It's Complicated

19. The Double Date

19. The Double Date

I looked around, feeling completely alone. It was an uncomfortable and unusual feeling. Riya and I fought all the time but it was always playful fighting and if it got serious, we would resolve the issue immediately. Riya didn't even seem to care what I was doing or where I was. She had been constantly ignoring me the whole day. She was sitting with Allen now, joking around and having fun. He didn't seem to miss me either.

I could sit with my other friends but the thought didn't really appeal to me. If only Drew were here. Drew went out for lunch with his family today, even though he said he'd rather stay with me. Apparently his family lunches consisted of many bad jokes and embarrassing stories about Drew. I can't wait to be invited to one.

I laughed a little but sighed when I realized I had to sit down somewhere. I sat down next to Katie and braced myself for the preppy voice.

"OMG, Mariela! You haven't had lunch with us in, like, forevs, girlfriend! Whaddup with that? So not cool!"

I tried not to wrinkle my nose in disgust. How was it even possible for someone's voice to be so high and screechy?

"I know," I said a bit belatedly with a forced smile. I couldn't help but glance over at Allen and Riya. Riya chucked a grape at Allen, who was laughing harder than I've seen him laugh in a long time.

Katie followed my gaze and stared at Riya and Allen. "They make THE cutest couple everrr, right, Mar? I'm totes jealin' - I mean, look at them! I'm so forever alone." 

I grit my teeth in a very un-lady like manner and it took a lot of effort this time to force a smile.

"Dayum, that boy is soo fine," Sasha said, pulling up a chair next to Katie. She glared at me as soon as she noticed me sitting next to Katie. "Why are you here?" she asked disgustedly, wrinkling her nose.

I glared back. "I was just leaving anyway. No one wants to sit next to your smelly ass anyway."

That was so third grade. Great going, Mariela.

I pushed back my chair and picked up my lunch tray without sparing them another glance.

Now what? a snide voice in my head asked. I  walked quickly to Riya and Allen. They would let me sit next to them, right? I pulled up a chair and sat down across from Riya.

Riya and Allen glanced at me.

"Hi, Mariela," he said with a small smile.

I smiled back thankfully. Thank God he wasn't ignoring me.

"Hey, Allen. Hi, Riya," I said a little tentatively.

She nodded to acknowledge that she heard me and turned her attention back to Allen. "So what were we talking about before?" she asked, making me feel awkward and unwanted.

Allen looked at me uncertainly before turning to look at Riya. "We were, uh, discussing our next date." He glanced at me uncomfortably, and I plastered a hopefully convincing smile.

"You guys are dating?" I asked, wondering why I felt like I was going to throw up all over the table. My head was throbbing, and tears were threatening to form in my eyes.

Riya nodded with a slight smile before ignoring me again. I couldn't take this any longer. Riya was my best friend, and I would not - could not lose her because of two stupid boys. How cliche was that?

I sucked up all my courage and willed myself to apologize once again. No matter what she said or did, I wouldn't get angry.

"Riya," I finally said, trying to get her attention.