Tips For Life

Number Three

 "Uh...I think I'm getting sick." I said. 

 Wyatt and I had just pulled up to the high school for the football game. Wyatt was already unbuckled and ready to get out of the car. My bag was in the back with a my journal and the book I was reading, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to use either.

 "No, really, my throat hurts." I said.

  Wyatt didn't look convinced. "Lil-"

 "I think I'm coming down with something. I better not go." 

 "Lily."

 "No really, Wyatt, you go ahead. I'll just-"

"Lilliana!"

 I stopped, a little surprised. Wyatt never used my full name. Never.

 "Park the car and get out." 

 I sighed and obeyed, I couldn't say no to Wyatt, and quickly grabbing my bag. "Okay, but when I die of bronchitis, you'll be sorry."

 Wyatt rolled his eyes. "Honestly, would it kill you to be social once in a while?"

 "We'll see."

 He laughed. "You really are something else."

 I smiled and tried to stay calm as we walked toward the bleachers. This many people in one place made me nervous. Wyatt led me through the crowd to a spot high on the bleachers where a group of people were already sitting. He looked completely and totally comfortable.

 "Hey, Jordan."

 "Hey, Wyatt!" Jordan said. I had seen him in passing, but never really spoken to him. He was another skater like Wyatt. He had dark, messy black hair and green eyes. His clothes were pre-ripped and there was a skull on his t-shirt. He made me nervous. But I guess if Wyatt trusted him...

 He looked at me. "Who's this?"

 "Lily." Wyatt explained. "She's my friend."

 My emotions contradicted themselves. I was relieved Wyatt hadn't made me say my own name. I wasn't sure I would have been able to talk anyway. But I was hurt he hadn't said I was his best friend. I knew I was being childish, and I knew he had other friends, but still.

 "Oh, so you're Lily." 

 I nodded and attempted a smile.

 "Well, this is Katrina, Joanne, Kasey, Zack, and Nick." He said, pointing to each one of the people in turn. 

 The girls wore tons of makeup, showy tank tops, and short shorts. They looked me up and down, as if sizing me up, then went back to talking, apparently deciding I wasn't competition. Wyatt sat right down and started talking to Jordan, Zack, and Nick about the game, the team, then skating. I didn't try to talk to the girls and just reached for my book. 

 I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Wyatt giving me a look. I sighed and put my book back.  No book for me. I turned to watch the game and heard snippets of the girl's conversation. They were talking about prom. I had forgotten that was coming up. No one was going to ask me anyway. The girl Joanne giggled. 

 "I hope Nick asks me to go." She said. "I've had a crush on him since, like, freshman year."

 "I want to go with Zack." Kasey whispered. "He's such a hottie!"

 Katrina scoffed. "You all are crazy. I wish Wyatt would ask me."

 My heart stopped. Wyatt? She liked Wyatt?

 Joanne sighed. "He's so...bad boy."

 "In a dreamy sort of way." Kasey added.

 "Well, he's mine girls." Katrina said. "I called him."

 The others sighed. Kasey giggled. "It's a good thing you don't have any competition. At least not with her." 

 I knew the conversation had switched to me. I felt my face getting hot and tried to focus on the game. Which color jersey did our team wear?

 "Yeah." Joanne said. "She's such a loser. I mean, just look at her braces."

 "And her shoes!" Kasey said.

 "Those were never in style." Katrina laughed. "Maybe her grandma gave them to her."

 The girls laughed cruelly. I looked down at my clothes. I was just wearing my school sweatshirt, comfy jeans, and penny loafers. Were my clothes that bad?

 "Wyatt may pretend to be friends with her," Katrina said, "but I know he likes me. Honestly, who'd choose her over me anyway."

 More laughter. I felt tears prick the back of my eyes. I had to leave. I picked up my bag and started down the bleachers. 

 "Hey, Lily! Where are you going?" I could hear Wyatt calling for me.

 "Bathroom!" I yelled back, focusing on not tripping over the feet of the people in front of me. 

 I ran out to my car, unlocked the door and sat in the passenger seat crying. Why were all the other girls so mean? If only Wyatt new. He'd understand why I hated school events. 

 I pulled out my journal. 

 Number three: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can kill you too.