Freshman

Chapter 42: The Court

"We are gathered here today to solve a very complicated relationship," Salamander had started. "Kindly please raise your right hand in the name of the law."

We both raised our right hands.

"I, Jen Tado," Jen stated his name. "Solemnly swear to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth."

"Hold up! Hold up!" I waved my hands. "I asked you to help me talk with Jen, not hold a court meeting, Salamander."

"Dang," he backed away. "I'm just trying to set the mood."

Why am I in this obstinate situation right now? I don't know. As far as I could remember, I was talking to Jen at the end of the hallway– away from the classrooms– when suddenly this guy showed up in a baseball cap and a pair of jeans with the fringe of his hair fading into a silvery white. Now he's suddenly included in our confidential conversation, for some reason, and is only interrupting with every statement I make.

"Woah, Sal." Jen instructed. "Aria agreed for you to be around 'cause– why again?"

I groaned. "I thought, since he was a close friend of yours, he might as well stick around. Besides–" I flashed him a scowl. "He said he was a love doctor and could help us out with our problem."

"Our problem?" Jen raised a brow.

"Oh I can assure you," Salamander grinned. "All my patients have left satisfied by the end of the treatment."

"Ehem," Jen coughed. "Says the guy who just broke up with Violet Mariposa because he didn't get to– what did you say? Handle her torture?"

"You do not talk about Violet in my presence, do you understand?" He pointed at Jen. "Besides, they're women. They'll never understand love. Only get and take, am I right Jen's girlfriend?"

"Ehem," I raised a brow. "Please remember what you're here for. Last time I checked, I didn't invite you to make small talk with my boyfriend while we were having a private conversation–nor did I even invite you here in the first place!"

"So what do you want me to do then?"

"Hush hush, or else." I narrowed my eyes. "You'll end up as dead as the stray cats on the sidewalks."

Jen bit his fist. "Dead pussy."

"Haha! Nice one."

"Stop it would you!" I demanded. "It would've been better if we were alone."

"Nah," Jen shook his head. "You were right. I'm better with Alexander around. Please, do continue with your thoughts."

I gave an exasperated sigh at the boys, and opened my mouth to speak.

"So Jen," I started. "I just wanted to say that–"

"Look Jen, Aria thinks you've been a little distant with her lately," Salamander spoke for me. "And she thinks you've lost interest or you've been seeing someone else or whatever."

"What?" Jen frowned. "I haven't been distant. I've just been busy with Life Labs. We have our defenses and–"

"Although, despite that fact Jen," Salamander cut in. "You have to make time for your girlfriend. I mean, look at me! I go to the next building over just to see Jean and hang out with her."