The Freshman loves the Sophomore

The Freshman loves the Sophomore (4)

The next day after class, my friend Cal's phone started ringing. We were in home room with Mrs. Laurent. She was the meanest teacher ever. Our backpacks were on our desks and we were all silent when the phone started playing "Can't Touch This."
"Cal!" I whispered.
"Shhh, Sophie!" He whispered back.
Cal tried to act natural but Mrs. Laurent found where the noise was coming from. She took not only the phone from Cal but the whole backpack.
Cal made a face behind her back and flipped her off.
Mrs. Laurent put his backpack by her desk and stood in the front of the class. She started lecturing us about the 'no cell phone' policy.
Cal and I zoned out and started playing rock-paper-scissors.
Then another boy named Lenny tapped Cal's shoulder. "Dude, where's your backpack?"
"I have no backpack." Cal replied smoothly. "That's just how I roll."
Lenny and I laughed at Cal.
Cal was obviously a player. I noticed that he liked impressing girls and showing off in front of them. Cal was kind of cute... Ok, he was super cute... Fine, he was hot. But, in my opinion anyway, he wasn't hotter than Carson.
Mrs. Laurent finally dismissed the class after keeping us for an extra 15 minutes thanks to Cal and his phone.
Cal didn't get his backpack back. He just walked out of the class room with me.
"Are you doing anything on Friday?" He asked as we walked down the hall.
I shrugged. "Probably babysitting." I answered. "Why?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to go to a party with me." Cal smiled.
I smiled back at him. "I'll ask." I paused. "Whose party is it?"
"Lenny." Cal said. "He told me to invite you. He thinks you’re cute."
I giggled.
"He's not wrong!" Cal added.
I giggled some more. "Thanks."
"See you tomorrow?" He asked as we walked out to the parking lot.
I nodded. "Sure."
I spotted Amelia and parted from Cal.
"Who was that?" Laura asked running up to me as I crosses the street.
I smiled. "He's my friend. His name's Cal."
Laura nudged my arm. "Ohhh... I see how it is, Sophie!"
I laughed. "No, Cal and I are just friends. That's it!"
Laura laughed with me. "For now."
Later that day after school, I asked Dad if I could go to Lenny's party.
"No." He replied immediately.
I sighed. "Why?"
Dad shook his head. "Nope. No way. You’re not going.
"Why?" I repeated desperately.
Dad continued shaking his head. "I don't know whose going to be there, if there's going to be parental supervision, or what people are doing." Dad paused. "Go upstairs, Sophie." He snapped at me. "I'm really stressed and I can't have you bothering me too."
"Ok." I said, feeling bad. "So do I have to babysit on Friday?"
Dad nodded. "Yes, please. I have an important meeting. Now go upstairs."
I walked up stairs and pulled out my phone. I was about to text Cal but then I realized that his phone was in his backpack and he never got it back from Mrs. Laurent.
I flopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling.
Then there was a knock at my door.
"Come in." I moaned.
It was Bryson. He walked in, shut the door behind him, and sat in my desk chair.
"You ok?" He asked.
I shrugged. "I guess."
Bryson nodded. "Can I ask you something?"
"You just did." I corrected him.
Bryson gave me a look.
"Sure, ask away." I smiled.
"Do you have a crush on that Cal guy?" He asked bluntly.
I sat up and looked confused. "No, why?"
Bryson shrugged. "His brother's in my class. He talks about Cal and says he mentions you a lot." He paused. "I just wanted to know."
I laughed. "Cal's just a really good friend."
"So he's kind of like what Carson is to you?" Bryson asked.
I had no choice but to lie. I couldn't say that I liked Carson more than a friend. Bryson would think that was creepy.
"Sure, if that’s how you want to put it." I agreed.
Bryson looked like he wanted to say something else.
After a long while he finally said it. “Do you like Carson.”
I blushed. “No.” Quickly changing the subject I decided to ask, "What else is up?"
"Would it be weird for me to like Laura then?" He spat out, ignoring my question.
I was silent for a moment. Then I shook my head. "No, that would be ok. It's not like you guys are related and I don’t like Carson so it would be fine."
Bryson laughed. "Thanks, sis."
I smiled. "Anytime."
Then Bryson walked out.
*****
Late that night I got up to get some water. I snuck downstairs and tried to be as quiet as possible.
"Is Friday night a go then, Marina?" I heard dad ask. He was on the phone with someone- probably a co-worker.
I stopped on my way into the kitchen and ease-dropped on dad.
"See you at six then." He was laughing. "Yes, Olive Garden is fine."
What was he talking about? He has a meeting on Friday. Who's this Marina lady?
Dad hung up the phone and I heard him coming my way.
I tried to look sleepy and started walking towards the fridge.
"Sophie?" Dad said startled by my presence. "What are you doing up?"
I yawned. "Thirsty."
Dad hugged me. "Get some water then go to sleep."
I nodded and got my water. "Night, dad."
"Love you, Sophie." Dad smiled as I went back upstairs.
*****
The next day at school I wondered about what dad was saying to that lady, Marina. What did he mean? Was he going on a secret date?
"Sophie!" Cal yelled after school. "Did you ask to go to the party?"
I nodded. "Yes but my dad said no."
Cal sighed. "Oh, it would have been so much fun!"
I agreed.
"Lenny's going to be sad." Cal laughed.
I laughed too. "Really?"
He nodded. "Lenny really likes you."
"Is there anyone else?" I asked. Maybe he would admit to liking me.
"Two other people." Cal replied.
I waited.
"But I can't tell you." He smiled. "Now who do you like?"
I thought for minute.
"Sophie!" Carson called. "Come on!"
Cal's eyes widened. "Who's that? Your boyfriend?"
I gasped. "No!" I yelled and started walking away. "He's my neighbor."
Cal laughed. "Sure... That's what they all say."
I laughed with Cal. "Shut up!"
"Bye, Sophie!" Cal waved.
I waved back. "Bye!"