Third Wheel | EDITING

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

People say that you aren't thankful for what you have until you lose it.

But in my case, I don't think missing out on cafeteria food or more commonly known to our student body as 'slop' would honestly hurt me in any way.

In fact, it might assure a better living.

I stabbed the dry spaghetti noodle with my fork and examined the disaster. Meatball crumbs and an orangy colored sauce coated the bite as I put it in my mouth reluctantly.

It was cold.

"I'm done bitches," I announced after downing the concoction. "I can't eat this shit without lessening my lifespan by at least 10 more years."

Tony and Belle looked at me and laughed before Belle threw a bag of baked hot Cheetos my way, "I knew you wouldn't have been able to even eat the lunch at school Ms. 'I need to pack my meals'. School lunch just ain't it for you."

After thanking her, I gladly turned away and opened the bag and began eating as I scrolled through Instagram to pass time knowing that Belle wouldn't stop drooling over Tony anytime soon.

To be honest, I was never jealous of their relationship.

It was just how it all turned out that bothered me. In a matter of six months into their relationship, they went from 'friends with benefits' to dating.

The worst part?

Definitely, the fact that I found out from her boyfriend instead of her.

"Give it a few months, she'll tell you we're official eventually."

A few months passed and Belle did. In fact, I even put on a show. Playfully slapping the two of them on the arm and acting surprised but still happy. I remember catching a couple of curious looks from Tony but if he wanted his ass saved, he best let her think I had no idea.

Now, senior year rolled around and the two of them were still going strong.

The school's "athletic" couple. One of the most envied and gossiped about. People hated how they were still stuck in the 'honeymoon' stage after a whole year and I assured them that there was nothing I could do to stop their PDA. After all, you can only go so long without air and my best advice to them is to breathe a little.

Literally.

Honestly, sometimes I wondered how she was still alive along with her suffocation partner.

It wasn't like I wasn't actually happy for her but I was more or so on the 'worried' side. Tony wasn't exactly holding the best reputation when they started talking and Belle completely braced herself while they were 'friends with benefits' to not catch feelings.

And then she did just the entire opposite of that.

But together, they were extra alright. Athletically inclined humans that loved to workout more than the human body required. Belle did basketball all her life, inside and outside of school, and eventually picked up track in middle school. Tony did wrestling, water polo, and soccer as well. Too extra.

As for me, I stuck to cheer and photography more, especially after my injury in volleyball.

Nothing else except my pom-poms, a camera, a bag of chips, and kneepads to keep me busy. The only extra about me was the winter mint gum I carried around.

Before I knew it, I glanced up and the bell had sounded off.

My chips had been finished and disappeared without me realizing, Belle and Tony were saying their goodbyes until 6th period like Jack and Rose, and teens who didn't even look like teens were shoving each other left and right to get to class.