ABDUCTED

Attirer 1973-Part One

Chapter 12. Page 331.

Monday December 12-14 days

(Jaysean's POV)
I hadn't been watching her. For days now, I had been so preoccupied. A week ago, I would've never missed an episode of my favorite show, but things are different. That moment I had with Bianca filled that void up with hope again. Just for that night, I felt as if she were finally realizing we should just be together—that we would be unstoppable. However, I had only dreamt that. I went to sleep with her on my mind as always, but reality hit hard when I woke up. I remembered my words and how—at the time—they felt true, but doubt is a dark spirit that clutches to your back like a parasite. I want to want to be with Minji, but deep down, I know I need to be with Bianca.

Mikey droned on about some deep shit his step dad got into. I almost fully tuned him out throughout the ride to school as Minji shot daggers at the back of my head. I had picked Mikey up first, so Minji was forced to sit in the back. I was too exhausted to even care. However, I noticed something strange about the school sign. It read "Hemingworth Academy" instead of "Hemingway Academy." I turned to Mikey as we rolled past the sign. "Did you see that?" I asked. "What?" Minji replied. "The sign. It said 'Hemingworth' when it's Heming-way.' I swear," I said back. Minji shook her head. "It's always said 'Hemingworth.' You're just tired from yesterday," Minji replied, shaking her head. "What happened yesterday?" Mikey asked. "Nothing. Minji wore me out," I replied nonchalantly. Mikey cheered me on, high-fiving me. Minji sent him a death stare moments later. "Sorry," he said, getting out of the car before I could find a parking space. I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Did you have to scare him?" I asked. Minji only shrugged.

12.332–

I caught up with Mikey by the staircase after leaving Minji with a few of her friends. He looked past me as if looking out for someone. "Is she gone?"He asked. I nodded. I began walking him to his first class, realizing I was actually on time today—not that I could sleep very much. "You're really lucky," Mikey said, interrupting me out of my thoughts. "What?" I said, my voice cracking. I cleared it, waiting for his answer. "I'll admit, when I first heard you ditched Bianca Brownstan for Minji, I thought 'Yo, he's whacked.' But, I don't know, you two are pretty cute together. You might mellow her out," he said back. I shrugged. "It certainly wasn't the plan, but I think it'll be good to get Bianca off my mind." He scoffed. "Ive heard of getting under someone to get over someone else, but the way you talked about her, I didn't think that was possible. Worth a shot though, right?" He said, saluting me before entering his class. I stood just outside, contemplating his words. After all, Minji and I both knew what this was. At least, I thought so.

12.333–

I had no idea how sad Mikey was about having bad luck with girls. I had watched  him get rejected by every girl he talked to, giving him advice when needed. At lunch, he found me by the vending machines. "Dude, I know exactly what I need!" Mikey explained with excitement. I smiled, leading him toward the cafeteria patio. I preferred to eat outside most days. "What's that?" I asked, holding the door open for him. "Cologne. Chicks dig a guy that smells good," he said pooping his collar. I laughed. "You think cologne is gonna help with your girl issues?" I asked tilting my head as I sat down. He shrugged. "I'm just saying. As a guy, you smell nice. Other girls notice it all the time. What do you wear?" He asked. "Dior usually. My mom shops online for my cologne," I said taking a bite out of the lunch Nina made for me. "Out of my price range," he replied, studying my meal. "What the hell is that?" Mikey questioned. "Nina made it. It's really good despite me not knowing what any of this is," I answered truthfully. Mikey opened his mouth to say something, but quickly abandoned that thought. I shrugged, continuing to enjoy my meal. "Would you come with me after school? We could go shopping around for cologne," Mikey suggested. I considered it. I hadn't talked to Bianca since last night. Ciggy told me that she told Demi about our conversation last night and now she just wants to "lay low." I decided to give her the space she needed, after all, I needed to spend more time with Minji. "Can Minji come?" I asked. He nodded. "Sure. I need a woman's opinion anyway," he said with a shrug. "Cool," I said back. I looked around outside seeing students sitting around the trees. Some played football while others chatted over turkey sandwiches. I spotted one head cheerleader in particular only, she was alone.