What It's Like To Be Liked

14. Crossing 'Matchmaking' Off My List of Future Career Options

 ll Dedicated to @SmileBrighter for her amazing review of WILTBL! I really appreciate it. The review is in the external link, if you're interested. ll

Chapter 14- Crossing Matchmaking Off My List of Future Career Options

 "Okay, class, I have an announcement to make," said Ms. Bree with her usual excited disposition, "We.. are going on a field trip!" She clapped her hands, expecting cheers from us but sadly, none came.

Greg, the boy sitting at my right with whom I was acquainted with, leaned over and whispered, "Contrary to popular belief, our field trips stink," he said, "metaphorically and literally."

The girl behind me, Tasha Halter, nodded, "Totally agree with you, Greg. You should see the bus in which we go-" she fake gagged, making Greg and I laugh.

"Seriously," I said, "is it really that bad?"

"Worse than whatever you're thinking. That's for sure," said Tasha with a knowing smile.

"Tash is just being hyperbolic now," said Greg as he adjusted his glasses. "It's alright. Just.. don't have great expectations."

"Shush, you guys," Tasha warned, "Bree-Bug's looking at us."

That shut us up.

 With a smile I leaned back in my wooden chair, subconsciously admiring Tasha's sass. I was still getting over the fact that the students here had nicknames for almost every teacher. This school never failed to amuse me.

"Quieten down, class. We don't want to call Principal McSean, do we?" Bree-Bug continued, her smile unfazed by our unenthusiastic response, "So! The field trip will be next Thursday or so. Since we're studying in detail about the new methods of agriculture and animal husbandry, we'll be visiting a couple of farms and ranches. The other class will be joining us on the trip. Now, I'll be passing around the list of items you'll need too carry along with you," she picked up a pile of sheets and gave them to the girl sitting on the front seat. "Don't forget to carry a cap and sunglasses -it's going to be pretty sunny so we're trying to avoid as many heat strokes as we can,"

 Bree-Bug went on with her safety speech while everyone read through the list they were given. The bell rang a few minutes later and everybody ran out of their seats to discuss their seating positions in the bus. I waved goodbye to Greg and Tasha and made my way to the cafeteria. I didn't care that Monday food sucked; my tummy was hungry and there was one thing Calvin always told me - never keep your tummy hungry.

* * *

As I entered the cafeteria, I felt the noise reduce a bit. I served myself, feeling as insecure as twelve-year-old me when in front of Cory Miller, my first crush.

I didn't know where to sit. There were expectant pairs of eyes on me, forcing me to make a choice. I looked around the cafeteria for no table in particular. Should I sit with Tyler, Chloe and Austin? I had sat with them through my first week of school. But I wasn't too keen to join them now. Chloe was pretty mad at me the other night and I wasn't in the mood to deal with Tyler and our fake relationship.

I was about to take a step forward but felt Chloe's green eyes piercing into my forehead. She still was mad at me. I couldn't blame her; anybody would hate the girl who took their man. But she seemed to be holding back; Tyler was holding her back. Not literally, of course. He was looking at me, probably wondering why I was being so hesitant. Our eyes met and I looked away immediately, the memory of his gift still fresh in my mind. I couldn't speak to him now.

But what would people say? Tyler and I are supposed to be dating. Ugh, I can already imagine the next post on Rose Walden's Blooms & Wilts; 'OMG! What's up with Kayler? I think I smell a fight. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?'