Mixed Signals

Chapter 3:

Halfway through the day I head to the cafeteria to get lunch. "Hey Ari. You okay? I heard you and that... Crystal had an argument." "Yeah it's fine Mikala. You know how she is. She is always gonna be the same Crystal."

There was a time when Crystal was part of our group: MAC & HP (Me (Aria), Mikala, Crystal, Hayton and Peyton). Yeah. That's what we were called, computer brands. If someone had a problem with one of us then you had a problem with all of us. Nothing would break our friendship. Nothing. Until Crystal left around the beginning of 8th grade being offered to be part of the cool kids group. You would of thought she wouldn't because of our group and our name. Well she did and ever since she changed completely, ignores us and treats us like dirt. But I don't care because I told her off today and felt happy about it. :)

"Well, don't worry about her we have better things to worry about." "Then I see Mikayla's eyes on this one freshman sitting with his other friends. "Go talk to him." "But Ari I thought you said...." "I know. But, I trust you to hopefully not do the wrong thing. Go ahead before I change my mind." "Ohhh, thank you thank you Ari! You are the bestest friend anyone could ever have. I won't let you down." "Yeah, yeah now let go of me before you suffocate me (laughs)." Then Mikala walks to the freshman's boy table and start chatting. As I grin at my crazy best friend, I catch Zane staring at me across the lunchroom. "Hey Ari! Mind if I sit here?" "Of course Hayton." "I see Mikala is doing her usual thing." "Yeah, I know (laughs)." "Soo, how was the Crystal fight?" "(scoffs) I see news travel pretty fast around here." "I mean this is high school where all the gossip and drama starts and spreads. But it's okay I have a feeling you won." "Consider your thought true. I told her off and she deserved it." "(laughs) Anyway how was your summer break Ari?" "It was good if you consider sleeping and watching Netflix good but what about you?" "Ehhh... It was alright. Did a few things. Buuttt,  I might have gotten you a little something." "Oh, Hayton. You know you really didn't have to." "I know but I feel more like... Ari... you have been a really great friend to me and always have my back." "Well, that's what friends are for. Right?" "Open it." As I open the gift I see Zane still staring at me. I look down and I see its a photo frame with a picture of Hayton and I. My favorite picture of us. "Awww Hayton, do you really want me to cry on the first day of school?" (sniffles and laughs) "You like it?" "No, I love it! You know I love surprises! Thank you Hayton. This means a lot to me." "Well you mean a lot to me Ari." I get up and give Hayton a big hug. "Aww, now I feel bad. I didn't get you a welcome back gift." "No. Aria it's fine really. This was a surprise for you and plus I don't want anything. I already have a great best friend." Best Friend. "Hey Hayton... where's Peyton?" "I don't know but I'm sure he's fine." "Hey, Aria do you want to..." DINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!! Saved by the bell. "Well, that's the bell," Hayton said. "Yeah, I'm gonna go get Mikala. We have the same class next. Another thank you Hayton for this amazing present Hayton. You really made me day." I walk up to Hayton again and give him another bug hug. "Always Ari. I gotchu. Remember that, okay?" "Always," I say with a smile. Then Hayton smiles back and heads to class. "Hey Ari! I think I got a cute freshman!!" "Well that's good Mikala. Always knew you would." (laughs) "Buuuutttt, I also noticed you and Hayton. What's up with you too huh?" "We are just friends Mikala. Plus he gave me this." "Aww, isn't that your favorite picture of you too?" "Yeah." "Well, that's what they all say. Plus you guys would look cute together. But I also observed that Zane was looking at you a WHOLE LOT and looked a little jealous to me." "I don't know why he would be jealous or looking at me. He doesn't even know me or doesn't even like me." "Or maybe he does."