Lip Gloss
Amanda walked out of the lunch line with her mush. She had her book bag on one shoulder, crumpling her jacket sleeve. Today she wore her favorite jacket; it was purple and had a hood. Her jeans fit her perfectly and matched her black sheer tank top. Looking around anxiously she spotted who she was looking for. So she exited the cafeteria and entered into the humid Florida air. With a smile on her face she walked over to a girl wearing a coral t-shirt and a black jacket sitting on the floor. Amanda crossed her feet, wearing black converse, and slid to the floor.
They were sitting up against a fence that was the side of the school. Amanda started with “Hey Nicole,” and laid her lunch tray on her lap while hitting her spork against her knee until the plastic enclosing it ripped off. “Shall we continue?” Nicole replied playfully. She was referring to the 20 questions game they started earlier that day in second period in the computer lab. They both giggled, but Amanda’s smile faded when she noticed that Leo, a boy with dark hair and sparkling teeth, took a seat next to her against the fence. She ran her fingers through her hair. “You were on the 16th shoot,” Amanda stated with a faint smirk.
Nicole began pondering, and then made a face that looked like a light bulb should have appeared above her head. She turned to look at Amanda with a diabolical, crooked smile and asked, “Who do you like?” Amanda tilted her head and frowned, replying “Nobody. If there was you would know,” exaggerating the last word. “You swear?” Nicole looked at her with cautious eyes. “Yes I swear that I don’t like any-“ Nicole interrupted her, “To god,” her voice was stern. “To god.”
They both looked forward. It was silent for a long while. The silence was broken by someone chuckling- Leo. Amanda turned to look at him and followed his gaze. She blushed realizing what he was looking at. She still hadn’t uncrossed her fingers from behind her back.
The rest of lunch was just degrading. I tried to use my hair to cover my shameful face for the remaining 30 minutes. I knew that Leo was sitting there silently judging me. After all, I just had a crush; I didn’t actually “like like” anybody.
Whatever. I wish I could just collapse in on myself and black-hole into non-existence. The questions kept on coming but they weren’t nearly as degrading as that first one. I just hope Nicole didn’t notice my sudden change of mood.
I looked over at Leo, and instantly regretted it. We happened to look at each other at the exact same time. He casually half smiled at me like we were friends. Kill me now! I was swimming with the fishes.
After what felt like forever, the bell rang. I got up quickly and nearly ran over the trash can trying to escape his judging eyes. That was my second mistake during lunch. He also had trash he needed to throw away. Go figure. I panicked, and as he got closer I froze. He walked up and tossed his tray in the trash while I stared like an idiot. Oddly enough he didn’t say anything to me. However, he smiled and laughed at me. So this is what losing your dignity feels like. He turned to walk away and my muscles loosened as I slouched.
I instantly shot back up when he turned around though. He nodded and winked at me over his shoulder. I melted. I swear I died on the spot. Black-hole powers activate!
Amanda walked into her fifth period P.E. class. She quickly shuffled through the rows of chairs to get to her seat. She glanced over her left shoulder and looked forward pleased. Jude was there slouched in his chair, flaunting his flawlessness. Amanda looked at the clock. As if on cue, the coach yelled starting the class. Amanda hated P.E.
The coach went over the plans for today and sent the kids to the locker rooms. Amanda quickly changed into her white t-shirt and black shorts. She snatched her water bottle and ran outside with the rest of the kids. Once outside, the class walked the perimeter of the court for 15 minutes. When the coach blew his whistle, Amanda felt relieved; her calves burned. For the remainder of the class everyone had to play an activity of their choice.
