Short Stories

Jon and Joy

The only way Jon could pass the exam was by cheating. He knew it wasn't the right thing to do, but he really had no choice. The day he caught a perfect fly ball at baseball practice was the day his coach told him he was failing history, and needed at least a 90% on his exam to pass the class, otherwise he would be kicked off the team. 

He could not be kicked off of this team. It's his whole life! All he's ever known is the field, the dirt and the plates. The dugout was like his second home. He either really needed a tutor or he was going to cheat. There's no question about it. 

He knew this girl who was really good at history, but to be honest, she kind of scared him. She was on the edgy side. She played the bass guitar in a rock band. She had raven colored hair with bright cyan streaks layered through it. Her eyes were the color of dark chocolate, and her lips were always painted the color of thick blood. She always wore all black and had large gauges in her ears. She scared him, but if he wanted to stay on the team he needed her help. 

"Hey, Joy. How's it going?" Jon asked her at school on the Monday before exams.

"I mean, we are all ticking time bombs at the moment wanting to get the fuck out of here, but other than that I'm just dandy. What do you want?" She said. 

"Um, I was wondering if you would maybe like to help me study for this history exam. I really need help," Jon  said timidly. 

She thought for a second, "Sure why not. Meet me at the park after school today and we can study until 5:00. Band practice starts at 5:30." 

Jon smiled, "Sweet thank you!" 

He happily walked back to his seat. He won't have to cheat after all. 
*******
At the park they studied until 4:30 when Joy suddenly turned to him. 

"Why did you ask me to help you study?" She asked. 

"You're the smartest girl in the class. I would have chosen you even if you weren't the smartest. You seem... nice." Jon replied. 

She laughed a little bit, "You're the star of the baseball team and I'm a punk girl in a rock band. There's no way this would work out you know." 

"What?" Jon asked confused. 

"Me and you. Like, together. It would never work." She said again. 

Jon almost laughed, "I'm sorry but that's a team I don't play for."

She gasped, "wait are you-"

"SHHHH!!" He said loudly. 

"Since when??" She asked. 

"Since always," He replied. 

"Why haven't you told anyone?" 

"I decided they were all the same, so they wouldn't accept different," He said fidgeting with his fingers in his lap. 

She smiled at him and stood from the picnic table, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."