The Bad Boys Game

Chapter 9- Homecoming

Finally the best part of the day comes, lunch. I go to the cafeteria and go to the Asian line to get rice and spicy chicken with a water. I quickly find my friends at our normal table and head over.

"I just don't get it. If we read chapters 13-15 last night, why are we getting pop quizzes on chapters 3 and 4? That makes no sense!" Zach exclaims.

"Because you have to be tested on what you know! You can't just read a chapter and forget about it! You have to be able to comprehend the entire book!" Madison yells back.

I just toon out their debate. I go through my bag searching for my headphones and plug them into my phone. Once I find a good playlist, I start listening while beginning to go over what I learned about in AP Chemistry last class because I have that class next.

My lunch is literally so good I get automatically happy. I start to slightly dance along to my music because my food has put me into a good mood.

"Taylor, why are you dancing?" Alex asks me with a small smile on his face.

"I'm just in a really good mood, ya know? I got my food right here and some bomb music playing. Life's great." I say happily. Everyone at the table glances at me and makes a small chuckle, then leaves me be.

I go back to studying while eating having the absolute time of my life. I soon feel someone sit down on the left of me. I don't think anything of it and don't look up. I then feel their shoulder touch mine. That is an absolute no no. I hate when people touch me.

I look up see Ryder sitting next me biting into a sandwich with no care in the world. As if this is an everyday occurrence.

"What do you think you're doing?" I ask.

"I'm just chillin' eating my sandwich. It's turkey. Want some?" Ryder asks and begins to rip off me some.

"No I do not want any! I want to know why you are sitting at this table. Don't you sit with all the pinhead bobble heads over in the corner. Go over there, I'm sure they miss you. Shoo." I say waving my hand.

" Naw I'm good where I am." Ryder says with a smirk.

I huff not having the energy to continue arguing. I look up and see everyone at the table looking at us in shock. I shrug my shoulders. "I tried." I say and go back to reading my notes. Ryder then decided to rip out my earbuds from my ear.

" It's rude to have earbuds in when you are at the table Hartman. Have a conversation with those around you." Ryder says and rolls his eyes.

I yank my earbuds out and pause my music. I throw both in my bag and put both elbows onto the table with my hands intertwined. "So, what do you guys want to talk about?" Looking at everyone sitting at the table.

"We were just talk about how Homecoming is this Friday. Remember that tomorrow is dynamic duo day. I saw someone get asked this morning." Janet says.

"Yeah me too. He bought her Starbucks and had this cute saying on a sign." Madison says with a smile. I make a face.

"What's the face for Hartman?" Ryder asks. Everyone at the table automatically sighs. They know what's coming next.

" The problem is, is that that is a horrible way to ask someone to a dance. Like really? Buy them something and make a $1 sign that you got off of Google. Like, be more original. It's the thought that counts, I get it. I am happy for whoever got asked, believe me. But I would not be happy with a cheesy sign. I would want something original and unique to me. Everyone makes a sign and uses a prop.

I want if someone asked me to be absolutely adorable and romantic. Especially not in front of people. Because I mean, like what if I want to say no? I'm going to say yes whether I want to or not because I don't want anyone to go through that embarrassment.

Doesn't really matter though. I'm not getting asked anytime soon because: 1. I'm socially awkward 2. I'm too high maintenance and 3. I have too high of expectations as you can tell. So whatever. It's better that way anyways. I don't want to go to some high school dance." I say and realize I've said too much. I tend to talk people's ear off without even realizing.

"Damn. Okay than. Making a mental note now, be original." Ryder says with a chuckle.

"Yeah and that's a good mental note to make about life as well." I say taking a bite of my chicken. "Are you going to the dance this year with Janet?" I ask Madison.

"Hopefully not. But if she gets asked out again most likely. She failed her drivers test again last week for the fourth time now." Madison says rolling her eyes at Janet.

"It's not my fault that I get horrible people to test me each time!" Janet exclaims.

"Yeah, I'm sure that's what the problem is. Taylor, are we still on for dressing up as Jim and Pam tomorrow?" Zach asks.

"Of course! I can't wait!" I say excited. Homecoming is the best time of the year.

"Hey Taylor, can Janet and I stay at your house tonight? Our parents will be out of town." Madison asks.

"Yeah sure." I say to Madison. Madison and Janet basically live at my house and have claimed the guest room as their own. They have clothes that permanently stay in the drawers. "You guys can come over after school today too. We can all do homework or whatever for a few hours." I say motioning to the people at the table.

"I'm out, I have football practice tonight." Zach says and Alex nods in agreement.

"Yeah me too." Ryder states.

"You play football?" I ask in amazement. I go to basically every game to help support my friends, but mostly Zach.

"Yeah, since freshman year. I'm the starting running back." Ryder says.

"Mhm. Never noticed. You don't seem like the type of person to be on a team."

"Why would you say that?" Ryder says mocking offense.

"You have that whole lone wolf vibe going on. You are always by yourself or with some blond headed bimbo."

"Ryder is the guy I always throw the ball to. Always catches the ball. Guaranteed scholarship by senior year I bet." Zach says.

"I know what a running back is. I'm just always cheering on you and Alex I don't really pay attention to the other players." I say shrugging my shoulders and reciprocate the smile that Zach was giving me.

The whole table went silent after that. The bell rings finally and it's time to go to class. I get up and pack all bag then throw out my food in the trash.