Not My Type

Chapter 8: Awkward Encounters

On Monday morning, it was especially chilly. The sky was cloudy and it was even colder since it was only 6:30 in the morning. 

Shivering, I got out of my car and headed my usual route to AP Econ. I hadn't walked with Jason since that first day. He always came a few minutes later than I did.

But today, we arrived on time. 

He grinned as he stepped out of his car. Still in sunglasses, even though there was no sun.

"I finally got my baby back!" He stroked the hood of the car affectionately, bending down to kiss the top of it. "I've missed you, Brittany."

"Brittany?" I said, trying not to laugh at this ridiculous scene. "That's what you name your car? She deserves a classy name." I stopped. Why was I even referring to his car as a 'she'? Oh, dear.

Jason's face became serious. "Brittany is my girlfriend's name."

"Oh!" I could feel my cheeks turning red. "I was just joking...I think Brittany's a nice name..."

Jason busted up laughing. "I'm kidding. Her name's Jenny." 

We walked in silence for a bit, neither of us glancing sideways. Then he said, "How's that article going?"

"It's...going." I swallowed. The truth was I hadn't even started it, and it was due on Thursday. 

"Think I could get a look at it anytime soon?"

"Sure," I said. "I'll send it to you when I'm finished."

"So you watched the game on Friday?"

"Yep."

"You came just for me, didn't you?" He gave me a cheeky smile. 

"Oh, of course! I live to see you play." I dramatically threw my hand over my heart.

"Ay, Roberts!" a voice called from behind us. I turned to see Creepy Weight Lifting Guy heading towards us. 

"Sanders," Jason called, raising his hand. He had stopped walking; I hadn't.

"I'll see you inside," I said quickly, and he nodded. 

------------------------

At lunch time, we decided to go off-campus and get some Denny's from across the street. On my way out with Ashley, Meghna, Tom, and Leslie, we passed Jason returning from his car with a Taco Bell bag.

"Meghna!" Jason gave her a one-armed hug as the rest of us awkwardly stood by. "How's it going?"

"Pretty good!" Meghna smiled up at him. She was so small in comparison to him. So tiny. So petite. She was only wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt that day, but she still managed to look absolutely gorgeous. "You haven't been talking to me lately."

"Yeah, pretty busy," he replied, glancing over at us. "I miss having English with you."

"We have econ and government together!" Meghna looked over at us waiting. I guess one of us looked more impatient than the other because she said, "Well, I guess I'll talk to you later."

Jason waved and turned to us. "See you later, guys." He looked at me. "Angie." 

I gave him an awkward smile as he walked past me. 

"Do you know him?" Tom was turned to Leslie and Ashley.

"Nope."

"Haven't talked to him in, like, three years."

"Anjali, are you friends with him?" Meghna's eyes were intensely focused on me, filled with scrutiny. Almost like she didn't believe me. I couldn't blame her. Neither did I.

"We...uh...I interviewed him for yearbook." Her eyes softened, like a threat had been deflected. 

"Why was he calling you 'Angie'?"

I smiled mischievously. "Why does it matter? Do you like him?" Tom, Leslie, and Ashley laughed. 

"Ugh!" Meghna rolled her eyes in disgust. "No way. Just friends, for sure. Although, out of all the football guys, he would probably be the only one I'd bring home."

"Yeah, me too," joked Ashley from the side. "If I could get one." 

"At least you've dated someone," I quipped. Ashley threw her arm around me and didn't respond. I saw Tom and Leslie glance at each other. This was getting really weird. "Whatever. I'm starved."