Upside Down Tendrils

Chapter Three

     The day passed quickly, and the next thing I knew, it was lunch. I was sitting in the cafeteria with Ash and Ri, when Jordan Scoffenstein beckoned for me. He waved his hand and tipped his head towards the doors, all the while staring straight at me. I looked behind me. There was no one. Was Jordan Scoffenstein wanting to meet with me? I couldn't believe it. This was unreal. 
     So, I got up and walked towards him. The closer I got, the cuter he became. Unlike Gregory, I had had a crush on Jordan since 7th grade. So, about two years since I was freshman now.
     "Hi," I whispered as I got closer to him.
     He nudged me into the hallway with his shoulder. My arm tingled where his shirt had touched me. "Hey," he breathed. I had always had this weird feeling with people that said 'hey.' Saying 'hi' is for the normal, saying 'hello' is for the nerdy, and saying 'hey' is for the friends or the couples. And, as far as I was concerned, Jordan and I were neither, no matter how much I liked the sound of it. "I need to ask you something in the hall."
     "Okay," I said, playing it cool. I moved past him into the hallway, and he followed.
     "Look, I am sorry about your dad and all and-"
     "I don't need to hear another apology." I cut him off, I was done with people apologizing, especially when they didn't do anything.
     He looked ashen, and immediately I was mortified. But, before I could apologize, he said, "Sorry, I was unaware-"
     "No, I'm sorry," I explained, cutting him off again. There was an awkward pause.
     "It's okay. Now, just let me speak." He said, and I opened my mouth to apologize, but he held up a hand. "I was wondering if you were interested in Superhuman Tech."
     "Oh?"
     "Yeah, like mind reading powers and things like that that you can read about in books. I, um, am quite curious," he paused. "And I was wondering if you would like to hang out for a bit tonight and see what we can figure out."
     "Oh." I stammered. "I mean, uh, sure. But, uh, why..." I trailed off.
     "Why?" He prodded.
     "Yeah, uh, why me?" I asked.
     He shrugged. "You seem intellectual and none of my friends can keep a secret."
     "Oh, well, thanks, I guess." I stumbled, awestruck, and not knowing what to say.
     "We should get going. My friends are probably wondering what this is all about." He said, leading toward the cafeteria.
     I nodded. "Yeah. So, tonight?"
     "Yes. 5 o'clock at Queen Park." He exclaimed as we entered the cafeteria.
     "I'll be there."