. “Dad thought it was your art project for pottery class.”

“So, Nick,” Selena said ignoring us. “Are you doing anything this afternoon?”

“Sorry Sel,” Nick said. “Our folks want us home right after school.” I tried not to giggle at the look of relief that crossed his face knowing he wouldn’t have to come up with yet another way to turn down one of Selena’s dates.

“Dang it!” Demi said from my side. “I need you to help me with my breakup ritual.”

“Maybe after,” I said. “I’ll call you once I’m free.” Demi’s breakup ritual consisted of her trying on all of my clothes as she told me why she and the latest ex-boyfriend weren’t meant to be.  I looked over at Selena who looked crushed.

“C’mon Selly,” Kevin said pulling her away from the group. “We should head to class before the bell rings.” Selena sighed and went willingly with Kevin. I smiled as they walked down the hallway. Kevin wrapped his arm around her shoulders and steered her towards their first class of the day. Kevin was a Senior and older than all of us, but he and Selena, a Junior, had mostly AP courses so all of their classes were together. Selena was my friend, but Kevin was her best friend. He was always there for her when she needed him. The bell rang signaling we had five minutes to get to our classes. Joe was a Junior and headed off to his homeroom, while Nick, Demi, and I, all Sophomores, headed to our shared homeroom class.

[AN: Major drama coming up in the next chapter!]